Care Resources recently hosted its own “senior prom” for program participants, ages 55 years and older, at its Grand Rapids facility. (WKTV Journal / Jaylah Lewis)
Care Resources recently hosted its own “senior prom” for program participants, ages 55 years and older, at its Grand Rapids facility.
“Cinderella’s Ball” was the culmination of a month of princess-themed recreational programming that included Disney movies and a royal tea party. Attended by approximately 80 seniors, the event featured cupcakes, punch, music – and the crowning of a prom king and queen.
The purpose?
While fun is at the top of the list, Recreational Therapist Sabrina Cusenza says there are great health benefits to activities like “Cinderella’s Ball.”
“Our main goal is to bring joy to our participants and staff, who will also get dressed up and join the fun,” Cusenza says. “But there are functional aspects of programs like this that support participants’ health and well-being.
“Our participants will get physical activity in through the dancing. The socialization is great for emotion well-being. We’ll also incorporate some reminiscing about prom, which has cognitive and mental health benefits.”
Learn more!
A local community-based program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, Care Resources promotes healthy, independent living and helps prevent nursing home placement. Care Resources staff regularly provide entertainment via events and programs that also support participants’ health and well-being.
Learn more about all Care Resources has to offer here.
Two years ago, East Kentwood High School graduate and current professional boxer Justin Lacey-Pierce was winding down his amateur career with a Michigan Golden Gloves state championship. Last Saturday evening at Aquinas College, a pair of East Kentwood graduates stepped up and carried on Lacey-Pierce’s Golden Gloves legacy by winning state championships at the 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves state championships.
Ontess Toliver-James and Aiden Baker of East Kentwood were two of the newly-minted state champions at the state finals that took place at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
East Kentwood graduate Ontess Toliver-James (center, with trophy) celebrates his Golden Gloves win with coaches and staff from Blues Gym. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Toliver-James, boxing out of Blues Gym, located at 4248 Kalamazoo Ave. Se, won his title in the 176-pound Elite Novice Division. Coming out strong from the opening bell, Toliver-James took control of the bout with Zameer Rawls-Wallace as he peppered his opponent with body shots in the early going. The constant barrage of punches paid off in the second round when the referee stopped the contest. Toliver-James who reached the finals after winning his semifinal match the day before, came out with a little different plan for his title match.
“Yesterday I tired myself out,” Toliver-James said. “I was throwing too much so I slowed myself down and paced myself a little bit. I read my opponent and picked my punches.”
The win was his third in three bouts which is even more impressive considering that Toliver-James has only been training for boxing and picked up the sport just four weeks ago.
“I feel like anything is possible,” Toliver-James said. “I’m going to train hard and hopefully keep going along undefeated and get some more trophies under my belt.”
Toliver-James played football and basketball growing up, but just decided to start boxing a little over a month ago. He also knows about the Kentwood boxing legacy and especially about the accomplishments in the ring of Lacey-Pierce.
“I actually went to school with him (Lacey-Pierce)” Toliver-James said. “I was in school with him since elementary school. That’s actually another one of my motivations. I just recently saw a couple of posts of him on Facebook. Man, he’s doing good in the pros.”
In the next bout Kentwood’s second boxer, Aiden Baker, stepped into the ring and also brought home a state championship. Boxing in the 198-plus Elite Novice weight class, Baker defeated Santorie Jenkins of Team Boss when the referee stopped the contest in the third round.
East Kentwood graduate Aiden Baker won the 198-pound title at the Golden Gloves State Championships. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Baker, who won a West Michigan title last month, kept constant pressure on Jenkins from the opening bell and wore his opponent down with a steady barrage of punches. This year’s Golden Gloves was the first of his career for Baker who began boxing three years ago.
“I started training at MGGA (Michigan Golden Gloves Association gym, Grand Rapids) and they essentially built me from scratch,” Baker said. “My older brother taught me how to fight and then eventually I went into the gym. From there, I just started to fall in love with the sport and take it seriously.”
Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title
A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud.
“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.”
Comstock Park grad Emanuel Jimenez wins state title at 143 pounds
Toliver-James was not the only boxer out of Blues Gym that captured a state title. In the first bout of the evening, Emanuel Jimenez, a student at Comstock Park High School, won the 143-pound Junior Novice title when the referee stopped the contest in the second round against Carter Cobb of MGGA.
Jimenez, who just turned 18 years old, began training for the Golden Gloves six months ago at Blue Gym. A fan of Mexican boxing champion Canelo Alvarez, Jimenez fought in a style that would’ve made Alvarez proud as he came out aggressively throwing punches and didn’t stop until the referee stepped in during the second round. The match was the second of Jimenez’s young career as he won his first bout during Friday’s semifinals.
“To be honest I was very nervous,” Jimenez said, “but I just went out there and did my job. I did a better job of pacing myself in this bout. My first fight I just came out swinging, but this time I did a better job of pacing myself.”
Blues Gym head trainer Dino Newville congratulates Emanuel Jimenez on his Golden Gloves title. 2025 (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Santiago wins state crown at 187-pound Elite Novice
Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title in a walkover.
Also winning titles in the Elite Novice Division were Mohammad Aliyar of Kalamazoo United, who won the 143-pound Elite Novice title, Hussam Ammar of Saginaw Boxing club (165-pound Elite Novice champion), and United States Navy veteran Nathaniel Williams of AAA boxing club (154-pound Elite Novice title).
A pair of Grand Rapids-area boxers claimed state titles in the open division.
Floyd Mayweather Sr. sparks Siderio Mitchell to state title;
A Grand Rapids boxer with a famous relative claimed one of those open division titles. Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids captured the 141-pound Open Division title with a decision against King Gildersleve of Flint Town Boxing Club. Displaying lightning hand quickness and excellent footwork, Mitchell won his first state title in a fashion that was sure to make his mentor Floyd Mayweather Sr. proud.
“I’d say a little bit of everything was working great for me tonight,” Mitchell said. “Shout out to coaches, shout out to my Uncle Floyd (Sr.), shout out to my family, they mean everything to me. My Uncle Floyd actually got me started in boxing.”
Mercado wins state title at 121-pounds Elite Open; fifth state championship
Boxing out of the La Casa Boxing Club, Guillermo Mercado won the state title in the 121 Elite Open Division as he claimed a decision against Aarkeyse Higdon of Lansing Crown Boxing Club. The state title was the fifth for Mercado, who displayed plenty of heart and boxing ability in grinding out the win against a tough opponent in one of the most entertaining matches of the evening.
Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson wins second-consecutive state title
In the 132-pound Open Division, Gentle Gibson of Kalamazoo Boxing won a decision against Nicolas Alonzi of Flint Town Boxing Club. Gibson won his second consecutive state title in impressive fashion as he recorded a pair of standing-eight counts on his way to victory. The state title was the third overall for Gibson who finished in third place at last year’s national Golden Gloves tournament where all of this year’s champions are headed.
“He (Alonzi) was tough,” Gibson said. “I really thought I was going to stop him, but he could take a punch. He didn’t know I had power like that. I can box and I have power. I can do both and I’m still getting better.”
Four more Open Division state champions were also crowned. Evan Jackson of Kalamazoo Boxing won the title at 154 pounds. Kyree Wiggins of Flint Town boxing won at 165-pound Elite Open, while Joseph McDaye of Kalamazoo Westside Boxing club won at 175-pound Elite Open. In the final bout of the evening, Sardius Simmons won his sixth state championship in the 198-plus Elite Open in a classic matchup against Maurice Davis, who came in as a former state champion as well.
A total of five boxers in the Open Division were also crowned as uncontested Open champions. Those five champions, who will head to the Golden Gloves nationals, included Michael Chester of Saginaw Boxing Club at 176 pounds, Solomon Jagun of Gideon Boxing Club (187 pounds), Zoe Hicks of Lansing Team Glass (112-pound Elite Open Female Division), Sarah Batenburg of MGGA Grand Rapids (132-pound Elite Open Female Division), and Asha Lake of Team Glass (143-pound Elite Open Female Division).
Uncontested Novice champions included Jaquan Wilson of Lansing Crown boxing at 110-pounds, Daniel Espinoza of Gideon Boxing (121-pounds), Davone Jones of Crown Boxing (132 pounds), Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing (198-pounds), and in the female Novice Division Emily Martinez of Eli J Boxing (132-pounds), Tamika Lofton of Lansing Team Glass (143-pounds), and Johana Lugo of United Boxing Club (154-pounds).
The first session focuses on grief support and will be held June 16-20. The second session will focus on cancer support and be held June 23-27. Each session will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Campers do not have to be a Gilda’s Club member to participate and may join and attend any or all camp dates that fit their schedule.
Catch all the sparkling details here:
Camp Sparkle supports overall emotional health and is open to children from all surrounding communities.
(Courtesy, Gilda’s Club)
The program provides children with a chance to connect and interact with other children who having gone through cancer, have been impacted by a cancer journey of someone in their life, or experienced grief because of the death of a family member or friend.
Camp Sparkle is facilitated by Gilda’s Club professional program staff, is supported by trained volunteers, and will feature activities focusing on emotional well-being.
The camp will host guests from community partners including Grand Rapids Symphony, Josh Dunigan with Drums for All, and Grand Rapids Public Library. During the grief session on June 18, those in attendance will have an opportunity to learn breakdancing with Teknique Street Dance Academy.
Pre-registration is required. Those interested can register online here, email cfaust@gildasclubgr.org, or call 616-453-8300, ext. 117.
First Session: Grief Support
Monday, June 16 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, June 20 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Second Session: Cancer Support
Monday, June 23 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, June 27 – 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Note: Family day activities will be scheduled from 1-3 p.m. on the last day of camp for each session.
Davenport University is expanding its unique online bilingual program, Casa Latina, to include three additional associate degrees and two graduate certificates. These additions to the program highlight the need for ongoing support and advocacy for multilingual learners and will be available to students in fall 2025.
Established in the fall of 2024, Casa Latina will now include fully online and bilingual associate degrees in accounting, business administration and human resource management, and graduate certificates in business essentials and human resource management. These offerings are in addition to the 12 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs currently available to students.
“Casa Latina provides a range of career-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with bilingual support services and scholarship opportunities,” said Alejandra Guillén, Director of Marketing & Recruitment for Casa Latina.
“Graduates leave professionally fluent in both English and Spanish, with the skills and cultural understanding to succeed in diverse work environments.”
Bilingual students, especially first-generation students, look for programs that fit their lifestyle (Courtesy, Davenport University)
Fit your lifestyle
Davenport found bilingual students, especially first-generation students, were looking for programs that fit their lifestyle, but not everyone was ready to commit to a four-year program.
“At Davenport, Casa Latina students will now have the option to start with a two-year associate degree, reap the fruits of that commitment, and then finish their undergraduate degree when it’s convenient for them,” said Guillén.
