Family resource organization Great Start Collaborative of Kent County is hosting a free in-person event to help parents learn more about the importance of play and developmental screening in children.
Taking place Saturday, Aug. 12 at Alger Head Start in Grand Rapids, the 4th annual “Books, Blocks and Balls” event will offer fun activities for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..
Participants will receive a goodie bag filled with items proven to help with child development. Every child that attends, regardless of age, will receive a free book.
Families will also have the opportunity to complete a developmental screening onsite, which can help parents know what to look for at certain ages and stages in their children.
(Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
There will be a variety of activities, food options and family fun onsite, including: raffles for free prizes every 30 minutes, food trucks offering free food to participants, games and movement activities with The Zumba Lady, face painting and balloon twisting, interactive activities at each vendor table, and more.
Participating alongside Great Start Collaborative will be dozens of community organizations providing additional giveaways and resources to families in attendance.
One such organization is First Steps Kent, an independent non-profit that works to strengthen and coordinate the system of early childhood services through research and innovation.
First Steps Kent is leading a community-wide effort to develop a system of support for children ages 0-5 (and their families) that ensures every young child in Kent County will enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life.
This event was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage that provides dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five in Kent County.
Today through September 30, drivers can visit a local Shell station and fill up at the designated fueling pump to support Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank-Kids’ Backpack Program.
Marshall-based Johnny’s Markets, owned by Walters-Dimmick Petroleum, is joining with Shell USA (Shell) on The Giving Pump as part of its Force For Good initiative to drive positive change in local communities by giving back.
A portion of the purchases made by consumers who use the designated pump at 70 Shell stations across Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo will support the charities Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank, along with local schools and hospitals.
The Giving Pump will be specially marked with colorful signage at participating Shell gas stations to inspire consumers to fuel up and support two local food organizations: South Michigan Food Bank and Kids’ Food Basket. It’s easy to participate in the program, and it costs customers nothing extra.
South Michigan Food Bank — currently serving 33,000 meals a day across eight counties — works to eliminate hunger by providing healthy and nutritious food to those in need. This year’s donations from Giving Pump will go toward the nonprofit’s BackPack Program, which sends non-perishable meal packages home with students in low-income households, giving children access to food over the weekends and during school breaks. Each package contains enough food for seven meals.
“Many may not realize it, but folks and food banks alike are under a lot of pressure right now,” said Peter Vogel, CEO of South Michigan Food Bank. “During the pandemic, there were plenty of funds flowing to organizations tackling food insecurity. In the past year, though, many of those resources have dried up while demand — the need for affordable food — in our communities remains elevated. The Giving Pump is coming at the perfect time to help these people, and we are blessed to have Johnny’s Markets’ support.”
Kids’ Food Basket’s mission is to nourish kids to reach their full potential. They work with the community to serve 10,000 nutritious evening meals to kids in four West Michigan counties every weekday. KFB is also home to two farms that not only serve as a classroom for STEM education, but also provide fresh produce directly back to the community.
(Kids’ Food Basket)
“Right now, the reality is that most food banks, like so many of the good people we serve, are trying to do a lot more with way less,” said Ashley Diersch, Vice President of Development at Kids’ Food Basket. “By teaming up with The Giving Pump, it gives everybody an opportunity to make an impact and really shows that everything — whether it’s one penny or a million — makes a difference.”
Johnny’s Markets brand, owned by Walters-Dimmick Petroleum, is home to more than 60 convenience stores and fuel stations across Michigan and Indiana. With the purpose of being a reliable source of goodness in the community, the company supports programs and events that help pave the path for young people to be successful.
(Courtesy, Johnny’s Markets)
“As an established member of the Western Michigan community, we believe we can do more by supporting local children’s organizations so that kids may receive what is needed to help them develop and succeed,” said J.P. Walters, President and CEO of Walters-Dimmick Petroleum. “We chose these charities for The Giving Pump because we want to continue growing our relationships with great organizations who support our communities, and there are no better examples of that than Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank.”
In addition to The Giving Pump, Walters-Dimmick has hosted an annual charity event called the Northern Classic for over 30 years, where 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to improve the lives of many in Western Michigan. In the past decade, the Northern Classic charity event has raised more than $1 million for multiple charities including Kids’ Food Basket, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund.
This year, more than 7,500 Shell stations across the US are participating in this two-month Giving Pump initiative to support 532 local charities. Those looking to find a participating station can visit shell.us/givingpump. Since 2021, Shell wholesalers and retailers donated over $4.6M and supported over 400 children’s charities through The Giving Pump.
To learn more about how you can join South Michigan Food Bank in taking a stand against hunger, visit smfoodbank.org. Visit kidsfoodbasket.org for more on Kids’ Food Basket programs, services and how you can make a difference. Visit shell.us/givingpump to find additional program details, participating sites and content about local charities.
Carol R. Dodge with her book, The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion (WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion by Carol R. Dodge (Courtesy Photo)
Carol Dodge, lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, recently published a book that closes a large gap in the history of the area and its development.
The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion was published May 13, 2023 and is lauded as a “welcome addition to publications chronicling the history of Grand Rapids, Michigan,” according to the Sweet House Foundation website.
Dodge has a long history with what is now called the Sweet House, remembering how, as a young girl of 8-years-old, she would walk past the Sweet House – then called the Women’s City Club – on her way to choir practice at church.
“I was really impressed with the building and hoped that someday I could have lunch there,” said Dodge.
A dream come true
Dodge’s dream of entering the City Club came true when, as a senior in high school, she received the Daughters of the American Revolution Merit Award. Recipients of the award were honored with a tea held at the Club.
“I was able to go inside and was so impressed with the beautiful house,” said Dodge. “I always hoped that someday I would be a member of the City Club.”
Dodge’s wish became reality in 1985 when she joined the WCC. Her love of early American history and early Grand Rapids history was immediately utilized when the WCC appointed her Chairman of the History Committee.
That interest and her appointment as Chairman prompted Dodge to delve deeply into the history of the mansion that was home to the WCC.
Rare pieces of history
Dodge quickly realized there were two men who had lived at the mansion who played an integral role in the growth and development of Grand Rapids – but were rarely talked about.
Grand Rapids Mayor Martin L. Sweet built the mansion in 1860 soon after he took office. Sweet was an entrepreneur who greatly contributed to the economic and political development of the area before he died in 1905.
“He was a very prominent man,” said Dodge. “Even as far as Kansas City and Colorado, they would talk about Sweet and all that he was doing.”
Concert pianist Ottokar Malek operated the Malek School of Music from the mansion during the years 1914-1919. In 1919, St. Cecilia Music Center approached Malek about expanding their orchestra of 20 musicians.
“He accepted the position and increased the orchestra to 65 outstanding musicians,” said Dodge.
Carol Dodge (right) with Pamela Keim of Grand Tap Media (WKTV, Deborah Reed)
“I was just fascinated with finding out about the two men who lived there and all that they contributed to the city of Grand Rapids,” said Dodge. “And there is no book, no gathering of information about them or about the Sweet House.”
Dodge began giving presentations and writing articles so members of the WCC would know about Sweet and Malek.
“I did that for about 15 years, and then I thought: ‘What’s going to happen to the information when I’m no longer around? I think I should write a book,’” said Dodge.
Putting it all together
Dodge began by taking scripts from her oral presentations and converting them to written form. She then dove into further research, finding the majority of pertinent information at the Grand Rapids Public Library.
“I really have to credit the history section of the library,” said Dodge. “Those people were so helpful to me.”
Between verbal interviews, online research, history books and biographies of previous residents of Grand Rapids, and old newspaper articles from the 1800s, Dodge was able to create a clearer picture of Sweet, Malek, and the Sweet House.
“I just kept piecing information together until I had enough to complete [Sweet’s] story,” said Dodge. “It took two and a half years to diligently gather everything.”
A team of two editors helped Dodge, meeting weekly with her during those two and a half years.
“It was quite a journey,” said Dodge. “The book is what it is today because of their help.”
Dodge said she hopes the book will raise awareness in the community about the significance of the Sweet House and the importance of preserving it, as well as “close the gap and fill in the history so that people will recognize the impact [Sweet and Malek] had on the city, the development and the culture.”
What’s next?
Carol Dodge during interview with Pamela Keim, Grand Tap Media (WKTV, Deborah Reed)
At 88-years-old, Dodge shows no sign of slowing down. She continues in the role of historian for the WCC and the Sweet House Foundation, conducts tours of the Sweet House, writes articles, and actively promotes The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion with speaking engagements.
When asked if she was always this active and project-oriented, Dodge replied without hesitation: “Yes.”
Copies of The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion can be reserved by contacting the Sweet House at sweethousegr@gmail.com or 616-459-5484. A donation to the Sweet House Foundation is requested in exchange for the book.
Emmanuel Hospice patient James Van Nuil (front) fishing at his favorite spot on the Grand Haven State Park pier. Behind him is RN Case Manager David Stephens. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
By Emmanuel Hospice
In today’s world, it’s tough to pin down a fact.
And for those who work in hospice especially, it’s more important than ever to keep educating an inquisitive public – and to dispel myths surrounding a viable medical option that’s been around the better part of five decades.
“I think the biggest one we still run into is, ‘Wow, I don’t want to sign my loved one up because it’s like signing a death warrant,’” says Jan Amato, business development specialist for Emmanuel Hospice. “That’s a huge misconception we deal with all the time. Hospice isn’t about giving up – it’s about living more.
“In truth, hospice is for people who may have weeks and months to live. And that’s not the only myth we are constantly debunking.”
Others, says Amato, include:
Hospice is only for cancer patients. Not true, as more than half of hospice patients are facing other challenges.
Hospice is a “place.” Again, misleading, as some 70 percent of hospice patients receive care in their own homes.
Its practitioners are too aggressive regarding the use of morphine. In truth, hospice workers are not interested in hastening death and are careful about morphine and all the medical options they bring to bedside. Instead, they’re focused – especially in Emmanuel’s case – on “how you want to live” during the precious time remaining.
That hospice is only for those in their last days and hours. Actually, many hospice patients are still engaged in day-to-day activities. They travel. They’re up and around and interacting.
Hospice, Amato stresses, is available to anyone diagnosed with life expectancy of six months or less. But even if you defy those odds and “graduate” from hospice, you can become eligible again without prejudice.
Another misnomer is that hospice is designed for patients only. At Emmanuel, the emphasis is on treating patients and friends and loved ones, addressing not only physical concerns, but emotional, social and spiritual needs as well.
Amato says clients are often surprised to learn Emmanuel offers many complementary therapies that bring everything from massage to music to aromatherapy to pet visits to art experiences to patients. All at no extra cost.
And speaking of cost, myths abound there, too. Normally, there is no direct cost to patients and families for hospice care. Medicare and most other insurers cover all or most of hospice expenses.
