Category Archives: Recreation

Halloween Fun in West Michigan: South Michigan

Beer, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There is so much to do in West Michigan to kick off the Halloween fun! This three part series will dive into different Fall and Halloween activities all throughout the West side of this Marvelous State. Part one and Southern Michigan comes down as the first leaf to hit the ground.

As Halloween approaches, all the little ghouls and goblins have one thing on their minds: Trick-or-Treating! To keep the kids’ minds off candy just a bit longer, kick off your Halloween fun early in West Michigan! Whether it’s family fun at the corn maze, or Halloween-themed pub crawls for the grown up ghouls, there are plenty of Halloween activities for all ages around West Michigan to get you in a Halloween mood!

South Michigan Halloween Fun

Stokes Homestead Farm MarketStokes Homestead Farm Market

Stokes Homestead Farm Market in Grand Junction is kicking off fall fun this season with their Shadow Hollow Haunt, a one-of-a-kind haunted trail, that will run every weekend in October! They’ll be throwing in some new twists, turns and scares this year. Check out all the details at stokeshomestead.com.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville

Cornwells TurkeyvilleCornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall is preparing for their family friendly Fall season of fun, frights, and memories. Every weekend in October, Cornwell’s holds their family friendly “Haunted Adventures,” open from 12pm-8pm on Saturday’s and 12pm-5pm on Sundays. Some of the activities include a pumpkin patch, spooky hay ride, and Haunted Barn. Each year the owners alter the theme of the Haunted Barn to explore all of the aspects Halloween has to offer.

This year’s theme is reminiscent of the things that caused your imaginary night time fear of monsters: shadows! All of the walls have spooky shadows thrown across them; but participants be warned, there are things lurking in the shadows, so prepare to be spooked. The haunts found in the barn are appropriate for even young children, and employees willing to help out the most scared of kids. Wristbands last all day and include all activities. The cost for a wristband is ten dollars per person – excluding babes in arms. Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre will be performing Abra Cadaver, an interactive murder mystery, on October 30 and 31 for more spooky, entertaining, & delicious Halloween fun!

Franke Center for the Arts

Franke Center for the ArtsPlan to visit the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall on Saturday, October 24th at 8pm for a performance by Mind Reader & Illusionist Christopher Carter. Carter is recognized as one of the world’s greatest “mind-readers,” but he’s not psychic. He’s just an incredibly skilled observer of human behavior.

Starting at the age of eight, when an uncle allowed him to sit in on a poker game, Christopher began to realize that people broadcast their thoughts in ways beyond words. This led to a lifelong interest in non-verbal communication and ‘people reading.’ Although he pursued dual interests in psychology and theater in college, it wasn’t until he was doing graduate work that Chris finally put it all together: he blended his fast-paced, humorous theatrical style with stunning displays of psychological ability. The ovations and accolades have been coming ever since.

As an entertainer, Christopher has earned feature appearances on “The Martin Short Show” and the “Donny and Marie Show.” As one of the most popular performers on college campuses, he has been awarded the highest honor in the Campus Activities industry: Entertainer of the Year. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance and $22 at the door.

West Michigan Beer Tours

Beer TourGet in the Halloween mood with West Michigan Beer Tours and their spooky tour featuring a brewery with a haunt, and of course, some great fall seasonal beers. Be prepared for a night of frights, flights and fun.

The Halloween tour will begin at Shakespeare’s Pub in downtown Kalamazoo where pumpkin ales, hard ciders, and other autumn classics will be on tap. The group will then make the short jaunt west to Paw Paw Brewing Co. where the crew will get you in the spirit of the season with fall ales and perhaps a few scary surprises.

From there, you’ll make way to Psycho Ward & Nightmares, one of Kalamazoo’s best haunted attractions tucked into the woods behind the Kalamazoo Speedway. Enjoy steeply discounted prices and VIP access to the freak fest. You’ll then conclude with a quick ride north to Plainwell’s Old Mill Brewpub. Owner and brewmaster Scott Zylstra plans to serve some of his first beers and offer a tour of the more than 100-year-old building known to be inhabited by a few ghosts. The Halloween Beer Tour takes place on October 30th and lasts for five hours. Book your spot directly through West Michigan Beer Tours.

Journeyman Distillery

Journeyman Distillery will be hosting the Three Oaks Pub Crawl on Halloween (October 31st) from 2-10. Tour the town’s drinking establishments and compete for a chance to win coveted Pub Crawl t-shirts. Costumes are encouraged and the best ones will be rewarded. Watch out for the spirits this Halloween!

Henderson Castle

Henderson CastlePrepare for an evening of intrigue, lies, and deception at Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo as you try to unravel all the clues and solve a case of murder. All this while socializing with the cremé de la cremé of this city’s high society, friends, loved ones.

During the dinner, you get to know everyone, share what you know and find out what you can… you will need this to establish a motive… for murder. Who knows, you may be the murderer and not know it! The October Murder Mystery Dinner takes place the night before Halloween, on October 30th at Henderson Castle. The cost is $69 per person.

Michigan Maritime Museum

The Michigan Maritime Museum will host a free trick-or-treating event at the Museum for children ages toddler to 10 years on October 31st from 4pm-6pm. The event will have trick-or-treating stations around the Museum campus and aboard tall ship Friends Good Will. Children must be in costume to participate. Bring out the whole family! All children must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel

Firekeepers CasinoJoin FireKeepers Casino Hotel this Halloween for a weekend of fun and entertainment, including the annual Halloween Costume Contest, Here Come the Mummies Concert, and Halloween Slot Tournament!

The festivities start Friday, October 30th with the Halloween costume contest at 7pm on the casino floor. All those interested in participating in the costume contest will need to join the parade line beginning at 7pm. At 7:45pm the Top 10 will be announced and asked to come to the Money Keepers Mainstage for the next round of judging, where the top 3 will be selected for audience voting. All of the top 10 costume participates will receive a prize.

The 1st place winner will walk away with a cash and Red Hot Credit prize of $5,000! Continue the Halloween excitement with Here Come the Mummies. The concert will begin at 9pm in the event center and ticket are just $25. The Halloween Slot Tournament will begin at 10am on October 31st. To qualify, simply earn 31 points on your Red Hot Rewards Club Card starting at 9am on October 31st. The tournament will run from 10am-3pm with the top 4 from each hour advancing to the final. The top 20 finalist will share a total prize pool of over $40,000 in prizes, with the 1st place winner receiving $20,000 cash!

The Inn at Harbor Shores

Inn at Harbor ShoresThe Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph invites you to celebrate this Halloween with them in a variety of ways! Visit the weekend of Halloween for Happy Halloweekend at The Inn, which will incorporate a series of frightening events for all ages, beginning with pumpkin carving and ending with a costume bash to end all others!

On Wednesday, October 28th, the local library will present Scary Stories, and Artist Pumpkin Carving Begins. Vote for your favorite pumpkin in person or on The Inn at Harbor Shores’ social media. On Halloween, the pumpkin carving winners will be announced, and the Costume Ball will kick off at 8pm! Enjoy dancing, a DJ, snacks, a cash bar, and prizes for the best costume! Tickets are $20, or can be included in your overnight stay package.

Crane Orchards & U-Pick

Crane OrchardsCrane Orchards & U-Pick in Fennville offers a 20-acre Corn Maze through October 30th. A lot of creative energy goes into this project every year to make it the best corn maze anywhere! Adults are $7, Ages 6 years to 10 years are $5, and kids 5 years old and below are free! This is a family friendly corn maze, and be sure to catch a hayride or Cowtrain ride while you’re there!

South Haven

If you’re in the South Haven area on Halloween, dress up, come out and join all the witches, goblins, vampires, superheroes, princesses, skeletons, and all the scariest costume in between for a fun filled candy gathering extravaganza! South Haven Trick-or-Treating will take place from 5:30pm-7:30pm on Halloween. Be sure to have a big container to hold all your candy, and don’t forget the three magic words: “Trick-or-Treat!”

Coldwater Country

Celebrate Halloween in Coldwater Country with costumes, scares, and a parade! Adventure out for a spook-tacular time in the Haunted Forest at Rotary Park in Coldwater on October 29th. The younger crowd will enjoy the less scary time from 6pm-7pm for the true Haunted Forest, scare time is 7pm-9pm. Don’t miss out on the Haunted Halloween Parade on October 31st! The theme changes every year, and you’ll see entries from organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Gilmore Car Museum Spooktacular

Gilmore Car Museum 5The 4th Annual Gilmore Car Museum Spooktacular will take place at the Museum on Thursday, October 29th from 4:00-7:00pm! Fun for the whole family, the Spooktacular will feature cool cars throughout the Museum, trick-or-treat throughout the galleries for children 12 and under, a featured film in the theater, and special treats and samples from local businesses! Costumes are encouraged! Kids 12 and under are FREE – Adults $5.00/person (children must be accompanied by an adult at all times).

Make sure to check out part 2 on Thursday for Halloween activities in Central West Michigan!

Special Family Fun Fest at the DeltaPlex

Community Health, Education, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Senior Living, Volunteers, , , ,

special needs face painting2Children with special needs create special families. Five years ago, some of those family members got together to create the Family Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting not only their own children, but all special families. They’ve hit on a sure thing: the Special Families Fun Fest, returning for its 4th year at the DeltaPlex Arena on Saturday, October 17 from 10am-4pm. Lara Kitts is in charge of the event. “Some of us who have special needs family members know how hard it is to get the family out the door together. This is fun and there’s nothing else like it.”

Admission $5 per person, which includes 10 carnival game tickets (ages 2 and under free!). Tickets are available here. special needs animal fun

Kitts says the Fun Fest provides a wide variety of events set up to provide physically and emotionally safe environments without stress, including carnival games, crafts, a petting zoo and a number of other activities—all without waiting in line. Even better, no one has to stay behind to take care of the special needs family member. “We have amenities such as a sensory room to provide family support if a child is overstimulated,” says Kitts. “We have volunteers who cover every exit to make sure a child doesn’t dart away. We’ve pretty much thought of everything.”

special needs boyThose concerned that the Special Families Fun Fest may not have anticipated their particular need are invited to call in advance at 616-780-3839. Visit the Family Hope Foundation to learn more about this very special organization. For more information about Fun Fest activities, check out the event.  If you would like to volunteer, Kitts says she would be pleased to find you a special role to fill at the event, sure to fill a special place in your heart.

Looking for a new taste sensation?

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

Dim-Sum1-726x400How about Dim Sum? If you have no clue what it is or what it tastes like, and especially if you do, you’ll want to schedule lunch at Kentwood’s Wei Wei (pronounced “Way Way”) Palace, on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 4242 South Division.

Similar in concept to the tapas style of presenting a number of dishes to a group, Dim Sum is a shared meal of traditional Cantonese small plates. Attendants push carts from table to table to make your choice easy. The cuisine is placed in the table center on a revolving tray for diners to sample. Options feature steamed, baked, and fried variations of Dim Sum. “There’s a little bit of everything,” says Ashley Kassuba, Marketing Assistant for the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. “Shrimp, vegetables, and rice are often mixed together, but there are some meat dishes and some veggie dishes, too.”

The cost is $20 per person, and includes tea and a selection of Dim Sum options brought to your table.Dim-Sum2

Reservations must be paid in advance by credit card or check.  RSVP online or call the World Affairs Council office at 616-776-1721 by Tuesday, October 13.

The event is an adventurous concept in furthering cultural understanding, says Kassuba. Ping Liang, former Board President of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, will be on hand to explain the history of Dim Sum, along with chopstick etiquette and other fun facts.

Sponsored by GlobalConnections, the newest group for young professionals (and “the young at heart”) at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, the luncheon is the first of planned interactive events scheduled throughout the upcoming year.

More social networking is planned at the end of November through December 4 to encourage fair trade shopping. Global Gifts, a non-profit specialty-item store that sells Fair Trade products, will host at 2055 28th St. (Located in the Grand Central Plaza).

weiwei palaceBut for now, the focus is on food. We understand that “Wei Wei” is a fun way to claim “the best, the VERY best” taste awaits you. Check it out at the Wei Wei Palace!

Haunted West Michigan

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Forest of FearWatching a scary movie is one thing, but the real horror begins when you live it. To safely help you live the scary movie experience, the haunted houses of West Michigan have you covered! Enjoy terrifying scares as you cautiously check around every corner, making sure that there isn’t somebody – or something – following you.

Central

The Haunt

The Haunt has been generating screams for 15 years and they’re excited for another year! Their 20,000 square foot land is filled with all things scary! Expect even more Hollywood level sets, lighting, and special effects as you run from ghosts to clowns to everything in between. New features and side attractions help The Haunt continue to serve Michigan with their annual Halloween of scares!

Forest of Fear

The Forest of Fear is West Michigan’ premier outdoor haunted attraction which has been frightening and entertaining thrill-seekers of all ages for years! Located just south of Grand Rapids in Caledonia, the Forest of Fear is an interactive, self guided walk though tour through five chilling acres of haunted woods and swamps inhabited by ghosts, monsters, and other terrifying creatures. As you walk along the dimly lit and winding trails of the Forest of Fear you will face one spine-tingling jolt after another in an experience unlike any other haunted house!

South

Haunted Campus at Michigan Maritime Museum

The Haunted Campus event at the Michigan Maritime Museum takes place October 30 and October 31 from 8pm to 11pm. This event transforms the entire campus into a terrifying new locale and challenges visitors to navigate through the horror around them. This event is only for those ages 14 and up and all minors must be accompanied by an adult.

If learning about ghostly spirits is more your speed, make sure to check out the Michigan’s Ghostly Beacons presentation at the Michigan Maritime Museum! Nearly two dozen lights in Michigan are rumored to be haunted by their previous keepers. The stories of these lights will entertain all ages! Dianna Stampfler, who has contributed to a plethora of publications, will present with all the proceeds benefiting the Save the Light campaign.

The HauntHaunted Trail at Stokes Homestead Farm Market

Hop on a wagon at Stokes Homestead Farm Market and take a ride on the haunted trail highlighting the history of the “Shadow Hill Asylum.” The haunted forest and apple orchard are inhabited by the patients of Shadow Hollow so watch out! They may even climb onto the wagon and try to bring you back with them!

Haunted Forest and Temple Coldwater Country CVB

Take an adventure around the Haunted Forest at Rotary Park in Coldwater! Taking place October 26, 27, 29, and 30, kids will enjoy the less scary 6pm to 7pm activities while the real scary things come out from 7pm to 9pm!