Empowering bilingual individuals
The initiative is grounded in the belief that fully developed bilingualism is a powerful asset (Courtesy, Davenport University)
Casa Latina is designed to empower bilingual individuals and elevate the value of Spanish-English fluency in professional settings. The program focuses on those with underdeveloped or underutilized language skills, helping them achieve full proficiency and succeed in high-demand fields such as business, technology, health care and urban education.
“With nearly half a million Latinos in Michigan, and only 2% holding a postsecondary degree, the need for an accessible, culturally affirming educational pathway is urgent,” said Guillén. “Casa Latina exists to meet this need.
“Many Spanish-speaking individuals—especially those who feel their English skills are not strong enough—have long considered college out of reach. Casa Latina removes this barrier, offering a fully bilingual pathway to higher education.”
The initiative is grounded in the belief that fully developed bilingualism is a powerful asset. It enhances cognitive abilities, expands socioeconomic opportunities and strengthens communities. The program prepares its students to succeed individually and contribute meaningfully to the organizations and communities they serve.
Learn more!
For more information about Casa Latina, click here.
Don’t miss the exciting kickoff to the car cruisin’ season with the Metro Cruise Dust Off on Saturday, May 3. The Dust Off will be hosted at the Wyoming Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave SW, and begin at 8:30 a.m.
The Dust Off has been the Metro Cruise‘s first event of the year since 2014. It was held at rotating sites in the early years, but for the past seven it has been at the Wyoming Moose Lodge. The site has an expansive lot of 200+ spaces with general parking nearby, a large outdoor patio and gracious hosts that give access to the entire building for this event.
For nearly all show cars and attendees, the Dust Off is their first car event of the year. This event emanates a special nostalgia due to the reuniting of old friends after a long time apart.
(Courtesy, Metro Cruise)
Key details:
*Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 *Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Show car lot opens at 8:30 a.m. *Location: Wyoming Moose Lodge (2630 Burlingame Ave SW, Wyoming) *Free admission, free parking for general cars – follow signs on arrival (see map below) *Food and drinks available starting at 11 a.m.
Event Entertainment:
*200+ show cars; all from individual local owners *Build-a-Burger starts at 11 a.m. – various food and drink (full bar) *Spacious outdoor patio with ample seating; indoor areas and seating also available *Themed music playing outside throughout event *Multiple items from the Metro-Merch official collection, including the 2025 Dust Off T-Shirt, just $15 to the first 70 people
Dust Off event parking map (Courtesy, Metro Cruise)
Grab a four-legged friend for this popular community event filled with music, food, drinks, and fun – all while supporting a great cause (Courtesy, Hats & Hounds)
Dust off your best hat and grab a four-legged friend for the popular Hats & Hounds popular community event filled with music, food, drinks and fun – all while supporting a great cause.
There will be a chance to win a prize for Best Dressed Hound & Handler – so don your best outfit! (Courtesy, PAWS)
Event details
This evening of fun will take place on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at Wildwood Family Farms located at 7970 Snow Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302. Guests will enjoy toe-tapping bluegrass music from the Round Creek Trio, indulge in southern-inspired food and beverages, take part in exciting raffles and games, and have the chance to win a prize for the Best Dressed Hound & Handler Contest.
Tickets are just $25 per person and include all food and drinks. In addition to the fun, attendees will meet PAWS clients and learn firsthand about the life-changing impact PAWS assistance dogs have on individuals with disabilities.
Financial support is needed as the need for assistance dogs increases (Courtesy, PAWS)
“It’s exciting to bring this event back for another year. Last year, we were able to raise $15,000 for our mission and this year we’re hoping to raise even more,” said Ashley Diersch, Chief Advancement Officer at PAWS.
“There is a growing need for assistance dogs, and the need for financial support continues to grow as well. With the challenges of inflation and the uncertainty with the economy, we need more help from our community to continue this life-changing work. Every ticket purchase helps!”
Personal pets are welcome, but must be over 16 weeks old, fully vaccinated, leashed and under the control of their owner at all times. If you are unable to attend but still want to support PAWS, donations are welcomed and can be made online.
When it comes to Golden Gloves boxing in the Wyoming and southern Kent County area, few people are as tuned into the sport as Anbrocio Ledesma.
A longtime boxing trainer in the Wyoming area who has taught many young boxers the fundamentals of the sport, Ledesma is currently expanding his teaching of the sport through his La Casa Boxing Club, located at 2241 84th St. in Byron Center.
Home to some of the most successful boxers in the Grand Rapids area, the gym is well represented at this weekend’s Michigan Golden Gloves State Finals that pits the champions and runners-up from the West side tournament up against the champions and runners-up from the East.
Aquinas College hosting Golden Gloves this weekend
The 2025 Michigan Golden Gloves State Championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3 at Aquinas College’s Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6 p.m. both days with boxing starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
Representing La Casa Boxing Club will be Guillermo Mercado and Junior Rios in the Elite Open Division, while Harrison Hevelhurst will box in the Elite Novice Division.
La Casa Boxing Club’s Junior Rios. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
A former Golden Gloves boxer himself, Ledesma began his coaching career in Wyoming at the Pride Boxing Club which was located just north of 28th St. in Wyoming.
“I got into training boxers in my mid 20’s,” Ledesma said. “I actually had a couple of older kids who just wanted just to train, not to compete. I started training them at home, then they had a couple cousins come over and it kind of snowballed into that. Then my wife’s uncle took on a gym in Wyoming, called Wyoming Pride, back in the early 2000’s. I found out about that and took on a coaching responsibility there for the better of seven to ten years.”
La Casa Boxing Club’s Guillermo Mercado. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
After the Pride gym closed, Ledesma began training boxers in a gym that he named the LaCasa Boxing Club, and that he put together in a garage next to his home.
“After Wyoming Pride closed down I stuck around for a little bit longer,” Ledesma said. “We ended up at another spot for a year and half, two years, but at that time I always trained some separate individual kids that wanted individual work at my house in my garage. The journey of my gym started back at my home. That’s why it’s called La Casa. Basically I started training a couple of my older kids.”
The next step in the evolution of La Casa Boxing came when he moved to the current location in Byron Center.
“I took on opening up this gym back in 2023 and that’s where I am now,” Ledesma said. “I’ve had this portion of my gym here in Byron Center for about two years now. Now we’re just here trying to build out here and target the outskirts of the Wyoming area and the Byron Center area.”
La Casa Boxing Club Owner Anbrocio Ledesma (right) and Coach Jackson. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)
Over the years, Ledesma has trained several boxers who have accomplished plenty during their amateur careers. Two of the most successful boxers that have trained under him are Rios and Mercado who are still adding to their legacies.
“Guillermo and Junior have been around the Golden Gloves for some years now,” Ledesma said. “They are past state champs who went on to the nationals several times. Coming through Wyoming Pride we had quite a few state champs as well. I’ve been around some really talented and dedicated fighters.”
La Casa Boxing Club Supplies. (Photo Courtesy, Jaylah Lewis)
This year the gym has a total of 6-10 boxers that come in and train regularly. The gym had three boxers enter the West Michigan Golden Gloves and all three qualified for the upcoming state finals.
With the gym is still relatively new to the Byron Center location, Ledesma has been working at getting the word out. Not only does the gym plan on increasing the numbers of boxers, but it also serves as a place for local youth to come and work out even if they have no desire to become competitive boxers.
“We’re in the midst right now of trying to reach out to the community,” Ledesma said. “We are waiting to hear back from the school systems and then just putting up signs and flyers around the community. Hopefully word of mouth can start spreading around and even if the kids don’t want to come here and compete, that’s not what we’re about. We’re just offering a different type of exercise. A different way they can vent their frustrations. Just kind of get out and breathe fresh air and exercise at the same time.”
Ledesma is looking for the gym to grow and expand as much as possible in its new locations.
“I’m hoping the gym evolves into where there is no limit for us,” Ledesma said. “They don’t have anything like this out here. I’m hoping that we get 10-to-12 fighters out of the gym next year. More importantly, I want it to be in the community and advertised as a boxing, fitness club. It’s not necessarily that you are going to join this gym and we are going to turn you into a boxer.”
One of Grand Rapids’ popular community spaces returns for its 103rd year as Fulton Street Market opens its Main Market Season (Courtesy, Fulton Street Market)
One of Grand Rapids’ popular community spaces returns for its 103rd year as Fulton Street Market opens its Main Market Season.
Starting May 3, markets will run Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of October. Offerings include local produce, farm fresh meats and dairy products, artisan makes, hot and prepared foods, and of course – coffee!
Fulton Street Market continues to promote food accessibility through programs including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, partnership with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Elders, and the Fulton Street Market Food Recovery Program. Through the Food Recovery Program, Fulton Street Market has redirected over 75,000 pounds of unsold food into the Heartside community free of charge since 2022.
A century of community connection
(Courtesy, Fulton Street Market)
As the oldest farmer’s market in West Michigan, Fulton Street Market has been an integral part of local connection and community since 1922.
Featuring 118 outdoor booths and additional indoor spaces, the market hosts an extensive assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, hand-crafted food items, and unique artisan products year-round. Each market season draws tens of thousands of visitors to shop for produce, grab a bite to eat, and support local farmers and small businesses.
“We’ve been planning for weeks how we want to show up and make the most of the excitement and joy that opening day brings to our community,” says Arick Davis, co‑owner of Last Mile Cafe. “Our team is very excited for Fulton Street’s Main Season!”
In addition to weekly market days, Fulton Street Market hosts ART! at the Market events, a BIPOC Night Market series, and seasonal Rummage Sales. These community favorites amplify an array of artists, uplift farmers and creators within marginalized communities, and bolster efforts to shop second hand.
The City of Wyoming’s boil water advisory is in effect for Kentwood customers served by the Wyoming water system.
The areas of Kentwood under the boil water advisory are east of Division Avenue to Madison Avenue and from the north side of Maplelawn Street to south of Harp Street. The affected areas are outlined on this map.
Residents and businesses in the affected areas are encouraged to use bottled water or to boil water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food. Bring tap water, including filtered water, to a full rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool before using.
The City of Wyoming issued a boil water advisory today until further notice due to a drop in water pressure in a portion of its water distribution system.
The City of Kentwood is working closely with the City of Wyoming on this situation and will provide updates as they become available. These updates will be shared on the City of Kentwood’s website and Facebook page.
The Vietnamese American community of West Michigan will honor President Ford’s legacy of giving new hope to thousands of refugees with a special program free to the public (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
Hosted by The Gerald R. Ford Museum from 6:30-9 p.m. on May 9, the event will highlight Ford’s leadership during the Vietnamese refugee airlift, the largest aerial evacuation in history. The evacuation encompassed a series of overlapping operations which relocated thousands of Vietnamese children and families: Babylift, New Life, Frequent Wind and New Arrivals.
