Category Archives: Recreation

High school sports on WKTV feature coverage schedule in May

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports

Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director

sportswktv@gmail.com 

 

The month of May brings the end of the school year for seniors, graduations, and the start of the MHSAA state tournaments for the spring sports season as the last full month of the high school seasons is here.  WKTV will bring a variety of baseball and softball games throughout the month to also close out their broadcasting portion of the school year,

 

The tentative schedule is below but show your support of the athletes and catch a game or two in-person, and then watch the replay.  Check the weekly schedule to see when the games will be replayed.

 

Monday, May 14 — Girls Softball Belding vs Kelloggsville

Tuesday, May 15 — Girls Softball Unity Christian vs South Christian

Tuesday, May 22 — Boys Baseball West Michigan Aviation vs Zion Christian

Wednesday, May 23 — Boys Baseball Grandville vs East Kentwood

 

WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

These and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. Typically, WKTV’s featured Monday games will be broadcast that night starting at 11 p.m. and following Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. The Tuesday games will be aired that night at 11 p.m. and repeat Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; Both games will often be rebroadcast back-to-back on Saturdays starting at 11 a.m. See WKTVjournal.org/sports weekly for complete feature broadcast schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

Here is your complete weekly schedule for local teams:

 

Tuesday May 8

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Middleville T-K (DH)

Wyoming @ FH Central

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)

West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Wyoming

West Michigan Aviation @ Fruitport Calvary Christian

Girls Tennis

East Kentwood @ Wyoming

Ottawa Hills @ Kelloggsville

Girls Softball

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood (DH)

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Soccer

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Tri-Unity Christian @ Fruitport Calvary

Grand River Prep @ Wellsprings Prep

West Michigan Aviation @ Algoma Christian

 

Wednesday, May 9

Boys Golf

Christian @ South Christian

Wyoming @ Christian

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Grant

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Holland Christian

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

Boys Baseball

Wyoming Lee @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Potter’s House @ Zion Christian

Bloomingdale @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Soccer

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian

Zion Christian @ Potter’s House

Boys/Girls Track

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

 

Thursday, May 10

Boys Baseball

Middleville T-K @ South Christian

GR Crusaders @ Wyoming Lee

Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming (DH)

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Soccer

Christian @ South Christian

Holland Calvary @ Tri-Unity Christian

Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Aviation

Potter’s House @ Kalamazoo Heritage

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ NorthPointe Christian

Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Softball

Kenowa Hills @ Wyoming (DH)

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Plainwell @ Godwin Heights (DH)

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

 

Friday, May 11

Boys Lacrosse

Kenowa Hills @ South Christian

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Rockford (DH)

Godwin Heights @ Coopersville

Boys/Girls Track

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – OK Silver Conference Meet

Godwin Heights @ Calvin Christian

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Meet

Boys Baseball

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Tri-Unity Christian @ Holland Calvary (DH)

Boys Golf

Hopkins @ Kelloggsville 

Girls Soccer

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

East Kentwood @ FH Northern

 

Saturday, May 12

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Zeeland East

Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee –  Rebel Invite

West Michigan Aviation @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial

East Kentwood @ Jenison (DH)

Zion Christian vs Michigan Lutheran @ Holland Calvary

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Catholic Central

@ Wyoming Lee – Copa Rebelde

Wayland @ Wyoming

Wellsprings Prep @ Zion Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ Hamilton

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ Wyoming – OK Gold Conference Meet @ Houseman Field

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Wyoming – OK Gold Conference Tournament

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian – OK Silver Conference Tournament

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa – OK Red Conference Tournament

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Hudsonville

@ Wyoming Lee – Rebel Invite

Allegan @ Kelloggsville – Liz Jensen Memorial

Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids – MHSAA State Districts

 

Monday, May 14

Girls Soccer

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Wayland @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

Godwin Heights @ Belding

West Michigan Aviation @ Tri-Unity Christian

Fruitport Calvary Christian @ Grand River Prep

Girls Tennis

North Muskegon @ South Christian

Boys Baseball

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian

Belding @ Kelloggsville

Godwin Heights @ NorthPointe Christian

Girls Softball

Wyoming Lee @ Calvin Christian (DH)

Christian @ Wyoming (DH)

Belding @ Kelloggsville (DH) – WKTV Featured Game

Muskegon Orchard View @ East Kentwood

NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights (DH)

 

Wyoming ‘Concerts in the Park’ is back this year, on Tuesdays, from June 5-Aug. 7

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living
Courtesy City of Wyoming

By City of Wyoming

 

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission is back again this year with an outstanding line-up of concerts for the 2018 Concerts in the Park series at Lamar Park. Concerts begin at 7 pm.

 

For more detailed information, check out the WCEC here, or on Facebook (search WyomingCEC).

  • Dates: June 5-Aug. 7, 2018
  • Day: Tuesdays
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Location: Lamar Park

Concert line-up (subject to change):

  • June 5 — The Porters (Children’s interactive music)
  • June 12 — Delilah DeWylde (Rockabilly)
  • June 19 — Adams Family (’50s and ’60s)
  • June 26 — Valentiger (Charismatic Pop Rock); Kari Lynch Band (Country); FIREWORKS after concert
  • July 10 — Cabildo (Alternative Latin Rock)
  • July 17 — Soul Syndicate (’60s, ’70s Soul and R&B)
  • July 24 — Blue Soul Express (Blues)
  • July 31 — Matt Gabriel (Folk and Blues)
  • Aug. 7 — Yellow Brick Road (Dueling Pianos featuring the music of Billy Joel and Elton John)

5 Local Things You Need to Know: For the weekend, to start next week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Wyoming: Spring Carnival wraps up this weekend

Wyoming’s celebration of spring, its annual carnival at Lamar Park, is wrapping up its final days. The carnival runs through Sunday, May 6. The carnival features entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. A spectrum of rides will be available for carnival-goers, from crowd pleasers, such as a carousel and Ferris Wheel to the adrenaline-inducing Mega Drop and Wipe Out.

 

For full story, click here.

 

Time for the Tulips

Buff up those wooden shoes and head toward Holland as the city gears up for the annual Tulip Time festival. There will be Dutch dancing, parades, a carnival, an artist market, performances of all kinds, five million tulips in bloom, and more Dutch dancing. The official activities kick off Saturday, May 5, and run through May 13.

 

For more, click here. 

‘Dust-Off’ Metro Cruise kicks off May 5

‘Dust Off’, the precursor to the annual Metro Cruise, kicks off this Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s become a favorite tradition, with car owners revving up for the summer car show, finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

 

For full story, click here.

30th anniversary edition of Lighthouse Map now available

Lighthouse lovers, get ready to plan your next lighthouse adventure! The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is excited to announce the release of the 2018 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.

 

For full story, click here.

Live Mermaid to return to Grand Rapids Public Museum

Admission to Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids is $12 for adults, $7 for children, $9 for Kent County resident adults, $4 for Kent County resident children, and $2 for all Museum members! Tickets include general admission to the Museum, and can be purchased online at grpm.org or by calling 616.929.1700.

 

For full story, click here.

 

 

‘Dust-Off’ Metro Cruise kicks off May 5

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey Boorsma, WKTV

 

They are going to have fun, fun, fun at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763 as the 28th Street Metro Cruise annual kicks off Saturday, May 5, with the traditional ‘Dust-off’.

 

The annual event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and has become a tradition and a kick-off to the summer car shows with car owners finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

 

Hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the event usually has about 100 to 150 cars. A large part of that depends on the weather, according to Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber. O’Callaghan added that the first 50 collector car owners to the Dust-Off will receive a free Dust-Off shirt, which has become a collector’s item.

 

The 14th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise is set for Aug. 24 and 25. There is a Blessing of the Cars on Aug. 23 as well. And while the actual event is still about four months away, there are several other pre-activities taking place.

 

Delilah DeWylde will be at Metro Cruise Aug. 24

Entries for the annual Pin Up Girl contest are also being accepted. The Pin Up Girl contest will take place July 7 at the American Legion Post 154, 2327 Byron Center Ave. SW. The final competition will take place during Metro Cruise on Aug. 25, rain or shine.  Application deadline is June 10. All contestants must be 18 years old or older and must provide a head shot and full body shot with costume and makeup. To register, visit www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com/pinupgirls.

 

The popular Art Cruise hosted by the Wyoming Business Leaders will be returning as well. Details will be forthcoming.

 

For up-to-date information, make sure to visit 28thstreetmetrocruist.com or visit the Metro Cruise Facebook page at Facebook.com/metrocruise.   

City of Kentwood to host family friendly celebration of National Public Works Week, May 16

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

By City of Kentwood

 

All are invited to explore how local public works agencies make a difference in their communities during the third annual Family Open House, which will include complimentary food, family-friendly activities and giveaways, on Wednesday, May 16.

 

The Kentwood Department of Public Works is hosting the event in partnership with the Kent County Road Commission and the American Public Works Association in anticipation of National Public Works Week, which is slated for May 20-26.

 

From 4-7 p.m., families will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Kentwood Public Works Facility, located at 5068 Breton Road SE, to interact with the employees and equipment that keep the community safe, clean and functioning smoothly.

 

Prior to the open house, Kentwood Mayor Steven Kepley provided a proclamation for National Public Works Week during the regular City Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 1.

 

“Services provided by public works departments touch many aspects of residents’ day-to-day lives,” said John Gorney, Kentwood director of public works. “In West Michigan, we maintain thousands of miles of pipes underground and streets above ground. We are responsible for keeping parks maintained, and we service municipal vehicles such as police cruisers and fire trucks.

 

“The open house will be a great, family-friendly way to learn more about what we do — and provide an up-close look at the equipment we use.”

 

The open house will feature giveaways, hands-on activities for kids and a fleet of vehicles to explore. Live maintenance and repair demonstrations will allow residents to learn about road improvements as well as the safe disposal of household waste.

 

Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.

 

“This event provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase our ongoing efforts dedicated to improving our public infrastructure,” said Steve Warren, managing director of Kent County Road Commission. “Crew members are eager to address questions and explain different aspects of our work.”

 

Additionally, winners of the Work Zone Safety Poster competition will be honored at 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by Kent County Road Commission and the City of Kentwood, the poster contest invited third-grade students from across the county to design a “caution sign” focusing on safety tips for driving through a work zone. A gallery of more than 100 entries will be displayed.

 

“We look forward to this event every year as it’s a great opportunity to meet and engage with residents of all ages about the work we do in a fun, relaxed environment,” Gorney said.

 

For more information see the calendar at kentwood.us/calendar .

 

Does gardening contribute to daily physical activity recommendations?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Health, How-To's, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, , , ,
Explore the different ways that gardening activities can help you meet daily physical activity recommendations.

By Tyler Becker, Michigan State University Extension

 

It’s that time of year again. Gardening and landscaping season is upon us. Time to go into the shed and dust off your shovel and go down to your local hardware store to get prepped for growing season. You may be excited to start gardening, but at the same time, maybe you are reluctant because you remembered how sore your muscles were from your first day last year. If you are one of these people, you will not be surprised to hear that gardening activities count towards physical activity recommendations.

