Category Archives: WKTV Projects

Adventures at San Diego Comic-Con: Warner Brothers at Hall H

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , , , , , , ,

Wonder Woman CastFor the second straight year, Katelyn visited Comic-Con in San Diego. In case you missed it: Wonder Woman had an anniversary, Her Universe had a fashion show, and costumes galore!

 

Written and photographed by: Katelyn Kohane

 

“I was brought to life by Zeus.” – Wonder Woman

 

We finally made it into Hall H a little after 10am after camping out all night on Saturday. I planned on staying in Hall H all day because the line up was capital A-mazing!

 

Warner Brothers kicked off the day with a lineup that included Wonder Woman, Justice League, Suicide Squad, The Lego Batman, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Kong: Skull Island, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I would expect nothing less than the incredible lineup we got with Warner Brothers.

 

On top of the great lineup, the morning was hosted by none other than Conan O’Brien!

 

The presentation began with a fantastic trailer for Wonder Woman that was followed by O’Brien introducing the cast. Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, and Director Patty Jenkins were on the panel to talk about the movie. Gal Gadot summed it up nicely when she mentioned that it took “a lot of hard work and patience.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

After Wonder Woman came a surprise guest, the cast for Justice League. While they couldn’t stay long – they were headed over to the film set – they stayed long enough to show the trailer and talk to the crowd. Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, and Director Zack Snyder were in attendance.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Suicide Squad, which is currently in theaters, took time on Saturday to pay a visit to Hall H.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

After the Suicide Squad cast made their appearance, we were shown the trailer for The Lego Batman movie and we had the opportunity to see Chris Mckay and Will Arnett. Then we saw the trailer for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Charlie Hunnam came and spoke for a little while. When asked how he prepared for such a role, Charlie Hunnam said he tried not to think about it too much.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Next on tap was Kong: Skull Island! Tom Hiddleston (Loki!), Brie Larson, John Goodman (Roseanne and Speed Racer), Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchel and Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts appeared onstage. The movie was filmed in three countries and we were given the first glimpse of the trailer at Comic-Con.

 

And to end our morning in Hall H, we were shown the trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The movie is a story inside the universe of Harry Potter. After the trailer, we were introduced to Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, and David Yates.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

The first part of the morning certainly had an amazing line up of guests and trailers! “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…” is to stay tuned to see what happens the rest of the day in Hall H! As a spoiler I will mention Star Trek. Until next time…“Live Long and Prosper.”

WKTV and Global Force Productions are going on a safari

3-bottom, Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , , , ,

Global Force Productions, a West Michigan-based international production company, specializing in CG animation, is bringing a new children’s educational program to WKTV. “Jake’s Safari,” was written by West Virginia actor/writer, George R. Snider, III. Global

 

“We fell in love with Mr. Snider’s story and its characters, so we attracted the production work to Grand Rapids,” said Randy Bassin, Force’s founder and executive producer of this show.

 

Together with talent from west Michigan and throughout the Midwest, along with the animation team at Global Force’s south India studios, under the direction of Terry Vanden Akker, TV audiences will experience a truly international safari for kids from pre-kindergarten through second grade. The show will air Mondays at 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. on WKTV channel 25.

 

Randy Bassin xxxxxxx
Globe Force Productions Founder Randy Bassin with Chiku from the company’s animated children’s show “Jake’s Safari.”

“Jake’s Safari,” which was nominated for a 2016 Eclipse Award for animation, is a half hour children’s program produced with both live actors and CG animated characters. The show will attract an international audience of both girls and boys. It is the story of Jake, a photo-journalist with “Wild World Magazine,” who experiences new adventures with his wise Zulu guide, Jabali, and his two animated sidekicks — a precocious monkey named Chiku and an easy living tiger named Tahla. Throughout the episode, audiences will meet Maribel, the assignment editor for “Wild World Magazine,” and Jake’s animated email messenger Rasul (a cheetah). Along the way you’ll be introduced to a wide variety of CG animals from different countries.

 

On Safari with Jake and his friends, viewers will traverse the world meeting new cultures, exploring exotic locations, learning about wildlife, promoting healthy childhood development, good morals, and even sharing photography tips designed for children.

 

For more information, visit Jake’s website at www.jakessafari.com or email Jake at goingonsafari@jakessafari.com.

Christian-based talk show to be featured on WKTV

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects, , , ,

beautifulUStarting in September, WKTV will be adding the Christian-based talk show “U Beautiful Creation.”

 

Hosts Tina Jackson and Ranee Clements discuss various bible topics and real life experiences. They also welcome special guests onto the program to share their knowledge.

 

The show will start airing on Monday, Sept. 12, at noon. After that, the show will air Mondays at noon and Thursdays at 11 p.m. The show is produced at ONTV, a public access station located in Lake Orion, Michigan.

 

For more about the show, visit www.UBeautifulCreation.com, its Facebook page, or its YouTube channel.

 

Cruising through DreamWheels!

Entertainment, Local Business, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , , , , , , , ,

2016 DreamWheels for newsWith Metro Cruise upon us and WKTV’s DreamWheels! set to film on Saturday, we take a look back on the stories of the people and cars who make the cruise such a large attraction. From the history surrounding the inception of Metro Cruise to the shops and talents it takes to rejuvenate the beauty of a classic car, and everything in between, our full coverage is below:

 

DreamWheels! comes to the red carpet

History of Metro Cruise

Art Cruise

Engine House No. 9

Steve’s Antique Auto Repair

Pal’s Diner

The ‘artwork’ of Dom Federico

Lowriders come to DreamWheels!

Metro Cruise Pin-Up Girls

SoCal Speed Shop comes to Metro Cruise

Going Local: Maya Mexican Grill

3-bottom, Food, Going Local, Local Business, WKTV Projects, , , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Mike’s Portion

 

By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

With the Metro Cruise filling 28th Street this weekend, we figured it would only be right to pick a restaurant right in the heart of Roger’s Plaza. One restaurant, Maya, jumped out to both Joanne and I as neither of us had been and we were both craving Mexican.

 

Maya is an authentic Mexican restaurant located in Roger’s Plaza where the old Big Boy used to be, but you wouldn’t know it upon entering. When you walk through the restaurant doors you are transported to another world outside of Roger’s Plaza, the City of Wyoming, and the United States. The restaurant is decorated to feel like Playa del Carmen with authentic chairs and themed paintings filling the walls.

 

Talk about setting the mood.

 

Once seated, we were greeted by our wonderful waiter named Reuben and given a basket full of chips and salsa. Reuben was fluent in spanish and quizzed Joanne and I on our own ability to speak to the language… my Spanish teachers from Michigan would’ve been very disappointed in what I’ve retained.

 

Enchilada and a mini burrito, I barely knew the
Enchilada and a mini burrito, I barely knew the

The lunch menu was quite large and very reasonably priced. I ended up choosing lunch item number four – excuse me, numero quatro – which included an enchilada, mini burrito, rice, and refried beans. It was wonderful and quickly filled the hunger building deep inside me. As I finished my last couple of spoonfuls of refried beans, I felt as though my stomach might burst.

 

Then Joanne thought it would be a good idea to order desert. I was suddenly hungry again.

 

Okay, so it didn’t quite go like that. Joanne just didn’t decide desert was necessary, it just kind of happened organically. One second we’re talking about churros with Reuben and the next second he’s bringing us both our own massive servings of Chimi Cheese Cake with vanilla ice cream. Reuben claimed he gave us each a half order. I’m telling you right now, if what we were given was a ‘half order’, I actually fear for the person who orders the Chimi Cheese Cake on their own. May you rest in peace.

 

Maya's Chimi Cheesecake
Maya’s Chimi Cheesecake

The Chimi Cheese Cake was top-notch. It was rich cheesecake folded into a deep-fried tortilla and covered in cinnamon, sugar, and drizzled with chocolate and carmel syrup, and I think some saliva just spilled onto my keyboard as I typed this sentence.

 

Maya had tasty food and a wonderful atmosphere. I will be going back. However, next time it won’t be for work… I hear their margaritas are top-notch.

 

Joanne’s Portion

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The transformed space at Maya Mexican Grill literally made me feel like I had walked right into a restaurant in Old San Diego. Orange walls with wicker-style seating and bold black booths made this a place that I wanted to hang…for a while. And Mike and I kind of did, spending about an hour and half enjoying the atmosphere, the food and the company of our waiter, Reuben.

 

Even though Reuben did mistake Mike as my son, I have to give him a lot of props for making our visit entertaining. He is the kind of waiter you want at any restaurant, funny, informative, attentive and even tried to teach me a little Spanish.

 

Ever the bargain hunter, I once again zeroed in on the daily lunch specials, which are $6.99 (regular lunch specials start at $7.99). Wednesday’s special is either flautas or two min-burritos. Now I love Mexican food but in all my food adventures, I have not tried a flauta, so I decided to be bold and take the risk. That and Mike had a mini burrito coming with his meal. The flautas are rolled-up tortillas with filling — I had chicken — and then fried. It came with refried beans and rice.

 

The Flautas which are the Wednesday special at Maya.
The Flautas which are the Wednesday special at Maya.

The flautas were perfect, fried to be just crispy enough with the chicken — I tried just the filling — being melt in your mouth delicious. If a Mexican restaurant is going to fail it is with the refried beans, which if canned or processed can taste waxy. Maya’s refried beans easily passed the taste test and went perfectly with the tortilla chips.

 

So happy with the meal that I asked about churros, which Reuben sadly told us Maya does not offer. It does however have a Chimi Cheese Cake, which Mike and I split. The cinnamon-encrusted chimi — which was deep-fried and accompanied by a scoop of ice cream with sprinkles and drizzled with syrup — was the perfect substitute and took care of my sweet craving.

 

So Maya has made it to my repeat list mostly because Reuben told us about the restaurant’s “best in town” margaritas. I am all too happy to judge that claim for myself. In fact, Mike and I are planning our return visit to be after the DreamWheels! show Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. If you can’t find us, just ask for Reuben’s section as we will be sitting there.

 

Victoria’s condiments

 

Just a quick note here to say that my dear co-workers were kind enough to bring me some takeout from Maya, and YUM! I really scored big! I normally hang back from participating in these in-person taste tests because, let’s face it, somebody has to work here, right?

 

I chose the Maya Rolls and I was really glad I did. The blackened chicken breast was cooked and seasoned to perfection, the spinach, sprouts, tomatoes and other veggies rounded out the presentation, and there were even bits of avocado that surprised my taste buds (in a very good way). Dipped into the cajun sauce… sinfully delicious.

 

And as a tasty bonus, these very same awesome co-workers (who now have a very special place in my heart) had saved me a piece of Chimi Cheese Cake, and I can honestly say that I got high off of that. The high lasted the rest of the afternoon. Well, almost.

 

I will definitely be checking out Maya Mexican Grill. Can’t wait!