Operation Babylift (President Ford, right) rescued over 3,000 babies and orphans from Vietnam (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
“This event marks 50 years since the Fall of Saigon, which led to the Refugee Act and the resettlement of Vietnamese families in West Michigan,” said Le Tran, art teacher and Asian Student Union Advisor at East Kentwood High School, and chair of the West Michigan Asian-American Association.
“It’s time to reflect on our journey, honor President Ford’s compassionate leadership, and celebrate the resilience and contributions of our community.”
During the program, President Ford’s youngest son, Steve Ford, will offer an inside look into the motivation behind his father’s call to action to save the Vietnamese orphans.
Additional program features are Vietnamese musical performances, reflections from an Operation Babylift adoptee, and a panel discussion offering insight into experiences of Vietnamese Americans and the impact of Ford’s refugee support.
A compassionate call to action
Steve Ford (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
In a recent conversation with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, Steve Ford revealed that Operation Babylift was near and dear to his father’s heart.
“Dad found out that there were over 3,000 babies and orphans in Vietnam that had been fathered by American servicemen,” said Ford. “A lot of these babies had been put in orphanages or given up, and he felt a deep concern about that.”
Not only were thousands of babies abandoned, they were in danger of being killed by the Ho Chi Minh army as they took over Saigon.
President Ford’s empathy, his son said, stemmed from his own turbulent past as an infant.
Born to Leslie Lynch King and Dorothy Ayer Gardner, and originally named Leslie Lynch King Jr., President Ford was only weeks old when his physically abusive father threatened Gardner with a butcher knife. Gardner fled, eventually settling at the home of her parents in Grand Rapids.
Gardner divorced King and eventually married Grand Rapids businessman Gerald R. Ford.
The Ford family (Steve Ford, right) pictured in front of the White House (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
“Gerald R. Ford Sr. is the one that took Dad under his wing, raised him, invested in his life – and gave him his name,” said Ford. “Dad’s history…very much played into his empathy for these young babies that had been fathered by U.S. servicemen and were being abandoned. So he made a great effort for these babies.”
In the National Geographic article titled “Resettling Vietnamese Refugees in the United States,” President Ford stated, “[T]o ignore the refugees in their hour of need would be to repudiate the values we cherish as a nation of immigrants, and I was not about to let Congress do that.”
A 50-year ripple effect
On April 3, 1975, President Ford launched Operation Babylift. Through private contractors and U.S. military planes, thousands of orphaned children were airlifted out of Saigon and brought to the United States for adoption.
A doctor attends to a Vietnamese baby during Operation Babylift (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
In A Time to Heal: The Autobiography of Gerald R. Ford (p. 252), President Ford stated:
“I ordered American officials in Saigon to cut through any red tape that might stand in the way of the children’s escape. Then I told our Air Force to begin those mercy flights as soon as possible. Everyone suffers in a war, but no one suffers more than the children, and the airlift was the least that we could do.“
President Ford feeds a Vietnamese refugee baby (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
President Ford and his wife Betty greeted the first plane at the San Francisco International Airport and helped carry babies off the plane.
Numerous foster and adoptive families were waiting to open their doors to the Vietnamese orphans, with several churches and organizations helping facilitate the adoption process.
Fifty years later, those babies are now lawyers, doctors, homemakers, teachers and nurses. Ford said he is often approached by those orphans at speaking engagements, where they thank his father for saving them.
“It’s amazing how something 50 years ago is still rippling today and causing such good.”
One of those orphans, Thuy Williams, has become a good friend of Ford and his wife.
Separated from her mother and slated to be on the first airlift flight that ended in tragedy, Williams will share her journey of heartache and healing during the commemoration event.
President Ford carries a Vietnamese baby from “Clipper 1742,” a plane that transported approximately 325 South Vietnamese orphans from Saigon to the United States (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
Recognizing the good and the bad
The local Vietnamese American panel discussion will give perspective regarding the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
“There’s good and bad,” said Ford. “It’s the reason we do these stories at the Museum. There were definitely both sides, and we always feel it’s important to show both sides because that’s what history looks like. It’s never one way.”
A country of immigrants
“If Dad were here today, he would want people to remember that we are a country of immigrants,” said Ford. “We’ve gone through periods all through our history of welcoming people here. We’ve always stepped forward when these crises have happened and been willing to welcome people in the country.”
Ford went on to say that his father tried to heal the nation in many ways.
President Ford visited refugee camps in May 1975 (Courtesy, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation)
“There were scars on this country, there were wounds that needed help,” said Ford. “Dad would tell you war is ugly, it’s tragic. But if you try to do your best, you can look deeper and find some of these stories where you have good coming out the other side.
“I think the story of these babies – Operation Babylift – is one that makes America look like a country with great empathy and humanity.”
Event and resource links
Ford Museum event registration and information can be found here.
More information about the Vietnamese refugee airlift evacuation and the Vietnamese American community can be found below:
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority will be joined by the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to support a “Tour of Honor” for Veterans to visit Washington D.C. This two-day event will include a tour of the memorials in Washington D.C., dedicated to their service and sacrifices.
Community members are invited to attend the Welcome Home Reception, which is a public event held at the Airport on Wednesday, April 30 at 8:40 p.m., and is an opportunity to greet and thank Veterans for their service. Those wanting to participate are encouraged to bring signs and American flags and should plan to stand in a parade line throughout the terminal building.
The City of Kentwood will offer its annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 3, to help residents “spring clean” their home and yard.
Kentwood residents can drop off yard waste, household items, furniture and general debris for disposal and electronics for recycling from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Public Works Department, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Proof of Kentwood residency is required.
“Our Community Cleanup Day provides residents with a convenient and safe way to dispose of unwanted items at no cost,” Public Works Department Director Chad Griffin said. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this event as they prepare their home for the spring season.”
The following items will be accepted:
Yard Waste – Loose leaves, brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs and grass clippings.
Household Items – Water heaters, toilets, appliances, snowblowers, etc.
Furniture – Bed frames, mattresses, dressers, couches, etc.
Electronics – TVs, phones, computers, fax machines, modems, printers, etc.
Residents participating in Community Cleanup Day are asked to enter the Public Works Department property off Breton Avenue, where staff will check ID for residency and direct traffic flow.
Kentwood Community Cleanup Day May 3. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The following items will not be accepted during Community Cleanup Day:
Hazardous materials of any kind, such as automotive fluids, paints, aerosol cans, etc., and construction debris like concrete, dirt and roofing. Donations of any kind, smoke detectors and tires will also not be accepted.
Residents looking to safely dispose of household hazardous materials may utilize the Kent County Public Works Department’s SafeChem program, which is open and available to residents from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Kentwood Public Works Department.
Residents who are unable to attend Community Cleanup Day can drop off brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, loose leaves and grass clippings at the Public Works Department from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. tp 5 p.m. Sunday through May 23. For more information about the City’s brush and leaf drop-off site, visit kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.
Kentwood Public Schools recently broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor facility, made possible through the district’s 2021 $192 million bond program. District leaders, local officials and community members gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction on this exciting project, which reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to student opportunity and community engagement.
Projected cost: $28 Million
The 107,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for athletics, recreation, educational programming, and large community and school gatherings. With a projected cost of approximately $28 million, the facility will offer flexible space designed to support a wide range of activities and events, including use by school athletic teams, band practices, physical education classes, and community gatherings, enriching the student experience and providing a resource for the broader Kentwood community.
“Kentwood Public Schools is thankful for the continued support from our community to provide excellent environments for our students and community to learn, grow and thrive in,” said Kentwood Superintendent Kevin Polston. “We are excited to break ground on the new Kentwood Public Schools Community Multipurpose Center to further enhance educational opportunities for students in the arts, academics and athletics.”
An architectural model of the Kentwood Public Schools Multipurpose Building. (Courtesy, KPS)
The multipurpose facility will not only enhance extracurricular programming and student engagement, but also serve as a valuable asset for the entire Kentwood community—providing space for practices, performances, recreational leagues, special events, and educational activities throughout the year.
As one of the flagship projects of the 2021 bond program, the new facility reflects the community’s strong support for education and the district’s vision to meet the evolving needs of students and families.
Construction is scheduled to be completed in December of 2026.
The $192 million bond program is managed by Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. and designed by TowerPinkster Architecture.
Health departments and health officials across Michigan and Kent County are transitioning from preparing for the arrival of measles to reacting to the arrival of the disease, which was once officially considered eliminated in the United States in the year 2000.
Measles began its comeback in the United States in February and early March in the Southwest United States, specifically New Mexico and West Texas.
884 cases across the United States, 9 in Michigan
Since then, cases of measles have been spreading across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the latest numbers have shown an increase of cases with 30 states in the U.S. reporting cases. According to the CDC, a total of 884 cases are confirmed across the nation as of April 24. In the state of Michigan, as of April 24, there have been nine confirmed cases of measles according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). A total of four outbreak cases of the measles has been reported by the MDHHS with the outbreak located in Montcalm County in West Central Michigan. Locally, the first case of measles was reported in Kent County on April 1. The measles case in Kent County was the first reported in Kent County since 2013.
Along with measles, the state of Michigan has also seen an uptick in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. In 2024 Michigan reported 2,081 cases of pertussis, a 19-fold increase from 2023 and the third consecutive annual rise. So far in 2025, the state has already reported nearly 700 pertussis cases, including 112 in infants under age 2, the age group most at risk for severe complications.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease that continues to circulate both in the U.S. and globally,” said Dr. Adam London, Health Officer at the Kent County Health Department. “This case is a reminder of how quickly measles can spread and the importance of vaccination. We urge residents to check their immunization status, especially if planning to travel internationally or into areas with active measles outbreaks.”
On April 24, healthcare officials from around the state of Michigan convened for a conference call to address the state of measles in Michigan and discussed ways to address the issue and keep the public up to date on the situation.
One of the main points of emphasis by the panel, that included Michigan Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan, was the need for vaccinations.
“These numbers are alarming, and this resurgence is preventable,” Dr. Bagdasarian said. “Diseases like measles and pertussis are highly contagious and potentially deadly, especially for infants and young children. We have safe, effective vaccines that protect against these illnesses – vaccines that have been available for decades. Let’s use all the tools at our disposal to protect our most vulnerable.”
(Courtesy, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS)
Vaccine rates have been falling in recent years and that has enabled diseases like the measles and pertussis to mount a comeback.
According to the MDHHS, vaccination rates for young children in Michigan have declined over the past decade. As of March 2025, only 71.5% of Michigan children ages 19 to 35 months had received four or more DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) doses. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine coverage for this age group was 79.4%. Only 68.4% of young children in Michigan have received all the vaccines recommended to protect them from 14 serious diseases by the time they’re 2-years old. Pertussis (whooping cough) often begins with mild cold-like symptoms, but progresses to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks. More than half of infants who get pertussis need to be hospitalized, and complications can include pneumonia, brain damage and death.