 

Heavy gardening activities can strengthen your body.

Gardening and landscaping provide numerous physical and mental benefits. One physical benefit of gardening and landscaping is that you burn calories. This could contribute to weight management by helping you use up some of the energy from the food you consume. The amount of calories used depends on the activity, intensity and duration.

 

You may already think of gardening as a physical activity, one that provides cardiovascular or aerobic exercise for your body, but did you know that some gardening activities can contribute to the muscle- and bone-strengthening guidelines?

Gardening can help strengthen your body

Heavy gardening, which requires you to use a lot of your muscles can help with overall strengthening. Think of bending down to pick up something heavy, digging holes or making a paver wall. Overall, the type of activity and intensity is key. The activity has to be more strenuous than simply bending down to pick up a dropped glove; think of picking up pavers or a bag of mulch. Strive for an intensity in which you are sweating and may not be able to keep a conversation going with someone. Some other activities that may count towards muscle- and bone-strengthening, including shoveling, raking and pushing a wheelbarrow.

Modify gardening and landscaping activities to exercise your whole body

One easy way to include additional musculature (exercise different muscles) during gardening is to switch hands periodically when doing tasks like raking or shoveling. Another method is to change the activity you do every 15 to 30 minutes. An example could be pulling weeds for 15 minutes and then switching to dumping bags of mulch around your trees or bushes. It is likely you already have a rhythm down, but simply going from one activity to another in this way, can incorporate more musculature and increase the number of calories burned. Plus, this approach can break up the monotony of performing the same activity over and over again.

Tips for reducing pain and soreness.

Do you avoid gardening because it makes you feel too sore? There are a number of ways to prevent or even alleviate pain while gardening and landscaping. First, always use proper form during activity regardless of what it is. Moving with proper form helps you avoid pain and injury. For example, if you are picking something up from the ground, keep your shoulder blades back and down, and bend and lift with your knees, not your back.

 

Always listen to your body. If you “overdid it” one day, you probably should take it slow the next day. Also, there are a number of garden tools available that can help alleviate any potential or existing pain. Your local hardware store may have gloves and garden utensils designed for those with arthritis-related issues. Using garden tools as simple as knee pads or foam pads can help lessen any potential knee pain. You should also take breaks here and there while gardening just as you would if at the gym. Try sitting down for five minutes and rehydrating with water. Lastly, be sure to stretch after gardening. This can help not only improve/maintain flexibility but improve muscle recovery too.

 

Remember, if you do not currently garden or landscape, start slow and ease into it; especially if you are focusing on using it to contribute to daily physical activity recommendations, including muscle- and bone-strengthening exercise.

 

Michigan State University Extension has a number of resources including the Master Gardener Program for those considering gardening, and those who have been gardening for a while.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Intrigued by Masayuki Koordia’s ‘Existence’ at Meijer Gardens? Prepare to be stunned by new exhibit

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announced Monday that its next featured exhibit will be Masayuki Koorida: Beyond Existence — an exhibit which will both build compliment the partially carved and polished boulders of the artist’s “Existance”, a focal point of the The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, and will expand on the artist’s emerging genius.

 

Masayuki Koorida’s “Existence”, in Japanese Garden setting. (Supplied/Dean Van Dis)

“As one of his first gallery presentations in the United States, (Koorida’s) repertoire will reach and inform a broad audience,” Joseph Antenucci Becherer, Meijer Gardens chief curator and vice president said in supplied material. “Our relationship with Koorida is very important to Meijer Gardens and dates to the commission of his acclaimed piece ‘Existence’ in our Japanese garden. His use of materials and form is both elegant and contemplative.”

 

The exhibit, opening May 25, showcases Koorida’s work with a wide range of materials and his broader repertoire, which includes highly geometric pieces in a variety of scale and materials, but maybe most interesting will be a series of large, never-before-seen drawings created specifically for this exhibition. This exhibition runs through Aug. 19.

 

In the last decade, according to material supplied by Meijer Gardens, Koorida has emerged as “one of the most elegant voices in contemporary sculpture.” While his work has been exhibited in China, Japan and Europe, he is still relatively unseen in the United States.

 

And the artist has expressed his appreciation for the opportunity the Meijer Gardens exhibit will afford.

 

Masayuki Koorida. (Supplied/courtesy of the artist)

“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the first sculpture park that has collected my work in the United States,” Koorida said in supplied material. “Since the first time that I visited for the (‘Existence’) project in 2013, I have been to Meijer Gardens several times. I always find something new to discover; including great sculptures, exhibitions, beautiful flowers and gardens.

 

“I feel that the park is loved by people very much. It has been a great honor to be part of the collection. I am very glad to hold this solo exhibition at Meijer Gardens in 2018, it is exciting to have people experience it.”

 

Koorida (b. 1960, in Kyoto, Japan) lives in and works from a studio in Shanghai, China. According to supplied information, the artist placed his studio in China so that he is in close contact with abundant stone quarries in south China, and also allows him an opportunity to have a large industrial space for carving and polishing. He operates a very hands-on studio with few assistants and is physically engaged with his work. He is most well known for his sculpture in stone that range in scale from table top to the monumental, from single forms to small groups of related images. Koorida travels widely in search of the right stones for the right projects; granite is preferred, but he also works in black and white marble.

 

To show how little he has been shown in the United State’s, the only YouTube videos of his shows are from Europe. Visit here for an video in Italian.

 

The exhibit will include special programing including:

 

A discussion titled “Between a Rock and a Hard Place: When is a Stone Just a Stone and When is it Art?”, by Dr. Craig Hanson, on Sunday, June 3, from 2-3 p.m. The talk will explore the questions of sculpture or structure? Artform or accident? Decorative art or garden decor? “For millennia, stone has been used for decidedly unartistic purposes as well as the material of choice for many sculptors. This lecture explores how stone takes on new meaning as an art form while highlighting ‘Existence’.”

 

There will also Japanese Garden Sculpture Walk, with Anna Wolff, Meijer Gardens curator of arts education, on both Sunday, July 15, at 2 p.m., and on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m. The free with admission walking tour of the sculpture in The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden will focus on what “makes this garden one of the most unique in the nation as we explore themes of tranquility, permanence and the relationship of humanity and the natural environment.”

 

For more information visit meijergardens.org .

 

On Tap: KBS/CBS takeover in Caledonia, Beer Explorers’ bread & ale, French wines at six.one.six

Beer, Entertainment, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, , , , ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS).

If you missed out on your fair share of the 2018 Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Uccello’s Ristorante in Caledonia will offer a KBS tapping as part of its planned Founders Tap Takeover on Wednesday, May 2, starting at 3 p.m.

 

The range of Founders pours available at the takeover, in addition to the KBS, will include the 2017 Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS), Oatmeal Stout, All Day IPA and Red Rye. What do you want to bet the KBS is the first tap tapped out? Still, for fans of the dark, the CBS is a good fallback.

 

According to Uccello’s advertising, the range of Founders beers will be offered at $8 for 8 ounce pours.

 

Uccello’s in Caledonia is located at 8256 Broadmoor Ave. SE. For more information visit the event’s Facebook event page here.

 

Yeast anyone? GRPM’s Beer Explorers pairs artisan ales with breads

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum, as part of the Museum’s Beer Explorers program, is partnering with Speciation Artisan Ales for a beer tasting with Field & Fire breads on Thursday, May 17. The class will give the opportunity to taste 3 different artisan ales from a brewery currently putting out beer once a month on a special Saturday releases dates.

 

This Beer Explorers will be presented by Mitch Ermatinger, Speciation co-founder, and Shelby Kibler, Field & Fire owner and chef.

 

Speciation Artisan Ales will be demonstrating their “house culture” with a jar of yeast and bacteria slurry, as well as demonstrating the different pH of beer before and after fermentation and acidification. Bread from Field & Fire will also be made from the yeast and bacteria of the ales.

 

Class begins at 6:30 p.m., and will be held on the first floor of the museum. Admission to class includes three beer samples, bread samples and access to the museum’s first two floors to explore. A cash bar will be available.

 

Tickets for the event are $10 for museum members and $20 for non-members. Participants must be 21 and older. GRPM is located at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For information and tickets to Beer Explorers, visit www.grpm.org.

 

For more information about Speciation Artisan Ales, visit speciationartisanales.com .

 

Boatyard Brewing plans ‘Friends’ brew as Alzheimers Association fundraiser

 

Kalamazoo’s Boatyard Brewing Company will hold the release party of its New Friends Brew on Friday, May 11, and it will also be a benefit for a September “Walk to End Alzheimers” fundraiser.

 

The beer release and tapping party will be Friday, May 11, 5-8 p.m., at the Boatyard Brewing Company, 432 E. Patterson St. The event will include live entertainment from Delilah DeWylde and Lee Harvey.

 

For more information visit boatyardbrewing.com .

 

Makeover at six.one.six at Downtown JW Marriott boasts French wine cellar

 

As part of the “re-concept” of JW Marriott’s six.one.six restaurant into what they are calling a “casual French bistro”, the restaurant has announced it will now have the largest selection of French wines in Grand Rapids.

 

six.one.six’s expansive wine list will now include feature labels such as Domain Jean Louis Chave L’Hermitage Rouge and Blanc, Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande Grand Cru, Henri Prudhon, Les Chambres, Chassagne Montrachet, Domaine Tessier, Les Genevrieres, Meursault premier cru. (Never had any of them, but if I had I bet I would be impressed.)

 

The expanded wine list is accompanied by a focus on French cuisine and the arrival of a new chef.

 

“With newly appointed Chef Alessandro Guerrazzi, classically trained in French cuisine and at the helm of the restaurant’s refresh, our team will deliver the highest level of French taste profiles to discerning diners interested in culturally distinct experiences,” Brian Behler, general manager of JW Marriott Grand Rapids said in supplied material.

 

For more information on the JW Marriott Grand Rapids and six.one.six, visit ilovethejw.com.

 

Get Lost: Green Door Distilling wins award for new vodka offering

 

Kalamazoo’s Green Door Distilling Company announced late last month that it’s Get Lost Vodka, first released in August 2017, has won a silver medal from the American Distilling Institute. The ADI Judging of Craft Spirits is the largest and most respected judging devoted to craft spirits, according to supplied material, and the judges tasted over 1,000 spirits and decided which spirits stood out in their respected categories.

 

Green Door Distilling Company is located in Kalamazoo’s River’s Edge District, and is  proud to be Kalamazoo’s first modern distillery and represent the rich distilling history that Kalamazoo possessed in the 1800’s.

 

For more information visit greendoordistilling.com .