The basement of the Masonic Temple gets real scary on October 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, and 31! Filled with all the things that go bump in the night, don’t miss a chance to experience Halloween scares in this building that is over 140 years old.

Niles Scream Park

Offering five unique main attractions that are carefully and professionally designed, Niles Scream Park is here to scare the “yell” out of you! This years feature attraction is an homage to Steven King featuring a clown in your sewer, escaping the wrath of Johnny, and seeing first hand Carrie’s prom night! This is in addition to four other great haunted attractions that you don’t want to miss!

Haunted Adventures at Cornwell’s Turkeyville

Every weekend in October, Cornwell’s holds their family friendly Haunted Adventures from 12pm to 8pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays! Activities include a pumpkin patch, spooky hay ride, and Haunted Barn. The theme for the Haunted Barn this year is “shadows” so watch out for what is lurking about!

Haunted Forest at Covert/South Haven KOA

Enjoy two weekends of Halloween fun with Covert/South Haven KOA! On the weekends of October 2 and 9, enjoy some great family activities including trick-or-treating, a haunted forest, games, pumpkin decorating, and more! With all these great things to do, you may want to come back for both weekends!

Haunted Forest at Crystal MountainHaunted Corn Maze & 3D Barn at Crane Orchards

Prepare yourself for Crane Orchards’ Haunted Corn Maze and 3-D Barn! The 20-acre corn maze features plenty of spooky interruptions and terrifying surprises as your navigate through it. New to this year’s fall preview is the 3-D Barn which begins at dusk to 10pm.

The Haunted Hallow at Olde World Village

The Old World Village’s largest annual event, The Haunted Hallow, is right around the corner! Supporting the regions charities, The Haunted Hallow features everything scary on a half mile trail going through the woods with over 25 scenes. All this and the Maze of Despair are set up to make sure that you are properly scared! Open every Friday and Saturday night during the month of October form 8pm to midnight. This is not recommended for those under 17.

North

Haunted Forest at Crystal Mountain

Are you brave enough to make it through Crystal Mountain’s Haunted Forest? Hang out by the fire where you’ll hear the screams surrounding the mountain. Carefully maneuver down the haunted trail and watch out for what lurks around every corner. Tickets available at the Park at Water’s Edge on October 17, 23, 24, and 30!

Haunted Trail at Grand Hotel

See the Grand Hotel as you’ve never seen it before! The weekend begins Friday, October 30 with a Welcome Reception, five-course dinner, and Haunted Trail! A scary movie will be presented Friday evening as well! Saturday includes a Bloody Mary bar, pumpkin carving contests, free admission to the Haunted Theatre downtown, and Haunted Afternoon Tea. Another five-course dinner will be served Saturday evening followed by the Grand Halloween Party! There will be live music and all beer, wine, and snacks are included at the party.

Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour at Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is going to be filled to the brim with great activities! Don’t miss the kids Trick or Treating downtown, Haunts of Mackinac Island Tour, and Halloween parties at the downtown pubs! This a great mix of family fun and grown up entertainment!

SCA’s Real to Reel Series Features an Oscar Nomination

Local Entertainment, Movie Review, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

SaltOEarth2The Oscar nominated documentary The Salt of the Earth is coming to the big screen at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street) on Thursday, October 15, at 7:00 p.m. The documentary is being shown as part of the Real to Reel Series.

For the last 40 years the photographer Sebastião Salgado has been travelling through the earth’s continents, in the footsteps of an ever-changing humanity. He has witnessed some of the major events of our recent history; international conflicts, starvation and exodus.

From stunning images of the gold mines of Serra Pelada (“I had travelled to the dawn of time”), to the horrors of famine in the Sahel and genocide in Rwanda (“We humans are a terrible animal… our history is a history of war”), and ultimately to the rebirth of the “Genesis” project, The Salt of the Earth finds Salgado revisiting and confronting his turbulent past.

In this lush, moving film Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and Wim Wenders co-direct a look at the career of Juliano’s father, Sebastião, as he embarks on the discovery of pristine territories, of wild fauna and flora, and of grandiose landscapes as part of a huge photographic project which is a tribute to the planet’s beauty.

Saugatuck Center for the ArtsJuliano says the film, “tells the story of an entire cycle, of a living land that dies and is then reborn. That is also more or less the story of Sebastião, who reached a breaking point and had to reinvent himself, so it was a very powerful thing. And to tell the truth, we only realized that in the editing room.”

The Salt of the Earth was named as an official selection at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and the 2014 Telluride Film Festival. General admission is $5/Members; $7/Future Members.

Prohibition is Still Alive at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, , ,

AmericanSpirits1By: Dianna Higgs Stampfler

American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition graces the galleries of the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) through January 17, 2016. This exhibit explores America’s most colorful and complex constitutional hiccup, spanning from the inception of the temperance movement, through the Roaring ’20s, to the unprecedented repeal of the constitutional amendment.

The world of flappers, bootleggers, temperance lobbyists, and organized crime legends comes to life in the American Spirits exhibition. This extensive collection will showcase over 100 rare artifacts, including: temperance propaganda, flapper dresses from the Roaring ’20s, Carry Nation’s hatchet used during her barroom-smashing raids, and authentic items used for making moonshine and other illegal potent liquors.

Interactive elements and immersive environments will bring to life the sights, sounds, and experiences of the time period. Visitors have the chance to take a quiz to find out if they are a “wet” or a “dry,” learn the Charleston in a re-created speakeasy and play the role of a federal Prohibition agent chasing rumrunners in a custom-built video game.

At the end of the exhibition visitors will explore the legacy of Prohibition in today’s regulatory landscape. Displays will show why and how laws differ from state to state and how the idea of drinking responsibly evolved.

American Spirits is a national touring exhibition created by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and curated by Daniel Okrent, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. The exhibition includes 17 artifacts on loan from the Collection of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

AmericanSpirits2The GRPM will offer a variety of engaging community and educational programs to complement the exhibition. Programs vary from free with admission to an additional cost to participants.

Bathtub Gin Kit

Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids’ first craft distillery, has created a special Prohibition-themed “bathtub gin” kit to commemorate the exhibition, which will be available at the distillery located at 537 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids (while supplies last). The kit includes a bottle of Long Road’s signature vodka, crafted from Michigan grain, botanicals for infusing, a second jar with a special edition Prohibition label, and instructions for infusing your gin at home. Long Road Distillers opened in early June of 2015 and is the first craft distillery in the history of the City of Grand Rapids.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Grand Rapids Public Museum on this exhibit commemorating such a unique period in American history. The rise and ultimate fall of prohibition changed the landscape for American distilleries and breweries, and only now, over 80 years later, are we seeing the resurgence of the local, craft beverage makers. The Long Road Bathtub Gin Kit is a great way to honor the ingenuity of those who tried to make the most of what they had available at the time” said Kyle Van Strien, owner, Long Road Distillers.

AmericanSpirits3Long Road Distillers is proud to be part of the exciting revitalization that is taking place in the West Side neighborhood they call home, as well as being an active member of the thriving craft spirit culture around Michigan. Staying true to its name, Long Road takes no shortcuts in crafting their spirits, using thousands of pounds of grain each week from a family farm located less than 25 miles from the distillery to produce vodka, gin, whisky and other uniquely Michigan spirits.

Long Road’s spirits can be enjoyed by the taste or in one of their carefully crafted cocktails and paired with a farm-fresh meal in their bar and restaurant. If seeing the production area through the floor to ceiling windows from the bar doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, distillery tours are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Cocktail Classes

For the first three Tuesdays in October (October 6, 13, and 20), join the GRPM and New Holland Brewing for hands on cocktail classes in the Museum. Each class will be themed around a different Prohibition era spirit. Tickets are $10 and include general admission (Members receive discounted price).

Budweiser Clydesdales

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales will visit Grand Rapids in October in conjunction with the exhibit, on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 from 11 am to 1 pm on the grounds of the GPRM and the Holiday Inn Downtown parking lot. Guests can interact with the hitch team and take photographs with the iconic horses. Seeing the Budweiser Clydesdales is free of charge. The appearance is weather permitting. The event will take place as part of the partnership with Anheuser-Busch for the exhibition; the exhibit also includes Anheuser-Busch artifacts from the Prohibition era.

Legacy Awards Gala

Join the GRPM for the 7th Annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala on Thursday, November 12 starting at 5:30 pm. In celebration of the exhibition “American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition” this event will be set in the era of flappers, bootleggers, temperance lobbyists, and organized crime legends. As the GRPM’s annual fundraiser, the community comes together to recognize three individuals for their dedication and commitment to bettering the quality of life in the region. Attire is roaring 20s fashion. Co-chaired by Dave & Carol Van Andel and Jim & Sue Williams. Tickets may be purchased by calling (616) 929-1754.

“Spirited Women” a Presentation by the Grand Rapids Women’s History Council

On November 17 at 6 pm join the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council at the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a presentation, “Spirited Women: Grand Rapids and the Push for Temperance.” Presented by council members Ruth Van Steele and Julie Tabberer, this program will take a look at the local scene during 13 years of speakeasys and bathtub gin, reviewing the role the area women during the massive national temperance movement and the long push for women’s rights.

AmericanSpirits4Repeal Day

December 5, 2015 marks the 82nd anniversary of the 21st Amendment, repealing the laws of Prohibition. Visit the Museum to take part in special Repeal Day activities including meeting characters who were important in passing the first and only amendment to repeal another amendment ever. The Museum’s Galleria will be filled with adult and children hands on activities to both celebrate and learn about our country’s history.

Join the Museum for a special soda making workshop from 10 am to 11:30 am for a special Repeal Day activity, also on December 5. This workshop will take place in the demo lab at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and can accommodate up to 20 people. Pre-registration is required, all ages welcome, recommended for ages 6-12. The workshop is $12 per person and includes general admission to the Museum.

Extra Events!

“Party Like it’s 1933” Repeal Day party at SpeakEZ

Step back in time to the first legal drinks after Prohibition at the Speak EZ Lounge on Saturday, December 5. Starting at 9 pm the Lounge will turn into 1933 with guests and staff partying to celebrate the 21st amendment. The event will include a live band, as well as ticket giveaways to the GRPM’s American Spirits exhibition! No advanced tickets necessary.

Prohibition style beer and food pairing dinner – exclusive tickets!

On January 12, 2016 in conjunction with the GRPM’s American Spirits exhibit, join Brewery Vivant for an exclusive prohibition beer and food pairing dinner. Tickets are limited and will go on sale later this year.

Last Call! Closing Weekend

Join us first the last call and last chance to see the exhibit on January 16 & 17, 2016. January 17 marks the 95th anniversary of the 18th amendment. On this weekend meet historic figures such as Wayne Wheeler and Carry Nation who helped bring about this constitutional amendment. As you journey through the history of Prohibition in American Spirits, hear in depth talks about the era, the culture and the changes that were seen in 1920. Saturday, January 16, join Speak EZ Lounge in the Meijer Theater at 3 pm for an exclusive mixology presentation.

AmericanSpirits51920s Era Family Activities:

Make your own marbles at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on November 14 from 10 am to 11:30 am. Learn how to make your own marbles out of clay, and while they bake play some of the original marble games that were popular in the 1920s! This workshop will take place in the demo lab at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and can accommodate up to 20 people. Pre-registration is required, all ages welcome, recommended for ages 6-12. The workshop is $12 per person and includes general admission to the Museum.

This holiday season, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a variety of family friendly crafts and events during the annual Snowflake Break. Make your own themed snowflakes and punch tins, play a variety of board games, dress paper dolls in the Museum’s 1920’s fashion straight from our Collections. Activities are free with general admission. Visit the Museum on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30 and enjoy late nights in The Discovery of King Tut and American Spirits!

For a full schedule of events, please visit grpm.org.

Admission to American Spirits; The Rise and Fall of Prohibition will be included with general admission to the GRPM. This exhibit is free to Museum members.

This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!

A Cornucopia of Halloween Activities Offer a Fun-filled Bounty

Holidays, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

The Haunt‘Tis the season for really bad autumn references, and we apologize. As writers, we’re expected to be witty (or die trying).

But it’s with the spirit of sharing in mind that we’re here to tell you about several fun Halloween- and autumn-themed events. Consider it a consolation prize for the shorter days and colder nights. Heads up: These events span the spectrum of activities, from music to a Zombie Beer Fest, to hayrides… perfect for adults. And kids. And sometimes both.

In order of appearance:

Now through October 31 – Haunted Hall
Haunted Hall at Muskegon Fairgrounds, 6621 Heights Ravenna Road, Fruitport, Mich., Fri. and Sat. 7 pm. Go here for more information.11954753_10153692374544880_889565910630073134_n

Now through November 7 – Post Family Farm Activities
The 80-acre Post Family Farm is overflowing with pumpkins, squash, gourds and more. U-pick pumpkins, hayrides, bonfires, homemade (peanut-free) pumpkin donuts, corn mazes, the list goes on. Fun Farm Days are Monday-Thursday, noon-7 pm; Friday noon-6 pm through Nov. 7. Fall Festivals are every Saturday 10 am-6 pm through October 25. 5081 Bauer Rd. Hudsonville. Call 616.669.1964 or visit the website for info.

Now through winter – Hayrides and Sleigh Rides
Fruit Ridge Hayrides and Sleigh Rides (courtesy of Zeke & Zoey, the team of Belgian draft horses), 11966 Fruit Ridge Ave Kent City. Fall hayrides* are $7/person. Call 616.887.5052 or visit the website for more info. *Hayrides are wheelchair accessible.

sidepic01October 9 – Opening day of The Haunt
Celebrating 15 years of fear at 2070 Waldorf NW! New themes, the latest technology and one of the largest casts in the state. Visit the website for dates and times. General admission is $20. NOT recommended for kids under 12. Children 5 and younger will not be allowed in any attraction.

October 9-22 – ‘Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon’
Biography/comedy. The film screens at 8 pm each evening at the UICA.

October 9-31 – ‘Forest of Fear’
Fundraiser for the Kentwood Jaycees. Are you afraid of the dark? This West Michigan haunted attraction has been entertaining thrill-seekers for over ten years. Interactive, self-guided walk through five chilling acres of haunted woods and swamps. Tickets: $15/person. Fast Pass: $5/person. Go here for dates and times. 8758 Patterson Ave. SE, Caledonia, MI.

October 10 – Music at Pyramid Scheme
Pentagram, Electric Citizen, and Satan’s Satyrs perform at the Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce SW, 8 pm.
walking-dead-zombie
October 17 – Backroads Barry County Bike Ride
Saturday from 8 am to 1:30 pm. The ride begins and ends at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, 701 W. Cloverdale Rd. Hastings. Visit the website for more info.