DreamWheels!: The man behind ZZ Tops’ famous hot rod comes to Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, WKTV Projects, , , , , ,
Pete Charpouris from So-Cal Speed Shop
Pete Chapouris from So-Cal Speed Shop

Why does Pete Chapouris, owner of one of the nation’s oldest specialty parts shop for hot rods, So-Cal Speed Shop, enjoy coming all the way from Southern California to Wyoming’s 28th Street Metro Cruise?

 

“Oh, that’s easy,” Chapouris said during a recent phone interview. “The people.”

 

“You can see lot of cars during one of these events and even in a lifetime, but it’s the people that make it interesting,” Chapouris said.

 

Chapouris returns to this year’s Metro Cruise set for Aug. 26 and 27. He will be at the Steve’s Antique Auto Repair display on the west end of Rogers Plaza for both days, signing free autographs and sharing experiences with car lovers.

 

Last year was Chapouris first time being at the Metro Cruise and he said there were a lot of high points such as visiting the area’s most popular bakery, Marge’s Donut Den.

 

“I also give a lot of kudos to the police department,” Chapouris said. “I have been to a lot of big events like this and [the officers] did a nice job of crowd control.” Especially, he noted, since 28th Street was packed with cars and people.

 

But for Chapouris and his wife Carol, the key to any event is the people who become an extended family to them. Steve Sturim, owner of Steve’s Antique Auto Repair which hosts Chapouris’s visit, said last year they were able to meet up with folks from Allendale’s Gas Axe Garage and others.

 

The car that started it all for Pete Chapouris, the 1934 coupe "The California Kid."
The car that started it all for Pete Chapouris, the 1934 coupe “The California Kid.”

“It’s just hanging out with about 20 to 30 people who see it the same way and have similar experiences in remodeling cars,” Strum said.

 

For those who do not follow or not in the world of custom hot rods and classic cars, So-Cal and Chapouris may be an unknown. However, few can forget the ZZ Tops famous hot rod, The Eliminator, which appeared on the 1993 album of the same name. The car was heavily influenced by Chapouris’s 1934 coupe that featured flames and would launch Chapouris’s career as it was not only featured on the cover of “Rod & Custom” magazine but was in the made-for-TV movie “The California Kid” starring Martin Sheen.

 

A leader in the hot rod scene for more than 50 years with such companies as Pete and Jake’s Hot Rod Parts and The Pete Chapouris Group (PC3g), Chapouris took over the So-Cal brand from its founder Alex Zdias in the late 1990s. For Chapouris, it was a no brainer in that So-Cal was a recognized brand that he could build upon with his own talents and background, he said. With a home base in Pomona, Calif., Chapouris and his team have accomplished a lot in the last 20-plus years, with retail outlets across the country and into Canada. In fact, Steve’s Antique Auto is a retail location with Sturim saying that working with Chapouris and So-Cal has given him a lot more than just street cred.

 

“Working with Pete has given me a lot of insight into a different aspect of this business,” Sturim said, adding its nice to be able to share stories and ideas with someone who has such a legacy in the business.

 

Chapouris has won numerous awards for his work, been inducted in to several hall of fames, and been apart of a number of television and radio shows including “Street Rod & Custom Radio,” but at the end of the day, it’s still all about the people and the cars.

 

“When I was asked to come back my wife and I really didn’t have to think much about it,” Chapouris said, adding that it was the West Michigan hospitality that made saying “yes” so easy.

 

Steve Sturim and Pete Chapouris will be part of the DreamWheels! show on Saturday, Aug. 27, which is from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW, and Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE. Strum and Chapouris will be at the Rogers Plaza location.

DreamWheels!: The artwork of Dom Federico

3-bottom, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , ,

https://youtu.be/9KnW81NYG8Q

By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

At its base, a car is a machine built of metal with an ability to transport people from point A to point B. However, cars — especially classic cars — are never seen at their base level. For some, cars are an expression of individuality. A way to make a statement on their own personality and interests. For others, cars are a model of engineering at its finest and how far that engineering can be pushed.

 

For Dom Federico, cars are works of art.

 

IMG_1767“I just love them, and when I got this car and I looked at that fin,” said Dom with his finger pointed towards a fin on a beautiful teal 1961 Cadillac Convertible, “All of a sudden I realized that what I really was doing wasn’t collecting cars, but collecting art. Each one of these is an art form, if you look at the faces of each one of these cars, each one is completely different.”

 

Dom and his wife have been collecting art since 1973 with the goal focused on every car as an individual. Their private garage houses more than 30 unique and classic cars, but simply filling the garage was never the focus. Instead of seeking out cars one by one, Dom waits until the cars “find him.”

 

His approach stems from Saturdays in August during his childhood where he would take his bike from one car dealership to another in hopes of seeing the new cars set to be unveiled and introduced in September. Throughout August, the new cars would be in the back with high canvas coverings on the chain link fences to conceal the cars. Dom would climb the fences just to get a look at what was in store for the next year, and when the right car came along, it left an impact.

 

IMG_1777“When the ’63 Corvette came out, I stayed in the showroom for hours. I couldn’t stop looking at it because of the artwork of it,” he said.

 

Those late summer Saturdays led to an infatuation that couldn’t be quelled with a single car. What started as one car eventually became two, and then three, until one day Dom finally came to the realization — thanks to his daughter — that what he owned was a little more than an extension of a normal garage.

 

“When I got to 10 cars, my daughter who was 8 at the time, said to me, ‘Dad, we’re in double-digits.’ And it hit me.”

 

Dom’s interest and passion had become a collection, something worthy of sharing with others around him. His garage has hosted parties and charity events with the cars as the main attraction, but one of his favorite showcases is the 28th Street Metro Cruise and on the red carpet at DreamWheels!. Since the inception of Metro Cruise in 2005, Dom has only missed one year and loves sharing his artwork with people who truly appreciate cars.

 

IMG_1764Lately, Dom’s participation in Metro Cruise has shifted towards being an annual member on the red carpet at WKTV’s DreamWheels!. This year he plans on bringing his ’79 Ferrari.

 

“We had been to Metro Cruise multiple times in the past and actually stopped going because it became too crowded to even drive cars. With DreamWheels!, we can still drive our cars and show them off. It’s kind of like a tradition now.”

 

Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels!” show which will broadcast live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.

DreamWheels!: Restored local diner setting for this year’s ‘DreamWheels!’ show

3-bottom, WKTV Projects, , ,

https://youtu.be/m1V7Nnp5QjQ

Some people restore cars. Barry Brown and his wife Sam Choi-Brown took it one step further — they restored a diner.

 

“Diners fit with cars, cars fit with diners,” said Brown, the owner of Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St SE, the home of this year’s “DreamWheels!” production. “They’re both restored items. They’re both unique to look at.”

 

Those classic American diners that dotted much of the United States landscape in the fifties and sixties actually were an extension of the wagon carts that would come to sell food to employees at businesses and manufacturing sites. Walter Scott is credited with creating the first diner in 1872, a horse-pulled wagon he would bring to employees at the Providence Journal in Rhode Island.

 

However, it wasn’t until the late 1930s that the diner began to be prefabricated into the familiar shape of a railroad car.

 

“People often think that the diners were old railway cars,” Brown said. “They weren’t. They were just designed to look that way.”

 

In fact, it was Roland Stickney who inspired by the streamlined trains, especially the Burlington Zephyr, who designed a diner in the shape of railroad car calling it the Sterling Streamliner. That railroad-style would carry on much through the history of the classic diner until about the 1970s when fast food restaurants began to dominate.

 

Like a mobile home, the original diner is narrow and elongated to allow for roadway transportation. In fact, it was by road in 1993 that the Browns transported Pal’s Diner from New Jersey to Grand Rapids. It was a 950-mile trip that included getting permission from four state road commissions to shut down major roadways and utilize the highways, not to mention a cost that was well into six figures.

 

And while the move was about 23 years ago, Brown can still remember it like it had happened yesterday.

 

“It took a lot of guts,” Brown said with a laugh. “But I will tell you that Sam and I were partners in this together. I sat down with her and we talked about it and we knew, that if we did this, we had to be partners.”

 

The couple could sense that if they did not move the now 62-year-old diner it would be lost like so many others. The land lease where the diner sat in New Jersey was up. Several others had looked at moving it, but passed. The Browns were the last ditch effort to save it with Pal’s former patrons and staff knowing it.

 

“It was a sad day when it left New Jersey, but it was good because it was going to be saved,” Brown said.

 

When the diner finally got here was when the real work started for the Browns because just like a classic car, to rebuild you have to start from the ground up taking everything down and putting it all back together the right way. The restoration and finding its current home took about three years.

 

Now open since 1996, Pal’s Diner succeeds in allowing each visitor to touch the past. Like traditional diner floor plans, the service counter dominates. Accented in pinks, seating is along the sides of the car with a Wall of Fame area — featuring pictures of celebrities such as One Direction who have visited the diner along with the diner’s history — just before the bathrooms. The main kitchen is through the swinging doors.

 

Brown takes pride in that they still make shakes the ol’ fashioned way — by hand — and the restaurant features classic fifties’ fare.

 

But the true success is just like the diner owners of the past, the Browns have made a lot of friends, sharing a lot of stories and memories with all who have walked through Pal’s doors.

 

“The people we’ve gotten to know, the people we’ve lost that have passed away they are like family,” Brown said. “My wife knows birthdays and everything with a lot people. That means a lot.”

 

Come to Pal’s Diner Saturday, Aug. 27 as WKTV shares more stories about the people like Brown who are dedicated to preserving a piece of American history by restoring classic cars. The show runs from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

 

Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels” show which will be broadcasting live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.

DreamWheels!: Sparking the fascination of firefighting is Engine House No. 5

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, WKTV Projects, , , , , , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Get a group of young children together and ask them what they want to be when they grow up and inevitably at least one will say a “firefighter.” Attend an event and its the fire engine all the kids want to climb on. Even adults cheer as the bright red truck with the siren goes by in a parade.

 

But what is the fascination about being a firefighter?

 

“It’s their courage, their dedication,” said Jeff Blum, who is the board president of the area’s only fire house museum, Engine House No. 5. “I went on a 24-hour ride with the Grand Rapids firefighters and they got a call to a neighborhood that I was looking around going this isn’t safe and when are the police going to get here.

 

“As I sat there, these guys were already out of the truck, running into the house without any regards to anything else. It’s that dedication that is amazing.”

 

It with some of the same dedication that Blum and the volunteers at Engine House No. 5, located at 6610 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, share the history of firefighting. The 6,000 square-foot building contains displays from the various nozzles to communication equipment along with a photo displays of the history of the first 11 stations and major fires in Grand Rapids.

 

Engine House Board President Jeff Blum stands next to the 1976 Silsby Steamer which will be part of this year's "DreamWheels" production.
Engine House Board President Jeff Blum stands next to the 1876 Silsby Steamer which will be part of this year’s “DreamWheels” production.