“Vaccination is not simply a personal choice, it is a public health responsibility that protects the entire community, particularly those at highest risk for serious health consequences,” said Dr. Rachel Klamo, a family physician and president of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. “We encounter vaccine-preventable illnesses daily and are seeing cases of once-rare diseases, such as measles, the consequences of which can be life-long and devastating. For physicians, this is heartbreaking because it is preventable.”
“Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles”
Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles which is easily spread. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, measles is a disease caused by a virus. It is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The MDHHS website also states that 90% of persons without immunity to measles will become ill after exposure to the virus. It also states that measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
The MMR vaccine, recommended starting at age 1, offers long-lasting protection against measles. Michigan’s recent outbreak was linked to a large, ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada.
(Image Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Parents deserve accurate, science-based information about vaccines,” said Veronica Valentine McNally, president of the Franny Strong Foundation and founder of the I Vaccinate campaign. “When families are informed, they choose to protect their children. That’s why we created IVaccinate.org—to empower Michigan parents with the facts they need to make confident decisions.”
The I Vaccinate campaign is a nationally recognized joint initiative of the Franny Strong Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, supported by the CDC and every major health and medical organization in the state.”
Parents especially need to know that the DTaP vaccine is recommended at 2, 4 and 6 months, followed by boosters at 15-18 months and 4-to-6 years to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The MMR vaccine is recommended at 12-to-15 months and again at 4-to-6 years. The vaccines are available through pediatricians, most pharmacies and local health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive vaccines at no cost from enrolled providers.
“With vaccine-preventable diseases making a comeback in our state and across the country, this is not the time to let our guard down,” said Dr. Bagdasarian. “This is a good time to call your health care provider and make sure your family is up to date on vaccines.”
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport revealed its first-ever official mascot, Jerry the Jet™, a friendly and engaging character designed to enhance the airport experience for guests and promote aviation in the community.
Created in collaboration with its marketing and advertising partner, Extra Credit Projects, Jerry the Jet™ is part of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority’s broader effort to elevate the guest experience, increase brand recognition and deepen community engagement. With a cheerful personality and a passion for flight, Jerry will serve as a mascot for both in-terminal experiences and events throughout West Michigan.
“This is more than just a mascot,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “Jerry the Jet™ is a fun, approachable way for us to connect with our guests and our community while sparking curiosity about aviation. He embodies our commitment to creating an exceptional and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”
In addition to greeting passengers in the terminal, Jerry the Jet™ will appear at community events and serve as an ambassador for the Airport. He will help educate audiences about flight, careers in aviation and the role airports play in connecting people and places.
Ford International Airport was recently recognized as one of the top-performing airports globally for guest experience by Airports Council International World. Over the past year, the Airport has set a new passenger record, added accessibility amenities including a sensory room, added commercial airline partners to expand nonstop flights options, opened four new restaurants and more.
For more information about the Ford International Airport, visit FlyFord.org.
Casting Light: Photographs of the Vietnam War, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum’s latest showcase exhibition, captures the realities of one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
Open to the public since April 21, the exhibition features iconic and thought-provoking images taken by photojournalists and military photographers.
The “Casting Light” exhibit is an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal era in our nation’s history (Courtesy, GRFM)
Through the lens of those who witnessed it firsthand, Casting Light brings to life the experiences of those who served, protested, and endured the consequences of the Vietnam War. Among those photojournalists was President Ford’s White House photographer, David Hume Kennerly, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his efforts in 1972.
“This exhibit is an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal era in our nation’s history,” said Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. “President Ford played a crucial role in the final chapter of the war and managing the aftermath.
“Through these photographs, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the War’s impact.”
A comprehensive and powerful firsthand look
The showcase exhibit is composed of free-standing text panels and iconic photographs that provide a moving, intimate and powerful look at the Vietnam War. A comprehensive examination of the conflict, the photographs capture how presidents grappled with the reality of war as they made executive decisions, soldiers on the ground in Vietnam and the American public’s changing responses to the conflict as they processed the war at home.
During the conflict, the U.S. military allowed more documentation than ever before, including by the military’s own photographers and videographers. Thousands of images were captured.
U.S. troops waiting for the arrival of President Johnson at Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam on Oct. 26, 1966 (Courtesy, GRFM)
These journalists, photographers, and film crews had considerable access to ground soldiers, officers, and battlefields. These firsthand accounts in turn influenced public opinion.
Images of the conflict far from home appeared on the front pages of newspapers, magazine covers and television screens across the country, underscoring its human toll. Dubbed “The Living Room War,” Americans back home watched the fighting unfold on their television screens.
Casting Light: Photographs of the Vietnam War will be on display through Dec. 14. More exhibit information can be found here.
Additional free programs
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Ford Museum invites the public to attend a series of free programs exploring key themes surrounding the Vietnam War, including the challenges faced by Vietnamese refugees, the continued aftershocks and the lasting impact of the War on American society.
A full schedule of programs and registration details can be found here.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall will visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to discuss a fresh viewpoint on the War and its legacy (Courtesy, GRFM)
It has been 50 years since the guns fell silent on the battlefields in Vietnam. Yet many people still wonder how to think about the War’s origins, escalation, ultimate resolution, aftereffects and its continued resonance in U.S. politics and society today.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall will visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on Wednesday, April 30 to discuss a fresh viewpoint on the War and its legacy via his book, Embers of War.
This event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged and can be completed here. A book signing will follow the public program at 7:30 p.m.
About Fredrik Logevall
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Fredrik Logevall (Courtesy, GRFM)
Fredrik Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of History and International Affairs at Harvard University. He is the author or editor of eleven books, including most recently JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 (Random House, 2020), which won the Elizabeth Longford Prize and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
His book Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam (Random House, 2012), won the Pulitzer Prize for History, the Parkman Prize, the Arthur Ross Book Award and the American Library in Paris Book Award.
Logevall’s essays and reviews have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Times Literary Supplement,The New Republic, Politico, Daily Beast, the London Review of Books, and Foreign Affairs among other publications.
A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Logevall lives in Cambridge, MA.
Event and live stream registration
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor will also be hosting an Embers of War book discussion on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. Registration for the Library event can be found here.
Those unable to attend in person can live stream the lecture via Zoom on April 29. Registration for the Zoom option can be found here.
France Hoang’s powerful presentation recounts his journey of personal perseverance and how America’s promise of opportunity can transform lives across generations (Courtesy, GRFM)
Veteran and entrepreneur France Hoang will visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. to share his remarkable story, From Saigon to Service: One Refugee’s Story of Gratitude and Giving Back.
In this powerful presentation, Hoang recounts his journey: arriving in America as a child refugee, attending West Point, serving in a war zone, advising at the White House, and ultimately coming full circle to help evacuate Afghan allies during America’s withdrawal. His story is not just a testament to personal perseverance, but a living example of how America’s promise of opportunity can transform lives across generations.
Hoang will also be sharing his story at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. For those unable to attend the April 23 event, a Zoom option is available.
(Courtesy, GRFM)
“We are honored to welcome France Hoang to the Ford Library and Museum,” said Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. “His inspiring talk, exploring themes of compassion, courage, and duty, demonstrates the ripple effect of President Ford’s values and leadership during Operation New Life, which welcomed Vietnamese refugees to the United States.”
Both programs are free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.
A life of service
Hoang is an accomplished entrepreneur who has helped build companies, generating over $600 million in combined sales and employing more than 1,200 professionals across various sectors. He holds degrees from West Point, Washburn University, and Georgetown University Law Center, where he graduated magna cum laude.
Hoang currently serves as Co-Founder and CEO of BoodleBox, developing innovative AI technology platforms, and as a Distinguished Visiting Lecturer at West Point and as a Senior Fellow with the National Security Institute at George Mason University. He also serves on the boards of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and No One Left Behind.
Registration Links
For more information and to register for these events, click here. Registration for the April 23 Zoom can be found here.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS April Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, April 28 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Cellar Bird Books offers visitors a wide variety of books, locally made gifts, and book club experiences (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
For former Paramount Animation production manager Lea Kocurek, owning a bookstore was a decade-long dream that recently became a reality.
Located on the west side of Grand Rapids, Cellar Bird Books opened its doors at 415 Bridge St. NW on Nov. 18, 2024. Kocurek offers a carefully curated selection of new books for all ages, literary-themed gifts, monthly books clubs, author readings and more.
Rekindling a former passion…
Kocurek says she fell away from reading for pleasure during college but recently rediscovered her love of books – and began to dream.
“Opening a bookstore has been a dream of mine for about a decade or so,” says Kocurek. “I kind of got out of reading for fun, and once I discovered it again, I became a really avid reader.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Between animation projects, Kocurek began researching what it would take to open a bookstore. A few months later, she felt the pull to make her dream a reality.
Already harboring a desire to move away from Los Angeles, Kocurek and her husband began looking at other parts of the country to see what appealed to them. After settling on Michigan, they narrowed it down further and arrived in Grand Rapids in 2021.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We bought a house sight-unseen, and our first time stepping foot in Michigan was moving across the country,” says Kocurek. “We love it. We’re definitely putting down more roots with opening this store and everything, but I really love it.”
Falling in love…
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Originally from Texas, Kocurek had moved to Los Angeles with her husband in 2015 to work at Paramount Animation. As she looks back, Kocurek realizes her world has always revolved around her love of storytelling.
“That dawned on me last summer when I was looking at both career paths,” says Kocurek. “I’m not necessarily the one telling the story, but I love bringing stories to people.”
Kocurek has fallen in love with Grand Rapids and the community, and stocks unique items made from local companies and independent artists. She also features books from several local authors.
“I’m trying to build that up a bit more as I get a little more established. I had to figure things out a little bit; this is all so new to me,” Kocurek says with a laugh. “It’s taken me a little bit of time to know how to even run a bookstore.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When asked why she decided on the name Cellar Bird Books, Kocurek admitted the name was inspired by the times she found birds flying around in her basement.
“When I was looking for a name for the bookstore, I liked the ring of it and it fit the cozy/darker vibe I want the store to have.”
Kocurek says she loves all aspects of owning her own bookstore, but some things have caught her by surprise.
“I think the part that surprised me the most is the community aspect of it, and that it’s not just a store,” says Kocurek. “I’m starting to put together events and book clubs, and I enjoy it. I knew that aspect was there but didn’t quite understand how much of a foundation of the store it was.”
How to get books, books…and more books!
Event and book club information can be found here. Options to pre-order new releases, place a special order, shop online or simply view staff picks are also available on the Cellar Bird Books website.
If readers are searching for their next read, Kocurek recommends The Wedding Peopleby Alison Espach, her favorite book of 2024.
To learn more about Cellar Bird Books, visit their website – or simply stop in!
The Kentwood Police Department is encouraging community members to take part in its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day event on Saturday, April 26.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE.
Police Department staff will collect tablets, capsules and other solid forms of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They also will accept vaping devices and cartridges as long as lithium batteries are removed.
Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted at the event. For these items, community members can utilize the Kent County Health Department’s SafeSharps program, which collects syringes and sharps at the South Clinic, 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Sharps are medical devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin.
“The Kentwood Police Department is committed to proactively reducing prescription drug misuse, overdoses and accidental poisonings by encouraging community members to turn in unused and unneeded medication,” said Kentwood acting Chief of Police Stephanie Morningstar. “Our Drug Take Back Day events offer a free, safe and anonymous way for community members to dispose of medications.”
Kentwood National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 26. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
KPD and other law enforcement agencies across the nation partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host Drug Take Back Day events every October and April as part of ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths.
For community members unable to attend KPD’s event, the department offers a year-round drug take back program for the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medications. This free, anonymous service is available in KPD’s lobby from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Boxers from all across West Michigan descended into the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center on the campus of Aquinas College for the 2025 West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals this past Saturday and a large crowd was treated to four hours of outstanding action.
A total of 16 bouts were on the card and nearly every one provided plenty of action as boxers fought it out for West Michigan titles and the opportunity to advance to the state finals at Aquinas College May 2 and 3.
Wyoming’s PK Boxing Gym sparkles
Locally, PK Boxing Gym of Wyoming enjoyed a productive night. PK Boxing had two boxers in the finals and the duo actually fought in back-to-back matches. In a pair of hard-fought matches, Sebastian Romo and Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez both came away winning decisions and West Michigan titles.
PK Boxing teammates Jose Jimenez-Gonzalez (third from left) and Sebastian Romo (fourth from left) celebrate with teammates and coaches following their wins at the West Michigan Golden Gloves Finals. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Boxing in the 127-pound Youth Novice Division, Romo defeated Teodocio Magana of the Crown Boxing Club of Lansing. The bout was an intense struggle from beginning to end.
“It was exciting”, said Romo, a student at Jenison High School. “I love everything about boxing. It was intense. It was a good fight. I thought it was a war and I had a good time.”
Romo has been boxing for three years, and this is his first time competing at Golden Gloves. He became interested in boxing while watching the sport with his family growing up.
“I was basically just watching a lot of fights at home with my dad and my family,” Romo said. “We watched a popular fighter, Canelo Alvarez, and after that I wanted to start boxing.”
In the following bout in the 147-pound Youth Novice Division, Jimenez-Gonzalez defeated Jeremiah Henry, also from Crown Boxing, in another close, hard-fought match.
A student at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, Jimenez-Gonzalez has been boxing for a short time and his match in the Golden Gloves was the first of his career.
“I was nervous at first, but once I got in there, I was ready for war,” Jimenez-Gonzalez said. “It was exciting. My body shots were working the best, mainly my uppercuts.”
Like his teammate, Jimenez-Gonzalez grew up watching boxing and especially Canelo Alvarez.
“As a youngster I used to watch a lot of fights”, Jimenez-Gonzalez said, “especially Canelo. My grandpa used to fight, too. He never made it pro, but I wanted to follow his lead.”
Winning their bouts back-to-back was extra special for the teammates.
“We talked about it a lot,” Romo said. “It was fun to do it back-to-back.”
Floyd Santiago back
While Romo and Jimenez-Gonzalez were a pair of younger boxers making an initial name for themselves, Floyd Santiago was an older boxer who was back in the action after a lengthy span away from the sport. Boxing out of the Michigan Golden Gloves Association (MGGA) gym in Grand Rapids, Santiago was back in the Golden Gloves for the first time in eight years. Santiago showed no signs of any rust after the long time away from boxing as he won the 187-pound Elite Novice title by stopping Matt Rogein of Jet Boxing from Okemos.
Floyd Santiago of MGGA Grand Rapids won the 187-pound Elite Novice title after an eight-year layoff from boxing. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Santiago displayed a relentless style piling up points and also recording a standing eight count in his victory. Getting the win after eight years of missing the sport was extra special for Santiago who thought about boxing the entire time.
“It feels great,” Santiago said. “Even through the eight years I had stopped boxing, I was doing body building, so I built up that discipline to be able to consistently do something every single day. But the whole time that I stopped boxing, I just regretted it. I love boxing so much. I regretted stopping. So now I’ve been back for six months, and I’ve been able to do this. It’s pretty great.”
In the Elite Open Division, another MGGA boxer, Siderio Mitchell (see below), came away with a championship. Boxing in the 143-pound Open Division weight class, Mitchell met a familiar face in the finals in his teammate from MGGA, Mike Guzman. In one of the most crowd-pleasing matches of the evening, Mitchell won a decision against his MGGA teammate in a bout that was full of action for all three rounds.
Siderio Mitchell of MGGA Grand Rapids defeated teammate Mike Guzman in the 143-pound Elite Open Division final. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
The two boxers were meeting for the first time in an actual match despite having sparred each other countless times at the MGGA gym.
“I probably have over a hundred rounds sparring with him,” Mitchell said. “He’s pretty good, that’s why I sparred him a lot. I told myself even though I sparred him this way, maybe I switch it up. I switched it up a few times in sparring, but tonight, I really need to switch it up.”
The plan worked out as Mitchell delivered his shots and avoided getting caught.
“I knew I couldn’t go out there and fight him the same way I did in sparring because he is going to expect that,” Mitchell said. “So when he was expecting to trade punches; boom, boom, boom, I hit him, then I got out the way. He wasn’t expecting that. Then the last 10 seconds, I know he’s a brawler. Last year I saw him brawling. He’s really good at that and he won most of those, but I made sure I hit and got out the way, finishing up my last 10 seconds doing laps around the ring and I won it. I did it.”
Another West Michigan title for Kalamazoo’s Gentle Gibson
The 132-pound Open Division final between Gentle Gibson of the Kalamazoo Boxing Club and Aarkeyse Higdon of Crown Boxing was another match that had the fans involved. Gibson, who won a state title last year, added a West Michigan title this year as he won in the second round on a referee stoppage.
The final two bouts in the Open Division also were won by boxers from the Kalamazoo Boxing Club. In the 154-pound weight class Evan Jackson defeated Alejandro Hernandez of Anahuac Boxing while in the 165-pound open final Jermont Reece defeated Joseph McDaye of Westside Boxing in Kalamazoo.
In the Elite Novice Division, Davone Jones of Crown Boxing beat Harrison Hevelhurst of LaCasa Boxing Club in the 132-pound weight class. At 143 pounds Mohammad Aliyar of United Boxing Club defeated Mekhi Know of Muskegon TCB. At 154-pouonds in the Elite Novice Division Carlito Aggers of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated Mateo Diaz of Sakwamdo Boxing Club of Holland. Ontess Toliver of Blue Gym in Grand Rapids beat Joe L. Johnson of Crown Boxing at 176 pounds.
In the 165-pound Elite Novice Division, Tommy Watts of TCB Boxing of Muskegon defeated Nate Dotson of Crown Boxing. In the 198-pound Elite Novice Division, Monta Perkins of Kalamazoo Boxing defeated D’Angelo Williams of Team Glass Boxing of Lansing, while in the 198-plus Elite Division, Aiden Baker of MGGA defeated Robert Lathan of Kalamazoo Boxing.
In the long Bantam Novice Division match of the evening, Ricardo Emiliano of Westside Boxing defeated Ethan Edmonds of Crown Boxing, and in the lone Junior Novice Division bout, Tayshon Whitfield of Crown Boxing beat Ronald Salvador of Eli J Boxing Club.
The City of Kentwood has named longtime Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder as its new Community Development Director.
Golder was unanimously appointed to the director role by the City Commission during its March 24 meeting. She succeeds Terry Schweitzer, who is retiring in early April.
As community development director, Golder will be responsible for overseeing the City of Kentwood’s planning and zoning services and managing a team that provides technical support to six city boards that develop and implement the city’s vision for the future.
“The leadership and dedication Lisa has shown during her more than 38 years of experience in our Planning Department make her the right person for this position,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “She has proven to be a valuable asset to the department, and I have absolute confidence she will continue to demonstrate great leadership and service in her new role.”
Golder joined the Planning Department in 1987 as an economic development planner. In this role, she developed, implemented and coordinated economic development initiatives for the City, including the Revolving Loan Fund, a low-interest loan program designed for small businesses.
Golder collaborated with The Right Place, Inc. and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on business retention and expansion, supporting businesses and industry to thrive and expand locally. Golder led the effort to achieve and maintain its status as a Redevelopment Ready Community, a certification from the MEDC that recognizes a city’s commitment to attracting new investors, businesses and residents.
She also helped create the City’s form-based code ordinance which promotes a diverse mix of residential, business and leisure space within walking distance of public transportation. It was adopted to encourage the development and redevelopment of Division Avenue from Maplelawn Street to 60th Street.
She has been certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners since 1990.
“I am honored to be appointed community development director for the City of Kentwood,” Golder said. “I am eager to lead our talented team and help shape and grow the city through implementing sustainable development and fostering business opportunities.”
Learn more about the City of Kentwood’s Planning Department and its efforts at Kentwood.us/planning.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its annual Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 25, to highlight the important role trees play in our environment and encourage tree planting.
Residents of all ages are invited to join the Arbor Day Celebration at Home Acres Park, 145 Farnham St. SE. The event will begin at noon with an Arbor Day proclamation reading by Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, followed by a tree planting. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be on-site to provide giveaways and free educational materials. Complimentary refreshments also will be provided.
“Each year, we gather to honor the trees that provide clean air and enhance the beauty and biodiversity of our parks and public spaces,” Kepley said. “Our Arbor Day Celebration is also an opportunity to encourage one another to plant new trees and protect our existing trees from invasive species for the enjoyment of future generations.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley speaks at Arbor Day Celebration 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood residents can pick up a free tree seedling April 22-25 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Tree seedlings also will be available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday or until supplies are gone.
Kentwood residents can check on tree seedling availability by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270. Residents are invited to share a photo of their planted seedling on social media using the hashtag #GreeningKentwood.
The Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by Railtown Brewing Company, which hosts an annual fundraiser in March that provides a portion of sales from its Bike Ride Blonde ale toward the purchase of trees for the Arbor Day Celebration. This year Railtown Brewing Company raised $1,168 for the Arbor Day Celebration.
Learn more about Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration and sign up to volunteer at kentwood.us/ArborDay.
In 2005, Wyoming native Carol Jennings suffered an ischemic stroke that paralyzed her right side and rendered speech nearly impossible (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Carol Jennings says angels live at Mary Free Bed (Courtesy photo)
In July 2005, Wyoming native Carol Jennings suffered an ischemic stroke that paralyzed her right side and rendered speech nearly impossible.
Twenty years later, 82-year-old Jennings is living a full life, and she says it is largely due to the care she received at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital (MFB) in Grand Rapids.