Many of the myths surrounding hospice emanate from our culture’s reluctance to talk about death and dying, Amato maintains. In a word, too many of us are in denial. When we face the fact we all must succumb to something sometime, it opens the doors to communication, and the more we talk, the more we’re liable to become educated.
To do the opposite is to possibly delay calling for hospice when the time is right. While that might satisfy the desires of some family members, it might not be what the patient really desires or needs. A capable hospice worker serves as that “extra set of eyes and ears,” acting in the best interests of that patient and working alongside loved ones to counsel them as things progress.
“We’re not there to provide cures, but instead comfort and care,” says Amato. “And when people realize that and more, patients often tell us something we hear too often: ‘I should have called you sooner.’”
Volunteers with trash pulled from Buck Creek 2021 (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to meet at Lemery Park in Wyoming at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 to help remove trash from Buck Creek during the family-friendly 10th Annual Buck Creek Clean Up event.
Event team leaders will assist in finding sites that meet volunteer needs and will provide necessary information.
“It has been said that an individual’s effort is a single drop, but when a community gives effort, it is a tsunami,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, Founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC).
Trash lines a portion of Buck Creek near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)
FOBC began as a grassroots group of concerned citizens that has evolved into a nonprofit watershed organization with hundreds of followers on Facebook and Instagram. FOBC’s focus is to inspire, initiate, promote, and engage in activities that improve and enhance both the environmental quality and the beauty of Buck Creek.
Over the past decade, Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC) and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited (SWMTU) have partnered to remove trash from the Buck Creek watershed in Grandville by organizing the annual Buck Creek Clean Up. On Aug. 19, current FOBC President Becky Dykhuis will extend the clean up into Kentwood and Byron Township.
Volunteer numbers have grown steadily since the event’s inception, with several tons of trash removed from the rare urban trout stream’s waters. Tires, shopping carts, microwaves, 55 gallon drums, and scary-looking dolls are only a few items removed from the creek.
The most frequent, and toxic, trash recovered is plastic and styrofoam.
A portion of Buck Creek after clean up near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)
Vermeulen says she has observed several benefits resulting from the annual clean up, and a definite reduction in trash in areas that have been frequently cleaned.
“Getting citizens up close and personal with Buck Creek reveals problems that a disposable society creates, and increases awareness to reduce and reuse,” said Vermeulen. “Indeed, it takes a community to love a creek!”
Sheri Toth, Stacy Potter, and Amy Stiles enjoy a round of golf at Maple Hill Golf Course (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV)
League golfers Sheri Toth, Stacy Potter and Amy Stiles enjoy an evening out at Maple Hill Golf.
Located at 5555 Ivanrest Ave. SW in Grandville, Maple Hill Golf has a variety of options for golfers of all experience levels. An 18-hole course, driving range, simulators, fitting center, and golf repair are all amenities to be found at this local venue.
Annual Summer Market hosted by Magnus Capital Partners (Courtesy, Magnus Capital Partners)
by Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Magnus Capital Partners (MCP) will host its third annual, free-to-attend Summer Market featuring more than 25 vendors at HōM Flats at 28 West Saturday, Aug. 12.
Open to the public and HōM Flats residents, the event will take place from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 1401 Prairie Parkway SW in the City of Wyoming. Community members are invited to enjoy live music and browse items for sale from local food trucks, artisans and other vendors.
“This is the perfect fit of bringing people out of their apartments, gathering, and building those bonds with each other and with the community,” said Jason Chronowski, Magnus Marketing Manager.
In addition to bringing community members together, the Summer Market also works to support local artists.
“Our Summer Market at HōM Flats creates an opportunity for people to strengthen their community by supporting local small businesses, gain an appreciation for the depth and breadth of emerging local artists, and engage in a positive atmosphere that recognizes our most basic need to create connections with others,” said Magnus CEO Vishal Arora.
(Courtesy, Robert Couse-Baker at pxhere.com)
Chronowski said that feedback on the Summer Market has been positive, with residents saying they enjoy the event and meeting their neighbors.
“It’s nice that this has both elements to it where it’s not only for our residents, it’s for the public too,” said Chronowski.
Attendees are encouraged to park at the south end of the 28 West Place Mall parking lot, located just east of HōM Flats at 28 West off of Prairie Parkway. Overflow parking will be available at Wyoming High School.
More than just a summer market
The event will serve as the main annual fundraiser for the Magnus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating art, culture and community-building in the areas where Magnus Capital Partners operates.
Focused on building connections with artists and local communities, the Magnus Foundation often utilizes funds to pay local artists to give HōM residents free art classes. The Foundation also commissions artwork from West Michigan artists to be used at various MCP locations.
Though the Magnus Foundation is a recent addition to MCP, Chronowski says it is off to a “really good start,” and that events like the Summer Market help “develop that momentum” in keeping the Foundation moving forward.
To learn more about the Magnus Foundation or to make a contribution to the Foundation, email info@magnuscapitalpartners.com.
Event sponsors
The sole platinum sponsor for this year’s Summer Market is Hooker DeJong, Inc. Other key sponsors include Coldbrook Insurance, Merchants Capital, Rohde Construction and Highpoint Community Bank.
Wyoming Police Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV Staff)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
One person is dead after a crash in the 2500 block of South Division Avenue.
At approximately 12:55 a.m. on August 4, 2023, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the 2500 block of South Division Avenue SW on a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.
The bicyclist, a 39-year-old female resident of Grand Rapids, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The female later died at the hospital.
Initial investigation indicates the bicyclist was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver remained at the scene to speak with investigators. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in this incident.
The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units are continuing to investigate this crash. Wyoming Police were assisted by officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530- 7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Nigel Tau (left) and Rowan Allegra of the Grand Rapids Ballet (Courtesy, Ray Nard Imagemaker)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB), Michigan’s only classical ballet company, announces their first partnership event with Trail.Club, a nonprofit focused on propelling fun on West Michigan trails through grants that support unexpected events and experiences on community assets.
See Grand Rapids Ballet in a new light as it presents a unique outdoor performance at Millennium Park in Walker, Michigan, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The performances will be held on one of West Michigan’s most pristine walking trails – the Hansen Nature Trail – and will feature three different duets ranging in length from three to five minutes. The entire outdoor experience will last for just under an hour.
GRB dancers will move through the trails and trees, giving the audience the feeling of being part of the performance.
“You’re going on a journey down this path, but you’re going on a journey with the man and woman who are dancing the duets as well,” said Sofranko. “The dancers are different for each duet, but they represent the same couple at a different point in their relationship and their journey together.”
With the beauty of nature surrounding them, audience members can walk alongside the dancers and experience the ballet up close from a perspective like never before.
A new experience for everyone
While audience members will be gaining a new experience and perspective, so will GRB dancers.
“Usually we have a stage, and usually we are in ballet shoes or pointe shoes or jazz shoes, but we are going to be in sneakers now,” said Sofranko. “That will be a different challenge for us.”
Sofranko said that dealing with the limited space has been fun for him as a choreographer.
Rowan Allegra and Nigel Tau of the Grand Rapids Ballet (Courtesy, Ray Nard Imagemaker)
“It’s unusual and different,” said Sofranko. “In some ways, it’s fun for us as choreographers to try to fit an idea to a limitation. When you have a blank slate, you can do anything you want. That’s almost harder because there are so many ideas. But when you’re forced into a specific boundary like the trail itself or the terrain, you can’t do certain things. It gives you problems to solve which sometimes makes it easier in the creative process.”
Sofranko engaged two other GRB dancers to choreograph the other two pieces, something he does regularly so they can become attuned to what it means to be a choreographer.
“We need the next generation of artists to experience and to practice,” said Sofranko. “I try to give opportunities throughout the year for them to choreograph. I feel really proud of the talent that has been cultivated throughout the ranks of our dancers.”
Family-friendly and free
This event is great for adults and children alike. Attendees can plan to bring family and friends along to enjoy this free performance, sponsored by Trail.Club. The three performances will take place at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday morning.
“We are excited to bring this unique, one-of-a-kind performance to Millennium Park and the people of West Michigan,” said Sofranko. “Ballet is a living and breathing art form, which this community event aims to capture. We hope those who are able will come out to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in a new and engaging way.”
Officer Willshire of Kentwood PD (left), Officer Klaassen of Wyoming PD (center), and Officer Quintard of Wyoming PD (right) talk with families at Celebration Cinema (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
City of Wyoming’s first responders and leaders teamed up with several departments across Kent County as they joined residents at multiple gatherings to celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 1.
Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out began in 1984 to promote safety in communities and build relationships under positive circumstances. Participating cities encourage residents to turn on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire personnel.
Deputy Melissa Gokey with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department said a personal highlight of National Night Out is photographing all the events. “I get to go to every single location,” said Gokey. “I get to see a little piece of everything.”
Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Residents were also able to see a variety of first responder vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycles, marine units, mobile command centers, and even horses.
Kent County encouraged participating local businesses to set up a booth with children’s activities.
“The whole point is to educate kids on safety and to build that partnership with them and other businesses within the community,” said Gokey. “It just helps them to feel safe and comfortable around us.”
Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Gokey went on to say that all first responders join in during National Night Out, including the Road Commission and Army National Guard, in order to make the event a memorable experience for the kids.
“Setting up an event like this is going to be a much different way for children to feel comfortable approaching us, talking to us, and asking questions,” said Gokey.
Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster said, “Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community. National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way.”
Wyoming resident Megan Washburn agreed. “It’s nice to see them out, having fun, eating hot dogs, and being regular people,” said Washburn.
The Black Experience (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The Black Experience is a family-friendly three-day event put on by the Black Impact Collaborative (BIC) that will focus on spreading Black Joy and cultivating healing in the Black community by providing influential information in several key impact areas. Taking place on the campus of Calvin University, The Black Experience runs Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13.
“We know that it is essential that we elevate Black Joy–things that inspire, support and uplift Black culture. This is an event that will do that,” said Lesa Hardiman, Program Director for BIC.
The Black Experience will promote intellectual, cultural, and thoughtful leadership and innovation in the areas of education, economics, health and well-being, serving elders, and ensuring protection in an environment that is empowering, entertaining, and exciting.
“We will be celebrating rich culture and wonderful things that are happening with our BIC partners in so many other ways here in the city,” said Dallas Lenear, BIC Board Chair. “We wanted to highlight and celebrate the joy of what it means to be Black in Grand Rapids and Black in America.”
Lenear also commented that The Black Experience is not just for the Black community.
“We invite any and all people who would want to attend, to do so,” said Lenear. “We believe it will be fruitful for the entire community.”
What to expect at The Black Experience
The Black Experience will kick-off with a 70s Party at Calvin University’s Prince Conference Center on Friday, Aug. 11 and will feature the live band Entyce: featuring Bedrock, activities, prizes, and more.
“[The 70s] are such a great microcosm of the Black experience in America,” said Lenear. “It was right at the height of the civil rights movement. You have all this vibrant culture and art and expression, even in the clothing, that demonstrates this new era of blossoming out of this painful past and dealing with the struggles then. There was a reclamation of identity that was eminent in the styles and in the music.”