The original watch room on the main floor is dedicated to the history of Engine House No. 5, which was built in 1880 on the corner of Leonard and Monroe avenues. The station served the Grand Rapids community for about 100 years before being slated for demolition in 1980. Museum founder Jeff DuPilka purchased the building and moved it to its current location.

 

But the main attraction is the fire engines, of which the museum has seven, ranging from a manual hand pump from Plymouth, Mass, that was featured in the 1934 Chicago World Fair to a 1972 Ward LaFrance pumper sitting out front.

 

In fact, the museum’s 1876 Silsby Steamer will be featured at this year’s “DreamWheels!” television show. Part of the 28th Street Metro Cruise, the show is set to record Saturday, Aug. 27, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE. The Silsby Steamer is part of a tribute to David Knisley, a former “DreamWheels!” host and Grand Rapids firefighter who died in a boat fire this past May.

 

“Actually, firefighters originally pulled their own equipment to a fire,” Blum said. “They felt that using animals was beneath them which shows how manly man they were. In fact, if you used a horse to pull your cart, you were often ridiculed.”

 

Eventually as firefighters acquired steam pumpers, it was decided animals were better at moving the equipment. In 1910, Engine House No. 5 was the first in Grand Rapids to get an Oldsmobile outfitted to carry hose, called Hose Cart No. 5. It marked the end of the horses at fire stations with many stations converting the hay lofts to lounges for the firefighters.

 

The two-story museum has been cleverly designed to give visitors a sense of what firefighting is about, its history and why the American public remains fascinated with the profession leading many, like DuPilka, to want to preserve its past.

 

“We really want this to be a destination spot,” Blum said. “Travelers are looking for those unique, special spots, especially as they are going from one place to another. We want to be one of those places.”

 

Blum, who got involved with the museum four years ago, admits he is not a curator, but a person with “an insane passion” for firefighting and its history and most of what he knows he has learned along the way and through the questions that people have asked, such as one boy’s about where the water comes from that lead to the discovery of why a hydrant is called a “fire plug.”

 

To discover that connection and much more about the world of firefighting, you’ll have to go to the Engine House No. 5 yourself.

 

Engine House No. 5 is open from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday – Friday and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and by appointment. For more information, visit the website or call 616-895-8121. Engine House No. 5 is marking its 30th anniversary with a Birthday Bash Sept. 17 from 7 – 11 p.m. Tickets are $30 per couple or $15 per individual.

 

Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels” show which will be broadcasting live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.

DreamWheels!: History of Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, WKTV Projects, , , , , ,

https://youtu.be/uYhqQpqpsV8

As the sun sits high in the sky, radiating down on the blacktop of 28th Street, hundreds of thousands of people bustle up and down the road taking in the sights. More than 15,000 cars waxed, shined, and ready for primetime cover the street and parking lots as spectators take in the grandeur of these classic beauties.

 

For the past 11 years, the 28th Street Metro Cruise has brought together generations of people by allowing them to a trip through memory lane by cruising down 28th Street in a classic car. While the event is now ingrained into the fabric of 28th Street and the communities that participate, not everyone was initially onboard.

 

“When the idea [for the Metro Cruise] came up, I was thinking, ‘this is not going to work,’” Bob O’Callaghan said with a laugh. Callahan, who now serves as the president of the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, was a Chamber board member during the creation of Metro Cruise. “But I turned out to be wrong.”

 

With the completion of the M-6 highway in 2004, there was concern that traffic would dissipate from 28th Street and turn a street that was once the second busiest in Michigan into an afterthought. The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce set out to find a way to continue to drive traffic down 28th Street and to the local businesses in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. The Chamber saw a problem, and the solution would hinge on the local car culture.

 

Metro Cruise“The idea for the Metro Cruise came from the Woodward Dream Cruise” said Charlie Steen, one of the main think tanks behind Metro Cruise. “We were looking for promotion for 28th Street and the businesses on the strip, and we felt it was an opportunity for merchants to benefit from the event.”

 

Steen, the former Economic Development Director for the City of Wyoming, approached then Chamber President John Crawford with the idea for the Metro Cruise. With the help of Dan Van Dyke from Fruit Basket Flowerland and Todd Duncan from Consumers Energy, the Chamber went all in to make the event a reality.

 

“We were very fortunate with the help of the city mayors, councils and governments, and the Chamber of Commerce,” said Steen. “We had to work with Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville, Grand Rapids, and Cascade Township to make the Metro Cruise a reality.”

 

With everyone on board, it came down to one thing: Would anyone show up?

 

“During the early planning stages for year one, we actually hoped that we might get a couple of thousand people to show up and hoped to have a couple hundred cars,” stated Todd Duncan in an interview in 2014 reflecting back on the 10th Anniversary of Metro Cruise.

 

Turns out, the initial estimates didn’t quite comprehend West Michigan’s love for cars. The Metro Cruise went live in 2005 and 85,000 people came to see what it was all about.

 

“Without the car crazies from West Michigan, the Metro Cruise wouldn’t happen,” said Steen.

 

Metro CruiseWhile the participation was better than expected, and getting the inaugural event to make it from concept to reality was a success in itself, the first year of Metro Cruise didn’t accomplish its primary task.

 

“It was not a success with the Chamber, we lost money that first year,” explained O’Callaghan. “We thought we’d go in all the way with 16 different locations around 28th Street. It was too much and we scaled it back the second year with the Chamber staying in and focusing on Roger’s Plaza.”

 

The Chamber saw the potential of Metro Cruise, and instead of dumping the idea after losing money in year one, they adapted and continued to build the event. Since 2005, Metro Cruise has grown from 85,000 participants to more than 250,000, and well over 15,000 vehicles as well. The increase in event traffic has led directly to an influx in commerce for the local businesses.

 

“The Chamber did a survey three years ago and found out that $3.3 million was spent on the 28th Street corridor on the weekend of Metro Cruise,” said O’Callaghan. “It’s doing what it’s supposed to do as far as the financial side and the awareness.”

 

As the cruise prepares for its 12th year, car lovers from all over the state, and the country, will pour onto 28th Street to enjoy automobiles from generation to generation.

 

Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels” show which will be broadcasting live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.

DreamWheels!: WKTV brings the red carpet event right to you

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, WKTV Projects, , , , , ,

2016 DreamWheels for newsFor the fifth year in a row, WKTV Community Media and the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce host the red carpet classic car event, “DreamWheels!” in conjunction with the 2016 28th Street Metro Cruise.

 

The event will be broadcast live Saturday, Aug. 27, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. from two locations — Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW, Wyoming. The show will air at Saturday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 26.

 

“As one of the largest and most proactive community media centers in the state, WKTV prides itself in being able to provide high-end, community-focused television into people’s living rooms,” said WKTV GM Executive Director Tom Norton, who is the producer of the “DreamWheels!” show. “‘DreamWheels!’ is a true WKTV original; community media designed to make people love where they live. Our hundreds of volunteers it takes to pull this off year after year always look forward to making it happen.”

 

Returning to host is Kim
Returning to host is WLAV’s Kim Carson who is joined by WLAV’s Tony Gates.

This year’s event spotlights some of the finest classic cars from the past century — from luxury models of the 1930s to some of today’s fastest and sportiest rides. Owners from across the Midwest have gathered to show off these wonderful vehicles and to share with us their one of-a-kind stories.

 

Some of the classic vehicles on this year’s red carpet are a 1937 Packard 120; a 156 Lincoln Premiere; a 1979 Ferrari 308; a 1973 Chevy Corvette Stingray; a 1947 Dodge Power Wagon; and a 1958 Package Hawk.

 

Additionally, Ziegler Auto Group in Grandville, one of the underwriters for the production will be bringing a Maserati Grand Truism Convertible, an Alfa Romeo 4C Spider and a Fiat 124 Spider for the red carpet.

 

There will be a number of classic and xxxx cars heading down this year's red carpet at "DreamWheels!."
There will be a number of classic cars and even some of today’s sportiest rides heading down this year’s red carpet at “DreamWheels!.”

A special treat will be three lowriders built by West Michigan residents. Holland resident Pablo Lopez, a.k.a. Mr. Lowpez who is known for bringing the lowrider movement to West Michigan, will bring his 1963 Impala SS. Wyoming resident Anbrocio Ledesma will have his 1951 Chevy Delux and West Michigan resident Derrick Bickham will bring his 1953 Chevy Bel Air.

 

There will be a special tribute to former “DreamWheels” host David Knisley who died in boat fire accident in May. The Engine House No. 5 Museum, 6610 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, will be bringing a 1876 Silsby Steamer pulled by two draft horses.

 

“Participating in this tribute to David Knisely, an individual whose community service both as person and as a firefighter which has touched so many lives is a great honor to all of us at Engine House No. 5 Museum,” said Museum Board President Jeff Blum.

 

Hosted this year by WLAV FM’s Tony Gates and Kim Carson, “DreamWheels!” combines a Hollywood- style movie premiere with a classic car show.  For more about the show, visit dreamwheels.org and visit the Facebook page.

 

Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels” show which will be broadcasting live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.

WKTV features documentary on four legendary skateboarders

3-bottom, Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , , , , ,
The film "Fallen Angels" by Boat Angel Films, will be featured on WKTV Aug. 17 and 19.
The film “Fallen Angels” by Boat Angel Films, will be featured on WKTV Aug. 17 and 19.

By the age of the 13, Jay  Adams was the youngest member to join the Santa Monica-based Zephyr Competition Skateboarding Team. Dennis Martinez was a legend in the skateboarding world long before Tony Hawks even came on the scene. Bruce Logan was one of the first professional skateboarders starting in the 1950s and Christian Hosoi was top in the skateboard world, his main rival being Tony Hawks.

 

They were skateboarding idols – the ones everyone wanted to be – and then drugs, addiction and arrests brought these golden boys down.

 

In its latest releases, Boat Angel Films presents “Fallen Idols,” a look at these four legendary world champion skateboarders. The program will air on WKTV Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 19 at midnight.

 

Actor Danny Trejo (“Heat,” “Con Air,” and “Desperado”) narrates the film which examines the rise to fame, the fall and eventual redemption. There is never before seen footage with current interviews. “No preachiness, no talking down, just hard core music, action and real life drama,” according to Boat Angel Films’ description of the documentary.

 

All four men would overcome and use their experiences to help others headed down the same path. Adams (who died in 2014), Logan and Hosoi have all been inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame.

Going Local: Tokyo Grill and Sushi

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Local Business, WKTV Projects, , , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Going Local seemed a little more like Going Lonely the past couple of weeks without Joanne, the genius behind the entire project, there to join Victoria and myself. Victoria and I held our own for the time being as our partner rejuvenated herself by soaking up the California sun, and she was welcomed back with open arms as we expounded on our next adventure.