“Mary Free Bed, they have angels that live there,” says Jennings. “The therapists work very hard, and they were just wonderful.”
The journey to recovery, however, was not easy – or short.
A long road home
Jennings and her husband Chuck were far from home when she suffered the stroke. On their way home from Boston, MA, the couple stayed overnight at a hotel in Syracuse, NY. Jennings had a headache that night and took medication to help her sleep.
The next morning, they were packing for the trip back to Michigan when Jennings realized something was not right.
“I was going to drive, and I had gone out to the car and fixed the seat, went back in and stroked,” says Jennings. “I don’t remember a thing after that.”
Jennings does not remember much about the day of her stroke (Courtesy photo)
At St. Joesph’s Health Hospital, Jennings received a clot buster injection to help break up the clot on the left side of her brain. The next thing Jennings remembers is opening her eyes to find a nurse leaning over her, asking if she felt better.
“I couldn’t answer her,” Jennings recounts in a book called The Promised Piece. “I could think, but couldn’t say anything.
“I had so many questions, and my lips and my heart were separated by miles. I couldn’t coordinate my thinking or my hearing, and now my eyes were tearing up and my voice was absent. I was instantly experiencing total grief.”
Jennings underwent treatment at St. Joseph’s for 11 days.
Restoring hope and freedom
Mary Free Bed is the nation’s most comprehensive rehabilitation provider and one of the largest not-for-profit, independent rehabilitation hospital systems in the country, states the MFB website.
MBF’s roots date back to 1891, when a small group of women wanted to help people who could not afford health care. Today, MFB works to restore hope and freedom through specialized physical medicine and rehabilitation programs and services.
Jennings was flown to MFB in Michigan where she underwent treatment for another 19 days.
(Courtesy photo)
Tough love
Jennings’ entire right side was paralyzed. She choked when swallowing ice chips, liquids and soft foods, making eating and drinking nearly impossible.
Her weakened right hand became the helping hand instead of the dominant. Jennings had to relearn how to perform numerous tasks, such as eating and writing, using her left hand.
Through everything, Jennings’ husband and her lifelong friend, Marilyn Emery, remained by her side. They provided love and support as Jennings worked toward regaining a normal life.
Jennings’ occupational therapist (Kristi) and speech therapist (Marie) also played a vital role in her recovery and provided Jennings with hope. She remains close with both women today.
“They work so hard, even if you stumble and don’t want to do [things],” says Jennings. “They keep you going. They are just so patient; they really are angels.”
Forever changed
After undergoing years of speech therapy for aphasia, Jennings now puts voice to her thoughts and questions. However, that voice now carries a different pitch, and she is often mistaken for having an accent.
Carol Jennings (right) shares about the challenges and recovery of her stroke (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When Jennings gave a speech and asked to see the recording, Emery hesitated, knowing the pitch and tone of Jennings’ voice was lower than before the stroke.
“I didn’t know if she should listen to it, but she wanted to use it as a tool for her voice pitch,” says Emery. “She cried when she listened to her speech and said, ‘Did I really sound like that?’”
In order to be discharged from the therapy program, Jennings had to go out to lunch with Chuck and her therapist, order from the menu, and pay for the meal herself. She also had to pass a driving test. Jennings flunked the test the first time because her leg wasn’t strong enough to hit the brake pedal.
But she refused to give up.
“She’s a fighter”
Jennings attended therapy seven days a week, a daunting and difficult schedule.
Tasks that previously took no effort or thought now put Jennings’ sanity and patience to the test.
Jennings got her wish and once again danced with her husband Art (Courtesy, MFB)
As Chuck drove Jennings to therapy appointments, he read street signs and billboards, then encouraged Jennings to repeat them.
“I didn’t realize that I had to put my tongue a certain way when I said certain words,” says Jennings, adding that it was one more thing to relearn.
“It came back. Everything will come back, but it takes so long. I learned patience.”
When asked by the MFB marketing department to name the one thing Jennings wanted to do again, her reply was instant: “Dance with my husband.”
In time, Jennings once again danced in Chuck’s arms, their picture gracing local billboards and television screens as a testament to MFB’s rehabilitation skills. But much of that healing and strength came from Jennings herself.
“She’s a fighter,” said Emery. “She is a marvelous witness of what can happen.”
Faith, family and friendship
A large part of Jennings’ healing, she said, also came from her relationship with God.
“My mind never shut down, but I couldn’t talk much. All of a sudden, I said, ‘You know, Lord, if you want me to live, what do you want me to do? I can’t do anything.’”
(Courtesy photo)
Jennings would talk with God daily as she struggled in therapy.
“Just going there helped me to realize that God had to be working for me because some days I couldn’t work for myself,” said Jennings. “I would go, but He would give me the strength.
“My relationship [with Him] grew and grew. And He got me better. Better to do what? To help write a book.”
When planning the book, Emery asked Jennings what came to mind when she said God. Jennings replied: Center.
“I thought, God will be the center of our book,” says Emery. “That He pulled her through, and she needed Him. We were there because she survived.”
Working on the book with Emery forced Jennings to utilize her mind and gave her purpose. “I felt the power of friendship,” says Jennings. “They were pulling for me, and I thought: I’m not going to let them down.”
“There is power in friendship.”
Jennings and Emery view each other as sisters (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
“Carol told me that the book and all of her friendships gave her purpose,” says Emery. “You remember those people who were there for you. You never forget it.
“We’re sisters. Not of blood, but we’re sisters.”
The friends and family that banded around Jennings during her recovery, Emery continues, is a testament to the impact Jennings makes on others’ lives.
“She’s somebody you don’t forget,” says Emery.
Moving forward – with ink
Jennings’ tattoo reminds her that she is a survivor (Courtesy, Jennings)
Five years after her stroke, Jennings returned to Syracuse to meet those at St. Joseph’s who helped her. Being able to thank her “angels” in person gave Jennings a sense of thankfulness and appreciation.
A tattoo with the date of her stroke now encircles Jennings’ right ankle.
“The inking is a reminder that I am a survivor,” says Jennings. “I never wanted to forget what I went through.”
Though not always easy, Jennings continues trying new things – and spending time with friends.
Read more about the lifelong bond between Carol Jennings and Marilyn Emery here.
More information about the book, The Power of Friendship, can be found here and here.
It is important to talk with loved ones about your health care wishes and designate someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
Who will make decisions about your health in the event you are not able to make them yourself?
That is the question at the heart of National Healthcare Decisions Day. Every April, this annual initiative emphasizes the importance of talking with loved ones about your health care wishes, formally documenting those wishes and designating someone to make decisions on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so.
This process, known as advance care planning, is something Britt Fischer regularly discusses with patients and families in her role as a social worker with Emmanuel Hospice. In Fischer’s experience, many people wait until retirement or until they have a serious incident or diagnosis, but the conversation should happen sooner.
“Working for a hospice provider really opened my eyes,” Fischer says. “Every day is not guaranteed, so it is never too soon to get these plans in place.”
Many people wait to plan until retirement or until they have a serious incident or diagnosis, but the conversation should happen sooner (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)
Health, decision and rights
Advance care planning can be intimidating to talk about because of the stigma around end-of-life discussions in our society, but Fischer likes to say, “it is less about death and dying, and more about your health, your decisions and your rights.”
“Everyone has the right to know who is going to be making decisions for them,” she says. “Everyone should be able to feel confident that person is going to make decisions that are in line with their wishes – not anyone else’s.”
To help broach the topic with loved ones, Fischer recommends four conversations starters:
I recently learned about advance care planning. Have you discussed your wishes for future medical decisions with any loved ones?
Do you know who would be your health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care if you couldn’t make decisions for yourself?
Do you know if you have an advance directive in place? If not, can I help you with one?
What do you think are the most important decisions to make ahead of time regarding your health?
Clarification and documentation
Fischer recognizes advance care planning can also be confusing because there are a lot of different terms that are used – many of which mean the same thing.
“We want to see a durable power of attorney designated specifically for health care,” Fischer clarifies. “This is sometimes referred to as a health care proxy or patient advocate, but what it comes down to is whether you have in writing who will be responsible for making decisions for different medical events. We recommend listing additional people as backups in case the first-named person is unable to serve when the time comes.”
Filling out an advance directive form will serve as a legal guide for designating a decision maker and documenting your wishes (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)
Filling out an advance directive form will serve as a legal guide for designating that decision maker and documenting your wishes. It is recommended to review and update your advance directive anytime one of the “3 Ds” happen – death, divorce or diagnosis.
“There are many advance directive forms available online,” Fischer says. “CaringInfo.org is a great resource to find an appropriate one for your state. You’ll also need two people who are not related to you to witness. Often neighbors or friends can help with that part. Notarization is not necessary.”
In the state of Michigan, living wills are not legally binding. Only a durable power of attorney for health care can ensure your wishes are honored.
Fischer also recommends filling out a Michigan funeral representative form, which designates someone to make decisions about funeral arrangements and cremation.
“I’ve found it’s best to be clear and concise about what you want to happen at the end of life,” Fischer says. “This ensures your wishes are honored, rather than leaving your loved ones to guess or debate during an already difficult time.”
While it’s no secret physical activity is one of the most important ways to maintain good health, fitting in regular movement is easier said than done, especially as we age.
To make exercise more accessible, “exercise snacking” is growing in popularity for older adults. The idea is to incorporate small bursts of activity into your everyday routine.
‘A little bit a lot’
These “snacks” of activity can involve movement that already occurs in your daily life – things like getting up and down from a chair multiple times or doing weight shifts while washing dishes.
Increasing every day movements can produce healthy results (Courtesy photo)
“This is what I like to call the ‘little bit a lot’ approach,” says Peter Vander Weide, a physical therapist at Care Resources in Grand Rapids who has been a clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy for 20 years. “You’re more likely to do it because you don’t consider it a formal exercise program. Rather, you’re just doing a little more activity than you normally do each day. It’s a mental shift.”
There’s also the convenience of not needing any special equipment and being able to exercise snack anywhere spontaneously throughout your day. As it turns out, a “little bit a lot” adds up. According to the National Council on Aging, recent research has shown exercise snacks can lead to “significant health gains.”
A phenomenal impact
From his decades supporting older adults, Vander Weide can’t emphasize enough the need to stay active.
Regular physical activity generates both physical and mental health benefits (Courtesy photo)
“As we get older, our connective tissue becomes inflexible and we gradually lose muscle with aging, which is called Sarcopenia,” he says. “Some sources say people can experience 50% muscle loss by 80 years old.”
But the benefits of achieving regular physical activity are plentiful, Vander Weide notes.
“Regular physical activity will help you maintain maximum strength and improve circulation, digestion, respiratory function and flexibility while reducing joint pain,” he says. “Then there’s the impact on mental health. Exercise increases levels of serotonin and helps the body release endorphins that are better than eating a piece of chocolate. These decrease pain, depression and anxiety.