The Black Experience keynote speakers (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)
Saturday, Aug. 12 will bring workshops with keynote speakers Melody Shari, Dr. Steve Perry, Chris Sain Jr., and Dee Dee Taylor. The day will also feature local speakers, Kids’ Corner, Vendor Expo, COVID Memorial Walk, food, and more.
The event concludes Sunday, Aug. 13 with The Black Experience Jazz Brunch Invasion where people are encouraged to patronize one of three participating Black restaurants and partake in delicious food.
Evolution of the Black Impact Collaborative
The genesis of the Black Impact Collaborative stemmed from negative aspects of the Black experience in the world during the pandemic.
“We wanted to identify, to illuminate, and even to change the disparate outcomes that Black people were experiencing related to COVID-19,” said Lenear.
BIC began meeting daily in April 2020 to develop an immediate response to the pandemic.
Partnering with Cherry Health, BIC undertook several endeavors to help the Black community, including hosting multiple COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination events, and organizing a livestream interview with health professionals to discuss facts pertaining to COVID.
BIC also instigated an online tutoring program for students.
“We developed a program that continues to support students regardless of their learning format,” said Lenear.
While BIC no longer believes there is a need to meet daily, Lenear said, “We still have a vibrant board and active partners, and are still seeking to make a long-term impact in the city.”
To learn more about the Black Impact Collaborative, visit: https://bicgr.com/
Award-winning Kent District Library (KDL) will ask Kent County voters to consider a millage renewal at a reduced rate on Nov. 7.
If approved, the lower millage rate of 1.1 mills will fund KDL’s operations for 15 years, and taxpayers will see immediate savings as the KDL Board has committed to lowering the millage rate effective Jan. 1, 2024, even though the current millage doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, 2024.
“We recognized that if we were to stay with a straight renewal, we would end up with income we don’t need,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “We feel that we should only ask for money that we need and that we can use, and let the public keep more of their own money.”
The ability to offer a lower millage is partly due to a growing community where new taxable real estate has produced more revenue.
“As good stewards of taxpayer dollars, we want to lock in savings for residents now,” said KDL Board Chair Andy Erlewein.
(Courtesy, Kent District Library)
KDL serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches with its extensive collection of more than 700,000 physical items, 15.6 digital items, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs, and a host of patron-focused services from in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access and loanable mobile hotspots, to early literacy initiatives and a large assortment of talking books and Braille resources.
These resources ensure the average KDL patron receives over $1,300 worth of service each year.
“The return on investment that we provide the public is unsurpassed,” said Werner.
Approximately 90% of KDL’s operating funds come from the millage with the remaining 10% funded through a series of Friends of the Library groups, dedicated volunteers who support their branches through book sales, and other fundraising activities.
In 2022, KDL saw an increase of more than 61% in program and outreach attendance, a 6% rise in total circulation, and a 26% rise in computer and Wi-Fi usage.
Werner attributes the increase in community use of KDL resources to dedicated staff and quality programming and outreach.
“One of the things we practice here is a constant environmental scan and a refusal to become complacent,” said Werner. “We are proud to represent everyone in the county…we are committed to helping them all. That is the spirit of what we do.”
Werner would like to remind residents that Summer Wonder is still in full swing.
“It’s not too late to sign up!” said Werner, adding that nothing makes KDL staff happier than seeing community members come in and utilize their services.
“At the end of the day, libraries are not about books, libraries are about people and transforming lives,” said Werner. “We are really excited to deliver [the millage] to Kent County residents and continue our tradition of excellence.”
The Soul Syndicate is coming to the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
The on-stage lineup of local Funk/R&B+ powerhouse Soul Syndicate may change each year it makes its annual visit to Wyoming/Kentwood community concert stages, this time as part of the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park on Aug. 1, but one thing that doesn’t change is the “heart and soul” they bring to the stage.
The Tuesday evening Concerts in the Park are free of charge and open to the public at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Performances start at 6 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m. Running since June 13, the remaining concert is Aug. 8 with Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps.
A cool look and masterful musicianship
On stage for Soul Syndicate are 10 or more musicians. Regulars include Colin Tobin and Katie Sarb on lead vocals, Mike Coon on guitar and vocals, Matt Fouts on bass, John Neil on keyboards, Tom Taylor on drums, Tim DenBesten on trumpet and vocals, Nate Hansen on baritone and alto saxophone, Jeff Carroll on the “bone” (trombone), and Danny Giacobassi on tenor saxophone.
The Soul Syndicate has some pretty cool swag too (Supplied)
The Soul Syndicate, according to its website, pays tribute to the most influential Funk, Soul, and R&B artists “with a sophisticated look, masterful musicianship, and a crowd-pleasing act…The group delivers an experience that will keep the audience dancing all night long, with a dedicated horn section and male/female vocalists, the group masterfully combines the best, classic dance music into multi—song medleys.”
Members of The Soul Syndicate have performed with such diverse artists as Peter Frampton, The Doobie Brothers, Hootie and the Blowfish, The Cars, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Spinners, Kansas, The Guess Who, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, and Rosemarie Clooney.
Each Tuesday evening concert features a food truck with food and beverages available for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, but alcohol is not permitted in the park.
“Concerts in the park are a highlight of summertime in Wyoming. We hope you will grab your blankets, chairs and friends and join us for some fun in the parks!” Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director, said earlier while introducing the concert series.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has selected West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco to install a one-of-a-kind suspended art piece in the newly expanded Concourse A.
Thanks to support from the Frey Foundation, the Ford International Airport continues its commitment to showcasing local artists through its public art program. The Concourse A extension, part of a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth, will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, an aerial art installation and murals.
“We are thrilled to partner with Jeffrey, whose unique artistic vision and expertise will undoubtedly elevate the passenger experience,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “With millions of travelers passing through our Airport each year, we are delighted that the diverse talents of our art community will be shared with visitors from all over the world.”
Songco is a multidisciplinary artist who uses installation, sculpture, photography and video to explore the intersections of his personal story with contemporary American culture.
West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
“I’m truly honored to create artwork that depicts a story about West Michigan,” said Songco. “I’m grateful to the Ford International Airport Authority and the Frey Foundation for this opportunity, as well as the continued support of opportunities for regional artists. I’m passionate about the arts and culture of West Michigan, and I want this artwork to reflect that sense of pride.”
(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
The artwork, titled Facets, will consist of three large-scale, site-specific suspended sculptures, composed of hundreds of strands of colorful, multi-sided shapes.
“Like the sparkling gems of a necklace, this work is colorful and flashy,” said Songco. “I’ve had the privilege of engaging with local residents, workers, and visitors in a variety of ways, and Facets is a celebration of the different and beautiful faceted gems of our community.”
The Ford International Airport’s Concourse A expansion will transform the travel experience for passengers, featuring modern amenities, eight new gates, additional concession and retail concepts, sustainable design elements and more. With Songco’s artwork as a focal point, the Airport can further enhance the guest experience, creating a memorable journey for all travelers passing through the space.
During a summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out encourages residents to turn on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire personnel.
Wyoming police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings across the city. Most events will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and residents will have the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks and other emergency response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said. “Our team is looking forward to another fun year of building relationships with our residents and having a good time while connecting with the community we serve.”
Give me five: A resident gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)
Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen of the Wyoming Police Department agreed. “People are busier than they’ve ever been. It’s a great night for people to go outside the house, lock their doors, turn the lights on, and meet the neighbors,” Zuiderveen said.
The department will hold community events at Lamar Park, Celebration Cinema Rivertown, Grace Christian University, Grace Christian Reformed Church and The Door Church.
Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Celebration Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a fire truck water activity at 5:45 p.m.
Grace Christian Reformed Church, 3030 Burlingame Ave SW from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Door Church, 154 44th St. SW, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way. We are looking forward to returning to connecting with community members across our city.”
Zuiderveen said residents benefit from knowing their neighbors. “[Neighbors] watch out for each other. They build relationships, they build trust. There is safety in numbers,” Zuiderveen continued. “If you are a victim of a crime, you are more willing to share it with your neighbors if there is trust.”
National Night Out began in the 1984 with a group of law enforcement agencies, volunteers, neighborhood watch groups, and state and regional crime prevention associations. It grew from porch vigils to neighborhood celebrations to promote safety in communities and build relationships with public safety.
To learn more about National Night Out, visit natw.org
The state of Michigan has allocated another $5 million to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to help with the development of the Sustainable Business Park in Kent County that will create jobs and increase recycling.
The budget allocation will support site infrastructure at the Sustainable Business Park and follows an initial $4 million state investment for the project in 2022. Last month, the Michigan Public Service Commission also granted a $5 million Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grant for the Kent County Bioenergy Facility, the anchor tenant at the Sustainable Business Park.
The Kent County Bioenergy Facility represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for West Michigan and the state to drastically increase recycling, reduce dependence on landfills, and create local jobs. The facility is a public-private partnership between the Department of Public Works and Anaergia. The Sustainable Business Park, planned for 250 acres adjacent to the South Kent Landfill in Byron Center pending approval by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, will be built on land that was initially purchased by Kent County to create a new landfill.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“For too long, Michigan has been a dumping ground for trash and the Sustainable Business Park will help change that by increasing recycling and boosting our energy independence starting right here in Kent County,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County DPW. “We are thankful the state of Michigan recognizes the importance of reducing our dependence on landfilling so we can help protect our land, air and water, including our Great Lakes.”
The Kent County Bioenergy Facility is a mixed waste processing facility that will process up to 600,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste and 175,000 tons per year of organic waste to produce natural gas and fertilizer. The facility and greater Sustainable Business Park will help Kent County achieve its goal of diverting 90% of trash from landfills by 2030.
“Sustainable materials management is essential to Michigan growing a vibrant circular economy that puts Michiganders to work making new products from the materials residents take to their curb each week,” said EGLE Public Information Officer Jeff Johnston. “EGLE is eager to support projects that align with the State of Michigan’s new materials management plan to increase recycling, conserve natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) said, “Kent County’s Sustainable Business Park will define the future for waste management in Michigan and boost the viability of circular economy concepts.”
The new facility will also reduce Kent County’s reliance on landfilling municipal solid waste, meaning resources will not be spent constructing, maintaining, and monitoring additional landfills.
“Building the facility in Kent County will put West Michigan on the map as a national leader in recycling and reducing waste, as well as create jobs and investment from companies that can join the Sustainable Business Park and convert waste into usable products,” Bass said.
The Kent County Development of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste through various facilities and programs, including Waste-to-Energy, the Recycling and Education Center, North Kent Transfer Station, and South Kent Landfill.
Author K.D. Norris with novel “The View from Gleninagh North” at Schuler Books. (Courtesy, Ken Norris)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
After a vacation trip to Ireland in the early 2000s, and while working at WKTV Community Media and Mlive, local writer K.D. Norris wrote and recently published his debut fiction novel, “The View from Gleninagh North,” through Schuler Books Chapbook Press.