 

The contents of the hat continue to grow as our faithful readers pass along local food ideas in Wyoming and Kentwood. The food has been a treat and, more importantly, given me greater options to choose from when I’m asked to take the lady friend to dinner. Each week has been a brand new experience and this week was no different as we visited Tokyo Grill and Sushi located at 4478 Breton Road.

 

From the outside, Tokyo Grill and Sushi is tucked into a strip mall and feels hidden with curtains covering the windows. Once inside, the restaurant immediately welcomes you with cooks preparing food behind the bar. The interior opens up nicely with more room than meets the eye. The lighting is inviting with well themed decor giving off a strong sense of peace and relaxation.

 

The lunch menu is quite large with appetizers, salads, soups, hibachi, katsu, teriyaki, noodles, and a full sushi bar at your disposal. After perusing the menu, my eyes fell upon Yaki U-Don, a dish with stir fried Japanese thick noodles with chicken and vegetables. Safe to say, I found my soul mate.

 

A salad came with the dish and was… well, a salad. Not much else to delve into. A salad is a salad. It’s a tease before the true meal arrives.

 

Tokyo Grill and SushiWith the salad gone, I was ready for my stir-fry and I was not disappointed when the hot skillet was set down in front of me. It was still sizzling, packed with food, and ready to be devoured. Quick word of advice, when something is sizzling, its contents are still very hot. My brain decided not to pass along this information onto my watering mouth. Thank goodness for the glass of water that was seemingly always filled to the brim.

 

The first bite bursted with flavor and texture and I immediately knew I made the right choice. The noodles were thick and soft, the vegetables were excellently seasoned, and the chicken was plentiful. In all, the meal was huge! About halfway through the meal I wondered if I had enough space left in my stomach to finish. Spoiler alert! There was room.

 

Once we made it back to work I was dangerously close to falling into a food coma. This seems to happen every time we Go Local. However, in the name of journalistic integrity and discovering all the food options Wyoming and Kentwood have to offer, I will continue to sacrifice in my service to you, the readers.

 

Put Tokyo Grill and Sushi on the Going Local list of great places to eat.

By: Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Joanne@wktv.org

 

When you walk through the doors of Tokyo Grill and Sushi you are transported to what I imagine is pretty close to what a restaurant in Japan would be like – complete with both Western and traditional Japanese seating. While located in the strip mall on the southeast corner of Breton Avenue and 44th Street, the restaurant design has eliminated those big store front windows with light colored walls and round windows that allow just enough light in to make the place warm and inviting. Topping it off is the light wood accidents and furniture that makes Tokyo Grill a place you want to sit, relax and enjoy a good meal.

 

Unfortunately relaxing was not on the agenda this week as we were on a bit of a time crunch with all that was taking place (elections, National Night Out), but that was alright as the staff was able to move as quickly as our needs required. Our biggest hold up was deciding what to eat. Being a Japanese restaurant, I quickly discovered you do not get an egg roll with every lunch meal but instead a salad. Apparently the homemade dressings are so popular, you can purchase some to take home.

 

IMG_5916Going on the waitress’s recommendation, I selected one of the Hibachi Lunch Specials, Beef Hibachi, $7.95. It came with a salad, white rice and stirred fried beef and vegetables with a homemade sauce. I selected the onion salad dressing and I could taste why someone would want to purchase a bottle for home. The dressing was sweet and favorable with no overbearing onion flavor.

 

The meal came quickly and was exactly what I was looking for. Fresh off the grill, the flavor of the vegetables exploded in my mouth. There was zucchini, broccoli and to be honest, I could have eaten a whole plate of just the veggies. (I brought a Chicken Hibachi ($7.95) with fried rice ($2.95 extra) back to the office for Victoria who gave it a thumbs up.)

 

The portion size was just perfect for me. I could polish off the whole meal feeling satisfied and perfectly able to function after lunch unlike my Going Local partner. Anyhow, Tokyo Grill also has a large selection of wines and beer for enjoyment as well. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner is from 3 – 10 p.m. weekdays and dinner only on the weekends from 12 – 10 p.m. Saturday and 12 – 9 p.m. Sunday.

Size doesn’t matter in “Jake and the Giants” airing on WKTV

3-bottom, Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
Jake learns that size does not matter when facing a challenge in "Jake and the Giants."
Jake learns that size does not matter when facing a challenge in “Jake and the Giants.”

While the weather is sunny and bright right now, in about a week it is suppose to rain and with everyone hanging in doors, it is the perfect time to catch a movie.

 

Friday, Aug. 12, at 3 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 1 p.m., WKTV will be featuring the musical animation “Jake and the Giants” on channels 25.

 

“The film is a family-friendly animated feature that is reminiscent of many of the great stories of all time, including ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’” wrote film reviewer Bob Pearyea.

 

MV5BMTQ5MTc5MDI0MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjA2NTQ0NjE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_The story centers around a young boy named Jake (voiced by Debbi Derrberry from “Castle in the Sky,” “Toy Story,” and “Peter Pan”), his twin sister Joanie (voiced by Katie Leigh from “My Little Pony” and “The Adventures of Gummi Bears”), and their dog Waldo. The threesome find they are the only ones left in the village of Shiloh after a vicious attack by gold-thirsty giants and their monkey henchmen. The captured inhabitants are carried away by boat and taken to a mountain top gold mine to work as slaves.

 

The adventure follows Jake, Joanie, and Waldo on their dangerous quest to rescue their family from the mine with the wisdom of Wisey the owl, the encouragement of Whitey the albatross, and a family of riverboat beavers who give them a rescue vessel. They discover that even if a task is difficult they can find success, especially in helping others.

 

Produced by Boat Angel Family Films, the film includes several uplifting songs such as “Never Too Small,” “Ho Ho Ho Ho,” and “Monkeys Don’t Fly.”

Going Local: Daniele’s Pizzeria

3-bottom, Food, Going Local, WKTV Projects, , , ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Before Joanne left on vacation she made one request — pull Daniele’s Pizzeria out of the Going Local hat until she came back. I had to remind her that we run a legit operation here at WKTV News. We couldn’t let a personal request ruin the integrity of our newest feature. The name would stay in the hat and the Going Local Gods would decide our next locale.

 

Fast forward a few days and the hat made its decision… Daniele’s Pizzeria! Sorry, Joanne.

 

Four weeks into Going Local and the flavors have been all over the map. My tastebuds have taken a trip from Chinese, to barbecue, to Mediterranean, and now pizza. It’s a world tour right here in Wyoming and Kentwood.

 

While our last three locations were all sit-down restaurants, Daniele’s Pizzeria located at 846 52nd street is built for takeout and deliveries. There is a small bar area inside that seats up to four and one table outdoors if you wanted to stay and eat, but a majority of patrons choose takeout or delivery. Their hours are also geared towards dinnertime as they don’t open until 4pm throughout the week.

 

Scanning over the menu, Daniele’s makes more than just pizza. They have dinners with spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and manicotti, wings and appetizers, stuffed riceballs called arancini, salads, subs and dessert. It’s a small operation, but it packs a lot of punch. With all of those options, we chose to keep it classy and original — a deluxe pizza and cheesy bread.

 

Daniele's PizzeriaThe deluxe pizza came with mozzarella cheese, ham, sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and they did not skimp at all on the toppings. The pizza was packed with toppings all the way to the crust line. I measure a pizzas quality on how well the cheese stays on the crust. There is nothing more frustrating that picking up a slice and having all of the cheese and toppings fall off and land in the box. Daniele’s passed with flying colors as the cheese stayed on the pizza. It’s the little things.

 

When it comes to pizza, it’s almost impossible to make a bad pie, but you KNOW when you eat a good one. Daniele’s pizza is in that category with their flavor, crust texture, amount of cheese and toppings, and the richness of the sauce. The pizza came out to just under $15 and easily fed three of us.

 

Daniele's PizzeriaNo pizza is complete without the cheesy bread to accompany it. First off, the cheesy bread is a generous size with 16 pieces of thick, fluffy bread. It is well seasoned and adds the perfect side complement to the pizza for an added five dollars.

 

Overall, Daniele’s Pizzeria makes wonderful pizza and needs to be tasted if you consider yourself a pizza lover. While the pizza was great, there are two things on the menu that I need to try. The arancini, or deep-fried riceballs, look and sound exceptional. Honestly, I’m bummed I didn’t order one along with the pizza. There is also one other gem on their menu that is only available Monday through Wednesday and it’s called the D-Burger. It’s a 1/2 pound sausage patty sandwiched between two 7-inch pepperoni pizzas.

 

Joanne, when you come back we’ll need to put the D-Burger in the hat. It’s a perfect creation that is begging to be devoured.

 

Post Script

By Victoria Mullen

 

Just my luck, I missed out on yet another Going Local foray. So far, I’ve missed China City, Le Kabob and now, Danieles. But who’s counting? So, maybe the food gods are being brutal but Mike, ever the gentleman, kindly saved one piece of pizza pie for me to try — along with several slices of cheesy bread — and that I surely did. I find that the proof of a pizza is in heating it up again the next day.

 

Our microwave here at work isn’t the greatest, and I unintentionally left the pizza slice heating for a bit too long. (I just can’t win!) I can say this, however: The cheese still stayed on the pie, and the crust was scrumptious. I’m not a fan of sausage, but the other toppings were flavorful and satiated my hungry belly. The cheesy bread was amazing, even the second day.

 

Joanne, when you come back, we’ll need to get another pizza pie and try the arancini.

Kentwood seeking old photos, film for 50th anniversary celebration

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, WKTV Projects, , , ,
This photo is from the book "The Story of Kentwood." It is a the ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentwood's City Center on March 17, 1979. From the left is, Frank Jefferis, representative for U.S. Senator Donald Riegle; James Jansma, representing Robert L. Wold, city center architect; Peter M. Lamberts, Kentwood mayor; Donald TerHorst, president, TerHorst and Rinzema Construction Co., general contractors; Thomas B. Clayton, administrative assistant, Kentwood; the Rev. Robert McBroom, South Kent Baptist Church.
This photo is from the book “The Story of Kentwood.” It is a the ribbon cutting ceremony for Kentwood’s City Center on March 17, 1979. From the left is, Frank Jefferis, representative for U.S. Senator Donald Riegle; James Jansma, representing Robert L. Wold, city center architect; Peter M. Lamberts, Kentwood mayor; Donald TerHorst, president, TerHorst and Rinzema Construction Co., general contractors; Thomas B. Clayton, administrative assistant, Kentwood; the Rev. Robert McBroom, South Kent Baptist Church.

Next year is going to be golden in the City of Kentwood as the municipality marks its fiftieth anniversary in 2017.

 

In preparation, a group of area residents and city officials have come together to plan the city’s 50th anniversary celebration. Part of this planning has included work on creating a video on the city’s first 50 years that will be put together by the local media center WKTV, which serves the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.