October 17 – Second Annual Zombie Beer Fest and Costume Contest
At the Calder Plaza, 250 Monroe Ave. NW. The fun starts at 4 pm. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winning costumes. Tickets are $39-$49. Call 616.485.6637 for more info.

October 17 – Ballpark Ale Fest
At Fifth Third Ballpark, 1-5 pm, 4500 West River Dr. NW. More than 80 craft beers will be featured.

Screen Shot 2015-10-07 at 12.34.16 PMOctober 20 – Meanwhile Movie, “The Exorcist”
At the Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE at 8 pm. Go here for more info.

October 22-24 and October 29-31 – Horror-themed Musical Parody: Halloween!
The Stark Turn Players’
7th Annual Halloween Classic Horror-themed Musical Parody: Halloween! based on the 1978 John Carpenter independent thriller at Dog Story Theatre, 8 pm Oct 22-24 and 29-30; 3 pm Oct 25 & 31. 7 Jefferson SE. Tickets: $12/adults, $8/students and seniors. For more info, call 616.425.9234 or visit the website. BONUS: There’s a Halloween party and costume contest following the October 31 show!

October 24 – Bissell Howl-O-Ween Hoof and Woof
A howlin’ good time for the whole family. Get ready for an afternoon of wag-worthy fun to raise awareness for animal adoption and celebrate the special bond between dogs and families. FREE 12-3 pm, Gainey Athletic Field, 1661 East Paris Ave. SE. Go here for more info.

0000024October 27 – Meanwhile Movie, “The Shining”
At the Wealthy Theatre, 8 pm.

October 30 – Casino Parade and Costume Contest; “Here Come the Mummies”; Photo Contest
Firekeepers Casino parade and costume contest, 7 pm. Top 10 costumes win a share of $9,750 in cash and red hot credits. 1st place $2,000 cash and $3,000 in red hot credits. 11177 East Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI. Get the rules here.

“Here Come the Mummies” at Firekeepers Casino. Doors open at 8 pm, show begins at 9 pm. Purchase tickets here.

Firekeepers Photo contest Oct 30-Nov 1. Upload your best shot taken at Firekeepers for a chance to win $500 in red hot credits. Get the rules here.

diadelosmuertos-skullOctober 30 – Dia de los Muertos
The Grand Rapids Main Library at 111 Library St. NE, observes the Mexican tradition “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). Community members will honor deceased loved ones with altars that will be on display for three days at the library.

October 30 – Monster Bash
Monster Bash: Ferrysburg Fire Department, 6-8 pm, 17290 Roosevelt Rd., Ferrysburg, MI. Call 616.843.5028 for more info.

October 30 – Museum Trick or Treat – Booseum Center
Kids, come in your Halloween costumes and trick-or-Treat at the Museum. Lakeshore Museum Center, 430 W. Clay, Muskegon, 4-5 pm. Visit the website for more info.

October 30 – Glow in the Park
Glow in the Park, 7-10 pm in Beery Field, Downtown Douglas, Mich. Music, food, drink, plenty of glow-in-the-dark activities for the kids. Come in full glowing costume or get your glow on when you get there with face painting, glow balloons, black light areas, and a merchandise booth. Proceeds go to City of Douglas Halloween Fund to pay for the big parade and other Halloween activities.

October 31 – Founders Halloween Party
9 pm at Founders Brewing Co., 235 Grandville Ave SW.

October 31 – Douglas Nighttime Halloween Parade for Adults
Leave the kids with the sitter and don’t miss the rise of the Pumpkin King from the ashes at 10 pm! This event draws thousands of people from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin. Get your freak on at the Halloween Parade for Adults, 9:30 pm. Downtown Douglas, 35 South Main St., Douglas. Visit the website for more info.

Screen Shot 2015-10-07 at 1.20.50 PM

 

 

 

12th Annual Pumpkin Path on the Horizon

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

Pumpkin PathThe changing leaves and cool wind can only mean one thing; it is time for the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department´s annual free Pumpkin Path event for kids and families.
Pumpkin Path will be held on Oct. 10 at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. This year the event will be held from the spooky hours of 4-6 p.m. Local businesses, clubs and organizations will haunt spaces along the path and will hand out candy, coupons and other goodies.

“The Pumpkin Path was developed as a safe family focused celebration for the fall, providing an alternative to traditional Halloween events,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming.  “Pumpkin Path gives families the perfect opportunity to interact with neighborhood businesses while enjoying the outdoors, Lamar Park and the beauty of the fall season.”

While attendees may come for the treats, they should make sure to save time to get a temporary tattoo, jump in the bounce house and play life sized games. Participants are welcome to come in costume or come as they are.

At the 2014 Pumpkin Path event, 70 local businesses and organizations served approximately 5,000 children and parents.

Wyoming Now-Kentwood Now citizen Journalist Douglas Broek visited last year and had a blast!

Orchards and pumpkins at your fingertips

Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Senior Living, , , ,

lucious appleIf your mouth is watering for fresh apples, cider and doughnuts; the kids want pumpkins bigger than beach balls; and/or you want something to do on the weekend while we enjoy this fabulous fall weather, here’s a list of where to look.

Michigan’s most important commercial apple growing region, the area west of Grand Rapids, features orchards of apple trees in all directions. The slope of the land up from Lake Michigan make this area perfect for apple production. It’s not bad for pumpkins, either!

pumpkin kid

Blok Orchards

6365 4 Mile Rd NE Ada, MI 49301

(616) 676-1153

Fruit Ridge Hayrides and Fall Fun

11966 Fruit Ridge NW Kent City, MI 49330

616-887-5052

Hill Bros. Orchards and Cider Mill – Pumpkin Patch

corn maze6159 Peach Ridge Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544

(616) 784-2767

Klackle Orchards

1466 W Carson City Rd, Greenville, Mi 48838

(616)754-8632

Orchard Hill Farm – Pumpkin Patch

2934 68th St SE Caledonia, MI 49316

(616) 698-6308

ciderRobinette’s Apple Haus & Winery

3142 4 Mile Rd NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

800-400-8100 – Toll Free

Sietsema Orchards & Cider Mill – Pumpkin Patch

8540 2 Mile Rd NE, Ada, MI 49301

(616) 676-5584

 

 

Muskegon celebrates slapstick comic genius in weekend film fest

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Movie Review, Our Cities, Recreation, Senior Living,

bluffton train station “The best summers of my life were spent in the cottage Pop had built on Lake Muskegon in 1908.” Buster Keaton in his autobiography, “My Wonderful World of Slapstick”

How did actors survive hot summers a 100 years ago, when theaters without air conditioning shut down for the season? About 200 of those performers chose to head to Muskegon where an artist colony of vaudeville performers flourished in the 1900s. Buster Keaton and his performing parents joined their fellow artists in card-playing, fun in the sun and the bracing waters of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.

Those glory days are celebrated this weekend with the return of the International Buster Keaton Society to the city Buster Keaton claimed as his hometown. The group numbers between 400 to 500 members, some from as far away as the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.  Annual attendance for the convention is usually between 50-100. 88 people are registered for the convention this year!

Society member Ron Pesch, who lives in Muskegon, will conduct a private tour for convention-goers to explore the neighborhood where Keaton lived, and other areas in the Bluffton community where the big names of the vaudeville circuit partied and sunbathed during their off-season.

1924: American comedian Buster Keaton (1895-1966) sitting in the funnel of a ship in a scene from the film 'The Navigator'.
1924: American comedian Buster Keaton (1895-1966) sitting in the funnel of a ship in a scene from the film ‘The Navigator’.

If you’re inclined to ask, “Who’s that?” when you hear Buster Keaton’s name, you can probably be forgiven.  His star shone most brightly after vaudeville waned in the 1920’s. As a major star of silent film, Keaton’s comic routines and deadpan expression landed him equal billing with comic geniuses such as Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd–and if you’re still saying, “Who?” you probably like video games more than movies.

But Pesch says Keaton’s influence is cited by a number of major stars including Johnny Depp, Jackie Chan, and even Drew Barrymore.  Pesch added, “The first ten minutes of the Pixar classic ‘Wall-E’ are filled with references to Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.”

On Saturday night, October 3, 2015, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30), two Buster Keaton films will be screened for fans, “The Railrodder” and “Battling Butler” at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. Director Gerald Potterton will attend, who actually directed Keaton in his film “The Railrodder.” Potterton is best known for directing the cult classic, “Heavy Metal.” Dennis Scott will perform on the Barton Theater Organ, and Pesch notes, “Anyone who experiences a silent film in that theater with the organ accompaniment will be a Keaton fan forever.”  Tickets are $8 per person or $21 for the whole family.  For more information, visit www.frauenthal.org .

For more information about the artist colony in Muskegon.

Editor’s Note: Lake Muskegon was changed to its proper name of Muskegon Lake.

Missing bride mystery pursued in WKTV Digital Cinema Guild tonight

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, How-To's, Recreation, Tech Trends, WKTV Projects
Grandpa Havens holding his first great grandson
Grandpa Havens holding his first great grandson

My earliest memories of my Grandpa include climbing into his lap so that he could read the “funny papers” to me out of the “Kalamazoo Gazette.” He smelled like Old Spice aftershave, Prince Albert pipe tobacco, and Clove or Teaberry gum – my choice, he always had sticks of both to offer me. He was balding with blue eyes that defined the term “twinkly,” hands that curved to fit naturally around any tool or the curve of an infant, a never-ending smile for his family, and a huge secret. I think my grandpa was a bigamist.

It’s true that I don’t know for sure, but all the evidence my mother found cleaning out his home after his death, years after my grandma had passed on, points to that conclusion.

Delbert Havens in horse buggy croppedHere is what I know about my grandfather. His name was Lyman Adelbert Havens and all our relatives called him “Del.” He was born in Byron Center, Michigan on September 27, 1898 and he died shoveling snow off his front walk on January 30, 1978 in Grand Rapids. He was 79 years old. I knew from childhood that he had grown up on a farm, because he had stories about bringing in hay, handling teams of horses, the hard winters. He loved to fish and hunt, and he taught me how to put a worm on a hook.

Grandpa HavensI knew that in 1919, he was 21 years old when he took a troop ship to Europe at the end of the First World War and changed his life. He went from simple farm boy to man of respect carrying precious cargo in an elegant machine.

 

-General_John_Joseph_Pershing_headshot
General John “Black Jack” Pershing

He was a chauffeur for a number of officers, including (he claimed) General John “Black Jack” Pershing, who led the American forces to victory over Germany, a point of considerable pride for both him and the family. I know I loved him very much, and still do.

Here is what we found out about my grandfather long after he had died. While he was in Europe, he met a woman named Dora Gallner. Tucked away in a box long untouched, my mother found five pictures of Dora, one hidden in a frame behind a photo of himself. One of the Dora photos had words in German written on the back that shocked the family. Translated, they read “For my dear Dell – your abandoned bride, Dora.” One of the other Dora photos shows her staring mournfully at the camera. The text on the back reads, “A picture of myself in the month where I received my sad news from you. I nearly died from the heartache. Your lost bride, Dora. It is very sad.”

Dora Gallner1
Dora Gallner

In addition, my mother unearthed three postcards written by Dora to my great-grandmother Grace, Del’s mother. The postcards are dated cryptically. One is headed “Frastang, 11. X 21.” It reads in English, “Dearest Mother! I shall fortnight ago of Bern to travel. It is excellent. Many greetings and loving kisses Dora” and something else we can’t read. Another reads, “Dearest Mother! From Feldkird, many greetings and loving kisses. Dora.”

So it seems he was indeed married. In May 1922, he was honorably discharged from the Army and returned home to Michigan from Europe, without Dora. One year later, he married my grandmother Ethel. In two words, what happened? But of course, a multitude of questions are huddled under that umbrella; was he denied permission to bring her home? Did my grandmother know about Dora? Could we have family in Germany we have never known?

Del Ethel Wedding Picture
Del and Ethel Havens Married May 1923

This is the story my sister, Lynette, and I have decided to research. We are using the resources of the WKTV Digital Guild, which meets Tuesday, September 29 and continues every 2nd Tuesday thereafter from 7pm-9pm at WKTV, 5261 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming. If you have a story to tell, come check out this program. Get all the support you need as you think about how to tell your story and how to use the equipment you need. WKTV awaits!

Meet the Voices Behind the Audiobooks at the Grand Rapids Public Library

Education, Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , ,

Grand Rapids Public LibraryThree familiar voices will share their experiences making audiobooks at the Grand Rapids Public Library on Wednesday September 30. Audiobook superstars Kate Rudd, Tanya Eby and Amy McFadden have together narrated over 800 books. They will read from their most popular works and give a behind the scene look at the audiobook industry.

Kate Rudd narrated the massive hit and Odessey and Audie-award winning “The Fault in Our Stars,” by John Green. She is a multiple Audie award finalist and recipient of Audiofile Magazine Earphone awards. Kate has narrated over 250 titles over a variety of genres.

Tanya Eby is the voice of the Rizzoli and Isles series by Tess Gerritsen. She’s recorded over 200 audiobooks, including romance series for Lisa Kleypas, Susan Mallery, Elizabeth Reyes, and Sheryl Woods. She is an Earphone winner and has been nominated for an Audie award.

Amy McFadden is known for her comedic timing and was nominated for an Audie for “Amy Falls Down.” She has narrated over 150 titles in many different genres, with a focus on comedic fiction, romances, and young adult fiction. Amy has been praised for her character work, and finding the emotional truth in comedy.

Voices Behind the Books will be held from 7:00 – 8:30 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 in the Ryerson Auditorium at the Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St. NE. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 616-988-5400 or visit our website at www.grpl.org. The Grand Rapids Public Library connects people to the transforming power of knowledge.

Celebrate the Harvest in West Michigan

Local Business, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming Events, , ,

Autumn In MichiganAs Autumn approaches in West Michigan, it’s time to start celebrating the harvest! West Michigan offers a wide variety of ways to celebrate, whether it’s stopping by a cider mill, attending a special harvest dinner, or heading out to the local fall festival. However you like to get into the feeling of fall, West Michigan has you covered.

South: West Michigan Harvest Celebrations

Fenn Valley Vineyards believes that wine should be approachable, and their tours have been designed to help take the mystery out of making world class wine. Fenn Valley is offering fall vineyard tours on Saturdays and Sundays through October 18th. They aim to strike a balance between education and entertainment. Luckily, the subject matter always keeps things interesting! Their tours are pretty in-depth. They run about 1:45 in length, and involve wine tasting throughout to illustrate the various points being made.