The novel is a personal look at Ireland — its landscape, people and recent history — wrapped around a human story of personal exploration and romance.
“I have described it as ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ meets ‘Bicycle Diaries.’ At its heart it is a romance novel, but there is a fair amount of travelogue as well,” Norris said. “Much of it was written in a coffee shop in Cedar Springs, and later at a local Starbucks before work.”
“The View from Gleninagh North” is available at Schuler Books Grand Rapids at 2660 28th Street SE, schulerbooks.com, and Amazon.
An outsider’s view
The View from Gleninagh North by K.D. Norris. (Courtesy, Ken Norris)
The novel’s narrator is Matthew Maybourn — “Ah, Matty, a good Irish name, that!” — a lifelong writer and recent widower who has left his middle-class, mid-life comfort zone. As an unplanned favor to a Hollywood friend and filmmaker, he is immersed in modern Ireland’s cultural landscape to write the impossible book: a sequel to “The Quiet Man.”
An outsider in a small, rural village on Galway Bay, Matty explores his new world and other people’s life stories in search of not only a novel idea, but possibly a new meaning to his own life. All with a view from Gleninagh North.
“There is a fair amount of history and culture in the book as well, mostly true, as I could not write about my Irish characters without giving a glimpse of why I think they are who they are,” Norris said.
“And I have to thank members of my local writers group and the team at Schuler Books Chapbook Press for their support, advice and work in helping me get this book into print and available to readers,” Norris said.
About the author
K.D. Norris lives in Cedar Springs with wife TJ. He has published short stories in several regional anthologies, including “An Affair of the Mind,” published in 2021 by the Grand Rapids Region Writers Group (GRRWG) of which he is a member. He also had an essay selected for publication in “The Mailer Review” national publication, and has written numerous award-winning journalistic stories over his 30-plus year career in journalism and mass media.
For more on his professional and literary background, visit kdnorris.com.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings throughout the city. Most events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and enable residents to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles while learning about important safety topics.
Mayor Kepley
“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We’re looking forward to spending an evening out and about in our city celebrating the community effort that makes Kentwood such a wonderful place to call home.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Food, fun and games Multiple community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. These include events at the following locations:
Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, will offer food and activities 5-8 p.m.
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party 6-8 p.m.
“Community outreach”
Kentwood Police Sargeant Tim Wierenga said community outreach is one of the main reasons for this event.
“Allowing our community members to engage with officers and elected officials near their homes, asking questions about current or ongoing issues that they may have not asked if this was not available and seeking input on how to handle disputes or just simply saying ‘Hi,’ and sharing a pop or snack,” Wierenga said.
“Our department truly enjoys getting out and talking with the community in this very casual manner. I know that several party planners will reach out many months ahead of time due to the positive reactions they receive from their residents.”
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.
“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”
National Night Out was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. The observance seeks to promote community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO. Groups who are interested in hosting an event can reach out to Kentwood Police Officer Derrick Wolterink at wolterinkd@kentwood.us or 616-656-6569.
For the Michigan Aug. 8 primary and Nov. 7 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited all Kentwood City Commission candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
Kentwood City Commission is made up of seven officials, including the Mayor, elected by the residents. It is the City Commission’s responsibility to set policy and provide financial oversight for the City. All Kentwood elected officials serve a term of four years. The City Commission generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall unless otherwise posted.
The City of Kentwood Commissioner At-Large, one of two seats, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. The non-partisan candidates listed in the Aug. 8 primary are incumbent Commissioner Maurice H. Groce and candidates JaWhan Jackson and Lily Cheng-Schulting. Two candidates will advance to the Nov. 7 general election. Betsy Artz is in the middle of her term.
Maurice H. Groce, Incumbent Candidate, Kentwood Commissioner At-Large
Why are you running for office?:
I am running for re-election to retain my seat as Commissioner At-Large. I have been involved with the City of Kentwood since 2007 serving on the Local Officer Compensation Committee, Housing Commission, Planning Commissioner, and three times as a City Commissioner.
My drive and commitment to serving the City of Kentwood are centered around championing public safety, safeguarding the city budget, promoting better communication, and planning for the future generations of our city.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount. I am dedicated to working closely with our department leaders to implement effective strategies to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Responsible fiscal management is crucial for the prosperity of our city. I will work to safeguard taxpayer dollars by diligently examining the city budget, identifying areas of potential savings, and prioritizing essential services and infrastructure development. By promoting better communication channels, we can forge stronger partnerships, address community needs, and work collaboratively to make our city an even better place to live. I will work to plan for the long-term future, ensuring a balanced and inclusive growth that preserves our city’s unique identity and legacy.
I am devoted to upholding these values as your City Commissioner. I humbly ask for your support and trust on August 8 as we work together to build a safer, prosperous and united City for ourselves and for the generations to come.
Two Issues You are Focused on:
Championing Public Safety
·Prioritizing funding for police and fire services to meet the needs of the community.
·Advocating for safe and healthy neighborhoods by supporting community policing efforts and building positive relationships between law enforcement and residents.
·Supporting initiatives such as crime prevention programs and neighborhood watch initiatives.
Safeguarding the City Budget
·Continue to be a driving force to keep Kentwood a city with a continually balanced and fiscally responsible budget.
·Committed to ensuring the city budget is allocated and spent efficiently without wasteful expenditures.
·Forecast budgeting assessments for future projects, challenges and liabilities to ensure the city’s financial stability.
JaWhan A. Jackson — Candidate, Kentwood Commissioner At-Large
Occupation: President of UAW Local 330
Why are you running for office?:
I’m running to represent all of Kentwood’s residents. I believe in community and I have a passion for service.
Two issues you are focused on:
I will prioritize public safety by listening to our Police and Firefighters unions to address their concerns. It’s upsetting that for years the firefighters have begged the City to invest in a training center only to be denied repeatedly.
Affordable housing is a top priority for Kentwood. People who work here should be able to live here. Our economy can only be sustained if our workforce has suitable housing. I will work to increase affordable housing and advocate for development that serves the needs of all.
The City of Kentwood Ward 1, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9 and 17, roughly the southwest areas of the city. Incumbent 1st Ward Commissioner Robert Coughlin is running unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, and Clarkston Morgan is in the middle of his term.
Kentwood City Commission Ward 2
The City of Kentwood Ward 2, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-16 and 18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. David Moore II will run against incumbent candidate Ron Draayer in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, while Jessica Ann Tyson is in the middle of her term.
Ron Draayer — Incumbent Candidate
Occupation: Kentwood City Commissioner (since 2019); Computer Science and Cyber-Security Professor — Davenport University (Emeritus)
Why are you running for office?:
I am running for office to ensure that our residents continue to receive top-quality service from our City workers and that our tax dollars are safe and well-utilized.
Two issues you are focused on:
My top priority will continue to be the safety of our residents with strong support for our police officers, fire fighters and first responders.
Another priority will be to continue Kentwood’s strong financial position so that we can support and maintain our wonderful parks and trails along with city streets and other city facilities.
David Moore II — Candidate
Occupation: Self-employed Writer
Why are you running for office?:
Kentwood needs commissioners who will listen to its residents and invest in making their city feel like home.
Two issues you are focused on:
1. Overseeing that the voter-approved Parks and Recreation millage is spent as was promised.
2. Working closely with Mayor Stephen Kepley and other Kentwood commissioners to ensure Kentwood empowers and rewards its residents with clean and safe streets and responsible spending of city revenue and tax dollars.
Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan (right) joined WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer in the studio to discuss the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
The first Kentwood Commissioner I met after taking the job as managing editor at WKTV was Clarkston Morgan. On that day we talked about the Kentwood Little Free Pantry, and most memorably, he said it was “very near and dear to his heart.”
That meeting eventually culminated into Morgan coming into our studio to tape a WKTV Journal show on the Little Free Pantry.
“I have a passion for people,” said Morgan, founder and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC and an executive pastor and a city commissioner. “When you are always working with those that are in need and asking for help, you’re always connecting them to the resources that can help them. I can send anyone to the pantry without them worrying about checking IDs or their backgrounds; individuals can go right in, get what they need and come right out.
“It’s simple. There are no questions with the Little Free Pantry. There’s no embarrassment; all you do is get what you need and then you go home and bless your family. You’re our family and that’s why we do this.”
No questions asked
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (WKTV)
At the time it opened, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said, “This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood. Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”
During the taping of the WKTV Journal show, Morgan continued along those lines and added, “You look at Kentwood as a community of 80 nations and 90 different languages. Dr. King’s message was his dream of all the cultures coming together and supporting one another. We are living out King’s dream of what it means to have unity. And unity comes around food, breaking bread at the table together.”
The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE
Sparks Belting Company, 5005 Kraft Ave, Suite A
Suggested food donations include:
Meats, canned, tuna and chicken preferred
Vegetables, canned
Fruits, canned
Shelf stable milk
Non-stick spray
Peanut butter
Pasta sauce
Cooking oil
Jam/Jelly
Cereals
Pasta
Rice
Soup
* Please be sure to check the expiration date on food items before bringing them in for donation.
Personal care item suggestions:
Soap of all kinds
Shampoo/conditioner
Disposable razors
Feminine products
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Diapers
Some other ideas include:
Kid-friendly non-perishables
Crayons, small toys, games
School supplies
To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Soccer players enjoy playing on the newer grass surface at Veterans Memorial Park where soccer games also take place under the lights. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
When it comes to soccer, the city of Kentwood has been and still is a hotbed for the world’s sport. From youth leagues to the varsity teams at East Kentwood High School, Kentwood has a long tradition of soccer excellence.
The popularity of soccer also is evident among mature soccer players. Many adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s continue playing the game they enjoy for fun in one of the soccer leagues that Kentwood Parks and Rec offers.
The recreation soccer leagues have been going strong for over 20 years. There are currently four leagues taking place in the summer with a total of 23 teams. The leagues include a co-ed recreation league, a co-ed competitive league and men’s and women’s leagues. All the leagues have strong numbers this year and have been popular with area soccer players for years.
“The soccer leagues are a real nice option for adults who enjoy soccer in the greater Kentwood area,” said soccer program director Spence McKellar. “We’ve had the leagues for over 20 years and they are well established.”
The leagues play at three primary locations. Matches take place at Kellogg Woods Park, Pinewood Park as well as Veterans Memorial Park which is home to several matches during the week. The soccer field at Veterans Memorial Park is especially popular as it is a lighted field and has matches going well into the evening from the start of the season in the spring to the summer/fall league that concludes in October.
Referee Dale Sanborn talks with team captains before a recent match in the Kentwood Recreation Department’s soccer leagues. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Dale Sanborn has been around the league for 20 years and has experienced the league in a couple of ways. Sanborn began playing in the league in 2003 and continued as a player until retiring in 2020. Sanborn also began to referee in the league in 2008 and is currently still a referee.