 

The Octagon House is one of the iconic landmarks of Kentwood. The house was built in 1855 by Sluman and Delia Bailey.
The Octagon House is one of the iconic landmarks of Kentwood. The house was built in 1855 by Sluman and Delia Bailey.

The City of Kentwood’s 50th Anniversary Committee is looking for photographs, videos and even stories to help tell the story of Kentwood’s birth and first 50 years. Photos, video and other media can be scanned so originals can be returned.

 

Kentwood officially became a city on Feb. 20. 1967. The move was partly to prevent the City of Grand Rapids from its continuing annexation of Paris Township, the name of the municipality before the area incorporated into a city. The goal also was to be able to provide the services residents were demanding as the rural township moved to a suburban community. Various efforts to incorporate started in the 1940s. The 1967 vote passed with 2,212 for incorporation to 2,035 opposed.

 

If you have something or would be willing to share with the committee, please contact Lisa Golder in the city’s planning department. You can reach her at 616-554-0709 or at golderl.ci.kentwood.mi.us.

‘USS Silversides’ hosts Lost Boat Ceremony during Memorial Day weekend

3-bottom, Veterans, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
The USS Silversides will be the site of the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 29.
The USS Silversides will be the site of the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 29.

As Memorial Day comes upon us, many area communities prepare to host numerous programs honoring those who died while serving in the various branches of the U.S. military.

 

One of the most moving events is the Lost Boat Ceremony hosted by Muskegon’s U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum. The event is set for Sunday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at the museum, located at 1346 Bluff St., Muskegon.

 

“We remember these gentlemen because the men on the submarine are some of the most forgotten veterans,” said Siversides Curator Peggy Maniates. “What they did was quiet and unknown.”

 

In fact, when Pearl Harbor happened, many of the submarines were not in the harbor when the Japanese attacked, Maniates said. So while the United States needed to rebuild its fleet, the submarines were able to carry on, she said.

 

“Often time when a battle happens, you might lose one person or a few,” Maniates said. “When a submarine hits a mine, you lost 79 young men in a blink of an eye.

 

“We recognize these men because we have a submarine here, in Muskegon, and it is something very close to our heart.”

 

The ceremony usually starts with a fly-by featuring planes from World War II. For the ceremony, there is a special guest speaker, this year being former NASA astronaut James Francis Reilly, II. Reilly, who earned three degrees from the University of Texas at Dallas including a doctorate in geosciences, was selected by NASA in 1994 and completed training at Johnson Space Center in 1995. His first spaceflight was the STS-89 when he was part of the Space Shuttle Endeavour crew in 1998. In 2001, he was part of the Space Shuttle Atlantis team that went to the International Space Station. His last mission was part of the STS-117 mission with the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2007. That flight marked the 250th orbital human spaceflight.

 

The ceremony also includes the laying of a memorial wreath on the water and the Tolling of the Boats, where the names of the each of the 52 submarines lost in World War II along with the number of men lost with them are read. It is estimated more than 3,500 men died while serving on submarines during World War II. At the same time, the wives and family members of submarine veterans toss flowers on the water for each boat.

 

The service will conclude with a 21-gun salute and the starting up of the engine of the U.S.S. Silversides.

 

WKTV will broadcast the 29th Annual Lost Boat Ceremony on Memorial Day at 10:15 a.m., 6 and 9:30 p.m. The program will be one of several military specials aired that day. Also scheduled is the documentaries “Lest We Forget” and “Vietnam Moving Wall.”

 

For more on WKTV programming, visit wktv.org.

Honoring those who served: Kentwood, Wyoming host Memorial Day activities

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, Veterans, WKTV Projects, , ,
Joe Rossi with his fellow Marines. Rossi is Wyoming's Memorial Day guest speaker.
Joe Rossi with his fellow Marines. Rossi is Wyoming’s Memorial Day guest speaker.

“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.” General Douglas MacArthur’s Thayer Award Speech, 1962.

 

Those words, “duty, honor, country” have become synonymous with a soldier. The motto of the United States Military Academy West Point, those words now adorn three arches at Wyoming’s Veterans Memorial Garden, located in front of the Wyoming Public Safety Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW. The final arch, “Country” will be dedicated at the city’s annual Memorial Day Services, set for Monday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Garden.

 

“Our Memorial Day Ceremony is a tribute to that service and protection,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, the city’s directory of community services. “We are grateful to have the Veterans Memorial Garden in Wyoming. It is a place where we can hold these ceremonies and where people can honor and reflect, at any time, on those who have protected and those who continue to protect our freedoms.”

 

The new memorial arch, "Country" will be dedicated at Wyoming's Memorial Day Services set for Monday, May 30.
The new memorial arch, “Country” will be dedicated at Wyoming’s Memorial Day Services set for Monday, May 30.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was officially observed when in 1968, General John A. Logan, leader of the Northern Civil War veterans the Grand Army of the Republic, call for a nationwide day of remembrance. The date selected was May 30 since no major Civil War battles had ever been fought on that day. A 100 years later in 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, changing Memorial Day to the last Monday in May with most communities like Wyoming and Kentwood observing it on that day. (Note: The City of Grand Rapids traditionally observes Memorial Day on May 30 no matter when that date falls in the week.)

 

Guest speaker for the Wyoming Memorial Day Services is Retired Lt. Joe Rossi, who is a candidate for judge in the 17th Circuit Court race. Rossi served 22 years as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, including serving in Operation Desert Storm where he commended a rifle platoon of 41 Marines and one sailor. He led a hostage rescue unit and had two presidential recalls to active duty to command the Marine Corps Reserve Center in Grand Rapids, where he mobilized more than 400 Marines for service in East Africa and Iraq.

 

The rest of the program will include the Lee High School Band performing “As Heavens Were a Bell,” the Department of Public Safety Honor Guard firing a rifle salute, and Lee High School graduate and Navy veteran Bronson Sawn performing taps.

 

The city of Kentwood’s annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony also will be Monday, May 30. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 48th Street and Eastern Avenue, with the route proceeding west on 48th Street and finishing at the memorial at Veterans Park, 353 48th St. The American Legion Post 208 will host a ceremony at the park following the parade at around 10:45 a.m.

 

Both the Memorial Day programs from Kentwood and Wyoming will be aired on WKTV. The Kentwood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony are set for 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday, May 30, with the Wyoming Memorial Day Service set for around 8:35 p.m.

 

For more on WKTV programming, visit www.wktv.org.

Young musician shines on the marimba at Grand Rapids Youth Symphony performance

3-bottom, Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , ,
Noah Mallett was one of the featured performers at the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony May concert. The concert will be broadcast on WKTV Saturday.
Noah Mallett was one of the featured performers at the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony May concert. The concert will be broadcast on WKTV Saturday.

Most toddlers, at some point, will bang on pots and pans, but Adriana and Ed Mallett couldn’t help but notice that their son, Noah, seemed to have more of an interest beyond just making noise.

 

“He would strike the sources with a few wooden spoons,” said Adriana Mallett. “It seemed liked he was really listening as he struck a pan, a lid, then the handle of the lid.

 

“As he got a little older, he would find different objects around the house that would give him different sounds. By the time he was four, he was setting up cocktail drum kits out of a few stools and cardboard boxes, trying to mimic the shapes that he saw in music magazines, but he knew the sound was not right.”

 

Finally, at the age of six, Mallett received his own drum set and debuted alongside jazz drummer Bernie Dresel at Tuba Bach Chamber Music Festival. And since then, his star keeps rising. The freshman at Big Rapids’ Crossroads Charter Academy was recently selected as the 2016 Grand Rapids Youth Symphony Skip Gates Concerto Competition winner. With that honor, he was a featured performer at the Youth Symphony’s May concert which will air at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 21, on Comcast Live Wire Channel 24 in Wyoming, Kentwood and the entire Grand Rapids Metro Area and again on Tuesday, May 24, at 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 28, at 10 p.m. on WKTV Comcast 25 and AT&T U-verse 99 in Wyoming and Kentwood.

 

It won’t be the drums though that you’ll see Mallett perform, rather the marimba, an instrument he became intrigued with a few year ago for its melodic range and versatility. His family was able to borrow a marimba from Ferris State University and this year, a person who believed in his talents purchased a marimba for him as a loan.

 

Noah Mallett was named the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony's Skip Gates Concerto Competition winner.
Noah Mallett was named the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony’s Skip Gates Concerto Competition winner.

At the May concert, he performed one of the most popular marimba concertos of all time, according to “Percussive Notes,” Ney Rosaura’s Concerto for Marimba, the piece he performed in the Skips Gates Concerto Competition.

 

“It was suggested to me by one of teachers,” Mallett said for his reason in selecting the piece. Mallett is currently studying with Grand Rapids Symphony percussionist David Hall and Gwendolyn Dease, head of percussion studies at Michigan State University.

 

“It has a lot of rhythmic drive is very exciting and athletic,” Mallett said, adding that the piece has some memorable themes and melodies that some might recognize. In fact the piece is so athletic that Mallett has been told by some “to watch myself perform it,” he said with a laugh.

 

The Skips Concerto Competition honor is not the the first for the young musician, who also enjoys composing and arranging music. In fact, one of his compositions was selected to be performed at the Michigan Music Educators Association 2015 Honors Composition Concert.

 

Mallett is a member of the Con Brio Voce Brass & Percussion Ensemble and the Ferris State University Summer Band, which he has performed several times as a feature soloist. This summer, he continues his studies at North Carolina’s Brevard Music Center Institute.

 

For more about the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony, including its upcoming audition notices and its European summer tour, visit www.grys.org.

WKTV celebrates Heritage Hill Home Tour with a rebroadcast of popular film series

3-bottom, Entertainment, Local History, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
Exterior shot of the Meyer May House from the home's porch.
Exterior shot of the Meyer May House from the home’s porch.

The annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes is set to kick off in a couple of weeks and to whet your appetite WKTV will rebroadcast the award-winning “Grand Homes of Heritage Hill.”

 

“Grand Homes of Heritage Hill” will air Wednesday, May 18, at noon featuring the 2007 Telly Award winning episode “The Voigt House.” Friday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m., all three episodes will air, “The Voigt House,” “The Meyer May House,” and “Connors House.” Hegewald also received a Festival of the Arts film award in the documentary category in 2007 for his work on the series.

 

“The homes of Heritage Hill have fascinated me all of my life – from their varied architectural styles to their unabashed grandeur,” said Thomas Hegewald in an 2014 WKTV article about the series. Hegewald is the producer, videographer, and writer behind the series. “On every occasion that I have driven through this area, I have gawked at the homes and picked my favorites. I had been volunteering at WKTV for a few months when Tom Norton, the station manager, suggested that I produce a series on these homes. It seemed like an ideal match.”