In the fall, the tours go into the vineyard where the emphasis is on how wine grapes are grown and the kinds of operations that Fenn Valley performs to grow their premium grapes. Reservations required and accepted on the Fenn Valley website.

fenn-valley-featureThis fall South Haven has a variety of events to offer for young, and slightly mature audiences. South Haven boasts a 20-acre Corn Maze; a lot of creative energy goes into this project every year to make it the best corn maze anywhere! The corn maze is open through October 30th, from 10am-6pm on weekdays and from 12pm-6pm on weekends.

September is apple time at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Eau Claire Michigan. Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has over 250 different varieties of apples on their farm, and many of the heritage varieties date back to the 1700s. The market is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays after Labor Day from 10am to 6pm. Plan to stop by for some free apple tasting! You can sample all of their varieties on hand, and then go to the orchard and pick your own fruit. Enjoy one of their cherry waffle boats, apple pie squares, taffy apples, or hot apple cider, or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the family picnic area with playground.

St. Joseph is a must-stop if you’re looking for fall fun in West Michigan! Kick things off with a visit to the Farmers Market in Lake Bluff Park, and then head downtown on September 25th and 26th for their Fall Festival! Plan on a weekend filled with fun events for all ages, including the Great Bed Race! Downtown shops will also be hosting a block party on Friday, and Saturday will see a Critter Barn petting zoo, a musical instrument petting zoo, and the Great Pumpkin Festival!

Central: West Michigan Harvest Celebrations

Not quite ready to say goodbye to the summer days of ice cream yet? Welcome fall in summer style with the limited edition ice cream flavor of Cider Mill Donut from Hudsonville Ice Cream. Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in Michigan, and with apples, come donuts and cider. “This flavor starts off with apple cider flavored ice cream, with a spiced-apple swirl throughout and real donut pieces,” says Ray Sierengowski, director of product development for Hudsonville Ice Cream. “All the flavors of your local cider mill are delivered to you in one delicious scoop. You’ll FALL for this tried-and-true combination.”

Downtown Market 1Look for Cider Mill Donut and other “Limited Edition” flavors—distinguished by the red packaging—in grocery stores throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois from mid-September through early November (while supplies last).

Learn some new ways to bring the harvest into your home this fall with an apple cooking class from Downtown Market Grand Rapids! This family cooking class is titled “Bushels of Apples,” and will focus on this classic fall snack. You’ll learn how to make an Overnight Baked Oatmeal, Apples Bavaria, and an Apple-Butternut Squash Soup, all of which are filled with bushels of flavor! The class takes place Saturday, October 17th from 10am-12pm and registration is available on the Downtown Market’s website.

Post Family Farm is the place to be this fall, with their annual Fall Festival taking place every Saturday from through October 31st. They offer hayrides out to the u-pick pumpkin patch, corn maze, kid’s activity area with crafts and games as well as a new and improved play area for 2015. Their famous homemade pumpkin donuts are available Monday-Saturday starting at 8:00 am and can be pre-ordered.

What better way to welcome fall than by spending some quality time in the great outdoors. Nothing beats a float trip in a drift boat during the Salmon run on the Pere Marquette River in the Fall. The Fall colors and watching the Salmon spawn are something you can’t find anywhere else, whether you like to fish or not. If you do like to fish, it’s the best time of the year to wet a line.

There are few fish that live up to their name, but the King Salmon in the Pere Marquette River certainly do! Red Moose Lodge is located right off the river, and is the perfect place for a fall weekend fishing trip, whether you’re simply looking for a place to stay, or want to book a guided fishing trip down the river.

Rockford’s 39th Annual Harvest Festival is September 25, 26 & 27th, 2015. The Harvest Festival will feature a classic car show, chili cook-off, Rotary Pork Barbeque, children’s activities including Trick or Treating & Costume Contest, crafts, an antique tractor show and parade, and much more. There is also a Farm Market, Museum Auction, Make-it and Take-it Scarecrow Building (which continues the following 2 weekends), Entertainment Tent, and Outdoor Movie. Find more information on the Rockford Chamber’s website.

North: West Michigan Harvest Celebrations

Castle Farms in Charlevoix invites you to celebrate the harvest with them at their upcoming annual Harvest Festival on September 27th! Visit the ‘Mini Farmer’s Market’, with vendors exhibiting and selling homemade items, including maple syrup and caramel popcorn. Take home a snapshot from the photo booth! Horse-drawn wagon rides, arts & crafts, games and prizes, face painting, magic show and fire spinning are just some of the spectacular activities for the whole family. Enjoy free cider and donuts with additional food available for purchase. $10 admission includes full access to the Castle, plus family friendly activities for all ages. Purchase your tickets at the door or in advance on the Castle Farms website.

Pentwater is holding their annual Fall Fest on the Village Green on September 26th and 27th this year. Experience the beauty of fall at their annual Arts & Craft Festival, where over 100 vendors provide hand-made crafts, a special skill or art, a skilled trade, or antiques on the Village Green. Enjoy live music on the green as well. This is a fall weekend in Pentwater not to be missed! Fall Fest runs from 10am through 5pm on Saturday, and 10am through 3pm on Sunday.

Chateau Chantal
Chateau Chantal

Share the excitement of the harvest with Chateau Chantal at their 16th Annual Harvest Day on October 3rd from 12pm-4pm. Mark & Brian’s cellar and still will be open to smell wines, stomp grapes, and tour. Stop by at 1pm for a Mini Slurpin’ Seminar where you can learn the basics of wine tasting, at 2pm for some good old fashioned grape stomping, and at 3pm for a distillation seminar. The tasting room staff will be serving wine tastes and taking private label orders. Also take advantage of special pricing on full case orders of any one varietal of wine!

The Traverse City area knows how to get in the mood for Fall, and has plenty of options if you’re looking to kick off the autumn season. Head to Bellaire for their 17th Annual Harvest Festival & Scarecrow Extravaganza on September 26th, and enjoy a Short’s Beer tent, live music, a craft and flea market, and hands-on educational booths for the kids.

The Acme Fall Festival falls on the same day (September 26th), and features a farmers market, bake sale, craft show (with live demonstrations), kids activities, Michigan children’s offers, and more fun for all ages. Then get your taste buds ready for a family-style feast at Harvest@theCommons on October 10th. Your feast will be prepared by Traverse City’s own Harvest restaurant using the finest local ingredients honoring the farmers of the region. Enjoy local libations and authentic bluegrass tunes by Billy Strings and Don Julin during your meal as well.

Michigan is special because it fully experiences all four seasons. Make sure you take advantage of fall and the beautiful change in color and temperature around West Michigan!

Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League

Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

It’s every little leaguer’s dream, that perfect game-ending situation that runs through a ballplayer’s mind: At the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, the bases are loaded with your team down a score. Three balls and two strikes, a full count and it’s do or die.

There’s nowhere to hide. It’s just you at the plate. A chance to be the hero.

For Pinery Park Little League (PPLL), the game is winding down and it’s time for the league to step up to the plate so that its contract with the City of Wyoming and Pinery Park isn’t terminated.

After 60 years of organizing youth baseball here in Wyoming, the PPLL is in jeopardy of losing its home.

PineryParkThe problems started back in 2011 when the PPLL lost its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS due to a lack of transparent bookkeeping and financial information. Since the loss of 501(c)(3) status, the City of Wyoming has asked the PPLL to take the necessary steps to get the nonprofit title back with the IRS.

Four years later that still has not been accomplished. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for an organization that has proven to be run very inefficiently.

Electrical and maintenance bills haven’t been paid on time. Board meeting dates are flimsy with sometimes only a couple of days’ notice before a meeting. Board election positions are posted with the minimal amount of notice (two weeks) mandated by the league’s bylaws. Umpires are paid in cash out of the concession stand register with no paper trail to follow. And the League has been unable to present their financials at the request of the Wyoming City Council.

“This league is extremely, extremely unorganized,” exclaimed Mayor Jack Poll in a heat of passion and disappointment at the City Council Meeting on September 14. “And, if they can’t have the leadership to run this league on our fields with the requirements that we have, then it’s time to change direction.”

The Wyoming City Council had a very long discussion about what to do with the PPLL and whether or not the contract should be terminated. By the end of the meeting, they decided on a few next steps:

  • The PPLL must turn over all financials, bank statements and loose pieces of paper
  • The PPLL lawyer and the City lawyer will draw up a new contract that has some teeth
  • The new contract will designate the Community Resource Alliance as the fiduciary for the finances of the PPLL
  • The PPLL will form a separate committee to field complaints from league participants

The new contract must be submitted by September 30 so that it can be placed on the October 5 meeting’s agenda. If no agreement is reached, the contract will be terminated on October 5, and the Parks and Rec Department will charter youth baseball.

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show

Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, , , ,

Blue AngelsBy: Katelyn Kohane

Thunder Over Michigan is an amazing experience. I went on Sunday, which happens to be the final day. The event took place at the Detroit Metro Willow Run Airport. There was an incredible line up of military air planes and helicopters.

Of course, they saved the best for last, the United States Navy Blue Angels.

The entire days was chalked full of events to keep you busy and occupied. The total number of aircrafts was jaw-dropping.

Thunder over MichgianTo mention a few of the planes: the Heavy Hitter Avro Lancaster, which made its debut in 1942 as the strategic bombing in Europe began during World War 2; The End All Be All Fifi B-29 Superfortress, this was one of the planes to drop nuclear bombs during World War 2 and was also used in active duty during the Korean War; Patrolling the skies Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer, which was a patrol bomber for the United States Navy during World War 2 and the Korean War.

They had a number planes on the ground that you could take a tour through, but I wound up skipping out on the plane tours and took a slightly more adventurous experience. I ended up going for a ride in a UH-1 Huey Helicopter.

The tour in the Huey required a signed waiver and $75. It was worth every penny!

I sat in the gunUH-1 Hueyner seat on the outside of the Helicopter. The view, and the entire experience, was incredible. If you’ve never taken a ride in a helicopter, I would highly recommend it. The air show makes for an easy and comfortable environment to give it a try.

The helicopter ride took one thing off the Bucket List; what will I ride in next year!?

As I mentioned, the show was great and the ride was amazing but they saved the best for last; the United States Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squad.

The Blue Angles makes their home in Pensacola, Florida and they perform across the country throughout the year. They are on the road from the middle of March until late November putting on a showcase in aircraft handling. After November, the Blue Angels head back to Florida for the winter.

The US Navy Blue Angels began in 1946 as a desire to keep the public interested in Naval Aviation. The original Blue Angels team flew a Grumman F6F Hellcat aircraft. The team now flies an F/A 18 Hornet.

Blue AngelsBlue AngelsMaintenance crews for the Blue Angels fly with them in the US Marine Corps C-130 also known as “Fat Albert.” This year the team is lead by their Flight Leader/ Commanding Officer Captain Tom Frosch, who is from Michigan. Another cool tidbit about the team this year, they now have their first female pilot. Her name is Katie (not me though! I wish!).

The team puts on a highly choreographed, high-octane performance with a lot of stunts. They have the four-plane Diamond Formation and also the six-jet Delta Formation where the planes fly as close together as 2 meters.

Performing with massive machinery with such as eloquent grace is a slight to behold. The Blue Angels keep getting better every time I see them. At the end of their show, the team came out the field where everyone was sitting and talked to the audience and signed autographs. It’s always fun to go and talk to the pilots. They really do put on a high-octane performance in the air and with the fans afterwards.

Enjoying my ride in the UH-1 Huey
Enjoying my ride in the UH-1 Huey

I have been fortunate enough to experience their demonstrations at the Air Base in Pensacola many times, and would highly recommend this. The Blue Angels are a true marvel in the sky.

Make sure to check out Thunder Over Michigan next year. You won’t be disappointed!

Katie works in the film industry as a camera operator and has worked on films like ‘All You Can Dream’, ‘Set Up’ and a TV show called ‘American Fallen Soldier.’ She loves helping WKTV with the Citizen Journalism team and working as a tech at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Katie loves working in the film industry and loves watching movies just as much!

 Longing for a place to screen your short?

Local Entertainment, Movie Review, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

film entwinedHow about winning up to $1,000 on top of the excitement of seeing your film short (five minutes or less) on a big screen? If those are the kind of thrills you seek, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) has just the contest for you. The SCA is registering filmmakers for the third annual “Saugatuck Shorts” film competition. Registration is open now until October 9th, and can be completed online at the link below.   Winners will be screened on November 7, 2015 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck.

If you’re young enough, your entry is free. However, keep in mind your short has to include some sort of Michigan “flavor,” whether the film is set in Michigan or simply contains a reference to a unique Michigan feature such as “Yoopers.”

The two basic filmmaker categories come with different entry fees:kid director

  • Student—Age 18 and Under; Film Entries are Free
  • Adult—Age 19 and Up; Film Entries $15.00

“Saugatuck Shorts” is the only film competition in West Michigan that offers a cash prize for short film submissions in three categories: one for adults and one for students where winners are determined by a panel of judges; those ten shorts will be shown at the November screening of “Saugatuck Shorts.” A separate prize will be awarded at the end of the evening to recognize the “Audience Favorite” out of both juried categories. Winner of the “Audience Favorite Prize” will be awarded $1,000. Another $1,000 prize will be awarded to the Adult Winner and $500 goes to the Student Winner.

“Over the past three years, the SCA’s “Saugatuck Shorts” competition has brought in filmmakers from across the state for a wonderful night of engaging entertainment on the big screen,” said Kristin Armstrong, SCA Executive Director. “The competition is a great way for students and professionals alike to get their work in front of the community. We are very excited to bring this special competition back!”we love shorts

More information and registration details for “Saugatuck Shorts” can be found at Saugatuck Center for the Arts   or by calling 269-857-2399.

ArtPrize Announces Hospitality Spaces

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

635654697393115171-ArtPrize-7-PosterArtPrize has revealed details for its 2015 hospitality spaces. Provided by CWD Real Estate Investment, the ArtPrize Clubhouse, ArtPrize HUB, Hospitality Center and Access Art Lounge are designed to serve as beacons within the ArtPrize district, providing visitors with places to meet, relax and gather information throughout their ArtPrize journey.