“The leagues are very popular,” Sanborn said. “We’ve had a pretty steady number of teams throughout the years and we have a lot of teams during the fall. I think we are the only league around that has an outdoor league in the fall. We also have a new grass field at Veterans Park along with the lights and that is a big draw.”
The leagues are open to players of all ages and soccer background. Along with many former high school and college players, the league has players with limited soccer experience and backgrounds who just want to play to have fun and meet other soccer enthusiasts.
Alex Pastor has been playing in the league for five years and is a goalkeeper.
“The league is fun,” Pastor said. “I joined five years ago and I’m on my current team after learning that they needed a goaltender. The league is a great way to meet new people and have fun. Even if you are brand new to the sport you can play and have fun.”
The Kentwood leagues draw soccer players from all over West Michigan. Chuck Wroblewski is a former high school soccer player from Wayland who currently plays in the league.
“It’s super fun,” Wroblewski said. “I’ve been playing in the league for five years and every year it is something that I look forward to. Playing with players you know and meeting new players, the league gives you a sense of community and that’s another reason I enjoy the league. There is a real community feeling to the league.”
Soccer players of all ages and soccer experience enjoy playing the game they enjoy in the Kentwood Recreation Department’s soccer leagues. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The number of teams has remained steady and the recreation department is looking to grow the league as well. There also are two seasons of leagues. The first season, a spring/summer league, begins in May and goes through July while a second season starts in early August and goes through October. The availability of lights at Veterans Memorial Park makes having the fall league possible when the days become shorter in the fall.
Signups are already being taken for the fall leagues. There will again be women’s, men’s and co-op leagues taking place in the fall. For more information on the upcoming fall leagues interested players can check out the Kentwood Parks and Recreation website.
East Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra hosts a podcast at WKTV called Great Lakes Music. Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University. (WKTV)
By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributor
A melomaniac is defined as a person who absolutely and enthusiastically loves music. Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra fits that definition wholeheartedly.
“Music is something I have been surrounded by for as long as I can remember,” he explained.
His Mom is a director of music, his father is a Latin percussionist and his siblings all have college music degrees. His grandmother is a talented singer and pianist.
“Currently, music has brought me connections to understanding the world and to people in a way that I plan on pursuing as far as I can,” he said emotionally.
Great Lakes Music host Judah Guerra (right) and guest Kevin Jones, a Michigan State University percussion instructor who has shared the stage or recorded with many musicians, including The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bebe and Cece Winans, Joey DeFrancesco, and many more. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
His music history started with flute lessons at the age of six. And then he joined the Grand Rapids Men and Boys Choir that year. Trombone came next in middle school followed by remarkable experiences at music camps. Thus began his love for jazz.
“I started playing electric bass in 8th grade because my dad had one and always to wanted me to play it. My junior year of high school I bought an upright bass because at that point I was coming to the point of my gigs where bass players weren’t handy,” he said of his love of the instrument.
In high school, Guerra participated in as many musical ensembles as possible. At Grand River Prep he was in the band, choir, jazz band, pep band, pit, and also had lead roles in musicals he participated in. He also played in college bands in the area, honor bands, Grand Youth Symphony, the St. Cecilia Jazz Orchestra and a band he started out of that orchestra called GR Groove. To say the least, he was very busy with music in high school.
During Guerra’s senior year he transferred to East Kentwood in order to be in-person during the pandemic.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra (left) and Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol. (WKTV)
“East Kentwood was extremely helpful in getting me to play at a higher level, and it was very inspiring to see my peers play because of the level they were at.“
Currently, Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University on a full scholarship. He studies bass and trombone with a world class faculty there, he noted.
“Michigan State has been an inspiring institution for me to continue my musical path.”
Great Lakes Music podcast at WKTV
Judah credits WKTV for giving him the opportunity to start a podcast named Great Lakes Music. He has always wanted to have a podcast ever since he started watching his heroes from far and wide talk when the world went online during the pandemic.
“I want Great Lakes Music to be able to highlight the musicians in Michigan at a high level, and to give people a sense of what talent is,” he enthused.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews and jams with local musician Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol.
The podcast itself highlights a new artist every episode.
“It is a chance for the guests to tell their story, give advice, and comment on the music scene as it is,” he explained.
“WKTV has been extremely helpful with the podcast and getting my name out there. The whole staff is out of this world in terms of their talent and kindness; two traits that are very rare to find,” he concluded.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews Joel Ferguson, former Verve Pipe band member.
Members of The Creamsicles celebrate a win, their first of the season, in a recent game. (Courtesy, Miriam Dietsche)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
For the teams and players in the Kentwood Parks and Rec Summer Co-Ed Adult Softball League, it is all about having fun with friends and families.
But, a home run trot and a win or two can be fun as well.
“We definitely have a few competitive players, but at the end of the day everyone is just there to have fun, be social, and get their bodies moving,” said Miriam Dietsche, team manager of The Creamsicles. “It’s our first year playing together, and we don’t have a great record … but I have been extremely impressed by how positive our team has stayed, and we are always hyped up for games.”
Kyler Marble gets high fives after a home run for The Creamsicles. He leads the team in homers this season with two grand slams. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
They were especially “hyped up” on a recent Tuesday night when the team won its first game of the season playing at Kentwood’s Kellogg Woods Park, a 14-6 win on June 13. (For schedule and standings of the Tuesday league and all of the City of Kentwood’s sponsored sports, visit here.)
“Our team is made up of mine and my boyfriend’s family, and a few friends,” Dietsche said. “Most of our team knew of each other before the season started, but over the past few weeks we have all grown a lot closer.
“We have a pretty interesting mix of people who have played softball competitively for a while, and people who had never swung a bat until a couple months ago. I decided to put the team together because I personally have played since high school and love the sport.”
The team’s sponsor is XYZ Motors — “My brother, also on the team, works for them and they were gracious enough to buy our shirts for us,” she added.
Kentwood’s Kellogg Woods Park hosts games
As part of its year-round, wide-ranging recreational offerings, Kentwood Parks and Recreation maintains several baseball and softball fields spread around its park system, also including fields at Home Acres, Northeast and Pinewood parks.
It also oversees other community activities associated with the fields.
“Our adult recreational softball offerings have been a popular option for decades that have created many lasting memories,” said Spencer McKellar, Kentwood Parks and Recreation deputy director. “In recent years we’ve hosted practices, youth clinics, sanctioned middle school games, as well as our adult recreational leagues all on our fields which is a great example of how our playing surfaces are intended to be a community resource for all ages and ability levels.”
Alicia Fields, a summer worker at the Kentwood Parks and Recreation department, handles the scoreboard — and gets in a little coursework reading — during a recent game. The city hires part-time and summer workers for many parks and recreation activities. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
On a recent Tuesday evening, not only was the Kellogg Woods main field prepped for the league games by the city, but a summer-hire city employee handled the scoreboard and a longtime player handled the umpiring duties.
“I’ve been playing softball every year for 32 years,” said Robert Vanderhart, who umpires the Tuesday night league. “I’ve umpired slow pitch softball for four-to-five years now, but I’ve been an umpire of all levels of baseball for close to 20.”
For Vanderhart, umpiring adult softball also is a way to continue being part of the “rec softball” community as well.
Robert Vanderhart umpires the Kentwood Tuesday night league and has played, coached and umpired softball and baseball for many years. (Courtesy Photo)
“I’m now umpiring for players who have played with me before and also for me when I coached youth ball 15 plus years ago,” he said. “And when I can, I like to help players develop … it’s the coach part in me.”
And over the years, Vanderhart says the fun part of the game is always shared with the competitive part of the game.
“Winning isn’t that important, but having fun and being competitive is,” he said. “If every game you play is very one sided it’s no fun for everyone … (and) if you could play and lose a good, close game or win by forfeit what would you rather do? I’d play.”
About Kentwood parks, softball league
For more information about City of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation programs visit here. For location and amenities of the city’s parks, visit here.
A team launching from the launch pad during the 2022 Fall Fling disc golf tournament and fundraiser. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
In the past couple decades, the community sport of disc golf has literally and figuratively taken flight in West Michigan, and it could be argued that some of the best courses to play begin with launch pads in the Kentwood Parks and Recreation system.
While the city may be mostly known for its innovative, off-season events — the annual Fall Fling and the mid-winter Freeze Fest — one of the areas premier disc golf businesses has nothing but praise for the city’s year-round courses and its commitment to the recreational sport; past, present and future.
Commemorative discs from the 2022 Fall Fling disc golf tournament and fundraiser. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“West Michigan was an early adopter of disc golf and has been a hotbed for the sport since the creator of disc golf, Ed Headrick, founded the Professional Disc Golf Association in 1976,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “For the first 30 years of the sport, growth in its popularity was steady but minimal. Starting in the the early 2000s, the PDGA started seeing steady annual growth.”
And that growth was only slightly slowed by the COVID pandemic.
“During Covid, players in areas with disc golf courses installed found that you could practice social distancing while playing and an enormous amount of new players found the sport,” said Abbgy, a long-time partner with the City of Kentwood’s disc golf program whose business opened in 2015 and is located at 4321 Kalamazoo Ave., near the corner of 44th Street.
Kentwood has welcomed the expanded popularity and demand.
City courses improved, new course planned Laura Barbrick, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Market and Events Coordinator, said the city is committed to many community sports and disc golf is certainly one of them.
“We’ve offered youth disc golf lessons and skills clinics in the past and will continue to add new programs in the future to grow the sport with our residents,” Barbrick said. “We also host two disc golf tournaments each year in partnership with Great Lakes Disc … (Abbgy) helps coordinate our tournaments, has helped plan and design our disc golf courses, and is well connected with the disc golf community.”
Not only are there two full-time disc golf courses operated by the city, at Old Farm Park and Jaycee Park, but both have been or will be improved by last year’s voter approval of a parks millage.
And plans are for a third course at Covenant Park, where there is currently only winter “pop-up” disc golf play.
“Kentwood will soon be breaking ground on Phase III of renovations at Jaycee Park which include upgraded baskets, tee pads and signs for the disc golf course,” Abbgy said. “Part of the (millage funded) proposal for Covenant Park was a disc golf course for the property which would be Kentwood’s third disc golf course in their parks system and lay the ground for larger disc golf events to come to Kentwood.”
A disc golfer in action from the 2019 Fall Fling event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Two annual events support Kentwood Little Free Pantry In partnership with Great Lakes Disc, the city hosts two disc golf tournaments, the Fall Fling at Old Farm Park, planned for November, and Freeze Fest, planned for February 2024.
According to Abbgy, the city and his company will be hosting the ninth annual Freeze Fest at Jaycee Park, scheduled for Feb. 17.