 

"The Grand Homes of Heritage Hill" episode feature The Voigt House won a Telly Award.
“The Grand Homes of Heritage Hill” episode feature The Voigt House won a Telly Award.

In 2009, the Grand Rapids Public Museum discontinued the public hours for the Voigt House, making Hegewald’s video the about the only way to peek inside the 19th century home. Built in 1895-96 for the prominent merchant and businessman Carl Voigt, the Voigt family lived in the house continually for nearly 76 years until Voigt’s youngest son, Ralph, died in 1971. In 1974, the Kent County Council for Historic Preservation purchased the home and donated the structure to the City of Grand Rapids. One of the most noted features of the facility is that since it was a one-owner house, the first floor was redecorated in 1907 and never update again with the original silk wall coverings and carpeting remaining.

 

Hegewald said he selected the Voigt House and the Meyer May House because they both showcased how the original owners had once lived. “The Voigt house featured not only the original furnishings, but the décor as well,” he said. “The only restoration came in replacing an item, and only when completely necessary. Since there had been an addition to the Meyer May House, followed years later by it being broken up into apartments, a complete restoration had to take place to bring it back to its original state.”

 

Even the details of the Meyer May House were well planned.
Even the details of the Meyer May House were well planned.

The Meyer May House originally was built for a Grand Rapids clothier and purchased and restored in 1987 by Steelcase. The home was opened to the public in 1987 and provides the opportunity to se a Prairie house exactly as Frank Lloyd Wright intended. Along with being part of this year’s Heritage Hill Home Tour, the Meyer May House is open to the public Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 

The third home in the series is the Connors House, which is privately owned. While the home was owned by one family, it needed to be brought up to code for electrical and plumbing. “With extensive renovations underway, much thought was also put into the décor of the home to reflect its past, but with a contemporary feel as well,” Hegewald said.

 

“In the end, I came away with an appreciation for this area in our city – from the original owners who built the homes to those who fought to save them from destruction during the days of urban renewal,” he said. “I also applaud the efforts of the homeowners today who strive to keep up with the amount of work it must take to keep these homes in good repair.”

 

A greater appreciation of these historic homes and the district they are in is one of the reasons Heritage Hill started its annual Tour of Homes 47 years ago. This year’s tour, which is Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 22, from noon – 6 p.m., features six restored private houses, three historic buildings and two recent additions that demonstrate how new construction can fit into the fabric of a historic district. The tour includes the 1886 Queen Anne-style home built for the Davis family of Stow & Davis Furniture Co.; a 1916 Georgian Manor, a 1906 American foursquare and a 1912 Tudor Revival.

 

Advance tickets for the tour are $15 and available at the Heritage Hill Association Office, 126 College SE or at www.heritagehillweb.org. Tickets the weekend of the tour are $20. All proceeds go to the Heritage Hill Association and the organization’s historic preservation efforts. A free shuttle bus for the tour is provided between featured properties. For more information on the tour, call 616-459-8950.

And the winner is: 2016 Eclipse Awards

3-bottom, Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
The Eclipse Award winners take one final photo together after Thursday's gala.
The Eclipse Award winners take one final photo together after Thursday’s gala. Center, in a blue shirt, is Hyperion Award recipient David Lowing.

It was a night of glam and posh as nominees for the 2016 Eclipse Awards entered the ballroom of Grand Rapids’ City Flats Hotel on Thursday, April 28.

 

The annual awards are designed to celebrate West Michigan filmmakers and the films they create. A call for entries was made at the end of 2015 with judges from around the globe narrowing the record number of entries down to nominees. Past Eclipse winners were selected to place their votes for winners in each category with those winners being announced last night.

 

It was a packed house as more than 200 people came to recognize friends, colleagues, and newcomers of the West Michigan film industry, and it was a newcomer whose film garnered the most awards.

 

Producer DJ Viernes’s film “shehimher,” a seven-minute piece about the blooming relationship between two woman – one who has a son -made his mark on the judges and the West Michigan film community.

 

Heather Baker-Jason, John Hanson, DJ Viernes, and Jodi Morton from the film "shehimher."
Heather Baker-Jason, John Hanson, DJ Viernes, and Jodi Morton from the film “shehimher.”

“Wow, you know who I am,” Viernes said from the stage as he accepted The Eclipse Award for Best Director. After the event, Viernes said he has mostly been working independently with this being his first time entering The Eclipse Awards.

 

“John [Hanson] was the one who said ‘hey, there is this local films awards’ and maybe we should enter,” Viernes said. “We had previewed the film at UICA’s Open Projector Night and won that.”

 

Set all to music, with no dialog, “sheherhim” not only garnered Best Director for Viernes but also Best Original Score for Theo Ndawillie II and Best Narrative Short with Viernes saying, “I dedicate this film to the LGBT community and to those who want to start families.”

 

Other big winners were Kyle Misak whose film “The Million Dollar Nickel” bought home two awards Best Editing and Best Writing in Produced Content; and Brett Deacon and Evan Hollingsworth won for Best Animation and Best Cinema Trailer.

 

Alex Bolen and Sophie Bolen. Alex was the presenter for Best Actor which went to his sister, Sophie.
Alex Bolen and Sophie Bolen. Alex was the presenter for Best Actor which went to his sister, Sophie.

The “awww” moment came when Alex Bolen, who won for Best Cinematography and Videography last year, announced this year’s Best Actor winner, his sister Sophie Bolen for “Rodeo Girl.” At 16, Bolen is the youngest to receive an Eclipse Award.

 

“I was really super surprised,” Alex Bolen said after the event. “I do not think they even knew she was my sister when they asked me to present for that category.”

 

A special tribute was given to Chuck Peterson who had been the station manager at GRTV and was a freelancer within the film community. Peterson, who was known for his passion for free speech, lost his battle to cancer last June. Local band Soil & Sun performed while images of Peterson appeared on the screen.

 

This year’s Hyperion Award for Outstanding Leadership in Film, Television, and Production Community recipient was David Lowing, owner of Lowing Light & Grip. Lowing has been involved in the local film industry for about 30 years serving as a leader and mentor to filmmakers and content creators across a wide range of disciplines and formats. He said he was surprised when he first learned he would be receiving the award, which recognizes the contributions of an individual in the  West Michigan film industry, and was honored to have been chosen.

 

Here is a complete rundown of the winners:

 

Best Writing in Produced Content
Kyle Misak and Jesse Charles – “The Million Dollar Nickel”

 

Best Cinematographer
Steve Steketee – “Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: A Grand Rapids Treasure”

 

Best Editor
Kyle Misak – “The Million Dollar Nickel”

 

Best Original Score
Theo Ndawillie II – “shehimher”

 

Best Narrative Short
DJ Viernes – “shehimher”

 

Best in Local and Regional Segments and Promotional Pieces
Mallory Patterson and Randy Strobl – “Meet Maren”

 

Best in Online Programs, Segments and Promotional Pieces
Brian Gotberg and Harper Philbin  – “Lucky Jay”

 

Best Director
DJ Viernes – “shehimher”

 

Best Documentary
Josh Reed – “My Personal Pink Time”

 

Best Animation
Brett Deacon and Evan Hollingsworth – “Project Liberation”

 

Best Cinema Trailer
Brett Deacon and Evan Hollingsworth – “Project Liberation”

 

Best in Local TV and Cable
Noah DeSmit – “Cooking with Angus: Mozzarella”

 

Best Actor
Sophie Bolen – “Rodeo Girl”

 

Best Music Video of an Original Performance
Tyler Wiewiora – Brian’s Song

 

Sponsors of the event included WKTV Digital Media, Ferris State University’s TV & Digital Production, West Michigan Film Office, West Michigan Film Alliance, Compass College of Cinematic Arts, and Grand Valley State University’s Film and Video Production. The Eclipse Awards Film Festival featuring films from this year’s event will air later this year in the fall. For more information, visit www.theeclipseaward.com.

Meet some of The Eclipse Award nominees!

3-bottom, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, WKTV Projects, , , , , , , , ,

By WKTV

 

It’s always fun to celebrate talent and hard work, and that’s what happened Monday evening when WKTV feted many of The Eclipse Award nominees at a soiree (aka ‘Eclipse Lounge’) held at Rockwell’s in Grand Rapids. It would have taken far more than mere rain leaking through the roof to dampen the excitement as attendees enjoyed appetizers, refreshments and kudos.

interviewee 8
Heather Baker-Johnson and her husband, Ben

 

We spoke with several nominees to find out what, if anything, they felt upon hearing of their nominations. Emotions ran the gamut.

 

Nominated for Best Actor for her performance in shehimher, fledgling actor, Heather Baker-Jackson, said she felt honored to be nominated. “It was an amazing project,” Baker-Johnson said. “It’s actually the first time I’ve ever acted and I loved the experience of being involved with filmmakers. It’s a nice, creative outlet and I’m open to it. I’m having a blast!”

 

liz
Liz Nolan

Also nominated for Best Actor, for her work in Two for the Show, Liz Nolan is on the other end of the spectrum–she’s been acting since she was six years old. “Being nominated is quite an honor,” Nolan said. “It’s for all of us, the greater good, and for the good of the industry. It was exciting to work with a good actor (Michael McCallum, who wrote, directed and acted in the film) who is present and focused. It was synchronicity. It’s my most favorite role so far, the most challenging and the most interesting.”

 

charlotte
Charlotte Rinderknecht

Charlotte Rinderknecht attended the soiree in honor of the late Larry Lauria, with whom she co-produced the animated film, Pete’s Odyssey, the story of a female bird who must spread her wings and leave her parents’ nest. “I’m here to honor Larry’s memory and talent,” said Rinderknecht. “The project was Larry’s brainchild and it is his legacy. He worked with Bloomfield College’s fledgling animation program. The students worked full time on the project for four weeks. They worked so hard, and Larry pushed them as far as he could.”

 

harper philbin
Harper Philbin

Harper Philbin’s web series, Lucky Jay has already garnered a plethora of awards, but greatness knows no bounds. “I was very happy to see the series get Eclipse noms for producing, writing, directing, editing and acting,” Philbin said. “When I finished the series, I thought it might only play to college professors as sort of an in-joke, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised that the series has found a broader audience–enough good feedback that we decided to shoot a second season this June!”

 

girl
Kelly Loughlin

Science fiction aficionado and Indiana native Kelly Loughlin was nominated for Best Producer for her work on Interference. The Grand Valley State University senior had pitched the script to her fiction class. “I produced, wrote and directed it,” Loughlin said. “It’s about a kid with a ham radio in the 1960s who communicates with a cosmonaut as he is re-entering the earth’s atmosphere. There were only two actors, and we translated the lines for the cosmonaut from English to Russian. The film is about connecting with someone who doesn’t speak the same language–how do we do that? The Eclipse Award is a great honor, especially while I’m still in school. It affirms that I am on the right track.”