ArtPrize Clubhouse
The ArtPrize Clubhouse, presented by Wolverine Worldwide and located at 9 Ionia Ave, will once again serve as a key downtown resource for ArtClub and ArtFan members as well as credentialed Artists, Venues, Sponsors and Media throughout the 19-day event. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

ArtPrize HUBphoto by Joel Bissell, MLive.com
The ArtPrize HUB provides the perfect starting point for visitors to ArtPrize Seven. Located at 41 Sheldon Blvd, The HUB will serve as the flagship ArtPrize retail space and central meeting place. The HUB Theatre will house all Critical Discourse programming, including “Why These Finalists?” — a two-part, televised event taking place October 5 and 6, during which art experts will compare and speculate upon the Jurors’ Shortlist and Public Vote Final 20 artist entries. Photo of The HUB by Joel Bissell | MLive.com

At The HUB, ArtPrize visitors can register to vote, get comprehensive assistance from on-site ArtPrize concierges, browse the ArtPrize Seven retail store and crossingboundariesview the stunning realization of Anila Quayyum Agha’s ArtPrize 2014 winning piece Intersections.Anila+Sharjah+2014

“I am thrilled to show Intersections at the HUB for ArtPrize Seven. It will be a wonderful homecoming!” said Anila Quayyum Agha. “Over the past year, I have often thought of the deep and lasting impact this art competition has had on my career, and I feel heartfelt gratitude — and am still slightly stunned.”

ArtPrize Retail
The new ArtPrize retail line, designed in conjunction with Conduit Studios, includes Michigan-inspired designs, with a vintage feel. Merchandise will be on sale at the HUB starting September 19 and at 11 additional locations throughout the ArtPrize district during the 19-day event.Unisex-ArtPrize-Seven-Shirt

Pop Up Park
Returning for ArtPrize Seven is the Pop-Up Park designed and provided by Landscape Design Services. The Pop-Up Park will be located outside the ArtPrize HUB and will take over the West side of Sheldon Blvd. Created to provide visitors with a fun, temporary green space to relax in during the event, the Pop-Up Park will also host a variety of daily education programming, including scavenger hunts and after-school activities.

Access Art Lounge
The Access Art Lounge at 50 Monroe Avenue has been designed, in partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County, to ensure that visitors who need a wheelchair, a quiet space, or resources to accommodate their individual needs, have an easy access point to the event. The Access Art Lounge is equipped with resources to help visitors with specialized mobility needs make the most of ArtPrize Seven. Hours are September 23 to October 11, from 12-8 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and 12-6 p.m. on Sunday and ArtPrize Awards day.

ArtPrize Hospitality Center11096543_10153290864182340_8405743017525486695_o
The ArtPrize Hospitality Center located at 40 Pearl (entrance at 130 Ottawa) is where credentialed ArtPrize visitors including Artists, Sponsors, Venues and Media, will go to pick up their pre-printed badges. Hours are 12 – 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 12 – 6 p.m. on Sundays and ArtPrize Awards day, starting September 19 and running through October 11.

Michigan House
Following a successful residency in Austin, Texas at SXSW, Michigan House is coming to ArtPrize Seven — located at 40 Pearl and highlighting Michigan creativity across a wide variety of disciplines. The brainchild of Creative Many — a Detroit-based statewide economic development organization for the arts, culture and creative and design industries — Michigan House will provide visitor experiences including concerts, speakers and panel discussions as well as a variety of classes including yoga and photography. Michigan House will be open September 23 to October 11 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.On_the_streets_kids_volunteer_wayfinder_2014_423_280_90

Important Dates
ArtPrize Seven: Sept. 23-Oct. 11, 2015
Round 1 Voting: Sept. 23 at Noon – Oct. 3 at 11:59 p.m.
Final 20 Announcement: Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
Round 2 Voting: Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. – Oct.8 at 11:59 p.m.
ArtPrize Awards: Oct. 9 at 8 p.m.

For detailed information, visit the ArtPrize website.
Images courtesy of ArtPrize, except where noted.

ArtPrize Releases Mobile App for its Seventh Edition

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, , ,

ArtPrize SevenArtPrize, the radically open international art competition decided by public vote and expert jury, today launched the ArtPrize Seven mobile app, developed in partnership with Atomic Object for both iOS and Android. Combined with a streamlined and newly updated website, the ArtPrize suite of technology-based audience engagement tools will deliver a seamless user experience, with the voting module as its centerpiece. The ArtPrize Seven mobile app is now available for download via the Apple and Google Play stores, allowing visitors to begin planning their experience for the 19-day event.

The intersection of art and technology is central to the way that ArtPrize was founded and continues to run to this day, powering the public vote and the artist-venue connections process, as well as influencing the way that artists make and share their work. Since the close of the 2014 event, ArtPrize has worked to refine both the mobile app and website, ushering in a sleeker, leaner design and surfacing the most sought-after content, features and functionality on both platforms.

ArtPrize APPArtPrize APP2“This year we really focused on presenting our app and website users with a more streamlined experience, not only in terms of aesthetics but in functionality,” noted Jonathan Hunsberger, ArtPrize Director of Technology. “Our hope is that these tools will become a focal point for visitors throughout the event, enhancing and informing their ArtPrize journey.”

The popular List feature returns to the ArtPrize mobile app and artprize.org, allowing everyone to browse the 1,550 artist entries competing in ArtPrize Seven and create unlimited lists of the artwork that they most want to see. Lists are easily shared via social media, text message and email, and ArtPrize-goers can browse and follow Lists that have been made available to the public. The mobile app easily generates detailed walking directions between venues, encouraging visitors to explore more of the event and form their own experiences off the beaten path.

Also returning to the mobile app are the ArtPrize event and blog integrations, keeping visitors in the know about what’s happening around the event. The continuation of the interactive map feature at artprize.org and within the mobile app gives greater context to the location of venues, events, restaurants and brewpubs that are in their vicinity. The mobile app will be continuously updated throughout the 19-day event, providing users with real-time useful information to plan their visit.

And of course the public will cast their votes, and ultimately decide the winners of $250,000 in prizes, via the mobile app, at artprize.org, and by text message (SMS). Voters will be able to register while downtown via the mobile app, skipping the lines at designated voting sites — and then cast their votes either from within the event boundaries or wherever their day may lead them.

ArtPrize Seven will take place from September 23 to October 11, 2015 when three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan will become an open playing field where everyone can join the conversation about art, and where the public decides the winners’ circle.

Have a Grand Ol’ Time at ‘Fun With Grandkids!’

Area Education, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Kent Distric LibraryFor kids and the kids at heart ages 6 to 96, Kent District Library is proud to introduce the new series Fun with Grandkids!. The series includes three programs:

  1. DIY Spa — where participants make their own pampering products to take home
  2. Zentangle Connect — a class on creating intricate, black and white, abstract art through the Zentangle method intended for children ages 8 and up
  3. Nostalgic Gaming — where we provide the classic games like Jacks, marbles, checkers and more.

“We’ve created hands-on programming, aimed at an intergenerational audience and scheduled for the weekend hours so that out-of-town grandparents, as well as local grandparents, can participate in fun, library-centered activities with their grandkids,” said Lynda Austin, Youth Services Paraprofessional at KDL.

The program is open to children with a parent, grandparent or guardian. Pre-registration is required for DIY Spa and Zentangle Connect and can be completed by calling (616) 784-2007.

Schedule

DIY Spa

Saturday, October 3, 10:00 AM – Gaines Township Branch
Saturday, October 17, 2:00 PM – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, October 22, 4:00 PM – Tyrone Township Branch
Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Saturday, November 14, 1:00 PM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch
Saturday, November 21, 10:30 AM – Nelson Township/Sand Lake Branch

Nostalgic Gaming

Saturday, September 19, 10:30 AM – Nelson Township/Sand Lake Branch
Saturday, October 3, 1:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch
Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch
Wednesday, November 18, 4:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, November 21, 1:00 PM – Walker Branch
Saturday, November 28, 10:00 AM – Cascade Township Branch

Zentangle Connect

Saturday, September 19, 1:00 PM – Englehardt ( Lowell) Branch
Saturday, September 26, 1:00 PM – Grandville Branch
Wednesday, October 7, 4:00 PM – East Grand Rapids Branch
Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – Caledonia Township Branch
Monday, October 26, 6:00 PM – Plainfield Township Branch
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 AM – Alto Branch
Saturday, November 28, 1:00 PM – Krause Memorial Branch

Kent District Library is a public library system comprised of 18 branch libraries in 27 governmental units throughout Kent County, Michigan. It is supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL serves 395,660 people in all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships.

20th Annual Bluegrass Camp and Jam

Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, , , ,

FALLFEST 2015 FLYERBluegrass music is American music, pure, honest and beautiful in its simplicity. It came out of the mountains of Appalachia from a rich musical heritage of Scotch/Irish immigrants and was passed down from generation to generation.

Come, celebrate and enjoy this most American music at Fallfest 2015.  Join us on September 18-19, 2015 at the Kent County Youth Fairgrounds in Lowell, Michigan for a music festival that the whole family can enjoy. We will have instrument workshops, food vendors and lots of campsite jammin’.

Actually, jammin’ will be the main focus for this entire festival. Bring your instrument and join in. There will be something for all levels of ability.

Also, there will be an open stage on Friday and Saturday for bands and/or individuals that want to perform before an audience. Be sure to bring lawn chairs for the great show inside our concert building. It’s Bluegrass music, come rain or shine.

The great news, admission for the festival is just your donation! Campsites are available for just $15 per night.

Just the Facts:

Fallfest Bluegrass Music Festival Camp & Jam Event
September 18-19, 2015
Kent County Youth Fairgrounds, Lowell MI
West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association
Dave Simmonds-Promotion and Publicity Chairman
Phone (616) 897-6220

Fallfest 2015 is sponsored/produced by the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association. For more information or interview, call WMBMA President Lee Strassburger at (616) 891-8825 or visit our website at www.wmbma.org

YMCA and LIVESTRONG Restore Cancer Survivor Health

Community Health, Non-Profits, Recreation, , ,

LIVESTRONG 2 women jog (2)Adult cancer survivors have a new program available to them through local YMCA centers and the LIVESTRONG program to help reclaim health and fitness. The LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA is offered for free to help turn around the effects of the disease, which take a tremendous physical and emotional toll on those affected.

According to the National Cancer Institute, chances are that someone you know, maybe even you, will be diagnosed with cancer during a lifetime. The numbers may seem shocking – one out of two men and one out of three women.

The good news is that figures show the number of people living beyond a cancer diagnosis reached nearly 14.5 million in 2014 and is expected to rise to almost 19 million by 2024. Coping with cancer, and the return to normal life, is more manageable with a network of support. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA supports cancer survivors, while emphasizing a survivor’s health, rather than the disease.

SONY DSC
SONY DSC

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12 week program with free membership at the YMCA, reintroduces participants to a variety of physical activities in a safe and supportive environment. Activities include: weight training, cardiovascular exercise, water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. YMCA LIVESTRONG instructors are trained to meet the needs of cancer survivors with exercises and supportive care, and work with participants to develop a program that meets their specific needs.

Research shows that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity reduces fatigue, boosts self-esteem, improves muscle strength, and increases physical endurance in individuals after cancer treatment.

Cancer survivors are encouraged contact one of the YMCAs offering the LIVESTRONG program.  Check below for locations, next session schedules, and possible late sign ups.

Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA

616.363.3000 6555 Jupiter Ave Ne, Belmont, MI 49306

September 13 – December 1, 4:30 – 5:45pm

September 13 – December 1, 11:00am – 12:15pm

 Lowell YMCA (616) 897-8445

35 YMCA Drive Lowell, MA 01852

January 11 – March 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 5:45 – 7:00pm

January 11 – March 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 10:45am – 12:00pm

September 12 – November 30, 2016 (Mondays/Wednesdays), 5:45 – 7:00pm

 Spartan Stores YMCA

 616.885.5500   5722 Metro Way SW Wyoming, MI 49519

September 27 – December 15, 3:00 – 4:15pm

Shorter Summer? Shorter Christmas Break? Tweaks Being Considered

Area Education, Recreation, Travel, , , ,
Wyoming, Kelloggsviile, Godwin Heights and Godfrey Lee Public Schools students fill their summer days with fun and activities through TEAM 21, which blended summer school and recreation
Wyoming, Kelloggsviile, Godwin Heights and Godfrey Lee Public Schools students fill their summer days with fun and activities through TEAM 21, which blended summer school and recreation

By: Erin Albanese – School News Network

In recent years, Michigan school children have enjoyed a three-month summer break, by law not returning to the classroom before Labor Day. But as administrators work to add days to the school calendar, that soon may change.

Paradoxically, the state prohibits schools from starting before Labor Day unless they are granted a waiver, but it is also bumping up the required number of school days. Districts must be in session 180 days and 1,098 hours for the 2016-2017 school year. That’s up from 170 last year and 175 this year.

Kent County superintendents are meeting in mid-October to fit more days into the schools’ common calendar for the 2016-2017 school year, with several ideas on the table: a pre-Labor Day start (by applying for waiver county-wide unless the law is changed), a shorter winter break and eliminating mid-winter break. The common calendar aligns winter, spring and mid-winter breaks so area children have the same days off.

Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Caniff said adding days to the school calendar in June may mean an overall benefit to tourism dollars created by the Labor Day mandate may no longer hold true. Students are already involved in sports, band and extracurricular activities before Labor Day. Most of all, starting school earlier makes sense for many schools.

“At the elementary level, a compressed summer schedule also could be beneficial to prevent regression of learning that occurs over the summer months,” Caniff said.

Wyoming Public Schools’ calendar has stretched from late May or early June until the Tuesday after Labor Day for several years. That will soon change, and Superintendent Tom Reeder, who is on the committee, said starting before Labor Day would align the start of school with extracurriculars.

“I would like to start earlier than Labor Day, when things are back with band and sports and the students have had a break,” he said.

For Kelloggsville Public Schools, the added days won’t change anything, said Tammy Savage, the district’s director or instruction. The district’s school year goes later into June than surrounding schools.

Wyoming students meet a goat during Team 21
Wyoming students meet a goat during Team 21

“Kelloggsville has 180 student days in their school year and always has,” Savage said. “It is our belief that in addition to the academics, being in school provides social and emotional support as well as numerous after school activities.

“Additionally, with a high (number of students who qualify for free or reduced lunch) we are able to provide two healthy meals each day,” she said, noting that she would like to see the Labor Day law reversed so school can start a week or two prior to the holiday.

Bill Passage Would Change the Law

House Bill 4396 would allow Michigan’s school boards to set their own start date instead of a mandated start after Labor Day. The bill is co-sponsored by Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. The bill would lock in a four-day holiday weekend, giving students Friday before the holiday off.