“The success of the Freeze Fest led us to add a second annual event, the Farm Fall Fling at Old Farm Park, in 2018,” he said. “This Nov. 11 we will be hosting the sixth annual Farm Fall Fling at Old Farm Park. Both events are food drives for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.”
While both events can be as much a weather challenge as a course challenge, both typically host 120-140 players at each event, and have seen over 180 players some years, he said.
But on any given weekday, or weekend, players and flying discs are flying in a first- come, first-served style course play.
About Kentwood Parks, Great Lakes Disc For more information about the Kentwood Parks and Recreation programs visit here. For location of the city’s Disc Golf parks with disc golf courses, visit here. For more information about Great Lakes Disc, visit here.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to participate in its Fourth of July celebration on Tuesday, July 4.
The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show and more.
“Our Fourth of July Celebration is a community-favorite event and is a tradition we have enjoyed for many decades,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This is a great opportunity for community members to gather in the summer sun and connect with friends and neighbors while celebrating with food, fireworks and fun.”
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the day. Community members who are interested in volunteering can visit kentwood.us/july4 to sign up or call 616-656-5270.
Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Pancake and sausage breakfast
The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place fro 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.
5K race and fun walk
The NN Autocam 5K Race & Fun Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route will take participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal.
Parade
At 9:30 a.m., the parade will begin. This year’s parade will feature a new route that starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue, turn north at the roundabout, head east on 44th Street and end at Crestwood Middle School.
Carnival
From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival filled with rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies. Wristbands also will be available for purchase at the event and in advance for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Friday, June 30 and Monday, July 3. City Hall is open 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
Spectators line up for a past Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Community booths, beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks
The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Bucket O Maybes, the Decades-Band and JP & The Energy. The fireworks show begins at dusk and is visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.
A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
Community members should also note 52nd Street is under construction between Kalamazoo and Breton avenues, which may impact routes for the event. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/EventDetour.
The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Visit kentwood.us/4thofJuly to learn more and sign up.
Other Local Fireworks Celebrations
Grandville: Tuesday, July 4 at Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and Crafts Show
11 a.m. Parade on Wilson Ave. and Flyover along the parade route.
Noon to Dark: Food Vendors
1 to 4 p.m. Penny Carnival by the Scouts
2 to 9 p.m. Kids Zone Inflatables and Activities
2 to 4 p.m. Live Music from Ian Ormiston
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Live Music from John Rush
7 to 10:15 p.m. Live Music from After it All
At Dark: Fireworks
Grand Rapids Fireworks: Saturday, July 1 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Music starts at 6 p.m. with DJ Rob Sparks and 8 p.m. Stone Soul Rhythm Band. Fireworks are at 10:30 p.m.
East Grand Rapids: Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks show begins at dusk over Reeds Lake.
Ford International Airport held a Full-Scale Exercise on June 20 featuring 19 local and state agencies and approximately 200 individuals, including volunteers and first responders. The International Airport Authority training exercises were designed to simulate an emergency event in order to evaluate emergency response plans.
The Full-Scale Exercise, mandated every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration, involved first responders extinguishing fires, supporting volunteers simulating injuries, directing responders, and more.
(WKTV/Katie Bogema)
“Simulating an emergency event is integral for our team and mutual aid partners to be equipped with the necessary protocols for an emergency response plan,” said Airport Authority Fire Chief Tony Gutierrez. “It’s important that we continuously fine-tune our emergency response plans to ensure the safety of our passengers and community.”
Agencies Involved: GFIAA Fire Department, GFIAA Police Department, GFIAA Operations, GFIAA Maintenance, GFIAA Administration, GFIAA Communications, Kentwood Fire Department, Cascade Fire Department, Kent County Emergency Management, Dutton Fire Department, Caledonia Fire Department, Life EMS, AMR Ambulance, Rockford Ambulance, Kent County Emergency Medical Services, American Red Cross, Southwest Airlines, Kentwood Police Department, Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Kent County Emergency Services Team (KEST), Medical Reserve Corp, FAA Traffic Tower Control Tower and Kent County Dispatch.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra (left) and guest Nathan Walton having some fun at WKTV.
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
You don’t want to miss local talent Judah Guerra’s latest WKTV podcast, “Great Lakes Music.”
As host and creator of the new podcast, Guerra interviews and performs original music with professionals from all corners of the music scene in Michigan.
His very inviting, warm and witty personality definitely shines through in these weekly conversations with musicians.
“This is a pursuit to learn more about what’s going on here in Michigan with music,” said Guerra, a bass and trombone player born and raised in Grand Rapids, a band leader of GR Groove and a jazz studies major at Michigan State University.
Be sure to check out his interview and jam session below with local musician Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol.
Phase 1 expansion features eight new gates to accommodate larger aircraft,new concession and retail concepts, a greater variety of seating options, and more.
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority announced the completion of Phase 1 of its newly expanded Concourse A, part of a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth.
Concourse A Phase I, which will open to the public June 16 and primarily serve guests flying American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, added:
Eight new gates for a total of 14
Expanded gate space areas to accommodate larger size aircraft
New concession and retail concepts
A greater variety of seating options
A new companion care restroom which includes an adult changing table
The expansion is part of the ELEVATE program, which is designating more than $500 million in critical infrastructure investments to improve the guest experience while positioning the Airport for continued growth. The Concourse A project created more than 125 new construction jobs and added more than 155,000 square feet of space to Michigan’s second largest airport.
“We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone in the monumental transformation of our state-of-the-art Concourse A,” said Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “This investment positions us for our anticipated passenger growth trajectory for the next two decades – and ensures we continue to deliver a world-class experience as West Michigan’s gateway to the world.”
Business partnerships
The Airport has partnered with several businesses on the expansion as part of its efforts for the concourse to reflect the look, feel and culture of West Michigan.
The Airport selected Paradies Lagardère as its partner to oversee the new concession and retail concepts in the new Concourse A extension that features many local businesses. New concession concepts include a beer garden known as Aletitude, Freddy’s, Uccello’s Ristorante, Blue Bridge Market space, which will feature local cuisine from Madcap Coffee Company and Nantucket Bakery, and a news and gifts stand called Thornapple Essentials.
To furnish the space, Haworth, MillerKnoll and Steelcase all supplied contemporary pieces to provide travelers with a greater variety of seating options.
Transitioning to Phase 2
The Airport will now transition to Phase 2 of the project, which will close the gates of the existing portion of Concourse A to undergo widening and renovations, add a second-level executive lounge and additional amenities for passengers. It is expected Phase 2 will be completed in 2024.
The new executive lounge on an elevated level overlooking Concourse A will cater to the needs of business travelers, putting the Airport on par with larger airports, including Chicago, Boston and Atlanta.
The Christman Company serves as general contractor for Concourse A, while Mead & Hunt is the design project manager and HKS is the architect of record. More than 30 West Michigan subcontractors brought their expertise and local suppliers to the project.
As it prepared to design the expansion, HKS led a visioning session with Airport stakeholders to ensure the principal concepts of community and the physical attributes of West Michigan were brought into the space. Architect Jorge Barrero likened the journey of walking the length of the new concourse to exploring West Michigan and its many offerings.
Local artists played a key role in Concourse A’s design providing a sense of place and showcasing the strong regional talent. The extension will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, a suspended art installation and wall art. The four artists selected to feature permanent terrazzo designs include:
George Eberhardt III
Kim Nguyen
Maureen Nollette
Michael Pfleghaar
The suspended art installation and multiple wall art locations will be added to Concourse A during Phase 2.
“The Airport is the first view guests see when they come into town and the last moment they’ll remember when they leave so we worked hard to create a concourse that reflects the spirit of our community coupled with the hospitality we’re known for,” Richardson said.
Plans for additional infrastructure improvements under the ELEVATE program also are underway, including:
The addition of a federal inspection station, or FIS, which will enable the Airport to offer nonstop international commercial passenger flights. This project was announced in August 2019, and the first phase – the addition of a new baggage claim area, restrooms and operations infrastructure – has been completed. These enhancements are being used for domestic flights until the full FIS project is complete.
The relocation of the current air traffic control tower, or ATCT, to make way for diverse terminal-area developments such as additional tenant hangars and more parking. The Airport selected a new site, which was reviewed and approved virtually by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2021 – the first-ever such virtual sighting of an ATCT. With the site plan complete, efforts now transition to the design phase in 2023.
A consolidated rental car facility, or CONRAC, with an enclosed walkway from the terminal that will offer additional transportation accommodations to travelers visiting West Michigan. This project broke ground in May 2023 with an expected completion date in 2025.
Additional parking capacity to accommodate increased guest traffic.
Proposed plans to expand the terminal to accommodate a new checked baggage inspection system, or CBIS, which will streamline the post-ticket counter journey for baggage, decrease processing time and increase capacity.
Thanks to support from U.S. DOT’s Airport Terminal Grant Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Airport received more than $8.6 million for the integration of eight new passenger boarding bridges on the newly designated gate spaces.
“This project would not have been made possible without the support of local, state and national leadership, as well as our airline partners,” Richardson said. “This is an exciting day for our community as we unveil the next generation of air travel in West Michigan.”
No local taxpayer dollars are being used to finance any of the projects included in the ELEVATE program, which will be paid for with a combination of federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the Airport and user fees.
Michigan State University percussion instructor Kevin Jones, left, and MSU jazz studies major Judah Guerra in the podcast room at WKTV. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
Take a look at Michigan State University junior Judah Guerra’s first podcast he recently created at WKTV, “Great Lakes Music.”
As host of the new podcast, Guerra is interviewing and performing with professionals from all angles of the music scene in Michigan.
“This is a pursuit to learn more about what’s going on here in Michigan with music,” said Guerra, a bass and trombone player born and raised in Grand Rapids, a band leader of GR Groove and a jazz studies major at MSU.
Guerra studies under Michael Dease and Rodney Whitaker, “two of the most highly-regarded musicians in their fields today,” he said.
His first guest was MSU percussion instructor Kevin Jones, who has shared the stage or recorded with many musicians, including The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bebe and Cece Winans, Walter Bishop Jr., Tommy Turentine, Joey DeFrancesco, Melvin Sparks, Art Blakey, and a whole bunch more.
Harriet Stanaback (center) and two of her granddaughters look at the tree planted in her honor at a birthday celebration for Harriet Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr, Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
Stanaback Park in Kentwood has been enjoyed by the community since officially opening in 2008 and it recently hosted a special 99th birthday party for Harriet Stanaback, who played a big role in the park becoming a reality for Kentwood residents.
Harriet’s late husband Kenneth purchased that land in 1958 and 10 years after his passing in 1988 Harriet donated the land to the city. After that donation Harriet continued working with the city staff to create park plans that would be an asset to the community and in 2008 that vision came to fruition as Kenneth Stanaback Park opened.
A jewel in the middle of Kentwood, Stanaback Park is a 33-acre park that includes open land, two playgrounds, a basketball court, pavilion, picnic tables and paved walking trails.