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know:  For the weekend, to start next week

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Recreation
Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Wyoming: City’s family-friendly Spring Carnival at Lamar Park opens 

 

It’s time to celebrate spring as the City of Wyoming hosts its annual spring carnival at Lamar Park, with the carnival opening on Friday, April 27 and running through Sunday, May 6, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Carnival times are Monday through Thursday from 4-8:30 p.m.; Fridays from 2-8:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8:30 p.m.

 

The carnival will feature entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming parks and recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Kentwood: Police department’s Drug Take Back day planned for Saturday

 

The Kentwood Police Department will be part of a region wide Drug Take Back day Saturday. (Supplied)

The Kentwood Police Department also will be offering Drug Take Back services Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its department offices, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Only pills or patches will be accepted at this location.

 

Those looking to get rid of sharps — the term for medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin such as needles — should contact the Kent County Health Department about the Sharps program.

 

Kentwood’s event is part of a region-wide; for the full story, click here.

 

WKTV sports: Golden Gloves boxing, high school ball games, available

 

WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage Michigan Golden Gloves state finals this weekend. (WKTV)

If you are fans of local Golden Gloves boxing, WKTV will rebroadcast its coverage of this week’s action on Saturday, April 28, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

But if you are more in the mood for something outdoors, we have your schedule of local high school baseball and softball action around the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Grand Rapids: GRPM hosts annual cocktails and collections event

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum will host Collections & Cocktails May 2. (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will once again host Collections & Cocktails, a new annual fundraiser focusing on the museum’s collections, their stories and the preservation and education with these artifacts, on Wednesday, May 2.

 

This year, Collections & Cocktails will focus on the museum’s transportation collection, featuring dinner and signature cocktails to go along with the exciting stories of artifacts such as Grand Rapids’ own 1949 Herpolsheimer Child Passenger Train, the Austin Model 60, and a 1913 Indian Model E Motorcycle.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Lake Michigan: MSU study looks at recreation, climate change on lakeshore

 

According to scientists and some users, Lake Michigan is seeing an impact from global warming. (Supplied)

Coastal communities and sensitive coastal ecosystems experience a variety of weather-related impacts that are influenced by changing climatic conditions, but Michigan State University researchers have found that Michigan residents’ opinions about climate change vary for many reasons.

 

For example, the authors found that greater involvement in outdoor recreation activities, higher levels of education, and lower levels of income were key factors. And, males and older individuals tended to be more dismissive of or disengaged with climate change than their counterparts.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

Study gauges concerns about climate change in Great Lakes coastal communities

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Recreation, Travel, , , , ,

Participating in outdoor recreation appears to have impact on climate change beliefs.

By Heather Triezenberg, Michigan Sea Grant, Michigan State University Extension; and Julia Whyte, Michigan State University graduate student

 

Greater involvement in outdoor recreation activities was associated with people identifying with the “Cautious, Concerned, and Alarmed” categories on climate change beliefs. Photo: Todd Marsee, Michigan Sea Grant

Coastal communities and sensitive coastal ecosystems experience a variety of weather-related impacts that are influenced by changing climatic conditions. Michigan State University professor Patricia Norris with students Brockton Feltman and Jessica Batanian have published their findings on Northern Michigan residents’ opinions about climate change in the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

 

The study, funded by Michigan Sea Grant and partners, replicated the “Six Americas of Global Warming” to understand survey respondents in the Grand Traverse Bay region. The “Six Americas” framework assesses individual beliefs about, concern about, and level of engagement with climate change to characterize belief typologies on a spectrum of:

  • Alarmed
  • Concerned
  • Cautious
  • Disengaged
  • Doubtful
  • Dismissive

Range of responses

The authors found nearly 70 percent of those living in the Grand Traverse Bay region, an area dominated by agricultural land use and highly dependent upon natural resource tourism, were categorized as “Cautious, Concerned, or Alarmed” about the issue. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals in the “Doubtful” category (almost 10 percent) was lower than the 2012 national average (13 percent), but the percentage of those in the “Dismissive” category (15 percent) was higher than the 2012 national average (8 percent). The authors attributed this rather large range of responses to the fact residents were surveyed during the summer immediately following the “polar vortex” during the 2013-2014 winter months, and individuals in the area are very attuned to local weather changes.

Outdoor recreation plays role in awareness

There is also evidence that different sociodemographic characteristics are associated with the “Six Americas” categories. For example, the authors found that greater involvement in outdoor recreation activities, higher levels of education, and lower levels of income were associated with the “Cautious, Concerned, and Alarmed” categories. On the other hand, males and older individuals tended to be more dismissive of or disengaged with climate change than their counterparts.

 

Perhaps encouraging people to participate in outdoor activities, appealing to residents’ sense of altruism, providing practical environmentally friendly alternatives, or considering different approaches to informing community members about climate change will all be useful strategies to prepare for an uncertain future.

 

Michigan Sea Grant helps to foster economic growth and protect Michigan’s coastal, Great Lakes resources through education, research and outreach. A collaborative effort of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University and its MSU Extension, Michigan Sea Grant is part of the NOAA-National Sea Grant network of 33 university-based programs.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Weather woes: WKTV coverage of GVSU Lubbers Cup cancelled; high school sports schedule in flux

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports
WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

The annual Don Lubbers Cup Regatta was set to be held at Spring Lake April 13-15, but was cancelled due to bad weather and waves. So, WKTV’s planned coverage was also cancelled for this year.

 

WKTV usually broadcasts the Lubbers Cup and other sports events live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99. See WKTVjournal.org for complete schedules.

 

WKTV’s coverage of high school sports and community events are also available on-demand within a week of the event at wktvondemand.com.

 

The current tentative April WKTV feature broadcast schedule with tentative day and time of broadcast, includes:

Wednesday, April 18, Kelloggsville softball vs Tri-Unity/Calvin Christian (Friday, April 20, at 11 p.m. and Saturday, April 21, at 5 p.m.)

Friday, April 20, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m.)

Tuesday, April 24, East Kentwood girls water polo vs. Portage Central (11 p.m. night of and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m)

Friday, April 27, Golden Gloves Boxing (Saturday, April 28, at 11 a.m.)

 

Following is the this week’s complete high school sports schedule, but many events have been delayed or cancelled. For changes, check individual school websites or MHSAA.com .

 

Monday, April 16

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Christian

Wyoming @ FH Eastern

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Grand River Prep @ Lake Odessa Lakewood

Fruitport Calvary @ Potter’s House

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Forest Hills Invite

Tri-Unity Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Wayland

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids

Kelloggsville @ West Catholic

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Boys Baseball

Union @ Godwin Heights

Belding @ Wyoming Lee

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Barry County Christian – DH

Girls Softball

Belding @ Wyoming Lee – DH

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian – DH

 

Tuesday, April 17

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Kenowa Hills

Boys/Girls Track

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Boys Baseball

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids – DH

Zion Christian @ Holland Black River – DH

Rockford @ East Kentwood – DH

Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

Girls Softball

Wyoming @ East Grand Rapids – DH

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Girls Soccer

Zion Christian @ Holland Black River

Grand River Prep @ Tri-Unity Christian

West Michigan Aviation @ Wellsprings Prep

Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood

Potter’s House @ Holland Calvary

Boys Golf

East Kentwood @ Grand Haven

Girls Water Polo

East Kentwood @ Jenison

 

Wednesday, April 18

Boys Baseball

Wayland @ South Christian – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Wyoming – DH

Wyoming Lee @ Belding

Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville – WKTV Featured Event

Girls Soccer

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Godwin Heights @ Kelloggsville

Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee

Wyoming @ Wayland

Boys Golf

@ South Christian – OK Gold Jamboree

Wyoming @ Christian – OK Bronze Jamboree

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Christian

FH Eastern @ Wyoming

Comstock Park @ Kelloggsville

Rockford @ East Kentwood

Boys/Girls Track

South Christian @ East Grand Rapids

Wyoming @ Christian

 

Thursday, April 19

Boys Baseball

South Christian @ Wayland

East Grand Rapids @ Wyoming

Wyoming Lee @ Barry County Christian

Covenant Christian @ Tri-Unity Christian

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Softball

South Christian @ Byron Center – DH

Western Michigan Christian @ Godwin Heights – DH

Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Boys Lacrosse

South Christian @ Holland

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Unity Christian

Holland @ Wyoming

East Kentwood @ Caledonia

Boys/Girls Track

Kelloggsville @ Godwin Heights

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

Girls Soccer

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian

East Kentwood @ West Ottawa

Holland Black River @ Potter’s House

Girls Water Polo

FH Central @ East Kentwood

 

Friday, April 20

Girls Soccer

Caledonia @ South Christian

Hudsonville Hornets @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation

East Kentwood @ Middleville T-K

Boys Baseball

West Michigan Aviation @ Godwin Heights – DH

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ Hastings

Potter’s House vs Holland Black River @ Hope College

Girls Softball

Godwin Heights @ Ottawa Hills – DH

Kelloggsville @ Hastings

Hopkins @ Wyoming

Boys Golf

Kelloggsville @ Hopkins

Girls Tennis

Tri-Unity Christian @ Comstock Park

Girls Water Polo

@ East Kentwood – East Kentwood Invite

 

Saturday, April 21

Girls Tennis

South Christian @ Ann Arbor Greenhills – Greenhills Invite

Wyoming @ Hamilton

@ Kelloggsville – Rocket Tournament

East Kentwood @ Holt

Boys/Girls Track

Godwin Heights @ Covenant Christian

Wyoming @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

West Michigan Aviation @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

Potter’s House @ Wyoming Lee – Solis Invitational

Girls Softball

Godwin Heights @ Schoolcraft

Wyoming @ Muskegon Reeths-Puffer

Muskegon Mona Shores @ East Kentwood – DH

Boys Golf

Kelloggsville @ Kent City – Eagle Invite

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Boys Baseball

Tri-Unity Christian @ Zion Christian – DH

East Kentwood @ Kenowa Hills

Girls Water Polo

@ East Kentwood – Invite

 

Monday, April 23

Boys Baseball

Holland Christian @ South Christian

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian

Holland Black River @ Kelloggsville – DH

Girls Softball

Holland Christian @ South Christian

Calvin Christian @ Godwin Heights – DH

Wyoming @ Allendale – DH

Wyoming Lee @ NorthPointe Christian – DH

Catholic Central @ Kelloggsville – DH

Girls Soccer

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Belding @ Godwin Heights

NorthPointe Christian @ Kelloggsville

West Michigan Aviation @ South Haven

Boys Golf

South Christian @ Middleville T-K

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Rockford

Girls Tennis

East Grand Rapids @ South Christian

Wayland @ Wyoming

Kelloggsville @ NorthPointe Christian

East Kentwood @ Hudsonville

 

Celebrate the Earth with Blandford’s annual FREE Earth Day Celebration!

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Blandford Nature Center

 

Sunday, April 22nd marks nearly 50 years since the first-ever Earth Day around the world, highlighting the importance of caring for our home planet through environmental activism. Commemorate the occasion during our annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 21st from 12-3 pm at Blandford Nature Center located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504. It is also the 50th Anniversary of Blandford Nature Center — what better way to rejoice at 50 years of getting people outdoors than with FREE general admission in the Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center.