For this school year, 100 of the state’s 900-plus districts have applied for waivers to start early anyway, including Greenville Area School District.

Former Superintendent Pete Haines, now Ottawa Area ISD superintendent, said he applied for the waiver because many of the high school students are dual-enrolled at Montcalm Community College, which starts classes before Labor Day. Many other Montcalm County schools also received waivers. Greenville Area School District opened its doors Aug. 31.

Aligning the calendars makes sense, Haines said, but there are other reasons an earlier start works better.

“Frankly, kids are ready to get back,” he said. “They are just ready.”

The issue of snow days also factors into fitting in school days and hours, he said. The last two years have been especially snowy.

Students in TEAM 21 spend a summer day swimming
Students in TEAM 21 spend a summer day swimming

“There is a concern over summer slide,” Haines said, referring to learning lost during vacation. “This does open the dialogue for what a more balanced calendar would do.”

More or Less School? History Shows Different Trends

As a way to buoy tourism, the post-Labor Day start law was enacted in 2005 to give families one last summer hurrah before school. This year, with the holiday falling as late as it possibly can on the calendar, most students don’t start school until Sept. 8, following more than three months off.

At the time the law came into effect, former Gov. Jennifer Granholm said it would not affect children because districts will continue to spend the same number of hours at school, with wiggle room for vacation days and how late in the spring districts remain in session.

The change is another about-face for the state. Michigan increased its school calendar requirements through the 1990s, bumping the mandated minimum classroom hours from 900 to 1,098, with a minimum of 180 days in session, according to the report, “School Daze: Michigan’s Shrinking School Year,” created by The Center for Michigan, an Ann Arbor-based think tank.

The goal was to incrementally increase the minimum-day requirement until it reached 190 days in 2006-07. Instead, legislators dropped the day requirement completely as of the 2003-04 school year, leaving a 1,098-hour mandate in place. Lansing told districts that they could shorten the school year by making each school day a few minutes longer, according to the report.

“Eliminating the days requirement coincided with single-state and then the national recession, and some districts dropped back to as few as 145 days a year in their efforts to save money,” according to The Center for Michigan report.

Across the country, many states require 180 days of instruction, and many are in school well before Labor Day. Minnesota and Virginia also have the post-Labor Day start-date law.

Another thing to consider is the oft-cited problem of summer slide, when students who aren’t engaged in dune climbs or museum tours slip back reading levels and forget their math. Many districts already work to make summer more enriching for students through various summer programs.

Godfrey-Lee Superintendent David Britten said the reasoning behind the Labor Day law is “stupid,” but students experience learning loss as a result of not receiving instruction in an in-depth, meaningful way. As for the Labor Day start, he’s not convinced it’s much of a factor.

“I don’t think it matters,” Britten said. “I think it’s what we do during the school year that makes the difference, and that’s what we want to focus on.”

Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!

National Hispanic Heritage Month Features Festivals

Area Education, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

National HispaniGraphic signc Heritage Month recognizes Hispanic and Latino American heritage and culture. The month long celebration begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The month long celebration was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The 2015 theme is “Honoring our Heritage.”

In keeping with the theme, there are several events taking place around the neighborhood, most free to attend. Check out the list below compiled by the Diversity and Inclusion Office for the City of Grand Rapids. For more information call 616‐234‐3390.

Hispanic Festival 2015 – September 11, 12, & 13, 2015  

girlCelebrate the diversity our region  has to offer with the Hispanic Festival benefiting the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. The Festival features an exciting mix of culture, music and food from different Latin American countries with three days of stage performances, traditional and artisan wares, children’s activities and food vendors. Calder Plaza Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information check with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.

Fiesta Mexicana – September 18‐19, 2015 from 11am to 11pm

One of the largest and oldest festivals in the region. Fiesta Mexicana celebrates the Mexican community and has been celebrated for over 45 years. Calder Plaza Downtown Grand Rapids. For more information find details at http://mexican‐heritage.org/

maracasLatino Culture & Identity Lecture – September 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm  

Henry Muñoz III will present a lecture on Latino Culture and Identity as part of the Diversity Lecture Series, intended to give insight and understanding of multicultural issues to the West Michigan community, helping audiences consider perspectives other than their own, encouraging civil debate and promoting cultural understanding. Held at Fountain Street Church on 24 Fountain Street, Grand Rapids.

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meets every Tuesday from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at 1167 Madison Avenue SE, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 . Walk‐ins welcome or call 616‐452‐3960. Find more information at the  West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website.

A Man’s Passion Becomes a World Famous Collection

Local Business, Local Faces, Recreation, WKTV Projects, , , ,

Lingenfelter 1mike_dewittBefore the number could reach 250, it had to start at 1.

When Ken Lingenfelter thinks back to when his collection truly started, it began with a car he no longer keeps around. “They’re beautiful cars, although, they don’t tend to work very well all the time,” describes Lingenfelter as he reminisces on his old Jaguar XKE, “They’re pretty special, as you know. Made those cars in the 60’s and a little bit into the 70’s.”

Lingenfelter 2This is the beauty of Ken and the Lingenfelter Collection, if it doesn’t work, why keep it around? Cosmetics and aesthetics can only take you so far.

With 250 cars in the collection, 190 of which are housed in a jaw-dropping 40,000 square-foot garage in Brighton, Michigan, there’s enough variety to fill every appetite.

American muscle cars from the 60’s and 70’s fill 30 percent of the garage. Ken lived his teenage years with these cars, so they all have a special place in his heart. El Caminos, Cougar Eliminators, Mustangs, Shelby GTs, and Camaros are some of the muscle packed into a garage with more than enough horsepower to go around. A Pontiac Fiero – a car that seems out-of-place in one of the greatest car collections in the world – even makes an appearance! It helps that Ken owned one ‘back in the day’ and loved it.

Duntov Mule
The Duntov Mule – The first Corvette with a V-8 engine.

While the collection has a solid muscle foundation, the Lingenfelter name is synonymous with Corvettes. With 75 Corvettes, the Lingenfelter Collection could transition easily to a history museum.

The Duntov Mule, named after Chevrolet engineer Zora Arkus Duntov, may be the most historically significant car in the collection. It was the first Corvette to be outfitted with a V-8 engine, and the rest is history. Back in 1954, the Duntov Mule could reach speeds of 163 mph. A number that makes you cringe out of fear for the driver when taking a look at the vehicle. The Corvette hasn’t looked back!

LaFerrari
LaFerrari – An invite only purchase

The third and final area of the garage is filled with exotic cars. These cars are rare, limited, powerful, and carry massive sex appeal.

LaFerrari – Italian for The Ferrari – is currently the biggest draw in the collection. It wasn’t as simple as showing up with a check ready. No, Ferrari had to personally invite you to buy the car! According to Ken, “Ferrari liked the charity work we do and that we share our cars with the public at events.”

In the exotic garage also sits a Lamborghini Reventon (one of 20 made in the world), a Bugatti Veyron and all the horse power that comes with it, and the Ferrari Enzo. The last of which happens to be Ken’s personal favorite in the entire collection, and one of only 399 in the world.

“That Enzo is special to me because I set a business goal for myself, and I reached it,” recalls Lingenfelter with passion oozing from his pores. “I worked hard to achieve a goal, and the Ferrari Enzo was the final goal at the end of that road. I’m a Corvette guy, but that Enzo is very special to me.”

The Ferrari Enzo, Ken's favorite car in the collection
The Ferrari Enzo, Ken’s favorite car in the collection

For Ken, the collection has always been something special. However, it wasn’t until the Lingenfelter Collection started participating in charity events that Ken realized he possessed something the rest of the world thought was special as well. It’s the people who keep on coming back that remind Ken of the gift he possesses, and Ken wants to share it with the world.

“I just have a pure passion for cars, especially Corvettes!”

Ken will be sending two cars from his collection to showcase during WKTV’s DreamWheels! red carpet television event at the 28th Street Metro Cruise. It all takes place outside in the old Klingman’s parking lot across from Rogers Plaza. The show goes live on Friday, August 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. and again with new cars on Saturday, August 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Best of all – admission is free!

Adventures at San Diego Comic-Con International: The Arrival

Recreation, Reviews, , , ,

Comic ConLet me take you on an adventure right into the middle of the most famous Comic-Con around.

The Adventure, my adventure, began as I was traveling out to San Diego. The plane flew out on a Tuesday, the day before Comic-Con, and I had a layover in Texas. As I was sitting there waiting for my flight, I overheard a man behind me talking about Captain America for a good 10 minutes on the phone.

When he was finished, I couldn’t contain the excitement and introduced myself to him. We wound up talking for a good hour. As it turns out, the man was a vendor headed to the same location I was… Comic-Con!

I bought this purse from Bioworld. The symbol on the purse is of the Empire from Star Wars and has stormtroopers.
I bought this purse from Bioworld. The symbol on the purse is of the Empire from Star Wars and has stormtroopers.

We exchanged cards as we got on the plane. I made it a destination to visit their booth, called Bioworld, on Friday of the convention. Star Wars memorabilia made up their entire inventory! They had adjoining booths with all things Star Wars, one example, was Her Universe.

Comic-Con started on Wednesday, which included picking up your badges and attending a preview night. The entire event takes place over 4 days at the San Diego Convention Center. In order to get a badge, you have to buy one online at the San Diego Comic-Con website.

As Press, I was able to get a 4-day Press badge. I went at 4pm and got in line to pick up my badge in Hall D, but, as it turns out, I needed to be in line at Hall B! I chalked that little mishap up to excitement and nerves!

Comic Con press badge
My registration and press badge for Comic-Con

Lines. Long lines everywhere. With the San Diego Comic-Con being so popular, long lines are to be expected and anticipated. It’s not as bad as one would think though. With the convention being held annually since 1970, the committee has had many years to work out the kinks. The event is very well organized and lines generally move quickly.

My first line of the event went relatively quickly, only taking about a half hour!

As soon as I received my badge I decided to find the hall for preview night. The preview night specials had a presentation for 5 brand new shows airing this fall on TV.

The first preview shown was called Supergirl. A brief synopsis – it’s about Superman’s cousin who comes to Earth to protect him. The show start October 26!

Supergirl coming in October
Supergirl coming in October

Next was a preview called Blind Spot. It’s about a woman who lost her memory but has interesting and unique tattoos all over her body. The tattoos are used to help the police track down the events that drive the blot. Blind Spot airs on September 21.

Preview number three was for a show called Lucifer. It’s about the devil going on vacation from hell. That airs sometime in 2016. Some of the shows they talked about did not have an actual start date; they were just starting sometime in 2016.

The fourth preview was Legends of Tomorrow. That is about a young Justice League joining forces together. The final preview was for a cartoon called Teen Titans. That is just an updated version of the older cartoon.

San Diego Comic-Con is a huge event visited by people from all over. This year’s estimated attendance was 130,000! Just an insane amount of people, and it was insane being there, I loved every minute.

I still cannot believe that Comic-Con is done already. Even though the event last five days, it doesn’t seem like enough time. It’s fanboy central. There is so much to do and see everywhere. On top of all of it, there is the famous Hall H. If you know anything about Comic-Con, it’s that Hall H is Mecca. It’s the biggest venue, but it only holds 65,000 people. Getting into Hall H is an accomplishment in itself for Comic-Con.

For the next few weeks I will be going into details about what happens inside Hall H, on the floor with the vendors, a fashion show, a couple interviews, and of course, some of the major movies coming up this fall and throughout 2016.

“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” is to stay tuned and see what I was able to experience on Thursday inside Hall H. As a quick hint, The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 is ramping things up. “May the odds, be ever in your favor.”

West Michigan Tourist Association Announces its Annual West Michigan Photo Contest

Recreation, Travel, ,

WMTAWith so much beauty found in West Michigan, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) wants you to show off what you love most about this beautiful side of the state and have your photo featured on the cover of WMTA’s 2016 Carefree Travel Guide!

The West Michigan Tourist Association’s Carefree Travel Guide is a longstanding travel publication dating back to 1918, with 150,000 copies printed and distributed throughout the Midwest every year.

Along with having their photograph published on the cover of the 2016 Carefree Travel Guide, the photographer of the winning photo will receive a getaway package to St. Joseph/Benton Harbor!

The getaway package will include a two night stay at The Inn at Harbor Shores, as well as a prize package from St. Joseph Today and a wine basket from 12 Corners Vineyard (must be 21+ to receive wine basket).

Contest Details:

Accepted Photo Formats: High res .jpeg (300 dpi +) , .pdf, .tiff , .dng. Must be CMYK.

Photo Size: Keep in mind that photos will be cropped to 8.75 in width x 11.25 height if chosen for the cover.

How to Enter: E-mail all photos to PhotoContest@WMTA.org by September 9th, 2015.

Include With Entry:

  • Full Name
  • City that the photograph was taken in
  • Short description of the photo

Deadline: September 9th, 2015

By entering the West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide Cover Photo Contest, entrants agree to the rules and the decisions of the judges and further agree to allow the West Michigan Tourist Association to use their names and photos for marketing purposes without compensation.

Entrants must be at least 18 years old.

After 33 Years, Scoreboard Show Still Honoring Little League Success

Local Faces, Recreation, Sports, WKTV Projects, , ,

Scoreboard Show Logomike_dewittThe year was 1982 and Little League’s District 9 needed an effective and convenient way to release its tournament schedule and results to the rest of the public. The internet didn’t exist, phone calls left much to be desired, and snail mail slowed the spread of information to a crawl.

Scoreboard Show Kids
Players giving shout outs to their parents

The solution ended up being more successful than anticipated, the District 9 Scoreboard Show, a television show three decades in the making.

Little League is a massive organization that manages youth baseball and softball throughout the country. In 1982, officials reached out to WKTV with an idea, create a show geared towards the Little League playoffs. The show would air the game schedule and results, interview players and teams, and keep the league updated during the hectic playoff schedule!

While the main purpose of the show was to disseminate information regarding the league, the Scoreboard Show allowed the Little League participants their shining moment, and shine they did.

Players enter the studio back in 1984
Players enter the studio back in 1984

Teams, complete with full roster and coaching staff, are given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community on WKTV. The players and coaches are interviewed and give insight into their team and season. Players talk about themselves and take time for shout outs to family and friends!

With the prevalence of the internet, and technology as a whole, the Scoreboard Show’s initial responsibility has lost its muster. League schedules and results can now be found online.

It’s quick and easy, just like everything in the internet age.