Since then, countless local residents have enjoyed the park as has Harriet who enjoys seeing the park grow and become a treasure for the community.
“It’s really grown,” Harriet said. “I like it because it’s absolutely free. Anybody can come over here and have a dinner if they want to. Bring your lunch and eat it in the cabin. I’ve done it myself.”
Harriet Stanaback and family members look at the plaque and tree planted in her honor while celebrating her 99th birthday Saturday at Stanaback Park in Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Family and friends gathered Saturday afternoon at the park to celebrate Harriet’s 99th birthday. Harriet and her family also were able to see the tree that was planted along with a dedication plaque from the city of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department recognizing her and her late husband’s donation to the city.
My grandmother used to live over there two houses away,” said Harriet’s granddaughter Kelly Martinez. “They had 50 something acres. She decided she wanted to donate this part of the land from their property so that everybody could enjoy the woods. She used to walk through the woods every day after work. That was her favorite thing to do.
“She just wanted everybody to be able to enjoy nature the way that we grew up running through the woods as kids. The way that she walked and enjoyed the woods and she taught us so many things about the trees and the bugs and the plants and the flowers and everything. It was her desire that everybody could have that same type of experience that she gave to us her grandkids and that she’s also enjoyed all these years.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley also dropped in on the festivities to wish Harriet a happy birthday and thank her again on behalf of the city and the residents for her generous gift that has brought so much joy to others.
“This is a beautiful, beautiful park and we are so thankful for the family for donating this land back in 1998,” said Mayor Kepley. “It’s a beautiful sight. I was just talking to some of the family members that have memories of growing up here and enjoying the woods, enjoying the creeks, making mud pies. The blessing is so many more people can enjoy this land because of their gift.”
Harriet’s younger brother, Ron VanDam, 86, of Cutlerville, also was on hand to share the day with his older sister and has plenty of fond memories of the land.
Harriet Stanaback (middle) and her brother Ron VanDam and his wife Mary pose for a photo at Harriet’s 99th birthday party Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr., Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“I love it,” VanDam said. “We come here just to walk around and that’s what it’s for. It’s neat to have a greenspace where the deer can live and all the other wild animals.”
Kentwood residents who were visiting the park Saturday took time out to share their appreciation with Harriet as well including Kyle White who was at the park to get some basketball in on the basketball court.
“It’s been more of a comfort zone for us,” White said. “We kind of just come here to meet up with friends. We’ve played here for the past 15 years so it’s been kind of a consistent thing. This park has just been home for us. Miss Stanaback, her life means so much to us, we meet here to have get togethers. This park is home to us. It’s a great appreciation. It’s one of the underlying things that we have in Kentwood. The parks make a big difference in how our community interacts and basketball has been one of them.”
Kentwood has some 16 parks and nature trails and Stanaback Park has taken its place as a special park in the city since opening in 2008 with its heavily wooded acres along with rolling hills and ravines. The park has over 5,000 feet of paved trails that wind through the hills and trees.
The Azz-Izz Band has been playing local gigs for more than three decades, and still brings it. (Courtesy, Azz-Izz Band)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
Kentwood prides itself on being a city of energetic, multi-cultural residents and visitors, so what would you expect from the Kentwood Summer Concert Series but a kickoff month with bands bringing some savory rhythm and blues, and a taste of Latin love.
The Azz-Izz Band, led by vocalist Darrick Pearson, but including a stage load of local R&B+ talent, will open the free admission outdoor series on Thursday, June 15, starting at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.
Then get your Latin dance party pants on Thursday, June 22, when the Wity Sound Band hits the stage to continue a series running almost every Thursday evening through Aug. 10.
The Wity Sound Band includes as many as eight musicians and singers, and plays a wide range of Latin, Cuban and American music with Latin beats. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)
The remaining lineup includes Cabildo on June 29, Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes, July 13, Good Morning Bedlam, July 20, Big Band Nouveau, July 27, Brena, Aug. 3, and RocknSoul in the series finale on Aug. 10.
More details on the entire lineup are available on a City of Kentwood webpage here. WKTV Community Media will again partner with the City to bring the concert series to the public, with details on live community cable and on-demand replays also available on the city’s webpage.
The public is invited to bring their blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to the concerts, which run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and a variety of food truck fare is available prior and during. Concertgoers also are welcomed to bring their own beer or wine to the show.
Check out the Kentwood Farmers Market beforehand
Come early and visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Bringing local talent to local audiences
The Azz-Izz Band is a “6-piece, energetic dance band performing top hits from R&B, funk, MoTown and pop music,” according to a band spokesperson. The group, which plays throughout West Michigan, has been under the leadership of Pearson for more than 35 years. Featured performers include Pearson on percussion and vocals, James Bates on vocals, Kevin Gillespie on bass, Will McNeil on guitar, Billy Gregory on keyboards and Mark Barnes on saxophone.
For more information on the band, visit their Facebook page here.
Wity Sound Band
While the Azz-Izz band has a long history of bringing their sounds to local audiences, the Wity Sound Band is fairly new to the area, but delivering their hot Latin sounds in a big way.
“The Wity Sound Band is me and my band, eight musicians from Cuba and Mexico,” band leader and keyboardist Wity Zaldívar said to WKTV. “We will be playing Latin music, like Salsa, merengue, bachata, Cuban traditional music and a mix of American music with Latin sounds.
The Wity Sound Band is led by keyboardist Wity Zaldívar. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)
“This is a new concept in Grand Rapids, and we hope the audience will enjoy our performance. This will be our first time playing at this summer concerts and hope not the last.”
The Wity Sound Band is already well known on the local Latin dance and club scene. For more information on the band, visit Wity’s Facebook page here.
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2023 season on June 15.
The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 15 through Sept. 7 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We’re looking forward to connecting with community members as they join us to shop local goods and enjoy the sounds of local music,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20+ local vendors and include special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
Community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring eight local music groups on the following dates:
June 15
June 22
June 29
July 13
July 20
July 27
Aug. 3
Aug. 10
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.
Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 15: Opening day celebration featuring Patty Matters, Street Chef Shaw, Kool Breeze and Kona Ice food trucks as well as the Azz-Izz Band concert at 7 p.m., playing old-school, new pop, Motown and funk.
June 22: El Jalapeño, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Taste of Toya’s World and Dolce Maria food trucks and Wity Sound Band concert at 7 p.m., performing a fusion of salsa, Cuban timba, rock ’n’ roll and American music.
June 29: Around Baking Company, Let’z Taco Bout It, Street Frites and Semifreddo food trucks; Cabildo concert at 7 p.m., playing a blend of cumbia, Ska, folk and other genres of music from Latin and South America.
July 6: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing. Food trucks include Street Chef Shaw and Semifreddo.
July 13: El Jalapeño, Taste of Toya’s World, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze food trucks and Chicago Farmer and the Field Notesconcert at 7 p.m., performing gritty country rock and folk.
July 20: Falafel Truck, Let’z Taco Bout It, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Skinny Kenny’s BBQ and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks and Good Morning Bedlam concert at 7 p.m., playing high-energy folk music.
July 27: Around Baking Company, El Jalapeno, Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks and Big Band Nouveau concert at 7 p.m., performing modern jazz in a full big band orchestra.
Aug. 3: Patty Matters, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Falafel Truck, Street Chef Shaw and Kona Ice food trucks andBrena concert at 7 p.m., playing oldies, Top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
Aug. 10: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples, Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck, Kool Breeze and Dolce Maria food trucks and RocknSoulconcert at 7 p.m. performing a mix of songs from the 60’s to current hits.
Aug. 17: Kids Day featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo, kids crafts and activities and Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks.
Aug. 24: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors and adoptions and Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo food trucks.
Aug. 31: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients, and El Jalapeño and Dune Buggy food trucks.
Sept. 7: End of season celebration with food demos and samples and Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking options at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE; Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE; and street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the events. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.
Photo from a previous Food Truck Festival. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will once again celebrate the start of summer with the annual Food Truck Festival.
The Kentwood Food Truck Festival is set for Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The popular community event offers free admission and features more than 25 food trucks, live music, beer and community booths for attendees to explore. Another food truck festival will celebrate the end of the summer season on Sept. 9.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A wide variety of cuisines will be available at the June event, with trucks offering barbecue, burritos, baked goods and more. Whether you’re searching for a savory snack, satisfying meal or sweet treat, the festival has options for every appetite. Entry to the festival is free, and cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with this community-favorite event,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “The City of Kentwood, GR8 Food Trucks and our vendors and musicians are looking forward to sharing local flavors and sounds with the community.”
Food trucks participating in this year’s event include:
“Food trucks enable community members to spend time outside while supporting talented local food vendors,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival gives residents an opportunity to build connections while enjoying delicious food.”
This year’s diamond sponsors are NN Mobile Solutions and Macatawa Bank.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the event. A detour map and parking map are available on the City of Kentwood’s website.
Volunteers are needed for the event. Find more information about the Kentwood Food Truck Festival and sign up to volunteer at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival.
The East Kentwood softball team opened state tournament action with a 2-0 win against conference-rival Grandville. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
While the season hasn’t gone entirely according to plan for the East Kentwood softball team, the Falcons have continued to battle and that persistence continues to pay off.
The Falcons, who have played around the .500 mark this season, have faced a rugged schedule and have had to deal with several key injuries. Despite the hurdles, East Kentwood has remained focused and competitive and picked up a big win to kick off the post-season by defeating O-K Red Conference rival Grandville 2-0 in the opening district game.
“We were very excited for the 2023 season with many returning players, although only three seniors,” said East Kentwood coach Owen Fletke. “We lost two of our senior starters (Landrie Fridsma and Taylor Barnes) the second week of the season. Two of our pitchers, Liz Davis and Jaycie Gasper, have been injured off and on all season. We’ve had a number of other injuries, like concussions and strains, that have really impacted our ability to have a consistent lineup with experienced players.
We’ve brought three freshmen up from our junior varsity team, two of whom (Riley Smith and Meredith Antonovich) are still on varsity. Overall, our record is now 16-19, not what we expected or anticipated, but we continue to fight and compete with the players we have.”
East Kentwood senior Landrie Fridsma will continue her career at Kalamazoo College. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
That competitive spirit was evident in the opening district game against a Grandville team that came into the post-season with a 23-12 record and defeated East Kentwood in two of the three league matchups this season.
East Kentwood was led this season by its trio of seniors. Aalana Kimble, who will be attending Saginaw Valley State University to continue her career as a student athlete, has been a leader of the Falcon offense and heads up the pitching staff.
“Aalana is the ace of our pitching staff and offensive leader on our team,” Fletke said. “She is a four-year varsity player and school record-holder in many categories.”
Fridsma is an offensive leader and second baseman who will be continuing her career at Kalamazoo College.
“Landrie partially tore a hamstring in week two and has just returned,” Fletke said. “She is a four-year starter and is our other offensive catalyst. She is our team captain and best power hitter.”