“Bottom line: Exercise is phenomenal for aging individuals – and for all of us, really.”
Simply moving
Vander Weide acknowledges it takes effort to exercise, and that alone can be a barrier. He says this concept of snacking works better because it’s not asking you to run a marathon, it’s inspiring you to find simple ways to do more a little bit at a time.
“You just simply have to move,” he urges.
Examples of suggested exercise snacks include:
Lean into the counters in your home to stretch your calf muscles out.
Grab on to your kitchen sink and do weight shifts side to side and then front to back.
Do a few sit-to-stands from a chair.
Side-step from one room to another and back.
Speed up your pace as you walk through a hallway in your home.
March in place while looking for something in the fridge or pantry.
Moving with intention
Lastly, Vander Weide cautions to do these movements with intentionality. He believes one of the most important concepts to understand in aging is that the body compensates to failure.
Moving with intention is vital to maintaining normal function (Courtesy photo)
As your muscles get weaker or your body alters function due to pain, the brain will figure out how to compensate to accomplish the task. This may work for a while, but it often leads to further dysfunction. If proper form is used during exercise snacks, your body will regain or maintain “normal” function.
For more information on physical therapy and group exercise classes provided by Care Resources for adults 55 years and older, call 800-610-6299 or visit CareResources.org.
WKTV Host Joey Sutherlin walks you through the qualifying rounds of the recent FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood High School (PART 1).
Our WKTV crew got highlights of the following local teams: East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics and Red Storm Rookies, Wyoming Demons, Grandville RoboDawgs, Kelloggsville Astrobots, Godwin Heights Robosnacks, Grand River Prep Titans and the West Catholic Enigma Robotics.
We also interviewed many student leaders and coaches!
Also take a look at Part 2 of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights Robotics Edition. Let us know what you think of our coverage mimicking Friday Night Highlights football and basketball.
WKTV Host Joey Sutherlin walks you through the playoffs and finals of a recent FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood High School (PART 2).
Our WKTV crew got highlights of the following local teams: East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics and Red Storm Rookies, Wyoming Demons, Grandville RoboDawgs, Kelloggsville Astrobots, Godwin Heights Robosnacks, Grand River Prep Titans and the West Catholic Enigma Robotics.
We also interviewed many student leaders and coaches!
Also take a look at Part 1 of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights Robotics Edition. Let us know what you think of our coverage mimicking Friday Night Highlights football and basketball.
The City of Kentwood invites community members to connect with senior-focused resources at the 26th annual Spotlight on Seniors Expo on Tuesday, April 15.
The free indoor event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. It will feature more than 60 vendors from a variety of community businesses, free health screenings, snacks and lunch, door prizes and more.
“Kentwood is full of community resources to support aging individuals,” said Ann Przybysz, recreation program coordinator. “We encourage older adults and other community members to join us at the Spotlight on Seniors Expo, where they can explore services that encourage a healthy lifestyle and promote independence.”
Kentwood Spotlight on Seniors Expo 2024. Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley (center) at the Kentwood Police Department booth. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The expo vendors will represent a wide variety of industries, with professionals knowledgeable in everything from physical therapy and hearing services to recreational opportunities and retirement planning.
The event’s gold sponsors are StoryPoint Group, Tim Hortons and We Care 4 U. Silver sponsors are Cranberry Park Grand Rapids, HealthMarkets Insurance, Home Pro of West Michigan, Ken Ables Insurance Agency, Miracle-Ear and Valley Pines Senior Living.
Historic storms brought ice accumulation in northern Michigan and nine confirmed tornadoes to southern Michigan, impacting more than 390,000 Consumers Energy customers (Courtesy, Consumers Energy)
Consumers Energy officials are thanking customers for their patience and understanding as crews from Michigan and neighboring states finish restoring power to the last remaining customers impacted earlier this week.
The historic storms brought ice accumulation in northern Michigan and nine confirmed tornadoes to southern Michigan, impacting more than 390,000 customers.
Consumers Energy crews worked around the clock in difficult conditions to safely and efficiently restore power. While they are nearing the end of our restoration efforts, crews can still be seen throughout the community.
Some crews are being redeployed to assist in other areas still recovering from the storm while others will remain in the region to clean up debris. In the following weeks, crews will work to remove the downed poles, wires and other materials used during restoration.
Consumers Energy asks residents to be aware during the clean-up process; never approach any downed wires or damaged equipment, and allow crews the space they need to work safely.
A show of support
“We are incredibly proud of our crews and support teams who responded swiftly and tirelessly during this critical time,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration. “We know how important reliable power is to our customers, and we thank them for their patience as we worked to bring everyone back online.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Throughout the restoration, crews were also deeply moved by the support shown by the communities. In Pellston — the “Ice Box of the Nation” — hearts were anything but cold. When more than 100 crews stopped by the Pellston General Store, they were told: “It’s on us.”
“When we arrived and set up our command center, there was no electricity, no water and no food available,” said Andy Snider, Executive Director of Electric Operations. “This establishment really opened its doors to help our crews out. The support they’ve offered helped us expedite restoration.”
Pellston General Store Director Nate Hendricks said he was happy to help. “These crews are away from their families helping us get back in business and getting everyone’s power back. We want to pay it forward.”
Consumers Energy says they are grateful for this incredible example of community spirit — and for every neighbor, business and local partner who supported their crews throughout this storm.
Continued improvement
Customers will also see crews throughout the year as Consumers pushes forward in their efforts to improve as outlined in the Reliability Roadmap.
As weather events grow more frequent and severe, investing in a stronger, more resilient electric grid is essential. They are continuing to upgrade infrastructure, trim trees, replace aging equipment and implement smart technologies to better withstand future storms and reduce outage times.
(Courtesy, Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce)
Important safety tips
Consumers Energy urges the public to keep important safety tips in mind:
Be alert to crews working along the roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past workers on roadsides.
Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.
Residents can also utilize the Michigan 211 website for the most up to date information on warming shelters in their area.
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
East Kentwood Red Storm Rookies Coach Nick Baribeau’s team recently showed off its talents at an FIM District Competition hosted by East Kentwood. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
When it comes to robotics, few schools in the state can match the size and talent of the robotics program at Kentwood Public Schools.
Like their athletic teams, the East Kentwood robotics program has large numbers of participants, and like the athletic squads, those students start at an early age.
While East Kentwood has large high school and middle school teams, the numbers are strong all the way down to the kindergartens in the district where prospective students get their first exposure to robotics through interaction with LEGOs.
The East Kentwood high school squads displayed just how talented they are at the recent FIRST In Michigan (FIM) district championship on March 29 and 30 at their gymnasium. The varsity team, Red Storm Robotics 3875, finished second overall out of 40 teams at the district tournament. They captained the team and were aligned with the Wyoming Demons Robotics and Gull Lake Twisted Devils.
East Kentwood’s Red Storm Rookies 9566 also performed well at the varsity event qualifying for the finals.
“Things went really well for us,” said East Kentwood Red Storm Rookies Coach Nick Baribeau. “We were able to become alliance captains and won our first game against Alliance 2. I’m really proud of the way my kids performed.”
The Rookies are comprised entirely of freshmen and eighth graders. Many of those students became involved in robotics at an early age in the Kentwood school system and by the time they joined the rookie team they had acquired numerous skills that can be utilized on a robotics team.
They have turned in a solid season placing second at their first tournament and fourth at their second one.
A big part of the success of the East Kentwood robotics teams is the total effort put in by coaches, mentors and the students who log countless hours learning and honing a variety of math, science and technical skills.
I make sure that we have viable programs all the way up,” said Red Storm Robotics Coach and Program Coordinator Trista VanderVoord. “I get volunteers to coach the teams. A lot of our coaches from kindergarten through 12th grade are parent volunteers. Once we get into middle school and high school, we have some more technical mentors because that requires that kind of technical level.”
East Kentwood High School’s Red Storm Robotics 3875 robot that competed in the recent district competition.
Kids in the Kentwood school system can begin gaining technical skills in kindergarten working with LEGO robotics kits. Once they enter elementary school they can join school robotics teams. All 10 elementary schools in the East Kentwood school district have robotics teams.
“Kindergarten through third grade have their own mixed team,” VanderVoord said. “Then fourth and fifth grade is the next level. Then middle school, sixth through eighth grade, is a jump up and at that stage they are dealing with metal robots and their robots are 18 inches by 18 inches cubed, so they are dealing with bigger robots. And then the high school level is mammoth 125-pound robots.”
East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics Coach Trista VanderVoord.
Large program with 331 participants, 91 on a waiting list
The Red Storm program has 331 kids from K-12 with 91 on a waiting list due to needing more coaches. A total of 30 students are on the varsity team and 34 students on the Red Storm Rookies.
The robotics’ year-round calendar
Like the sports teams, robotics has competitions where the students can put their skills to the test. The competition season begins the first week of January when the teams get their challenge and begin building their robot and preparing for the first competition that usually takes place six weeks after starting to construct the robots. The competition season lasts for five weeks after the six-week building season. During the offseason, the students have summertime skill building, and then meet weekly in the fall to work on more skills.
The building of the robot requires advanced skills that prepare the students for real-life work in technical fields.
“The students do prototypes, they do the testing on all of their stuff,” VanderVoord said. “They actually put all their stuff in CAD (Computer Aided Design), so they make a virtual 3-D. They use the CAD to use our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine to cut pieces out to use on the robot. It’s a huge process and it’s really like industry. That’s how things are built. It follows the same process just on a very short time frame.”
Just like a sport; robotics is a big commitment
The students on the team also put in plenty of time working on their robots and their skills. During the season the varsity team meets four nights a week from 6 to 9 p.m., and then on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a total of 17 hours per week.
Students also learn to specialize in specific skills in the years leading up to being on the varsity team much like athletic teams. Students learn skills in electrical, programming, mechanical and marketing and once they reach the varsity team they specialize in a particular skill.
Like the varsity team, the eighth grade/freshmen team also takes advantage of specialization to enjoy success.
“We have our team separated into several sub groups,” Baribeau said. “We have groups that focus on pit, fixing up the robot and repairing and replacing parts. We have a group that is devoted to just drive. We have a team devoted to building and manufacturing the parts. We even have a marketing crew.
“Allowing the students to experience all the different parts and then choose to specialize has really allowed the students to specialize.”
15th anniversary of the Kentwood Public Schools Robotics Program
This is the 15-year anniversary for the Kentwood Robotics Program.
“It’s a very cool model,” VanderVoord said of the robotics teams. “It sets them up for careers, and they can explore careers.”
The Super Bowl of high school robotics in West Michigan took place last weekend at East Kentwood High School and the fans in a jam-packed Falcon gymnasium had plenty to cheer about.
Forty 40 high school robotics teams and about 2,000 fans from across Michigan descended on the gym for the FIRST In Michigan (FIM) District Kentwood Event presented by Dematic.
