Tag Archives: cancelled

KDL pauses indoor programs, libraries remain open

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Kent District Library announced today that due to increased COVID-19 rates, it would be pausing all in-person, indoor programs at all KDL locations. Local libraries will remain open for all other services and resources.

According to KDL officials, this step was taken to address the risk of having large groups in enclosed rooms during a time when COVID-19 rates are increasing.

“We’re hopeful that programs can resume soon and we will continue to evaluate as new data emerges,” said a statement released to all patrons.

The Teen Film Festival will shift to a virtual event as it was last year. Early Childhood Education programs will take place virtually when instructors are available for online sessions. Also, some of the book talks and book clues may be available as online sessions.

The Sled Dogs visits will continue as outdoor programs. The Sled Dogs are scheduled to come to the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Feb. 5 for a 10 a.m. program and to the KDL Grandville Branch on Feb. 25 at 1 p.m.

 

For virtual, outdoor and off-site programs visit kdl.org/events. For on-demand, online programs, visit kdl.org/livestream.

For up-to-date information on KDL programs and other library information, visit kdl.org. 

2020 Lowell Showboat Summer concerts cancelled

Entertainment, ,
The 2020 Lowell Showboat Summer concert season has been cancelled.

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

In mid-May LowellArts and Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce sent out a survey to gauge responses from its community on whether to move forward with this summer’s Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts. There were more 350 replies with comments. 

“We know that these concerts provide summer fun and times to gather with friends, celebrate our fantastic regional musicians and provide an opportunity to dance and engage with the performers,” Lorain Smalligan, executive director of LowellArts.

 

The Boards of Directors of both organizations have made the imperative decision to cancel the 2020 series because of COVID-19. The boards strongly trust the decision is a way of honoring health providers, vulnerable community members and visitors. 

“We are saddened, because this decision has not come easily; we have weighed both sides of the scenario through a thoughtful and heartfelt process. Our organizations have a responsibility to follow Executive Orders set forth and we owe it to everyone to keep our community whole.” said Liz Baker, Executive Director of the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.  Both organizations look forward to returning in 2021, twenty years since launching this series together in 2001.

Musicians scheduled for 2020 have been placed at the top of the list for consideration for the 2021 lineup.

‘Like musicians everywhere, Soul ACCESS is saddened by the recent inability to make music together,” said Roger MacNaughton of Soul ACCESS. “We were so looking forward to bringing joy to the Lowell crowd this summer, but fully realize that it is far better to err on the side of safety during this pandemic. Hopefully, we will be back making music for our Lowell friends sooner rather than later.”