Like Fridsma, injuries have dashed the senior season for Barnes as well.
“Taylor tore her knee in the same game Landrie was injured in,” Fletke said. “Taylor was our starting leftfielder. Even though Taylor was not able to play, she was at every practice and game, cheering and coaching from the dugout. She provided us with incredible leadership.”
The junior class has stepped up and provided strong play throughout the season with several juniors playing key roles.
“We’ve received solid play from our juniors,” Fletke said. “Catcher Emily Visser, first baseman Kaleigh Higgs and third baseman Ashley Matejovitz have stepped up. Sophomore shortstop Kayla Finlaw has done a fine job there and freshman Natalie McCune has been a great surprise in the outfield and infield wherever she’s been needed.”
The Falcons have also received strong play from even more of their young players.
East Kentwood senior Aalana Kimble is a leader at the plate and in the pitching circle for the Falcons. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“When healthy, junior pitcher Liz Davis has done a great job as has freshman pitcher Jaycie Gasper,” Fletke said. “We’ve also received great help from freshman Riley Smith, sophomore Josie Manning and junior Allie Cahill.”
Davis is another Falcon who will play college softball in the future as the junior pitcher has verbally committed to the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Along with solid play on the field, the Falcon softball players get the job done in the classroom. The team grade point average is 3.5.
Kentwood firefighters Andy Biederman (left) and Jeff Bouwkamp at Fire Station 3. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: WKTV recently spent an afternoon at Kentwood Fire Station 3 on Eastern Ave. as part of a documentary we produced called “Voices from the Front Line,” where we interviewed Lieutenant Jeff Bouwkamp and Engine Operator Andy Biederman. We talked about all the details of their job as a firefighter … from the most routine calls to the most dangerous, and everything in between. This is Part 2 of a two-part series on our very interesting and informative conversation below.
Let’s talk about the dangers of being a firefighter. When I walk through the doors at my office I don’t have to worry about saving lives or putting out fires. How often are you and the team put into dangerous, life-threatening situations?
Andy Biederman, Engine Operator (a Kentwood firefighter for five years):
Every call we go to could potentially be life threatening or dangerous. We definitely don’t really know what we’re getting into once that alarm goes off. We’ve had times where we’ll get dispatched for a fall, and when we get there it’s a cardiac arrest. So, we have to be on our toes and be able to adapt to every different kind of situation. It’s no different if we get a burning complaint for somebody in the campfire in their backyard. And then when we get there, it’s a structure fire. Each call has its own different type of variables. It’s hard to pinpoint what’s going to be life threatening, or what’s going to be, you know, your run of the mill call, because I think these calls can turn into something that they’re not.
Talk about the physical and emotional toll. How do you deal with the stress and anxiety? Is there help or counseling available?
ANDY:
Something that they’re trying to promote and push better is the whole mental health situation in the fire service. And with any kind of first responder or police officer they have seen a lot of suicides in this job, just due to the amount of stress and types of calls that we see, it starts building up. The older firefighters out there typically used to hold their feelings back, suppress them and not talk to anybody, when really that’s not beneficial. It’s easier to talk to somebody and get that information out to help you help other people. So it’s been a growing trend just to help talk to somebody and go that route.
Jeff Bouwkamp, Lieutenant (a Kentwood firefighter for 30 years):
We’re always watching each other … we’re that close. If somebody’s having a bad day you can tell. I pay close attention to the people that I’m working with because they’re very important to me. Because at one point or another we’re going to do something, we’re going to be out there together. I’m going to be relying on them, they’re going to be relying on me. We have to be there for each other. And I think the mental health aspect is a huge deal. So, I’m watching out for each one of the people here and each person is watching out for the other ones, because you may pick up on something and that’s huge, because yeah, that never used to happen. Or I can’t say never, but that really wasn’t in the forefront. People don’t talk about it.
Does the stress help you better manage your personal life stresses, if so, give an example?
ANDY:
I think the types of calls that we see here and having to think on our feet definitely helps at home. I tend to be a lot more relaxed, but I think that’s just a big factor from working here. Just seeing different things that happen and reacting to it. Because if you start freaking out on a fire scene or on a medical, you’re not helping anybody. You’re making things worse if you start running around or yelling; it doesn’t do any good. But if you remain calm, you can think clearer, you can figure out what’s going on and then go from there and make a plan.
JEFF:
The stuff that we see or the stuff that we come in contact with or the stuff that we train for, this definitely helps me when I’m out of here, because it helps me be like, ‘Oh, sorry, we’re gonna get through this, we can make this happen, we can make this work. It’s going to be okay.’ I don’t sweat the small stuff; not downplaying anybody’s issues outside of here, but it’s helped me out a lot. The firefighters that are here, the family that they have at home, I give them a lot of credit because I’m sure at some point or another they do take stuff home. And that’s what they have to deal with. I know what’s helped me out a lot is the crew that I work with because there are times I tend to get a little excited. And it’s really nice to be able to feed off these guys to where it helps keep me in check as well. And that’s part of where we all kind of watch each other. And last year, we ran 5,000 calls. You can take and divide that up between 365 days, and you can find an average, but there are days where maybe we run three or four calls. And then there’s days where maybe we run 10 calls. There are some times during the whole shift, the whole city may run six calls. And then the storm comes through, you know, and we run 25, there’s no routine. That’s one of the great things because you just never know. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve made dinner and it’s quarter to five, and we’re getting ready to eat and you end up running something and then you’re back at 10 o’clock at night, and okay, well, that’s ruined. There is no routine, but that’s just what makes this job so great.
Talk about the amount of hours it takes to put fires out and what’s the longest time you’ve spent doing so?
ANDY:
Every fire call is different. I think on average you’re probably looking at around an hour, give or take from start to your last unit cleaning up. And I say this is a typical fire of about an hour, but not every fire’s typical. We’ve been on fires that have lasted eight hours, nine hours, you know, just the magnitude of the call.
Firefighter suits waiting in lockers for the next alarm at Kentwood Fire Station 3. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
JEFF:
We wear a suit that’s made of Nomex, which is fire resistant. During the winter, it’s nice because it’s a little bit warmer, and during the summer it gets hot. But it protects us from the heat, from the fires. So that’s the nice thing with technology. We get to a fire and we get a little protection. Gotta remember that we’re getting into a burning building, we have to be really careful that we’re not in there too long. We also have the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) that we wear on our back. It’s been nice because with technology the bottles have gotten a little smaller, they’ve gotten a little lighter, but they carry about 30 minutes of oxygen in them and that helps out.
ANDY:
The thing that we have to remember, too, is we have all this equipment and the person that potentially is in the house fire doesn’t. So, it’s our job to effectively and efficiently search that house and try to find them to remove them as quickly as possible. Because not only do they not have any protection, there’s all that smoke and all those dangerous toxins in there and stuff that’s not conducive for life. It’s our job using that equipment to get them out. And it’s kind of scary on how good our equipment is and how much heat we can take without really knowing how much heat we’ll truly take. I don’t think there’s a statistic about it. I think it’s all situational. It’s all dependent on the fire, where they are in the fire. And there are a lot of factors that are just very endless because not everybody will survive a house fire. But it’s our job to give them the best chance that they have.
Can you give our readers some fire safety tips:
JEFF:
There’s a fire safety message that we push.
*Have working smoke detectors inside bedrooms and throughout the house. There’s no reason to not call your local fire department if you don’t have them. Tell them, ‘Hey, my house doesn’t have enough smoke detectors or I don’t think they’re working.’ Call them and they’ll come out. And (you should) test them every month.
*Have working carbon monoxide alarms.
*Don’t have anything near your stovetop.
*Space heaters: Unplug them when you’re not using them and keep them 3 feet away from bedding, drapes and furniture, and combustible items.
*Have exit drills in your home. We go into all these schools in October, November for Fire Prevention Month and we teach them about fire safety. We talk about exit drills in the home; have a plan to get out, have a meeting place.
Get Out, Call 911 and Don’t Go Back In!
ANDY:
Another thing, too, is to close your doors. It’s better to close your door at night in case you’re dealing with fire, you’re gonna have less fire spread to that room. And then when you’re leaving, try to close your doors as well, because that’ll help contain the fire in that room, ideally. Now, there are obviously circumstances where that doesn’t happen, but you’re usually in a panic, you want to get out as fast as possible, but closing your doors can help affect the limit and the spread of fire.
(WKTV/Cris Greer)
How often does it turn into a domestic situation?
ANDY:
There are situations where one person might be mad at the other … and now they’re yelling at each other. And so we have to attend to that emergency. But we also try to keep them apart and try to figure out what the best course of action is. We’re not police officers, but we’re also an advocate for patient care and advocate for them. It’s everything … from having a grandma or grandpa that falls all the way to a cardiac arrest. We are here for the citizens of Kentwood. If you call we’re going to come and help you out as best as we can. We’ve had kids who lock themselves in the bathroom, we go there and help them unlock it. It’s a wide variety of calls.
Can you explain the certifications and training necessary to be a firefighter, and how much time you spend keeping up on that training and keeping equipment up to date?
JEFF:
We do a lot of hands on training, and a lot of it we do here. We can’t light a fire here, but we’ll practice pulling lines off the engine. Out behind the strip mall by the station there’s a hydrant we hook up to and we’ll practice pulling lines, we’ll practice stretching the lines, advancing them. A couple times a year we do what we call a block training where we’re off shift, we come back and do various strains. And during the wintertime, we do EMS training and codes. During the summer we’ll practice something that we can do outside. We’ll go to a training tower in the city of Wyoming or we can go to the city of Grand Rapids where they have some burn containers and we’ll do some fires there and practice.
Fire Call Crossovers with other cities?
JEFF:
We have a mutual aid agreement. And there are areas where we’ll run a certain distance into Wyoming, and they run a certain distance into Kentwood. If we were to get a possible structure fire they would automatically be on that alarm. There are times we do that with Grand Rapids, we have it with Cascade, and we have it with Cutlerville and Dutton. We have all our neighboring departments, and it’s a good thing, because we help each other out. And then sometimes we actually will run into those municipalities and run calls for them when they’re tied up, and they don’t have the resources to get to them. So that’s kind of a nice thing, too, because they will reciprocate that to us. If we’re tied up somewhere, we have a fire or something and all of our equipment is in a certain area, and maybe we can’t get to it very quick … they’ll turn it over to a neighboring department, and they’ll run it as a mutual aid call. And they’ll cover that for us.
Talk about the calls that stick in your head?
ANDY:
I Think any kind of call that deals with children is a call that kind of sticks in the back of my head. Typically, we don’t like running calls that involve kids, because a lot of us have them. I think it hits home, and you know, all the pediatric calls that I’ve run, I remember them. But as long as you give your best and you do what’s right for the patient, I can sleep at night.
JEFF:
I’d have to say kids’ calls are the worst. A couple of things that just stand out in my mind are kids calls and just needless accidents that happen. People being careless.