 

In addition to free admission for the entire day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore all of the trails and check out the wildlife ambassadors, such as Baby the Barred Owl and Opal the Opossum in the Wildlife Education Center. Guests can take interpretive tours of the historical buildings including the one-room schoolhouse and log cabin or even partake in volunteer opportunities during an AM shift from 9 am to 12 pm and a PM shift from 1-3 pm. There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.

 

Photo courtesy Blandford Nature Center

“Earth Day is a chance to show the community all that Blandford has to offer for free while showing our appreciation for the Earth through stewardship,” said Renee Baker, Community Programs Manager.

 

There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.

 

The event is open to the public with free admission for all ages. Tickets and pre-registration are not required for entry. Please go to blandfordnaturecenter.org/event/earth-day-celebration/ for details.

 

Blandford Nature Center’s mission is to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature. This is accomplished through: an active outdoor environmental lab, a team of passionate, knowledgeable people and a strong link from past to future promoting sustainability. Blandford offers a wide variety of educational and community programs to support this mission. For more information, please visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. Blandford Nature Center is a registered, charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Wyoming Health and Wellness Expo on April 21 free for all ages

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events,

By City of Wyoming

 

Spring is here and it’s time to focus on health and wellness in the City of Wyoming!

 

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again host the annual Health and Wellness Expo at the Wyoming Senior Center — a free event for all ages on Saturday, April 21 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 De Hoop Ave SW. The event will be held from 1-3 pm. Local health organizations will be represented sharing services and local resources with community members.

 

“Spring is a great time to focus on health and wellness as the weather warms and outdoor activities begin”, said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This community event is a great way to connect the community with local resources focused on health and overall well-being. The Health and Wellness Expo gives everyone an opportunity to sample, explore and try something new.”

 

The Expo will feature free blood pressure checks from lead sponsor Med Express Urgent Care in Wyoming, yoga and Zumba demonstrations. There will also be a variety of vendors providing great resources and personalized interaction. There will be many samples and giveaway prizes for participants.

 

About Wyoming Parks and Recreation

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people, parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area. For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616.530.3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our web site at: www.wyomingmi.gov.

Balancing public use, open-space, Wyoming City Council approves new Gezon Park master plan

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Kids Activities, Recreation,
There will still be plenty of undeveloped hiking and biking areas in the interior of Gezon Park under a new park master plan. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The new master plan for Wyoming’s Gezon Park was approved by the City Council Monday night, following what the city’s Director of Community Services called “arguably, the most vetted park development plan ever presented to the City Council for approval.”

 

Highlights of the new plan, which updates a 1996 park master plan, includes significantly less development in the center portion of the park than the original plan but expanded parking in the south end and more modern recreational amenities in both the north and south ends. The total cost of the project is estimated at about $6 million and would begin in 2020.

 

Gezon Park is one of four parks in line for improvements and renovations. (WKTV)

Gezon Park, which was a city-owned well field, encompasses about 94 acres between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. It has entrances from both Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. team sport fields and restrooms are currently located near the south Gezon Parkway entrance and the 52nd Street entrance has playground equipment and walking trails.

 

The southernmost portion of the park has been developed as an athletic complex featuring baseball, softball and football fields. The northernmost portion has been developed with a small shelter, playground and basketball court. The interior of the park is undeveloped.

 

“There is more development in the sense of shelters (than the original plan) but less development in overall active recreation, such as soccer fields,” Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services, said following the City Council action April 2. The middle portion of the mostly undeveloped portion of the park “is relatively undeveloped with the exception of the bike path.”

 

For the complete, approved design map, produced by Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio, see the City of Wyoming City Council full agenda link. (It is the large graphic about halfway though the agenda package.)

 

The plan, designed by consultant Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio, has been developed through extensive input from the community, according to a report given to the City Council, including more than 3,000 contacts via social media and electronic surveys, personal correspondence, and public input meetings.

 

“The final park master plan had been developed through extensive input from the community, through surveys, personal correspondence, and public input meetings. Complementary input was also received from staff, including representatives recreation programming, maintenance, engineering, and utilities,” the report states. “… The final development master plan concept has been reviewed by both the Parks and Recreation and Planning Commissions and has been unanimously recommended to the City Council.”

 

“We want that participation and that transparency,” Rynbrandt previously said about the public input process. “I think, when we have that type of public focus, it reaffirms the values the citizens put on parks and recreation in our community.”

 

The construction cost estimate is just over $6 million, and construction of the new development proposal will occur in phases, initially using the recent, successful millage proposal to flex funds from the Library Maintenance Millage to park development. The library millage would be used to fund bonds for park development.

 

The City Council report stated that it is anticipated that the first phase of Gezon Park development will occur in 2020 at a cost of about $2 million, after current plans for repair and development of other city parks.

 

“That is just trying to balance our workloads” on planned city park improvements and restoration, Rynbrandt said. Future funding for the next phases of Gezon Park development “will most likely be from grants,” not from the library millage flex funds.

 

“We made a commitment that we are not going to to over-leverage (the library millage), we still need that core of the library maintenance funds to support library services. We are not going to do anything to hurt that,” she said.

 

With City Council approval, the new master plan will be used as the primary strategic planning tool for the redevelopment of Gezon Park, and is necessary for the City of Wyoming to seek and obtain grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the City Council report stated.

 

Bicycling in West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Holidays, How-To's, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Recreation, Senior Living, ,

 

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air while riding your bike on one of West Michigan’s many trails. With trails of varying length and difficulty, you can find something for any skill level. Are you looking for a relaxing ride along the lakeshore or a challenging trek from one city to another? There’s a trail for that! If you’re looking for an excuse to get out on your bike, then spring and summer in West Michigan are the perfect seasons to put on your helmet and hit the road.

 

Bicycling in Southern West Michigan

If you are a pedal pusher of any kind, the Kalamazoo County Parks should be on your list of places to check out. Kalamazoo is a hotbed of cycling activity that appeals to both mountain bikers and road bikers alike. A hidden gem for road cyclists is the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The KRVT offers more than 22 miles of paved trail that connects the Kal-Haven trail to the heart of Kalamazoo and beyond.

 

The KRVT is part of a greater vision called the “Great Lake to Lake Trail” that will connect South Haven to Port Huron when complete. If hitting dirt trails is more of your expertise, Kalamazoo has something new and exciting to offer too. Last summer, the Maple Hill Trail was officially opened to the public. This 5-mile trail offers bidirectional riding depending on the day, and has something to offer riders of all skill levels. These two trails are just scratching the surface of what Kalamazoo has to offer!

 

Virtue Cider is very bike-friendly and it’s often a stopover for cycling tourist all year long. They’ve added a small in-house menu for travelers needing to fuel up or refuel! Grab a gourmet grilled cheese or choose from their selection of packaged charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks in the Bottle Shop.

 

Make sure to download the Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app, including a 15-mile and 20-mile bike tours of the area. The app also includes local favorite things to see and do, along with places to stop for a bite after working up an appetite on the area bike tours.

 

River Country is known for its amazing outdoor beauty, and there’s plenty to enjoy. Outdoor activities are plentiful in all seasons, including plenty of biking. One must-visit place is the Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Jones. This 10-mile paved trail is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders, but everybody will find something to love. The trail offers a very fast, tight, and twisty single track, which is great for control practice.

 

Hastings offers something for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. River Walk Trail is open to cyclists and is a pleasant excursion for those seeking an easy, scenic ride. Hammond Hill Multi-Use Trail offers more than six miles of trail through rolling hills, woods, and meadows. It is suitable for mountain and fat tire bikes. Year-round cyclists, whether training for an event or simply seeking a challenging ride, can follow the area’s local race’s permanently courses along Barry County’s scenic back roads.

 

Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app

Rent or bring your own bike to the Greater Lansing area and trek through over 15 miles of trails along the Lansing River. If you want to ride through the city, a trip through trendy Old Town and downtown Lansing is both bicycle-friendly and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to ride in a bustling downtown setting or want to visit the tranquil beauty that is the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, you’re already in the right place.

 

More bicycling in Southern West Michigan

  • Coloma-St. Joseph KOA, Riverside
  • Cranberry Lake Campground, Marcellus
  • Biking in Central West Michigan

Did you know that the Hart House Bed & Breakfast in Hart is cyclist-friendly? It’s located near the Hart-Montague Trailhead, offers secure bike storage, and has a repair area with the tools necessary to fix your bike. There’s also a brewery and pizza joint nearby for thirsty and hungry riders looking to load up on carbs and proteins for the next day’s ride. Return to your private room in the evening to relax after a nice long day.

 

If you’re visiting Grand Haven and wish to enjoy the sights in a different way, Electric Bike Place offers electric bike rentals. Rent by the half or full day and cruise in style through the area’s trails, along the lakeshore, or to and from downtown. Electric Bike Place even provides the bikes, locks, and helmets, making renting an electric bike and enjoying your day on the town even easier.
Windmill Island Gardens is conveniently located very close to downtown Holland. Less than a mile separates great downtown shopping from acres of Dutch-themed fun. It’s a very quick bike ride and Windmill Island even has bike racks available at their entrance for visitors to stash their fiets (Dutch for “bike”!).

 

Enjoy paved trails or rustic single tracks for biking or hiking in Muskegon County. The Hart-Montague Trail and Musketawa Trail offer 24 and 26 miles of paved rail-to-trail recreation. And, three state parks, city and county parks offer options for hiking the signature sand dunes. Over 25 miles of single track winds through rolling hills, marshes, lakes and forests. Trailhead access is off Russell Road where a day pass or season passes are available. Beginners, choose the shorter two-mile green loop. The blue and black trails offer intermediate and experienced riders a 10-mile or 13-mile loop over roots, bridges, and ridgelines, with plenty of lake/stream views.

 

For more ideas on where to go bicycling, visit West Michigan Tourist Association.

 

 

Kentwood Police Department seeks trail patrol volunteers

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Health, Kids Activities, Recreation, Volunteers
Kentwood’s public trails welcome not only public use but also public volunteers being watchful eyes and ears on the trail. (Supplied)

By Kentwood Police Department

 

The Kentwood Police Department is looking for volunteers to become part of the Trail Patrol Volunteer Program.

 

Trail Patrol Volunteers patrol parks and trails in the City of Kentwood by providing assistance to trail users and reporting problems — signs of vandalism, damage, and illegal/suspicious activity. Trail patrol involves observing and reporting issues on the trail including maintenance and ordinance violations.

 

Volunteers may choose to walk or ride a bike to patrol and set their own schedule. A minimum one-hour commitment per week is requested (weather permitting).

 

Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have a friendly demeanor, undergo application and screening process, pass a background check, and attend a one-hour Department training.

 

You can make a difference in your community’s parks and trails and have fun while doing it!

 

For more information, contact Vicki Highland at 616-656-6571 or e-mail highlandv@ci.kentwood.mi.us.