The Scoreboard Show has had to adapt with the changes in technology. While the scores and schedules are still reported, it’s the focus on the players, the kids, that keep the show alive.Scoreboard Show Lobby Shot

“As a community media station, we’re here to serve the community,” explains WKTV General Manager Tom Norton, “The Scoreboard Show is a perfect example of what we’re here for. People now go to the internet for the scores, but the internet doesn’t build the community. The internet can’t showcase the players and their coaches. The Scoreboard Show can.”

When a show’s been on the air for over three decades, some evolution is necessary, but it’s important to keep the soul of the broadcast. That soul is what people come back for. The Scoreboard Show has kept its soul – every Little Leaguer in District 9 who has stepped onto the diamond.

Friends go to Olympic Measures to Raise Money for Charity

How-To's, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Recreation,
Team Yellow wins the gold, Team Orange takes the silver and Team Purple claims the bronze - all for a good cause!
Team Yellow wins the gold, Team Orange takes the silver and Team Purple claims the bronze – all for a good cause!

by Mike Endres

Neighborhood Spring Olympics put the "fun" in fundraising.
Neighborhood Spring Olympics put the “fun” in fundraising.
Olym 2
Participants play for big bucks!

For the seventh year in a row, a group of local residents held their Spring Olympic games to raise money for charity.  These ‘backyard’ Olympics consist of eight teams of two players each.  Each team represents a charity that they are passionate about and pay a buy-in to compete in the games.  The team that wins the Olympics has the total purse donated to their favorite charity.

Prior to the big day, the teams vote on which games will be played.  This year the players chose bowling, ladder ball, washers, hockey, miniature golf, Nerf archery, pool, corn hole and ping pong. Although it rained the day of the event, participants couldn’t help but have an amazing time!

All participants are entitled to a cookout following the games.
All participants are entitled to a cookout following the games.

By the end of the competition, the Yellow Team (Jason and Ashley Martin) won it all for their charity, Family Life Today.  And just like in the traditional Olympics, the top three teams win gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.

In addition to overall winners, some individual events featured prizes thanks to generous local sponsors including Marge’s Donut Den, Park Center Lanes, Debbie’s Twist & Shake, Waste Management, blueVortex.net, and EP Adventures.

The coolest thing about this effort is that YOU too could plan a similar event as a means to have fun with friends and make a contribution to a good cause.  For information on how, contact event organizer Mike Endres at mike@blueVortex.net

Anglers Encouraged to Monitor Bait to Spot Juvenile Asian Carp

Recreation, Sports

by The Michigan Department of Natural Resources

asian carpThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers to monitor their live bait purchases to look for juvenile Asian carp during the entirety of the fishing season.

The DNR is taking many steps to prevent adult Asian carp (bighead and silver) from entering the Great Lakes, but many people don’t realize that juvenile Asian carp pose a threat to the state’s waters, too.

Juvenile Asian carp can be confused with common baitfish – such as gizzard shad, emerald shiner, spottail shiner or golden shiner. Because bait often is transported across state lines, including from areas with breeding populations of Asian carp, it would be possible for juvenile Asian carp to make their way into the bait supply without anyone realizing it.

A video is available online to assist anglers and the public in identifying juvenile Asian carp. It showcases five characteristics that viewers can use to distinguish between juvenile Asian carp (bighead and silver) and common baitfish, including:

*Body color.
*Scale pattern, shape and size.
*Eye size and location on the head.
*Mouth shape and location.
*Presence or absence of keels on the bottom side of the fish.

The video can be viewed on the DNR’s Asian carp website at michigan.gov/asiancarp.

The video also describes what an angler should do if he or she thinks there is a juvenile Asian carp – or any odd-looking fish – in the bait bucket. Anglers are encouraged to keep the questionable fish alive or freeze the fish and contact the DNR to correctly identify the fish in question. The DNR does not want questionable fish to be used as bait. Once anglers are done fishing, remaining baitfish should be disposed of in the trash.

This video is one of several items the DNR has developed to increase public awareness about Asian carp. For more information, visit michigan.gov/asiancarp.

Wyoming Memorial Day Ceremony in Pictures

Our Cities, Recreation, Veterans, , ,
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim

This past Memorial Day, the City of Wyoming held a ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW). The Lee High School band performed along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard, Bronson Swan. The newest arch for the Veteran’s Memorial Garden was recognized and couldn’t have been made possible without the Community Development Block Grant Funding.

“Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies are a tribute to the services of the armed forces. We are grateful to have a place in Wyoming where we can not only hold these ceremonies, but where people can honor and reflect, on any time, on those who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedoms,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services in the City of Wyoming.

WKTV’s Harriet Sturim, also the 5th District Auxillary Chaplain, was a guest speaker for the event. She gave an address entitled “Voice for our Veterans” and also took pictures to capture the essence of the ceremony.

Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
Photo by Harriet Sturim
The Lee High School Band Performs. (Photo by Harriet Sturim)

 

Stay Safe While Enjoying the Water this Summer

Recreation, , ,


With the Memorial Day holiday marking the unofficial start of the boating season, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds all watercraft owners to make safety a priority when enjoying Michigan’s many lakes, rivers and other waterways.

“Michigan has so much to offer when it comes to great water recreation,” said Johnson, who herself is an avid boater. “Don’t let anything mar your boating experience this summer. Take time to plan for safety for you and your passengers.”

Life-or-death situations most frequently arise when passengers aren’t wearing a personal floatation device. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death in boating accidents, and of all drowning deaths reported to the U.S. Coast Guard in 2013, 84 percent of victims were not wearing a floatation device. Michigan law requires that each boat have enough life jackets for every person on board.

The Coast Guard also reports that alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, when the primary cause is known. Boaters should be aware that a new Michigan law lowers the limit for bodily alcohol content for watercraft operators from 0.1 percent to 0.08 percent, similar to automobile drivers. People age 21 or younger may not operate a boat with any bodily alcohol content. The law also prohibits the use of certain drugs and any Schedule 1 controlled substances when boating.

“Alcohol and boats are a dangerous mix,” Johnson said. “Why risk possible death, personal injury or damage to your watercraft? Keep yourself and your passengers safe by obeying the law.”

While on the water, the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that boaters:

  • Take extra precaution near boats towing skiers or tubers.
  • Never reverse the boat to pick up someone out of the water but instead circle around to the person.
  • Examine the boat’s stern to make certain no one is near the propeller before the engine is started.
  • Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.
  • Don’t allow passengers to ride on the bow, transom, seatbacks or other locations where they might fall overboard.
  • Stop immediately if someone falls overboard and slowly turn the boat around while keeping the person in sight as you apprach.
  • Learn to recognize scuba diver makers.

Residents interested in taking a boating safety course may find one from the searchable online list maintained by the Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.state.mi.us/recnsearch. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (www.cgaux.org), the U.S. Power Squadron (www.usps.org) and many county sheriff’s offices also offer courses. A boating safety course is required for anyone born after 1978 who operates a personal watercraft and for anyone born on or after July 1, 1996 who operates a motorboat.

Additionally, state law requires that a boat pulling a skier or tuber must have another person besides the operator to observe the person being towed.

Johnson’s office oversees the registration and titling of more than 915,000 watercraft. Michigan is third in the nation for sales of watercraft, boat trailers and accessories, behind Florida and Texas, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Boaters are reminded that they can renew their watercraft registrations online at www.ExpressSOS.com as well as order a replacement watercraft title, a convenient service if a boat is being sold this summer and the title can’t be found. The Recreation Passport, which is available for $11 when renewing a vehicle plate, provides boaters with access to any of the boat launches found in state parks across Michigan.

Smart Gardening Starts Now

Area Education, How-To's, Recreation, , ,

Metro Health and MSU Extension present ‘Gardening 101’

Any one who’s tried it knows that the beauty of gardening is seeing your hard work pay off with a bounty of colorful blooms or freshjanice_limbaugh vegetables for the dinner table. Whether your green thumb is seasoned or just slightly tinted, a successful growing season starts now with Smart Gardening.

What’s so smart about Smart Gardening as compared to ordinary gardening?

“Balance!” says Rebecca Finneran, a 28-year horticulture educator with the Michigan State University Extension program.

“We create so many of our own problems with too much or too little watering, using too many chemicals and not understanding our soil.

“What’s smart is understanding what does the plant needs and then try to adjust our behaviors so that it fits with the plant’s – that’s Smart Gardening,” Finneran told a room full of local gardeners at a free “Gardening 101′ seminar hosted by Live Healthy at the Metro Health Conference Center.

It’s a ‘ground-breaking’ idea that the MSU Extension team put into action about three years ago, educating the public on how to be environmentally savvy when planning, preparing and maintaining your vegetable garden. Smart Gardening, explains Finneran, “has long been a hallmark of what  we do [at MSU]. We help people connect with the real world of horticulture and to do that in an environmentally healthy way to save time, money and energy.”

The ‘Gardening 101’ seminars run about an hour and half. During that time, participants get an overview of Smart Gardening techniques such as preparing the soil, how to reduce the chemical input of both fertilizers and pesticides, how to determine the size and location of the garden, deciding what variety of plants to grow and the best way to water it all. And because vegetable gardens are as unique as the individual gardener, there and many creative options to consider when planning it out.

Yet before any plans are drawn, soil tilled or seeds planted, Finneran’s first words to the wise gardeners is to be realistic. For the new gardener, she suggests starting small.

“Too many times gardeners get over excited at the start of the season and plant too much. Then by July, what happens? You want to go on vacation but who’ll take care of the garden? It’s too hot, there’s too many mosquitoes and taking care of a garden is just dreadful. So you let it go. Then you’re ashamed of it.”

She suggests considering sharing a common gardening space with neighbors, community groups or coworkers.

“I did this with a group of my coworkers. We wanted a little vegetable garden at work. So we each worked one lunch hour per week, about 30 minute five days a week. And guess what?” Finneran asked the crowd. “Many hands made light work! We had a nice crop of vegetables every day for lunch.”

Although she is an ornamental horticulturist with a background in landscape design, Finneran grew up with a farm background and had vegetable gardens all her life. As a result and over time, she creates vegetable gardens that look like masterpieces!

“Vegetable gardens can be useful and beautiful. I think that’s an important thing to consider. There’s no reason we can’t enjoy our vegetable gardens regardless of their size and usefulness. How you plan it out is something to think about,” she suggests.

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

When it comes to having a successful garden, it’s all about location! First and foremost, Finneran says, is to consider the accessibility to a water source. “You won’t want to be lugging 90 feet of house across the yard on a 90 degree day,” she points out. With that said, your garden location may be as close as your patio or deck. Whether you’re picking fresh vegetables from a garden out in the yard or a patio container, it’s still rewarding.  Here are some tips to consider when choosing a ‘smart site’ for your garden:

* Convenient your home and close to a water source.

* Where the soil is good and free from toxins.

* Sunny, level spot (eight to 10 hours of sunlight depending on the vegetable).

*Avoid north-facing slopes and low areas.

*Stay away from trees and shrubs.

“We really miscalculate this one a lot,” Finneran points out. “Where’s the neighbor’s tree going to be casting its shadow by August?” She suggests to consider the garden’s location over the course of time.

“Think about it and then plant early harvest plants in the areas where shade will dominate from August on. Plant your later harvest plants on garden’s edge where there’s more sunlight on a daily basis,” she says.

Don’t Guess – Soil Test!

There’s more to having healthy soil than earthworms. In fact, it’s mostly about things we cannot see. Understanding how these components all work together is known as soil biology and it’s considered the new frontier of science and the gardening world.

“Have you ever hear of the term soil biology?” Finneran asks. “We hardly every think of soil as being a living, breathing thing. It’s either sand, silt or clay and you walk around on it. But in fact there are billions of micro-organisms that live in your soil. The way they live together is they consume each other and eat the organic matter. They are the ones responsible for releasing the nutrients that the plants need.

“These micro-organisms have an amazing, living, reciprocity with the plant root to allow it to have the nutrients that it needs to live. So if there is a reduced living component, plants are not going to do so well.”

Before the first seed is planted, Finneran encourages getting the soil analyzed by the Michigan State University Extension to determine the nutrients needed in your garden as well as the pH and organic content of the soil. Soil test kits can be purchased online at the MSU Extension Bookstore (search for E3154), or your local MSU Extension office. The kits come with a postage-paid mailer and a re-closable plastic bag to fill with a soil sample. The postage-paid mailer can be placed in  your mailbox for pick up and sent to MSU for analysis. The results take up to two weeks and will tell you what amendments to make and in what proportions to add for the best results in the vegetable garden.  A Smart Garden starts with a healthy soil and to achieve that:

*Add organic matter to your soil every year.

*Only add the recommended amounts of fertilizer based on the soil test results. Over application of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers is a known contaminant of surface and ground water.

*Prepare your garden soil for planting by tilling (lightly) to break apart aggregates and mix in organic matter. “The less manipulation, the better,” says Finneran.

MSU Extension offers the community a wealth of free information on horticulture. For more information on Smart Gardening, including helpful articles, videos, classes and events, visit www.migarden.msu.edu. For more information on other topics, or to contact an expert in your area visit www.msue.msu.edu or call the toll free hotline Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1-888-678-3463.

How I became a Model Railroader

Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, ,

 Or how I learned to be a child again

Model railroads have captured the imagination for decades.
Model railroads have captured the imagination for decades.
Ken Skopp is the Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Club's train show coordinator.
Ken Skopp is the Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Club’s train show coordinator.

by Ken Skopp

I was five-years old when I visited my grandparents in Waterloo, WI. A train track ran next to their farm. One day while I was playing near the track, a steam engine was moving freight cars back and forth. After some time passed, the steam engine stopped. The engineer leaned out of the cab and asked me if I would like to take a quick ride in the engine. I screamed “Yes!”

I rode with the engineer five miles down the track and back. I didn’t realize it then but I was bitten by the “train bug” and there is no cure.

Now fast forward, 60 years. My wife bought me a HO scale train set made by the Bachmann Company for Christmas. It had a steam locomotive, three passenger cars, a small DC power pack and a loop of track. I had model train layouts in the past but it had been 20 years since I had built my last layout. Those layouts mainly consisted of a track with a few buildings laid on a sheet of plywood. I started buying “Model Railroader” magazines to learn more information about what was available in the hobby.

Ken's model railroad uses the latest technology for the hobby.
Ken’s model railroad uses the latest technology for the hobby.

After being an “armchair railroader” (thinking and dreaming about building a model railroad), I decided it was time to start working on a layout. I wanted it to be more than just track on a piece of plywood. I wanted realistic track work and realistic scenery. One day I visited Rider’s Hobby Shop and found a flyer promoting a local train show. So I started going to train shows to see what new products were available in locomotives and cars. I was amazed at how many shows there are in Michigan and Indiana.