 

interviewee 5
Andrew Behm

Former WKTV intern, Andrew Behm was nominated for Best Narrative for his work on the film, Portrait, a story that follows the relationship of a photographer and her significant other. “When I cast the film, the role was open for any gender,” Behm said. “I didn’t want it to fall into any stereotype.” The Eclipse Award is Behm’s first big award. “I was so honored to be nominated. I felt validated. I worked very hard on the film.”

 

 

interviewee 3
Dave Purnell

Dave Purnell received a nomination for Best Original Score for the film, INK 180. The story follows an inner-city tattoo artist who removes or covers tattoos for free for victims of sex trafficking. “The music plays a crucial role in the film,” said Purnell. “I’m excited and it feels wonderful to be nominated.”

 

Interviewee
Josh Reed

Josh Reed’s film, My Personal Pink Time, was nominated for Best Documentary. The film follows the life of a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33. “She wanted everything documented,” said Reed. “Treatments, chemo, radiation, all of it. It meant a lot to me because cancer has affected my family. You can’t really know what it’s like until it happens to you or someone close to you. I wanted to get the word out.” Reed said it felt cool to be recognized for his work.

 

michael and josh
Michael McCallum and friend

Michael McCallum is in a league of his own. The filmmaker has won so many awards over the years, we’re certain that he must have lost track by now. (OK, so we lied. He knows. His films have won 75 major awards on the film festival circuit and received 132 nominations.) His film, Two for the Show was nominated for Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Writing in Produced Content, and McCallum was nominated for Best Actor as well. “I was confident in the film that people would have an opinion about it,” McCallum said. “Having it be honored with nominations is just icing on the cake. I’m incredibly proud of the film and everyone involved in helping create it.”

 

Sherryl Despres

Sherryl Despres, nominated for Best Actor for her work in Rodeo Girl, said getting the nomination was a pleasant surprise. “But it is also an affirmation. I’ve been acting since I was a child growing up in California and quit for a few years. But I’ve seen as good or better talent here in Michigan than I ever saw there. I can’t think of any greater honor than to be recognized with the likes of my fellow nominees by these talented people whose work I respect and admire.”

 

Reid Petro

Sporting three Best Cinematographer nominations–for Alaskan Adventure, It’s Your Move, and The Million Dollar Nickel–Reid Petro said the news really made his day. “I was extremely honored–honored to be nominated along with all of these other amazing artists that I admire and am inspired by. I know it’s cheesy but I was definitely in awe.”

 

Congrats to all of our nominees and we look forward to seeing you Thursday night for The Eclipse Awards ceremony. Great work, everybody!

WKTV airs Saugatuck Short Film Festival in support of this year’s call for entries

3-bottom, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
Last year's Saugatuck xxxxxxxx
Last year’s Saugatuck Short Film Festival will be aired on WKTV this week.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, is calling all filmmakers to submit their short films to the fourth annual Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition.

 

This year marks the fourth year of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ (SCA) film competition, where professional and student filmmakers will compete for $2,500 worth of cash prizes for their short films—five minutes or less—that feature some sort of Michigan flavor. Student submissions (high school students and younger) are free, and adults (college and up) are $20 per entry. Video projects by schools, clubs, and religious organizations are encouraged to enter. Registration for Saugatuck Shorts is open now until Oct, 9, and can be completed at sc4a.org.

 

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

 

Saugatuck Shorts is the only film competition in West Michigan that offers a cash prize for film submissions in a juried category and an audience favorite. Similar to ArtPrize, a panel of judges will choose the top ten shorts to be shown on screening night. Of those top ten, a winner from the student and from the adult category will be chosen. The student winner will be awarded $500 and the adult winner, $1,000. On screening night, after the audience has viewed all ten shorts, they will cast their votes for the “Audience Favorite” which will be awarded another $1,000.

 

This year’s competition also marks the second year that the SCA will partner with Wyoming-Kentwood Television (WKTV) to promote Saugatuck Shorts. In addition to the station coming to the event to broadcast it live, WKTV will also feature the top ten juried films on their station.

WKTV will be airing last year’s 3rd Annual Saugatuck Shorts Film Festival Tuesday, April 26, at 9 p.m. and again Saturday, April 30 at 10 p.m. on Comcast, channel 25.

 

WKTV is a community television station located at 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW. WKTV is one of the oldest community television stations in the country that is still in operation, celebrating 40 years in 2014. More information about WKTV can be found here.

Haiku for you

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Volunteers, WKTV Projects, , , , , ,

HaikuWith April being National Poetry Month, and yesterday being Haiku Poetry Day, a few citizen reporters tried their hand at the art of the traditional Japanese poetry and its 17 syllables.

 

by Dylan Rettler

 

I ask for insight
Ashen sky of you and I
On this phoenixed flight

 

by Kathryn Gray

 

Stories to be told
Warm fingers on the keyboard
Awake hearts and minds

 

by Katelyn Kohane

 

No worries or cares
Relaxing beside the water
Watching waves roll by

 

And WKTV News editors Mike DeWitt and Victoria Mullen even gave it a shot!

 

by Mike DeWitt

 

Recruiting Writers
Take it one step at a time
To write from the heart

 

by Victoria Mullen

 

hello poetry

I wish to celebrate you

with a fine Haiku

Volunteers shine at the Volunteer Award Banquet

3-bottom, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Volunteers, WKTV Projects, , , , , , ,

[huge_it_slider id=”34″]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The WKTV community gathered at Stony Brook Country Club on April 1 – and that’s no April Fools – to celebrate the volunteers to who make the station so special.

 

Since its inception as only the second community media station in the country in 1974, WKTV has given everyday citizens a platform for their voice and message to be heard. Volunteers have access to state-of-the-art video and editing equipment, studio space, a television channel, and an online newspaper to help mold their messages and stories about the communities they live in.

 

The best part? It’s all free!

 

Volunteer Banquet 2016Over 300 volunteers take advantage of the services WKTV has to offer in production, recording, editing, writing and filming. The Volunteer Appreciation Banquet is one way for the station to say thank you.

 

The banquet started with cocktails and a meet and greet before everyone sat down for dinner. The presentation of the awards followed dinner, but not before the premier of the annual volunteer appreciation videos courtesy of Nate Diedrich and the WKTV Production Staff.

 

“Producing these videos for the volunteer appreciation event allows us to express our sincere gratitude for all the effort our volunteers and producers put into creating quality content throughout the year,” said Nate.

 

 

When the room finally quieted down from all the laughter, the awards were ready to be handed out.

 

Volunteer of the Year - Doug Remtema
Volunteer of the Year – Doug Remtema

Volunteer of the Year was rewarded to Doug Remtema for his willingness and ability to help out on multiple projects at the station. Doug is a real pro and makes life easier on whichever project is lucky enough to utilize his talents.

 

Doug Hansen was recognized for Lifetime Achievement. Doug started at the station back in the 80s and has continued to be a resource for both volunteers and staff members.

 

Kathryn Gray was chosen as Citizen Reporter of the Year for her ability to make individuals come alive through the written word.

 

Community Service Programming went to Thomas Hegewald. The Community Service award is given to the volunteer who not only creates their own programming, but is also willing to volunteer on other projects as well.

 

On top of the four individual awards, volunteers were recognized for their individual service at the station.

 

23 volunteers were first year volunteers, 16 joined the 100 hour club, six citizen reporters in attendance were recognized for their yearly contributions, four volunteers were recognized for five years at the station, two volunteers were recognized for 10 years, four volunteers were recognized for 15 years, and two volunteers were recognized for 20 years of service.

 

20 years of volunteering at WKTV
20 years of volunteering at WKTV

19 shows were recognized for Program Dedication Awards.

 

WKTV is run by the volunteers who make everything possible. The volunteer banquet is one more night for them to shine.

 

Full list of volunteers recognized:

 

Volunteer of the Year: Doug Remtema

 

Citizen Reporter of the Year: Kathryn Gray

 

Community Service Programing: Thomas Hegewald

 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Doug Hansen

 

100 Hour Club

Terri Rees – 711

Doug Remtema – 494

Gary Vande Velde – 480

Alan Dunst – 446

Mike Bacon – 279

Barb VanDuren – 278

Thomas Hegewald – 249

Tom Sibley – 220

Sophia Maslowski – 190

Phil Moore – 172

Carrie Bradstreet – 149

Dan Simone – 122

Kristyn Miller – 117

Nathan Krzykwa – 111

Doug Hansen – 110

Athina Morehouse – 103

 

Program Dedication

A Day in the Dirt – Gary Vande Velde

Catholic Forum – Alan Dunst

Community Awareness – Donna Smith

Feel Like You Belong – Alan Headbloom

Fools for Christ – Jim Dohm

High School Sports – Paul Kableman

Is That Really Me on TV – Melanie Evans

OnPoint – Thomas Hegewald

River Reflections – Rosemary Burns

Senior Exercise – Chris Rush

Silent Voices – Dennis Lawrence

So & Mo Presents – Sophia Maslowski

Sounds of Summer – Patty Williams

Talking God & Guns – Janice Brown

Tips, Tricks & Techniques – Chef Terri Rees

Veteran’s History Project – James Smither

Whittlin’ Time – Mike Bacon

VMTV – Hung Nguyen

You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me America – Carrie Bradstreet

 

First Year

 

Dan Davis – Whittlin’ Time

Gina Greenlee – OnPoint

Robert Gonzalez – Sports/Plus

Wendy Jenkins – Silent Voices

Mark Kelly – Sports

Mark Lange – Sports

Linh Le – VMTV

Cameron McCargar – Sports

Brice Miller – Sports

Athina Morehouse – OnPoint

Angela Peavey – Indie Films

Reid Petro – Indie Films

Steve Pham – VMTV

Bill Roelfsema – OnPoint

Eric Sheler – OnPoint

Michelle Sheler – OnPoint

Downie Streahl – Sports/Plus

Kevin Ton – VMTV

Lillie Towns – Silent Voices

Barb VanDuren – Chef Terri Right Hand

Arturo Varela – Mision Evangilistica

Chris Williams – Sports

 

5 Years

 

Ray Boisvenue – Fools for Christ

Karen Graham – Schubert Chorus/Plus

Mike Moll – Sports Announcer

Ron Schultz – Sports Announcer

 

10 Years

 

Mark Bergsma – Sports

Anne VanDreumel – Shubert/Plus/Plus

 

15 Years

 

Girbe Eefsting – Digital Cinema Guild

Eddie Grover – Various Shoots

Gary Vande Velde – Day in the Dirt/Sports/Plus

Mike VanDreumel – Mr. Fix It/Everything

 

20 Years

 

Mark Tangen – Dream Wheels/Festivals of Chefs

Dick Visser – Board/Direct: Reading Train/Beanie Babies/Crafty Ladies

Nominees for the 2016 Eclipse Awards announced

3-bottom, Entertainment, WKTV Projects, , , , ,
Marie Ullrich and Todd Lewis announce the nominees for the 2016 Eclipse Awards.
Marie Ullrich and Todd Lewis announce the nominees for the 2016 Eclipse Awards.