 

Sign of spring: Meijer Gardens opens annual butterfly exhibition

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation,
Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. (Photo by Dean Van Dis)

By Meijer Gardens

 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual “Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming” exhibition will bring more than 7,000 tropical butterflies to West Michigan beginning Thursday, March 1.

 

Butterflies Are Blooming is the spring’s most anticipated exhibition and is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. This year’s exhibition highlights the butterflies’ unique journey from butterfly farms around the world to their emergence and release in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.

 

“Our exhibition this year celebrates the journey that these amazing creatures take to reach us here,” said Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture. “These butterflies begin their life cycle in the tropics and travel from thousands of miles away before making their appearance in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. This exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity for our guests to learn more about this journey and view the diverse beauty of these winged wonders first hand.”

 

Blue Colombia butterfly, (Supplied)

Approximately 60 colorful species of butterflies and moths journey from butterfly-rich regions of Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Philippines and Kenya to fly freely in the 5-story tall, 15,000 square-foot Tropical Conservatory. At 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity, this balmy environment mimics the tropical regions that the butterflies call home.

 

Species of butterflies expected to arrive include the blue Common Morpho, whose iridescence impresses in flight, as well as Brushfoot varieties such as the Clearwing, Lacewing and Zebra Mosaic. Likewise, the Longwings captivate with distinctive wing patterns as seen on the Small Blue Grecian, Doris, Postman and Tiger butterflies. Gliders like the Emperor, Ruby-Spotted and Orchard Swallowtails will also add to the diverse assortment.

 

Chrysalides in the Butterfly Bungalow. (Supplied)

More than 1,000 pupae arrive at Meijer Gardens weekly from around the world. Guests can watch as delicate chrysalides and cocoons are placed in the Butterfly Bungalow, where adult butterflies and moths emerge and spread their wings for the first time.

 

The Caterpillar Room, located within the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, features Monarch caterpillars. Guests can watch as caterpillars feed on milkweed plants and after two weeks of tremendous growth, the caterpillars will look for a suitable place to form their chrysalides.

 

This much-loved exhibition attracts 185,000 visitors from all over the world each year.

 

Exhibition Activities:

 

“Who Am I?” A Butterfly Ballet 
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 18, 1 p.m.
Fee: $5 members/$8 non-members; Free for ages 2 years and younger

 

Choreographed by Attila Mosolygo, performed by members of the Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company and narrated by Errol Shewman.

 

Developed in collaboration with Grand Rapids Ballet, this unique performance highlights characteristics of butterflies through dance. Don’t miss this thoroughly delightful butterfly ballet. Told through the eyes of a newly emerged butterfly, the story will captivate young and old alike. With colorful costumes, spectacular music and exquisite choreography, this enchanting performance will provide a unique and memorable experience.

 

Participate in interactive dance activities before the performance and take advantage of photo-ops on stage with the dancers afterward. Register online at MeijerGardens.org or call 616-975-3184. Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet is generously sponsored by Karl & Patti Betz and Jesse & Gia Budrick.

 

An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided for the 10 a.m. performance on March 17. Reservations for this service are required. To reserve your space, call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147, or email classes@meijergardens.org by March 10.

 

Children’s Activities:

 

Saturday, March 3-Wednesday, April 30, daylight hours only
Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Included with admission

 

Once you have observed caterpillars in the Seasonal Display Greenhouse and butterflies in the Tropical Conservatory, come out to the Children’s Garden for engaging outdoor educational events. Fly like a butterfly, wrap up like a chrysalis, curl up like a caterpillar, or crawl out of an egg using life cycle costumes and your imagination.

 

Perform your own butterfly-themed puppet show or read about moths and butterflies in the Log Cabin. Search for butterfly and moth life cycle stages in a special Treehouse Village hunt. Ring the bell after successfully navigating through the Butterfly Maze.

 

Become a butterfly in the Monarch’s Migration game. Enjoy a springtime puppet show or story-time; days and times vary. There is something for all ages. Activities vary daily; check the Information Center for times.

 

Tuesday Night Lights:

 

Included with admission.
Bring your flashlight on Tuesday nights until 9 p.m. to see the nightlife in the Tropical Conservatory.

 

Volunteers:

 

Wanted. Needed. Appreciated. Various jobs and shifts. Mid-February through mid-May. Contact Amber Oudsema at aoudsema@meijergardens.org or 616-974-5221.

 

After second Gezon Park meeting, Wyoming pleased with community response, input

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Kids Activities, Newscast, Pets/Animals, Recreation,
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department offered three development plan options for Gezon Park which were produced by Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

After a more than 90-minute public information meeting Thursday detailing design plan options for Gezon Park, the city is well on its way to deciding a master plan for utilization of about 52 acres of a 94-acre city-owned parcel of land surrounded by neighborhoods and commercial development.

 

The meeting, attended by about 30 citizens and held at Metro Health University of Michigan Health Conference Center near the park, was the second public meeting on the master plan, and one one survey is in the books and another currently in process.

 

The initial electronic survey seeking input on recreation facility needs had more than 1,200 responses.

 

Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services for the City of Wyoming, says she is pleased with the level of community input throughout the process so far.

 

About 30 people attended the the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department meeting on the Gezon Park master plan. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Community involvement “continues to be robust,” Rynbrandt said after the Feb. 8 meeting. “After this meeting, we are launching another survey — limited time, though Monday (Feb. 11) — to be able to ascertain from the larger public, those who were not able to be here tonight.

 

“We want that participation and that transparency,” she said. “I think, when we have that type of public focus, it reaffirms the values the citizens put on parks and recreation in our community.”

 

Gezon Park, which was a city-owned well field, encompasses about 94 acres between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. It has entrances from both Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. Baseball fields and restrooms are located near the south Gezon Parkway entrance and the 52nd Street entrance has playground equipment and walking trails. Most of the park remains undeveloped, however.

 

Prior to and at the Thursday meeting, the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department offered three development plan options for Gezon Park which were produced by Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio.

 

To see the three options, visit the city’s Parks and Recreation website page.

 

It was explained at the Thursday meeting that the three presented options are not “pick one” situation but that elements of each could be included in the final plan. Also at the meeting, many citizens expressed they opinion on elements they liked — and didn’t like in the three plans.

 

While there was general approval of the overall plans for utilization of the park at the meeting, there was also concern expressed about impact on wildlife during and after development, as well as safety within the park at night — especially if the middle of the park gained greater vehicle access. There was also a suggestion of a fenced dog park area.

 

The second survey is currently in process and can be accessed via this link. This survey is time sensitive, with feedback needing to be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, according to the city.

 

After the initial public input process, there will be review and recommendation from Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission and the Wyoming Planning Commission. The plan will then be presented to the Wyoming City Council for its final approval.

 

On Tap: Perrin hosts benefit winter fest, Bier Distillery goes all Tesla

Beer, Entertainment, Food, Non-Profits, Recreation,
Beer and cold weather do go together — really. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org 

 

Getting a good sweat going, for a good cause, followed by good beer and food? Sounds like a great idea for a cold January day.

 

Comstock Park’s Perrin Brewing will host its second annual “Perrin Ice Jam Winter Festival”, a benefit for the local Kids’ Food Basket of West Michigan, on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 3-8 p.m.

 

The event will feature live music from Jake Kershaw, Mustard Plug, and Hollywood Makeout, as well as specialty Perrin beers, and follows the running of the Frostbite 5K Run/Walk at 2 p.m.

 

Admission without running is either a cash donation or a donation of food items from Kids’ Food Basket wish list. The Kids’ Food Basket provides kids in need in the community with a nutritious evening meal. Perrin Brewing has already begun to collect food donations in the front foyer from the group’s wish list, which includes fruit/ applesauce cups, granola bars, toasted oat cereal, cheese crackers cracker packs, pretzels and snack-size zipper bags.

 

The run/walk is $25 for adults and $15 for age 12 and under. Packet pick-up will be on Friday, Jan. 26 at the Perrin Pub. The run check-in is from noon to 2 p.m., and online registration is available at Frostbite 5K Run .

 

Perrin Ice Jam Winter Festival pre-sale online tickets are available here .

 

Bier Distillery has Michigan first: electric car chargers

 

Also in Comstrock Park, Bier Distillery recently announced the availability of its Tesla car chargers, a first for a Michigan distillery, brewery, or winery, according to supplied material. Owned and operated by Bier Distillery, the Tesla chargers are available free of charge to electric vehicle drivers on a first come, first serve basis. There are four chargers that can be used simultaneously.

 

Got an electric car? Bier Distillery has a charge for you.

“Bier Distillery is proud to support the electric vehicle community,” Joel Bierling, president of Bier Distillery, said in supplied material. “The number of electric cars on the road will only be increasing in the near future. The cars need convenient places to recharge, and the drivers often need to recharge as well. … Why not do it in one location?”

 

Bier Distillery produces an expanding line of grain and fruit-to-glass spirits, beer and wine at the distillery. Its leading brands are Sole Cry Rye Whiskey, Devil’s Message Rum, Mum’s Ruin Gin, Heart Cut Vodka, Brillari Amaro Americano, Henry’s Absent Absinthe Verte, and JusttheShine Moonshine.

 

For more information visit bier distillery.com .

 

On Tap: Railtown takes over Ionia, 57 Brew Pub sold, beer & doughnuts

3-bottom, Beer, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Holidays, Local Business, Recreation, , ,
Railtown Brewing Company knows its beers and has the taps to proved it. (grnow.com)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org 

 

Kentwood’s Railtown Brewing Company — OK, actually Dutton’s Railtown — will be invading downtown Grand Rapids Ionia Avenue next week when several holiday variations of its Good Mooed milk stout are featured at a Tap Take Over at the Craft Beer Cellar.

 

According to Facebook posts by both brewer and tapper, the Railtown Good Mooed Tap Take Over will take place Thursday, Dec, 28, from 6-10 p.m. The Craft Beer Cellar is located at 404 Ionia Ave. SW.

 

Plan is, at this point, to have four versions of Railtown’s milk stout on tap. In addition to its Good Mooed (a true-to-style milk stout), also available will be Festive Mooed (featuring coffee, cinnamon and nutmeg), Best Mooed Ever (with coconut, almond and chocolate — think Almond Joy), and Viscous Mooed, which is described as “A completely new and experimental brew for Railtown. The base remains true to the Good Mooed brand however, it was double mashed leading to an ABV of 10.3 percent. They also added a generous amount of bittersweet cocoa. The resulting brew is thick, rich, and chocolaty with a nice balance between sweet and bitter.”

 

Oh ya, there will also be a couple other non-mooed kegs from Railtown on tap for those not into being mooed.

 

Also, remember there is free street parking at downtown parking meters after 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information visit the Facebook pages of either.

 

Greenville’s 57 Brew Pub and microbrewery sold, taps and all 

 

After five years in business, and plenty of great beers brewed and backyard concerts held, the 57 Brew Pub & Bistro has been sold to investment group HMV Holdings, according to a press release by Calder Capital.