Two years ago this past November, I attended a train show at the Home School Building in Wyoming. At the show I bought a HO scale diesel locomotive and wanted to see if it worked. The Grand River Valley Railroad Club (GRVRR Club) which was running the show had a test track there. The club member who tested the engine invited me to visit their club. I did and discovered that many improvements had been made in the hobby. I realized that the ideas I had for my railroad would require learning new techniques from others who had more experience in the hobby. I joined the club three years ago.

Photos courtesy of Ken Skopp
Photos courtesy of Ken Skopp

Over the past three years, I have started a model railroad layout in a 9′ x 10′ room in our condo basement. Roger Fenske former president of the GRVRR Club helped me build the bench work, lay the track, wire the layout and how to make realistic scenery. Most importantly, I learned about Digital Command Control (DCC).

Up to the advent of DCC control, trains ran on electrical current from a DC transformer that powered the electrical motor in the locomotive. You could only run one locomotive at a time on your layout. If you wanted to run more than one locomotive, you had to divide the layout into isolated electrical blocks or segments. The wiring and controls are somewhat complicated and not very flexible.

Because of the advance in computerization and miniaturization provided by DCC, each locomotive has a computer chip in it with an individual address. With a DCC control cab, you can send signals to each individual locomotive address. This allows you to control the direction of motion, speed and sound functions for that particular locomotive address. So now, you can have multiple locomotives running at the same time on your layout and each is under individual control.

The Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Train Shows offer fun for kids of any age.
The Grand Rapids Valley Railroad Train Shows offer fun for kids of any age.

But the biggest advancement in locomotives is the sound in them. It brings them to life! You hear the chuffing of your steam locomotive as it moves on the tracks. You can ring it’s bell and blow it’s whistle just like a real train! Now I can have my Pere Marquette Railroad Steam locomotive chugging around my train layout while my diesel switcher locomotive is switching cars in a train yard. All this action is complete with realistic locomotive sounds – engines, bells, and whistles!

Model railroading is a hobby that combines, motion, sound, 3D modeling, painting, sculpting, woodworking, electrical work, historical research and so much more! At the Grand River Valley RR Club’s Train show on Saturday, April 11th, you can see all the aspects of the hobby in action. You’ll see everything from a Garden Scale railroad that you can put in your backyard to a Z scale railroad that you can fit on the top of a small desk. Your children will love the large LEGO operating layout, playing with LEGOs in the play area, and seeing a “Thomas the Train” display. In addition, there will be two large HO scale operating layouts provided by The Holland Modular RR club and the Battle Creek Model RR Club. I invite you to come and enjoy it all! There will be food available, free parking, door prizes and 120 tables of model railroad items for purchase.

 

Broadway Grand Rapids Ushers in Excitement With Its New Season

Local Entertainment, Recreation, , , , ,

mike_dewittSinging, dancing, laughing, drama, and a whole lot of theater will be making its way to Broadway Grand Rapids for the theater’s new season! Five shows are lined up to start in September and finish up in June of 2016 and the positivity and excitement has been overwhelming.

“This season we’re offering a custom ‘4-pack’ of shows for those who don’t want to purchase all five,” explained Meghan Distel, the Director of Marketing for Broadway Grand Rapids, “but we have sold very little of the 4-packs as most people are choosing all five shows. That shows the excitement for all the shows we’re bringing in!”

What’s all the excitement about? Well, Broadway Grand Rapids is bringing in a lineup of award winning shows to Grand Rapids. Broadway Grand Rapids 2015-16 Season

  • Newsies (September 22-27)
  • Pippin (November 3-8)
  • Riverdance 20th Anniversary Tour (April 12-17, 2016)
  • The Phantom of the Opera (May 18-29, 2016)
  • The Book of Mormon (June 21-26, 2016)

Getting together a lineup of shows of that caliber takes some work. Broadway Grand Rapids works on putting the shows together for around 12-18 months before dates are finalized. There is a lot of back and forth that occurs with the timing and use of the Devos Performance Hall and how they line up with the shows themselves and their tour dates.

Sometimes, there can even be structural barriers to overcome.

Broadway Grand Rapids had a massive hurdle to clear in order to bring The Phantom of the Opera to DeVos Performance Hall. Phantom uses very large set pieces that need space in the back to work during the show. The DeVos Performance Hall doesn’t have that necessary space right now, but it will be by the time Phantom rolls into town!

The backstage area will be expanded, and certain aspects of the floor and ceiling are to be reconfigured as well, in order to accommodate the show. As they say, the show must go on! It will all be worth it when show time is here. The city is already buzzing with excitement about the new lineup.

If you’re interested in purchasing tickets for the upcoming season, visit broadwaygrandrapids.com.

 

West Michigan Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Boredom-Busting in West Michigan

Local Entertainment, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,

by Courtney Sheffer

 “I’m bored” is something no parent likes to hear! Luckily,the West Michigan Tourist Association has collected a list of great kid-friendly places for you to visit, with everything from water parks to zoos, and museums to festivals. Keep this list on hand year-round for ideas to pull out when the kids start getting restless, or you’re looking to plan your next family outing!

South

A.W. Overhiser Orchards, South Haven: Hands on animal barn, hayrides, & child corn maze.

Allegan County Fair, Allegan: Live music, midway, & a historical village.

Allegan County Parks – Recreation and Tourism, Allegan County: Bike, hike, go boating, or fish outdoors.

Air Zoo, Portage: Rare & historic aircraft, amusement park-style rides, historical exhibits and educational activities.

Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theater Training, Augusta: Theatre training programs and performances.

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, Battle Creek: Nation’s largest air show and balloon festival.

Berrien County Youth Fair, Berrien Springs: Exhibits from youth ages 5-10 in August.

Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek: African Adventures, Feed the Giraffes, Kids Zoo Programs.

Cass County Fair, Cassopolis: Firefighter show, supercross, and family dollar day.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA, Marshall: Turkey dinner, ice cream parlor, and dinner theatre.

Crane Orchards, Fennville: U-pick fruit, pie pantry, & cow train rides.

Dutch Farm Market, South Haven: Bakery, farm market, and ice cream.

Echo Valley, Kalamazoo: Tobogganing, tubing, and ice skating.

Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo: Seasonal performances with kids shows.

Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners: Visit a car of Disney movie fame, watch Model Ts drive around, and eat at the Blue Moon Diner.

Historic Charlton Park: Village, Museum & Recreation Area, Hastings: Step back in time and tour historic buildings from Barry County, & head to their beach for swimming & a picnic.

Kalamazoo County Parks, Kalamazoo: Hike, beach, picnic, or farm market.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo: Visit the Interactive Gallery for a variety of fun games, puzzles, activities, and a reading corner to enjoy.

Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, South Haven: Become a Bailey’s Budding Naturalist, tour one of the oldest homes in South Haven, and enjoy the gardens.

Michigan Flywheelers Museum, South Haven: Antique engine & tractor exhibit and display.

Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven: Sail on the Friends Good Will restored tall ship and learn about Michigan’s maritime history.

Niles Haunted House, Niles: Michigan’s largest haunted theme park.

Olde World Village, Augusta: Visit for Frontier Days, Buccaneer Bash, or BlackRock Medieval Festival.

Saugatuck Dune Rides, Saugatuck: Learn of the lost town of Singapore or check out our local vegetation and wildlife on a dune tour.

The Silver Beach Carousel, St. Joseph: Ride the tigers, hippocampus, panda, and clown fish, and learn local history just steps from the beach.

Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises, Saugatuck: Ride an authentic sternwheeler paddleboat down the Kalamazoo River and watch for wildlife.

Stokes Homestead, Grand Junction: Wagon rides, pedal karts, corn kernel crib.’

Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater: Attend “Popcorn Theatre” which includes a show, snacks, and meeting the actors. Coming up: “Peter Pan” this July!

Central

ArtPrize, Grand Rapids: Explore free art in and around downtown Grand Rapids.

Berlin Raceway, Marne: Weekly racing April-October, Special family events, discounted kids tickets.

Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids: Self-guided hikes, Children’s Camps, Visit Blandford’s Farm.

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, Alto: Hands-on wildlife experience, Exotic animals & reptiles, Feed the animals.

Cannonsburg Ski Area, Belmont: Ski lessons, special events, and winter trails.

Christmas Lite Show, Comstock Park: Over one million Christmas light display.

Community Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids: Magic Circle shows for kids and summer concerts.

Coopersville & Marne Railway, Coopersville: Vintage Train Car Rides, Seasonal themed outings, 90 minute rides.

Country Dairy, New Era: Visit the dairy cows, Learn how Ice Cream is Made, Enjoy a bottomless glass of milk.

Critter Barn, Zeeland: Hands-on educational farm, Hold, Pet, & Feed the Animals, Free Admission.

Danish Festival, Greenville: Annual Danish breakfast & Hans Christian Andersen Park.

Deer Tracks Junction, Cedar Springs: Wildlife safari by stagecoach, Live Theatre Show, Kids Play Area.

DeGraaf Nature Center, Holland: Knee-High Naturalist classes, adopt-an-animal, & nature programs.

Double JJ Resort, Rothbury: Splash in the water park, learn to ride a horse, attend a rodeo.

Double R Ranch, Belding: Hop on a hayride, float down the Flat River, ride a horse.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids: Children’s Garden, outdoor concerts, spring butterfly exhibit.

Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids: Free outdoor arts, entertainment, & activities.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven: Parades, fireworks, entertainment, carnival.

Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids: Purposeful play and artful learning.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Rapids: Play with a giant Lite Brite, make giant bubbles, and rock the stage at the Amigo Amphitheater.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids: School of theatre arts & performances.

Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids: Walk under a whale skeleton, visit the streets of old Grand Rapids, & catch a planetarium show.

The Haunt, Grand Rapids: 20,000 square feet of fear to navigate your way through.

Holland Museum, Holland: Take a Family Ties or Native American tour.

Holland Princess/Holland Water Sports: Jet ski, boat rentals, and boat cruises.

Ionia Free Fair, Ionia: Free entertainment, live music, midway.

John Ball Zoological Garden, Grand Rapids: Pet stingrays & sharks at Stingray Lagoon, ride a camel, climb through the Sky Trail Ropes Course.

Klackle Orchards, Greenville: Apple orchard, school trips, Le Tour de Donut.

Lakeshore Museum Center / Hackley & Hume Historic Sites & Scolnik House, Muskegon: Visit the hands-on science center, learn about Michigan habitats, & walk through 10,000 years of natural history.

Lewis Farm Market & Petting Farm, New Era: Visit Jeffrey the camel, bounce on the giant jumping pillow, and feed animals at the petting farm.

Loutit District Library, Grand Haven: Kids programs, classes, special events.

Mac Woods Dune Rides, Mears: Climb the sand dunes in a Dune Scooter.

Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing: Explore an Upper Peninsula copper mine, stroll along a 1920s urban street & relive the 1957 Detroit Auto Show!

Muskegon Luge and Winter Sports Complex, Muskegon: Luge, snowshoe, sled, and skate.

Nelis’ Dutch Village Theme Park & Wooden Shoe Factory, Holland: Ride the arms of a windmill, watch wooden shoe carving, watch Dutch klompen dancing.

Pando Winter Sports Park, Rockford: Tubing, skiing, and snowboarding.

Parrot’s Landing, Mears: Rent a Jeep on the sand dunes, a jet ski in Lake Michigan, or take a guided dune tour.

Post Family Farm, Hudsonville: Hayrides, homemade donuts, & fall fun days.

Pumpkinfest, Zeeland: Fall activities & pumpkin contests.

Rainbow Ranch Horseback Riding, New Era: Horseback riding, riding lessons, and sleigh rides.

Ramada Plaza, Grand Rapids: Indoor pool with a three story water slide.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery, Grand Rapids: Apple haus, jumping pillow, hayrides, and corn maze.

Silver Lake Buggy Rentals, Mears: Cruise the dunes, picnic on the beach or swim in Lake Michigan in your own ATV or Dune Buggy.

Teusink’s Pony Farm, Holland: Pony ring rides, hay maze, feed the sheep and goats.

Tulip Time Festival, Holland: Klompen dancing, Kinderplaats, and thousands of tulips.

Unity Christian Music Festival, Muskegon: Live music, The Hide Out youth lounge.

USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum, Muskegon: Board a WWII Landing Ship Tank, tour the galley & crews quarters, and watch a movie at night on deck.

USS Silversides, Muskegon: Spend the night in a WWII submarine or sign up for a Submarine Technology Program.

Van Singel Fine Arts Center, Byron Center: Theatre technology school program and off-Broadway shows.

West Michigan Whitecaps, Comstock Park: Cheer on the home team, join in a wacky game between innings, and root for a home run.

Windmill Island Gardens, Holland: Dutch carousel, fudge shop, and antique street organ.

North

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Falls: Michigan’s first SuperLOOP waterslide, Rip Zone Surf Simulator, Arcade & Snack Shack.

Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City: Hands on Discovery Gallery, Family Days, Inuit Gallery.

Econo Lodge Bayview, Mackinaw City: Pirates Adventure Indoor Waterpark, Beach access, Game room.

Fairview Beachfront Inn & Waterpark, Mackinaw City: Indoor & Outdoor water park.

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum/Historical Society, Salt Ste. Marie: Explore the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes & visit the oldest functioning lighthouse on Lake Superior.

Historic White Pine Village, Ludington: Visit on a History in Action Day, or stop by Town Hall for some ice cream in a circa 1900 Ice Cream Parlor.

Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen: Art classes, education, and performances.

Jacob’s Corn Maze, Traverse City: Corn maze, farm market, u-pick.

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Mackinac Island: Take a horse-drawn narrated tour of Mackinac Island with stops at Arch Rock and the Grand Hotel.

Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, Traverse City: Homemade ica cream and dairy farm tours.

Music House Museum, Acme: Listen to a player piano, tour a mini Traverse City, and marvel at the sounds of the 18 foot tall Dance Organ.

Pine River Paddlesport Center, Wellston: Kayak, canoe, raft, SUP.

Shetler Family Dairy, Kalkaska: Open barn, flavored milk, farm store.

Traverse Tall Ship Co., Traverse City: Cruise Grand Traverse Bay, drop anchor for a quick swim, and learn to help pilot the ship.

Treetops Resort, Gaylord: Snowboard, ski, and participate in family activities.

Wildwood Rush Canopy Tours, Boyne City: Adrenaline-filled zip line tours through the trees.