For the third year in a row, the Grand Rapids West Catholic High School Enigma Robotics team won the district championship. West Catholic also earned the Excellence in Engineering Award and recorded the highest match score in the state.
West Catholic aligned with the Hopkins Tech Vikes and Shelby Tiger Bytes to defeat East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics, Wyoming Demons Robotics and Gull Lake Twisted Devils 2-0 (192-121, 199-111) in a best of three championship.
“We had a great weekend here,” said Anthony Uriarte, one of the coaches of the West Catholic team. “We actually had the state high-record with our alliance this weekend in the eliminations. It was a close match, but we were just really happy that our alliances and partners got together and put up some amazing scores and had a lot of fun.”
West Catholic Enigma Robotics took first for the third year in a row. (Photo Courtesy, FIRST Robotics, Phillip Place)
In this two-day event, teams compete in qualifying rounds and then form alliances with other teams to determine the overall champions in the playoff rounds.
Red Storm Robotics had a neighborhood alliance partnering with the Wyoming Demons Robotics. The partnership worked out great for the team as they placed second and qualified for this week’s state finals that are scheduled to take place from April 3-5 at Saginaw Valley State University.
East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics finished in second place in the districts and also won the Impact Award, considered the most prestigious at the FIRST Robotics Competition. (Photo Courtesy, FIRST Robotics, Phillip Place)
“The 3875 Red Storm Robotics did amazingly well,” said East Kentwood Coach Trista VanderVoord. “We had not performed this well at either of our other competitions. They’ve been really working between competitions to get the robot even more robust. This competition is where it all came together. We had amazing alliance partners. We had the Demons from Wyoming, shout out to them, we love them.
“It all fell into place. They all worked so well together. Enigma (West Catholic) is just a great team and it would’ve been really hard to beat them. They are a force to be reckoned with for sure.”
Wyoming Demons
For the Wyoming Demons squad, the chance to be aligned with East Kentwood in the finals was a great experience.
“This was a fantastic competition for us,” said Wyoming Coach Amy Oostdyk. “We had a rough start at the beginning. After the first rounds we were the 40th team. We were the last one in the whole competition, but our students never gave up. They just kept fighting and fighting. And doing what they needed to do. No matter what happened. They fought their way back to where we are today in second place.”
Wyoming Demons Robotics 2025. (Photo Courtesy, FIRST Robotics, Phillip Place)
The alliance of neighbors Kentwood and Wyoming was not something new as the two programs have teamed up at other competitions in prior years.
“We were the winners of the Kentwood event together in 2022,” VanderVoord said. “So this was like a reunion for us. We didn’t win the event, but at least we were on an alliance.”
With 12 students, the Wyoming team was one of the smaller squads at the competition. While the team is small in numbers, it has outstanding team chemistry and unity which allows it to be successful.
“We are a very small team,” said Oostdyk, in her second year as Wyoming coach. “We have 12 kids that we brought today. Our team is really close. We are always working to support each other. Because life is complicated for a high school student whether they join a robotics team or not.”
West Catholic Enigma Robotics
Like Wyoming, the champion West Catholic team also is small in numbers with 12 students on the team. What the squad lacks in numbers, it makes up with versatility as the students learn a variety of skills that they blend together.
“We are actually a pretty small program,” Uriarte said. “We have about 12 students and about five active mentors that come on a pretty regular basis. The nice thing about being a small team is it allows the students to be involved in many different aspects. For instance, our drivers are design students. It allows the students to get involved in a lot of things and have a large impact on our program.”
West Catholic is among the premier teams in robotics in the state as they not only have qualified for the state tournament the past several years, but have also advanced to the world competition. Two years ago, the West Catholic team actually advanced to the final rounds at the world competition.
“We have been to the world competition the last five or six years,” said West Catholic co-Coach Matt Dressel. “This year we hope for the same thing, to get to the world competition and compete. We will do the best we can do and see what comes.”
A high school robotics team needs a variety of skills from designing and building the robot to driving the robot and developing marketing skills to acquire backing for the team.
The robotics season typically begins in early January where the students come up with the concept for the robot and then design and build the robot to be ready for competition that begins in March. While the competition season takes place for a few months, robotics teams meet and work on different robotics skills all throughout the school year to prepare for the season.
After competing in different competitions, the teams begin tournament play like the district tournament at East Kentwood.
East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics Coach Trista VanderVoord. (WKTV)
The EK tournament drew a packed and enthusiastic crowd of several thousand to the gymnasium creating a true big-game atmosphere.
“They work for at least eight weeks building something to showcase it for just a short five weeks,” VanderVoord said. “Every event is like our own Super Bowl. We’ve worked so hard to get here and now we get to actually do the thing we built this robot to do. The hype is real. It’s electrifying. It’s loud in here. States will be four-times louder because it’s four fields in the same arena. The energy level is amazing.”
TREASURE, a lovable Golden Retriever, joined the Casula family as Nolan’s SDA companion last year. The service dog quickly became Nolan’s new best friend, helping him navigate the world and offering comfort and support.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Week (March 24-28) and Autism Awareness Day (April 2), PAWS shined a spotlight on the impact of SDAs like TREASURE and the ongoing efforts to meet the rapidly increasing demand for these dogs.
PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives (Courtesy, PAWS)
The impact of SDAs
PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. One category of assistance dogs is SDAs.
These dogs play a crucial role for children on the spectrum by enhancing social interactions, expanding verbal and nonverbal communication, teaching life skills, increasing interest in activities, and reducing stress within the family – something the Casula family can attest to.
Nolan’s parents, Vanessa and Derek Casula, shared, “The impact that TREASURE has had on our family has been nothing but positive. What once were challenges are no longer the case.
“We no longer have to dread bedtime, we no longer have to dread simplistic things such as showering or brushing teeth. I don’t have to try to convince him to read a story because now he willingly does so to his best friend TREASURE.”
An increasing demand
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
However, the demand for these life-changing dogs continues to grow. PAWS currently receives four applications for every one spot available for SDAs. In 2025, PAWS did not offer applications for this category of assistance dog due to the already extensive waiting list.
For PAWS, meeting this increasing demand requires strategic growth and additional support from the community.
Renovating PAWS’ national headquarters based in Wayland, MI, is one of vital changes being made to expand the mission work and ability to reach more people like the Casula family. The updated facilities will enable PAWS to continue delivering world-class service, increase the number of dogs in training, and therefore, the number applicants the organization can serve.
A need for foster puppy raising volunteers
With a goal to double the placements of assistance dogs by 2030, PAWS also needs to increase the number of volunteers in the Foster Puppy Raising program.
Volunteer Foster Puppy Raisers provide a loving home and basic obedience training for future assistance dogs before they are ready to begin formal training. Before TREASURE met her forever person, Nolan, she lived with Bonnie Sposato, a volunteer Foster Puppy Raiser for PAWS.
There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It honestly gives me goosebumps in the best way to think about the changes and the impact that miss TREASURE is going to have on a child’s life,” said Sposato. “Her new person loves her, and she loves him so much. It is the best feeling ever.”
There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow over the next year to help serve more people with disabilities. To reach more people like Nolan and his family, PAWS is asking the community to consider becoming a raiser, co-raiser, or a starter/finisher home.
“Providing assistance dogs for the people who need them begins with our volunteers,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of PAWS. “By providing the dog with a loving home in the early stages of life, our volunteers are helping us make an incredible impact for people like the Casula family.
“TREASURE helps Nolan feel safe, understood, and supported. She is providing peace of mind to Vanessa and Derek, helping them navigate the challenges of autism with greater ease.”
An encouraging word
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Nolan provided his thoughts on the importance of helping more children like him receive their SDA, encouraging people to donate to PAWS and volunteer: “Because of donations from people like you, I have my best friend TREASURE. Your donation will also allow for other kids like me to have a best friend too!”
More information about PAWS, ways to donate, and how to join the volunteer program can be found at: pawswithacause.org.
A disease more associated with the 20th century is showing up across America this past winter and early spring, and while cases are rare in Michigan, the public needs to be aware that measles is making a comeback.
The measles disease was officially considered eliminated in the United State in the year 2000 due to the MMR vaccine and high vaccination rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The disease, which is particularly rough on children, began showing up in February and early March in the Southwest United States and specifically New Mexico and West Texas.
As of March 28, 483 measles cases confirmed in U.S., one in Kent County
Since then, measles has been showing up across the nation, and according to the CDC, the latest numbers have shown an increase of cases with nearly half the states in the U.S. reporting cases. As of March 27, 2025, a total of 483 cases are confirmed across the nation. A total of 20 states have reported cases of measles, including Michigan. (CDC)
The first measles case in Michigan was confirmed in Oakland County (suburban Detroit) by the Michigan Health and Human Services Department (MHHSD). The CDC also has reported five outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases), across the country. A total of 14% of the cases have required hospitalization. The CDC also reports one confirmed death due to the measles and one other death under investigation. At the beginning of the month the CDC reported 164 confirmed cases.
As of April 2, there is one reported case in Kent County. Local health department officials are vigilant and monitoring the situation.
“We are monitoring measles activity statewide and nationally, and working with schools, healthcare providers and community partners to keep them informed about symptoms, testing protocols and reporting requirements,” said Christina Anthony, Communications Manager for Kent County overseeing the Health Department. “We also continue to raise awareness through our monthly newsletter and social media pages.”
According to the Michigan Health and Human Services Department, measles is a disease caused by a virus. It is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The MHHSD website also states that 90% of persons without immunity to measles will become ill after exposure to the virus. It also states that measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
The MHHSD website also states the while some people think of measles as a rash and fever that clears up in a few days, the measles can actually cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than five years old.
While measles was considered eliminated in 2000, declining vaccination rates have opened the door for the disease to make a comeback, according to the CDC website. Health organizations across the country strongly recommend getting vaccinated to combat the disease.
Kent County residents can do their part to help prevent the spread of measles by taking some basic steps.
Residents are encouraged to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Residents should check their immunization record through the Michigan Immunization Portal to ensure they are up to date or contact their healthcare provider.
Residents also are encouraged to avoid contact with infected individuals as the measles are highly contagious. Staying away from people who are known to have measles is important. Good hygiene practices also help prevent the spread of measles. Frequent hand washing with soap and water and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is stressed.
The CDC also has guidelines for when people should receive the MMR vaccine. For children, the CDC recommends they receive the first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose at four through six-years of age.
For adults, the CDC recommends that those who do not have evidence of immunity, namely those born in 1957 or later, get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Adults at higher risk, such as healthcare workers or individuals traveling internationally, may need an additional dose. A healthcare provide can offer specific recommendations based on an individual’s risk factors.
The MMR vaccine also is recommended for people six months and older who are planning on international travel. There is no recommendation for MMR vaccination for domestic travel. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, with two doses being about 97% effective at preventing measles. (CDC Website)