 

HMV Holdings is a partnership between Andy Hurst, Jason Mahar, and Marc Vander Velde, who all have strong ties to the Greenville area and are excited to share their brewpub vision with the community, Hurst told WKTV.  Planned changes include a tap expansion that will allow them to continue to brew and serve their own beer while also offering other craft beers from around the state and country.

 

Founded in 2012 — and known to locals as simply “57 Brew Pub” — the pub is a family-owned, award-winning microbrewery and restaurant, according to the release. The business was designed and built from the ground up as a brewery and brew pub, and was founded and run by Greenville locals, Bob and Dottie Olsen. They decided to sell in order to retire to a warmer climate, and say they are pleased that the brewery will continue to be operated by locals.

 

For more information on 57 Brew Pub visit 57brewpub.com .

 

GRPM Beer Explorers goes all beer and doughnuts

 

Founders Brewing Company, Robinette’s and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will join forces for the next museum Beer Explorers program on Jan. 11, 2018,  as Beer & Doughnuts will offer a twist on a Founders beer tasting.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Beer Explorers program will pair Founders beer with Robinette’s doughnuts. (Supplied)

According to supplied information, this class pairs Founders beer with Robinette’s doughnuts, allowing participants to “explore their sense of taste and what combinations appeal to individual palates.”

 

The class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held on the 1st floor of the GRPM. Admission to each class includes general admission to the museum as well as four beer and doughnut samples. A cash bar will also be available.

 

Spoiler alert: Beer Explorers will continue on Feb. 8 with Brewery Vivant and the Pilot Malt House to learn all about how malts influence the different beers. They had me at Vivant …

 

Tickets are $22 for non-museum members and participants must be age 21 or older. Tickets can be purchased at grpm.org.

 

WKTV coverage of WMA vs. Lee doubleheader part of high school sports schedule

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports, , ,

 

By Mike Moll

sports@wktv.org

 

The WKTV sports broadcast schedule will give you three games over two nights as our coverage truck makes visits to East Kentwood and West Michigan Aviation this week.

 

Tuesday night the truck and crew will be heading to East Kentwood for a boys basketball game against East Grand Rapids. Game time is 7 p.m. Friday night, the crew will be at West Michigan Aviation, where both the girls and boys teams will be hosting Wyoming Lee. The crew will then take the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day off before returning in the new year.

 

Currently, each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 at 11 p.m. and repeat on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Each Friday game will be aired that night on WKTV 25 at 11 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and features on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/

 

Local high school sports events this week are as follows:

 

Monday, Dec. 18

Boys/Girls Bowling

Godwin Heights @ Hopkins

Kelloggsville @ Wyoming Lee

Christian @ Wyoming

Girls Cheer 

East Kentwood @ Grandville

 

Tuesday, Dec. 19

Boys Bowling

Wellsprings Prep @ Godwin Heights

Wyoming @ Middleville T-K

Boys Basketball 

Wyoming Lee @ Tri-Unity Christian

South Christian @ Calvin Christian

East Grand Rapids @ East Kentwood – WKTV Featured Game

West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian

Grand River Prep @ West Michigan Aviation

Girls Basketball 

Calvin Christian @ South Christian

East Kentwood @ East Grand Rapids

Grace Christian @ Zion Christian

West Michigan Lutheran @ Barry County Christian

Manistee Catholic Central 2 tri-Unity Christian

 

Wednesday, Dec. 20

Girls Cheer 

Godwin Heights @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Wyoming @ Muskegon Mona Shores

Boys Basketball 

Catholic Central @ Godwin Heights

Boys Wrestling 

Wyoming Lee @ Comstock Park

Wyoming @ Holland

Kelloggsville @ Calvin Christian

Rockford @ East Kentwood

 

Thursday, Dec. 21

Boys/Girls Bowling 

Wyoming @ Allendale

 

Friday, Dec. 22

Boys Basketball 

Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation – WKTV Featured Game

Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

Cedar Springs @ Kelloggsville

Lansing Christian @ Potter’s House

Girls Basketball 

Wyoming @ Kenowa Hills

Lansing Christian @ Potter’s House

Wyoming Lee @ West Michigan Aviation – WKTV Featured Game

Boys Hockey

East Kentwood @ Catholic Central

 

Saturday, Dec. 23

Boys Wrestling 

Kelloggsville @ Martin

 

Monday, Dec. 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

 

Tuesday, Dec. 26

Boys Basketball 

Godwin Heights vs Covenant Christian @ Cornerstone University

 

Meijer Gardens worldwide, hometown holiday season celebration set to begin

Entertainment, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

 

Meijer Gardens is never more beautiful than during the early winter holiday season. (Supplied)

 

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

Unlike a lot of shopping malls and radio stations, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas celebration will precede Thanksgiving by a couple of days as the 23rd annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition opens Tuesday, Nov. 21.

 

The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 7, 2018, will allow guests to experience 42 Christmas and holiday trees, and displays representing countries and cultures from around the world, according to supplied material.

 

And, for those really into traditions and the art of garden arrangement, the Railway Garden and holiday wonderland will once again wind its way through three indoor garden spaces, including the recently renovated Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.

 

“This year we pause to reflect on the many unique and beautiful ways that holiday traditions are observed all over the world,” Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture, said in supplied material.

 

The annual Holiday Gala is a night to dress up and remember. (Supplied)

From the highly polished metal of the Hanukkah Menorahs, to the beautiful Eid ul-Fitr display — which celebrates the end of Ramadan — to the golden glass ornaments adorning many of the traditional Christmas trees, guests will come across a variety of reflective surfaces designed to reinforce the theme of reflection. The holiday season is also a time when many cultures share the custom of turning attention inwards, reflecting upon the past and making preparations for the New Year.

 

Meijer Gardens transforms into a botanic wonderland with poinsettias, orchids and amaryllis. The smell of evergreens as visitors enter the building and the sounds of carolers make it a perfect family place to enjoy the holiday season. Indoors and out, trees sparkle with over 300,000 white lights.

 

Hydrangea petals make up the iconic glass tower of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. (Supplied)

The unique horticultural artistry of the Railway Garden complements the model trolleys, trains and handcrafted buildings replicating 30 Grand Rapids landmarks, including the unique use of hydrangea petals that make up the iconic glass tower of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

 

Meijer Gardens will also offer a series of family-friendly activities throughout the exhibition.

 

Exhibition Activities:

Extended Holiday Hours: Open until 9 p.m. Dec. 18-23, 26-30 (Meijer Gardens is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).

The Original Dickens Carolers: Tuesdays: Nov. 21 and 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19; 6-8 p.m.

And, of course, there will be visits by Santa for those holiday photos. (Supplied)

Santa Visits: Tuesdays: Nov. 21 and 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19; 5-8 p.m.

Rooftop Reindeer: Saturdays: Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23; 1-4 p.m.

Christmas Cabaret Gala: Thursday, Dec.7, 6 p.m. (RSVP required)

Winter-Time Walks: Nov. 21-Jan. 6, 2018; Tuesdays 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., Saturdays 11:15  a.m. (Included with admission). Winter in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun! Bundle up and join us on an outdoor interactive discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways. We’ll explore different winter themes and gather by the hearth in the log cabin to learn about winter with stories, kid-friendly conversation and finger plays.

Christmas and Holiday Themed Classes: Enjoy festive learning opportunities for adults and families. Fees apply.

 

For  more information visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar .

 

Muskegon State Park to host ‘beer trail’ as part of events at winter sports complex

3-bottom, Beer, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , ,
The Public Museum’s Beer Explorers program will again team with Brewery Vivant to offer a class on how and why beer tastes so darn good. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The Muskegon Oktoberfest 2-day fundraiser for Muskegon Winter Sports Complex  is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, will include a “beer trail” event Saturday from 5-9 p.m. and features specially brewed beers from Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, Unruly Brewing Co., Fetch Brewing Co., and Grand Armory Brewing Company.

 

Beers from several other craft breweries, hard ciders and wine will be available. (Domestic beer will also be available, but not sure why.) Five biergartens throughout the trail will feature live musical acts, with the Oktoberfest main stage featuring headlining act Westside Soul Surfers from 7-1 p.m.

 

The fun begins Friday with a “tapping of the kegs” ceremony and a 5K Fun Trail Run under the lights at Muskegon State Park. Saturday, from 3-9 p.m., family events are planned with kid’s activities including a wheel luge track, archery, a pumpkin roll down the luge track and more. Music from traditional German band Ein Prosit will begins at 3:30 p.m.

 

Free shuttle service will be available to transport guests due to limited parking at the Winter Sports Complex. Shuttle service will run Friday, 6-11:30 p.m., and Saturday, 5-11:30 p.m., with pick up at the state park beach parking lot and the Block House. Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle system to alleviate parking and traffic congestion around the sports complex.

 

For more information visit msports.org .

 

KDL Uncorked program continues with tours, ‘Ladies Night’

 

The Kent District Library’s Uncorked program will continue with three programs this month, starting Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. with a tour and talk at Gray Skies Distillery, and including later in the month a mead tour at Arktos Meadery, a ladies night wine tasting, and “Geeks Who Drink” quiz night.

 

The tour at Grey Skies, located at 700 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, includes a tasting and behind the scenes look at the process of creating spirits.

 

The tour of Arktos Meadery, 251 Center Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, will be Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. This tour — which requires pre-registration — will look at how mead is made and have a tasting event.

 

Also on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 6-8 p.m., KDL will continue its “KDL Uncorked: Ladies Night”, this time at the East Grand Rapids branch, 746 Lakeside Dr. SE. Wine tasting will be provided by The Crushed Grape, and chocolate and cheese tastings will be provided by The Cheese Lady. During the program, participants will learn about wine pairings and how to create their own.

 

Finally, on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 7-9 p.m., a special event “Geeks Who Drink” quiz night will be held at the Atwater Brewery, 201 Michigan St. NW, in Grand Rapids. According to supplied material: “If you possess encyclopedic knowledge about “Seinfeld,” can recite Sonic Youth’s entire discography in chronological order, or you want to impress your friend by showing off your otherwise useless knowledge, then this event is for you.”

 

All programs are for adults, age 21 and older. For more information on any of the events visit kdl.org .

 

GRAM’s Beer Explorers teams with Brewery Vivant, GRCC

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum, in partnership with Brewery Vivant and Grand Rapids Community College, will present a Beer Explorers class examining the science of tasting, on Thursday, Oct. 12.

 

Brewery Vivant’s Ryan Engeman and GRCC brewery students will host three interactive beer stations, each related to a different sense. According to supplied information, participants will learn how our brains process flavor profiles, and learn about aroma, color, feel and taste of beer.

 

The Class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held on the first floor of GRPM. Admission to class includes three beer samples, as well as access to the Museum’s first two floors to explore, and a cash bar will be available. Participants must be 21 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for non-members and can be purchased at grpm.org/calendar.