The nominees for the 2016 Eclipse Awards were announced today by Todd Lewis and Marie Ullrich on WKTV.

 

With a record number of entries, judges from around the globe narrowed the field down to the nominees listed below. An annual event, the Eclipse Awards are designed to celebrate West Michigan filmmakers and the films they create.

 

Winners will be announced live on April 28 on WKTV, Comcast channel 24, starting at 7:30 p.m. and is hosted by local comedian Ben Wilke. The Eclipse Awards show also will be streamed live at theeclipseaward.com. WKTV News will be providing complete coverage of the entire event.

 

For all nominees and their guests, there will be the Eclipse Lounge on April 25 at 7 p.m. at the second floor patio of the Rockwell Republic, 45 S. Division Ave. Tom Norton, station manager for WKTV, which helps to organize the event, said the the Eclipse Lounge is an important aspect to the event in that it gives nominees an opportunity to network and for everyone to be recognized for their accomplishments.

 

“We believe that being nominated is an important achievement and so we honor all the nominees,” Norton said.

 

Filmmakers can enter in several main Categories such as Cinema Trailer, Documentary, and Narrative Short. There are also craft Categories focused on the experiste in creating a film such as Acting, Directing and Original Score.

 

Categories are listed in alphabetical order with nominees listed in random order.

 

Documentary nominees are My Personal Pink Time, Josh Reed, producer; Strong Words: The Art of Toi Derricotte, David Schock, producer; and UP a River, Kristin Ojaniemi, producer.

 

Local & Regional Segments & Promotional Pieces (under 20 minutes) nominees are Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: A Grand Rapids Treasure, Experience Grand Rapids, producer; GoSite Sponsor Video, Mallory Patterson and Randy Strobl, producers; HappenDance, Andrew Tebeau, producer; Meet Maren, Mallory Patterson and Randy Strobl, producers; There’s a Little Gilda in All of Us, Mallory Patterson and Randy Strobl, producers; and Why We Work at Wedgwood, Navin Kharmai, producer.

 

Local TV & Cable (30 minute time slot) nominees are Cooking with Angus: Mozzarella, Noah DeSmit, producer; Feel Like You Belong – Takunda Maxima Episode, Alan Headbloom, producer; and Jake’s Safari, Randy Bassin, producer.

 

Narrative Short nominees are Interference, James Stephens, Kelly Loughlin, producers; Portrait, Andrew Behm, producer; shehimher, DJ Viennese, producer; The Discovery of Alan Hindley, Andy Fortenbacher, producer; The Million Dollar Nickel, Kyle Misak, Jake Maxwell, producers; and This is Munyagwa, Erick Lauchie, producer.

 

On-line Programs, Segments or Promotional Pieces nominees are Live Arts, Andy Terzes, producer; Lucky Jay, Brian Gotberg and Harper Philbin, producers; Recognizing the Signs of Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in the Clinic, Kendall College of Art and Design, producer; and The Story of the Nutcracker Village, Jacob Schmiedicke, producer.

 

Craft categories are listed in alphabetical order with nominees listed randomly.

 

Acting nominees are Ray Brazaski for Cathedral; Michael McCallum for Lucky Jay, Sherryl Despres for Rodeo Girl, Sophie Bolen for Rodeo Girl, Heather Baker-Jackson for shehimher and Liz Nolan for Two For the Show.

 

Animation nominees are Sanjo Antony for Jake’s Safari, Larry Lauria for Pete’s Odyssey, and Brett Deacon and Evan Hollingsworth for Project Liberation.

 

Cinematography and Videography nominees are Reid Petro for Alaskan Adventure, Logan Hurtado and Dylan Sanders for Death at the Opera, Steve Steketee for Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: A Grand Rapids Treasure, Reid Petro for It’s Your Move, Matthew Weaver for Journeyman, Andy Terzes for Live Arts, John Hansen for shehimher, Reid Petro for The Million Dollar Nickel and Travis Babbitt for Topanga.

 

Direction nominees are Andy Terzes for Live Arts, Harper Philbin for Lucky Jay, DJ Viernes for shehimher, Kyle Misak and Jake Maxwell for The Million Dollar Nickel,  and Michael McCallum for Two for the Show.

 

Editing nominees are Alex Bolen for L I G H T, Tim Lieber for Lucky Jar, Mallory Patterson and Randy Strobl for Mosaic Mobile 2015 Promo, Kyle Misak for The Million Dollar Nickel, and Michael McCallum and Andrew Tebeau for Two for the Show.

 

Original Scoring nominees are David Purnell for INK 180 and Theo Ndawille II for shehimher.

 

Writing in Produced Content nominees are George Snider III for Jake’s Safari, Harper Philbin, John Dufresne and Angelo Eidse for Lucky Jay, DJ Viernes for shehimher, Kyle Misak and Jesse Charles for The Million Dollar Nickel and Michael McCallum for Two for the Show.

WKTV readies to air Golden Gloves for the 32nd straight year

3-bottom, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , ,

michigan golden glovesThe Golden Gloves have a long, outstanding history throughout the country in the sport of boxing. What started in New York in 1927 as an amateur boxing tournament has morphed into The National Golden Gloves, a boxing program with affiliates in all 50 states who focus in training young people for success.

 

Grand Rapids started their involvement in 1932 under the sponsorship of the Grand Rapids Press and the Furniture City Post of the American Legion to foster competing teams in Grand Rapids. In 2008, Grand Rapids and the Michigan Golden Gloves Association hosted the 2008 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions.

 

Back in 1985, the Michigan Golden Gloves Association and WKTV formed a partnership to film the state championship boxing bouts. When the partnership began, the tournament was held at Stadium Arena (now known as the DeltaPlex). When Stadium Arena was no longer suitable, the tournament was moved to the Grand Valley National Guard Armory on 44th street.

 

2016 marks a return to the DeltaPlex and the 32nd year of WKTV’s coverage of the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship. Catch all the action on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 with a tape delayed airing of each evenings bouts the following day at noon.

 

West Michigan Championships
Saturday, April 9
Wednesday, April 20 (airing at 8:30pm)

 

State Championships
Saturday, April 23
Friday, April 29
Saturday, April 30

WKTV’s new associate anchor falters big-time, then disappears

3-bottom, Beer, Editorial, Hard News, Local Faces, Senior Living, WKTV Projects, , , , , , , ,

grave marker for Nigel

 

[Obligatory April Fool’s story.]

 

In the beginning, he was WKTV’s mascot, always cheerful and unassuming. He often stayed into the wee hours of the night after everyone else had gone home. For months, we marveled at his always-sunny, can-do attitude, which is no mean feat in today’s dangerously depressing world. No matter what, Nigel was consistent in his utterances and deeds.

 

Lesser folk would have run chittering from the building, but Nigel put up with the station’s less-than-ideal working conditions like a champ. Our station director’s temper tantrums didn’t faze Nigel. He tolerated the bizarre antics of our managing editor. Even the newest CJ reporter’s grammar Nazi tirades didn’t crack him.

 

cricketIronically, it was a well-deserved promotion that did him in.

 

In his capacity as station mascot, Nigel thrived and excelled. His attendance was exemplary. When things got crazy around here, his easy-going manner and uplifting chirps kept the station on course. And he never got in anyone’s way.

 

Then we began taking him for granted. As often happens with mild-mannered folk in the corporate realm, Nigel was overlooked for plum assignments. He seemed happy enough. His chirps seemed genuine. But at WKTV, we do not stand for the status quo. We celebrate each team member’s strengths and help them overcome their weaknesses.

 

I believe it was on a Wednesday we first realized that Nigel’s talents were being wasted in such a limited role. The community needed to know about him, about what he stood for, about his very existence. Nigel needed to be celebrated and exalted for his simplicity and love for nature. It was sure to be a win-win.

 

And so we promoted him to broadcasting associate.

Bye gravestone

 

There is always a learning curve with any new position, and Nigel put up a brave front. He appeared to soak up new knowledge like a sponge, and we coached him in his new role. But it soon became apparent that Nigel, for all of his seemingly extroverted traits, was an introvert at heart. In his new, highly visible role, Nigel faltered. He couldn’t bring himself to attend meetings. I remember seeing him once by a pipe close to the window, but when I tried to talk to him, he quickly escaped down a tiny black hole.

 

No amount of persuasion could entice Nigel to contribute to our on-air broadcasts. He began wandering around the office, unseen. But we heard him. He chirped incessantly.

 

In any other situation, one might have considered Nigel mentally ill, but we knew better. Nigel was a unique individual, and at WKTV, we celebrate diversity. However, when someone’s happiness is at stake, swift action is required.

 

And so Nigel returned to the position where he was happiest, as our mascot. Two days later, he disappeared.

 

We believe a wolf spider sealed poor Nigel’s fate.

 

Click here to listen to an interview with Nigel. (Before he went missing.)

 

APRIL FOOL’S!

 

Post-script: Nigel was real. He was the office cricket.

OnPoint Tutorials, Tips & Tours – the show about all things creative

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects, , ,
The crew prepares for an upcoming taping of OnPoint Tutorials.
The crew prepares for an upcoming taping of OnPoint Tutorials.

By Thomas Hegewald

A story begins with an idea; a television series with a concept.

 

Last spring, four of my coworkers and I met to discuss the possibility of producing a television series. Our previous endeavor, a nine-part series (Quilt Show Tutorials), was attracting thousands of views on YouTube. We could build on this success and produce a regular series to air on WKTV. Initially, we’d focus on quilt-related topics, adding other craft segments later. When a fellow quilt and craft enthusiast joined our ranks, our six-member production team was complete and Frayed Productions was born.

 

Nancy Roelsema, the host of OnPoint Tutorials
Nancy Roelfsema, the host of OnPoint Tutorials

We began recording our show, OnPoint Tutorials, Tips, & Tours in July 2015. Each month we record a number of segments for a half-hour program. In addition to providing our viewers with step-by-step tutorials on a particular technique, we also feature helpful tips and an insider’s view of local trade shows, quilt stores and guilds, and artist’s studios.

 

Utilizing the HD studio and field cameras, studios and edit suites available at WKTV Community Media allows us to focus on the content of our shows without the added stress of equipment costs. Four of our team members have degrees in broadcasting or a related field, so working in this environment helps us to develop our skills in television production. In addition to assisting us with our recordings, the WKTV staff created a new set which we personalize for each show.

 

OnPoint Tutorials, Tips & Tours – the show that focuses on all things creative. We’ll cover everything from A to Z – appliqué to zentangles. Airing Mondays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. on WKTV Community Media.