 

WKTV community photographer on scene at Wyoming’s Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Faces, Recreation, Volunteers

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Bruce Carlson

WKTV Community Photographer

 

Whether we’re young, middle-aged, or elderly, the 28th Street Metro Cruise brought smiles to all.  It was a fantastic weekend, Aug. 25-26, for the great city of Wyoming! And, also Kentwood and Grandville. I covered a half mile stretch, from Clyde Park to Michael/DeHoop avenues, and saw hundreds of classic cars. If you are a car enthusiast, this was — and is each year — a MUST SEE.

 

Bruce Carlson lives in Wyoming, Michigan

WKTV Labor Day programming offers concerts all day long

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Recreation, WKTV Projects,
Music of all sorts came to the stage this summer as part of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series. (City of Wyoming)

WKTV Staff

 

Tune in to WKTV Channel 25 on Labor Day, Sept. 4, for our all-day “Concerts In The Park” special.  We will air the entire Wyoming Concerts In The Park series, featuring the bands in order of their appearance. Relive all the fun and excitement of the summer series starting at 9:30 a.m. and running all day long.

 

The concert times and performers are as follows:

9:30 a.m.  — Detroit Circus

11 a.m. — Shelagh Brown Band

12:35 p.m . — Sweet J Band

1:55 p.m. — Brena Band

4 p.m. — Michatucky

5:30 p.m. — 6 Pack

7:15 p.m. — Toppermost

8:50 p.m. —  Union Guns

10:25 p.m. — Tejano Sound Band

 

For a complete list of programming, visit WKTV.org and hit the programming guide tab.

 

On Tap: Beer Explorers goes Mindbender and Polish Festival coming

3-bottom, Beer, Food, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, ,
Think you can solve the puzzle at Mindbender Mansion? Maybe beer will help. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Mindbending beer and Polish beer are both on tap for August — and, no, they are not the same thing.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum will offer a special Beer Explorers experience on Aug. 15 titled “Puzzles & Pints!”, when adults, 21 and older, can enjoy craft beer while trying to solve puzzles, games and brainteasers in the museum’s “Mindbender Mansion” exhibit.

 

According to supplied information, “Mindbender Mansion” includes more than 45 individual and group brain teasers, puzzles and tricky problems to solve all in a unique exhibit setting. Visitors to this fun and quirky mansion are invited to join the Mindbender Society by gathering hidden clues and secret passwords scattered throughout the various thematic rooms of the house.

 

“Puzzles & Pints” will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m., with the bar available until 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $4 for Museum members, $11 for Kent County residents and $14 for non-members. Tickets include one craft beer, and admission to “Mindbender Mansion” and  all three floors of the Museum to explore. A cash bar will be available for additional drinks.

 

For more information and tickets visit grpm.org.

 

Polish Festival, beer tent, coming Aug. 25-27

 

Polka and beer. What is not to like?

Grand Rapids’ Rosa Park Circle will host the 2017 Polish Festival Friday to Sunday, Aug. 25-27, with Polish fun, and beer; Polish food, and beer; Polish music, and beer; and Polish beer — did I mention there will be beer?

 

According to the hosts, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, the festival will include cooking demonstrations, a Polish dance group, non-stop music (primarily polkas), children’s activities on Saturday, a Busia contest on Sunday, famously delicious Polish food and a beer tent featuring Polish beer. There will be Polish merchandise available for purchase including beautiful Polish pottery, amber jewelry, Polish glass, Polish baked goods, and a variety of T-shirts.

 

Part of the proceeds from the festival award students of Polish descent scholarships to Grand Valley State and Aquinas colleges, Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University.

 

The festival is free and open to the public. For more information visit polishheritagesociety.com

 

WKTV will show highlights of 2017 Lubbers Cup Regatta

3-bottom, Entertainment, Health, Recreation, Sports

 

WKTV Staff

 

The annual Don Lubbers Cup Regatta, named after former Grand Valley State University president and rowing supporter Arena D. (Don) Lubbers, featured hundreds of athletes and some of the top rowing teams from across the Midwest, all coming to Spring Lake on April 7-9 of this year.

 

And WKTV was there, filming the best moments. WKTV will replay those best moments on Saturday, July 29, at 6 p.m., and again on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m., on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

Since its origin in 1995, the Lubbers Cup Regatta has grown to an event that attracts over 500 student athletes to Spring Lake to kick off the regatta season, according to the event’s website. The Lubbers Cup is produced in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Grand Valley State University Club Sports, Grand Valley Rowing Club, and the communities of Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.

 

WKTV to show Southern Senior Little League team’s state title marathon

City of Wyoming, Recreation, Sports
The Southern Senior Little League team holds its Michigan state title banner on Monday. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

As the District 9 Southern Senior League team represents the state of Michigan at the Senior Little League Central Regional tournament starting this weekend, WKTV on Sunday will air all the team’s games from their title run at last weekend’s Michigan State Senior tournament on Comcast Cable Channel 24.

 

Having televised live Southern’s first three games, and recording the two-game finals series, WKTV will begin its game marathon at noon on Sunday, July 23, with a special 15-minute Finals Preview and highlight show hosted by WKTV announcers Paul Kabelman and Rob Gee.

 

Following the Finals Preview will be the team’s five games played, in order, starting at about 12:15 p.m. with the Friday, July 14, game when Southern defeated District 16 Onsted 22-1 in a 5 innings.

 

The Saturday, July 15, game, when Southern defeated District 7 St. Clair 10-1 in 7 innings, will start at about 2:05 p.m.; the Sunday, July 16, game, when Southern defeated District 4 Commerce, 27-3 in 5 innings, will start at about 4:10 p.m.; the first title series game from Monday, July 17, when Southern lost to District 5 Taylor NW, 9-4 in 7 innings, will start at about 6:10 p.m.; and the second title game from Monday, July 17, when Southern defeated District 5 Taylor NW 13-3 in 7 innings to win the state title, will start at about 9 p.m.

 

Southern opens play at regional tournament

 

At the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill., Southern will open tournament play with two games this weekend. First, Saturday, July 22, at 3:30 p.m., Southern will play at a field in Peru, against a team from Richmond, Ky.; then, on Sunday, July 23, at 3 p.m., Southern will play at a field in Oglesby, Ill.

 

The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.

 

The Southern team is managed by Jamie Billo, with coaches Jim Passinault and Pat Batka.

 

The players include, from Central Catholic High School, Myles Beale, a centerfielder and pitcher; Matt Moore, outfielder/catcher; Kyle Tepper, 3rd base/outfielder/pitcher; Luke Passinault, 2nd base/outfielder; Joe Collins, outfielder/pitcher; and Nate Trudeau, short stop.

 

From East Grand Rapids are Reilly O’Connor, infielder and pitcher; Micah Baermann pitcher/outfield; Billy Bernecker, 1st base/outfield; John Shelton lV, catcher; Jack Billo, 3rd base; Peter Kratt, outfield; Ryan Sullivan, pitcher; and Nick Lambert, pitcher.

 

Also on the team are, from Grand Rapids Christian, Keegan Batka, middle infielder and pitcher, and Luke Elzinga, 1st base/pitcher.

 

All District 9 Southern games played at the state tournament are available on DVDs at WKTV.org/shop.

Southern Senior Little League rolls into tonight’s state finals, and WKTV will be there

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Sports
Kyle Tepper went two strong innings in relief for Southern, including getting three strikeouts in the third inning. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

The District 9 Southern League team completed an impressive run of weekend wins Sunday in a battle of two 2-0 teams, scoring eight runs in the first inning and going on to defeat District 4 Commerce 27-3 in five innings. The win advances Southern to the Michigan state Senior Little League tournament finals today, Monday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m.

 

WKTV covered Southern’s first three games live, and will cover the title game and broadcast it on a delayed basis, at 8 p.m. Monday, July 17.

 

The Southern Senior Little League fans were out in force Sunday. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The tournament is hosted by Southern Little League. All games will be at the Southern Little League field complex at 2525 Kalamazoo Ave. SW, just north of 28th Avenue. The title game will be followed by a second title game to follow, if necessary.

 

The winner of the state tournament will play in the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill.

 

Southern’s opponent in the finals will be District 5 Taylor NW, which defeated Commerce 6-5 in the elimination bracket finals Sunday night. Taylor will enter the game with a 4-1 record, having lost in opening-round action Friday to District 7 St. Clair, 6-5.

 

WKTV community volunteers Paul Kabelman, right, and Rob Gee called WKTV’s coverage of the games will hosted a Senior Little League state tournament finals preview. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

On Sunday, against Commerce, Southern scored eight runs in the first inning, showed off great defense to match its great offense — including catcher John Shelton IV cutting down a Commerce runner trying to steal second base — and gained great pitching from three pitchers. Kyle Tepper went two innings in relief for Southern, including getting three strikeouts in the third inning. Among many big hits, Luke Passinault’s fourth-inning double knocked in three runners and pushed the Southern lead to 15-0.

 

On Saturday, 10 runs was more then enough as three Southern pitchers combined to limit St. Clair to one run on three hits while striking out 9 in a 10-1 winners bracket win. Luke Elzinga started the game on the mound for Southern and went three innings for the win, giving up no hits while striking out five and walking two. Joe Collins and Nick Lambert each went two innings in relief. Elzinga left the game with just a two-run lead, but Southern scored 2 in the fourth inning and 4 in the fifth to give the relief pitchers a cushion. Keegan Batka led the offense with three hits and five runs batted in.

 

On Friday, Southern gained 4 runs-batted-in from John Shelton — including a massive solo home run to left field in the second inning — and Jack Billo and Nate Trudeau each had three RBI as the host team scored 15 runs in the first inning against District 16’s Onsted and went on to 22-1 in a 5-inning game.

 

The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.

 

WKTV covered all District 9 Southern games and DVDs of all games are available at WKTV.org/shop.

Southern Senior Little League silences St. Clair; heads to Sunday showdown with Commerce

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Sports
Pitching took center stage as District 9 Southern Senior Little League team advanced over District 7 St. Clair 10-1 on Saturday. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Friday night the District 9 Southern Little League team pounded out 22 runs in an opening round game of the Michigan state Senior Little League tournament hosted by Southern Little League; Saturday, 10 runs was more then enough as three Southern pitchers combined to limit District 7 St. Glair to one run on three hits while striking out 9 in a 10-1 winners bracket win.

 

Southern will advance in the double-elimination tournament and play Sunday, July 16, at 4 p.m., against District 4 Commerce. Commerce won twice on Friday — 13-5 over District 3 Ypsilanti and a 16-1 win over District 2 Portage, to advance to the Sunday game. WKTV will cover the game live.

 

Against St. Clair, Luke Elzinga started the game on the mound for Southern and went three innings for the win, giving up no hits while striking out five and walking two. Joe Collins and Nick Lambert each went two innings in relief. Elzinga left the game with just a two-run lead, but Southern scored 2 in the fourth inning and 4 in the fifth to give the relief pitchers a cushion. Keegan Batka led the offense with three hits and five runs batted in.

 

On Friday, Southern gained 4 runs-batted-in from catcher John Shelton lV — including a massive solo home run to left field in the second inning — and Jack Billo and Nate Trudeau each had three RBI as the host team scored 15 runs in the first inning against District 16’s Onsted and went on to 22-1 in a 5-inning game.

 

WKTV will cover every District 9 game this weekend. All live games will be available on Comcast Cable Channel 24. Some games will be taped-delayed. DVDs of all games are available at WKTV.org/shop.

 

All games will be at the Southern Little League field complex at 2525 Kalamazoo Ave. SW, just north of 28th Avenue. The title game will be Monday at 5:30 p.m. with a second title game to follow, if necessary.

 

The winner of the state tournament will play in the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill.

 

The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.

 

Southern Senior Little League to defend state title in weekend tournament

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Sports
The Southern Senior Little League team after winning the District 9 title last week. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

As he prepares his team for a state Senior Little League tournament hosted by District 9 Southern Little League this weekend — a tournament WKTV will be broadcasting — Southern manager Jamie Billo is glad to have several players who have “been there; done that.”

 

Not only will he get the on-field talent, but also the off-field wisdom, of five players who return from a team that won the state title and won three games in the Central Regional tournament last year before falling to an eventual national champion team from Illinois.

 

And that leadership was evident last weekend as the Southern team, after rolling through three games in the District 9 tournament, had to bounce back from a title-game loss to Georgetown to win the tournament.

 

That loss “taught the kids a valuable lesson — on any given day, if you do not play up to your capability you get beat,” Billo said in an interview with WKTV. “It (also) helps a lot (to have experienced players). They can explain to the kids there is no reason to have that ‘awe’ factor. It is just another baseball game. They also reinforce that they have to come to every game ready to play.”

 

Attend the games; watch them on WKTV

 

WKTV will also be at every District 9 game this weekend, ready to play. WKTV’s coverage crew will broadcast live Southern’s opening game Friday, July 14, at 7 p.m., and then also be live on Saturday for the team’s games at 10 a.m. or 4 p.m., depending on Friday results. All live games will be available on Comcast Cable Channel 24. Some later games will be taped-delayed.

 

Southern will open action against the District 16 representative from Onsted. The other teams in the tournament will be Portage, from District 2; Ypsilanti, District 3; Commerce, District 4; Taylor NW, District 5; and St. Clair, District 7.

 

All games will be at the Southern Little League field complex at 2525 Kalamazoo Ave. SW, just north of 28th Avenue. The title game will be Monday at 5:30 p.m. with a second title game to follow, if necessary.

 

The winner of the state tournament will play in the Central Regional tournament, along with teams from nine other Midwest states, in Peru, Ill.

 

The team and its coaches

 

The Southern team is an all-star team made up of players, age 15-16, selected by the coaches from four Senior level teams who played in the Southern Little League this season.

 

Billo is in his first year as head coach of the Senior team, but has coached Southern Little League teams for eight years. He is the junior varsity head football coach at East Grand Rapids.

 

“I have coached a lot of these kids over the last few years,” he said.

 

The players include, from Central Catholic High School, Myles Beale, a centerfielder and pitcher; Matt Moore, outfielder/catcher; Kyle Tepper, 3rd base/outfielder/pitcher; Luke Passinault, 2nd base/outfielder; Joe Collins, outfielder/pitcher; and Nate Trudeau, short stop.

 

From East Grand Rapids are Reilly O’Connor, infielder and pitcher; Micah Baermann pitcher/outfield; Billy Bernecker, 1st base/outfield; John Shelton lV, catcher; Jack Billo, 3rd base; Peter Kratt, outfield; Ryan Sullivan, pitcher; and Nick Lambert, pitcher.

 

Also on the team are, from Grand Rapids Christian, Keegan Batka, middle infielder and pitcher, and Luke Elzinga, 1st base/pitcher.

 

Shelton, who started on the EGR varsity team this season, will be the team’s clean-up hitter. Billo, the manager’s son, was a starter on last year’s team that won the state tournament, as was Lambert, Trudeau, Elzinga and Kratt. Also of note, Batka’s brother, Austin, pitches for the University of Michigan.

 

“John Shelton is huge part of the team, batting,” Billo said. “Peter Kraff is probably the vocal leader of the team and has a great bat. Jack (Billo) will hit from the 2-hole two and is very fast. Kegan Batka leads with RBIs.”

 

Pitching, however, is a little more of uncertainty for the team.

 

“The strength of the team is batting and defense,” Billo said. “Last year we had two pitchers who we could just roll the ball out to. This year we have a lot of pitching depth but no top pitchers, but we have eight guys we are confident of to put out there.”

 

In addition to Billo, the other coaches for the team are Jim Passinault and Pat Batka.

 

“When it comes to pitching, I defer to Pat, his sons are pitchers and he pitched. He calls all the pitches,” Billo said. “We have known each other, coaches against each other in the regular season. As manager, I could pick my coaches and I could not have picked two better ones.”

 

For more information on Southern Little League, see southernll.blogspot.com

First-ever Runway 5K at Gerald R. Ford International Airport coming this fall

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports,
The runways at the Ford International Airport will be the running track for a fall 5k. (Supplied)

by Montae Harris, WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

Lace and gear up your sneaks and get ready for the first ever Runway 5K, starting this fall at the Gerald R.Ford International Airport (GFIA).

 

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m., on airport grounds.The race will begin near the cargo facilities, under a runway tunnel, loop around by the airport fire station, and wrap around on runway 8L/26R.

 

The proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Michigan, with the cost of $28 per person. That includes T-Shirts, post-race snacks and beverages, and awards for top finishers as well as other giveaways.

 

“It’s through the generous support of our Michigan Community, like our friends at GFIA that we are able to grant life-changing wishes to Michigan children,” Karen Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan, said in supplied material.

 

There will also be a 1-mile fun run/walk, starting at 9:05 a.m., with the cost of $15 per person.

 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for runners, walkers, and families who want to come out for a Saturday morning stroll or a competitive race, and to experience a fun event on a runway that is normally only being used for aircraft,” Jim Gill, CEO and airport president, said in supplied material.

For more information on how to register visit here.

 

 

‘Boots and Badges’ brings first responders, community together for day of appreciation and fun

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,
Two of the area’s finest with Shake Broukian and her son, Charlie

By Catherine Kooyers

 

June 24th was an action-packed day on the grounds of Grace Bible College, and the weather couldn’t have been any better. Happy people, food, ice cones and family friendly activities brought the community and businesses together with firefighters, police officers and other first responders.

 

It was all part of ‘Boots and Badges’, an annual event hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to honor and show appreciation for the area’s first responders. The idea is to get people connected with their local law enforcement outside of an emergency or distress call.

 

A fun-filled game of kickball between firefighters and police was just one of the highlights. Families posed for photos with mascots of the White Caps and Drive #1, hit the button on the dunk tank, competed in 9 Square (a volleyball-type game), checked out the vehicles used by first responders, and even became “honorary” first responders, complete with hats and badges.

 

 

July 4 and always, DNR stresses safe boating with Operation Dry Water

3-bottom, Crime Prevention, Holidays, Recreation, Sports

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

 

As the July Fourth holiday approaches, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers will focus on keeping boaters safe through heightened awareness and enforcement of boating under the influence laws.

 

The initiative is part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign, which runs June 30 to July 2.

 

The annual campaign is launched just prior to the July Fourth weekend, when more boaters take to the water and alcohol use increases. It is in coordination with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners. Through this stepped-up enforcement, the DNR is raising awareness of the hazards associated with boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and is working to decrease the number of accidents attributed to impaired boating and other unsafe boating practices.

 

“Alcohol and boating don’t mix,” said the DNR’s Lt. Tom Wanless, Michigan’s boating law administrator. “Using alcohol impairs reaction time and judgment, just as if you were driving a car. In fact, the effects of alcohol and certain medications are increased on the water due to added stress factors such as the sun, heat, wind, wave motion and engine noise. So be smart and stay sober when boating, and don’t put yourself and others at risk.”

 

In Michigan, operating a motorboat while under the influence of alcohol — which means the person has a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams or more – or under the influence of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500, community service and up to 93 days in jail. It also can result in the loss of boating privileges for at least one year.

 

If a person is killed or injured due to a driver operating a boat while under the influence, the driver could be charged with a felony, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years in prison.

 

Boaters can do their part to stay safe on the water by: Boating sober — alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Wearing a life jacket — 85 percent of drowning victims in the U.S. were not wearing life jackets. Taking a boating safety course — the DNR recommends a safety course for anyone who plans to use a boat or personal watercraft.

 

For more information about boating regulations and safety courses in Michigan at www.michigan.gov/boating.

 

A trip aboard the S.S. Badger offers passengers fun and treasured memories

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel

By Terri Brown

The S.S. Badger is the last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the United States. She has provided a fun, reliable and affordable shortcut across beautiful Lake Michigan for more than 60 years and has transported millions of passengers since her re-birth in 1992. In 2016, she received the nation’s highest historic honor when the Department of Interior officially designated the Badger as a National Historic Landmark (NHL). Additionally, the Badger is extremely unique in that she is an NHL that moves.

The 410-ft. S.S. BADGER can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, including RVs, motorcycles, motor coaches, and commercial trucks during her sailing season. Originally designed primarily to transport railroad cars, this grand ship and the people who serve her have successfully adapted to the changing world since she first entered service in 1953.

Her unique and bold character takes you back to a period of time when things were simpler — offering valuable time to slow down, relax…and reconnect with those you love. She is the continuation of a unique and vital maritime tradition, and we celebrate that heritage on board in fun ways that educate and entertain. Although her mission has changed from the days of carrying railroad cars 365 days a year, the Badger’s role in the hearts of the areas she serves has not.

The Badger’s commitment to a fun experience offers traditional favorites including free Badger Bingo, free movies and satellite television, lounge areas, a toddler play area; free limited Wi-Fi, an onboard gift shop, an arcade, private staterooms, two separate food service areas, two bars, and sprawling outside decks for lounging or walking. Perhaps a romantic night crossing is more fitting for your style with spectacular sunsets and sparkling constellations for stargazers — making the Badger experience extra special.

A trip aboard the S.S. Badger offers passengers fun and treasured memories. Professional travelers have shared their experiences aboard the Badger with the world, and this grand ship has received great praise. The Badger was awarded in 2015 and 2016 a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor and has a five-star rating with Travelocity.

The Badger experience allows a rare opportunity to explore a little history – and a lot of fun by taking a step back into the past on a journey that’s as important as the destination! Slow down, relax and reconnect on the Big Ship, More Fun.

From mid-May to mid-October the Badger sails daily between Manitowoc, Wisc. and Ludington, Mich., Located about an hour from Milwaukee, Wisc. and Muskegon, Mich. For additional information, call 800.841.4243 or visit www.ssbadger.com.