Take a trip down memory lane as you go through 2020 with the Wyoming Historical Commission’s 2020 Calendar.
Featuring pictures of iconic landmarks of the City of Wyoming, the calendar is now available at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, and Springrove Variety, 815 36th St. SW.
The calendar also will be available at the History Room at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There also will be special pricing on the commission’s two history books, “Wilderness to Wyoming” and “The City of Wyoming: A History.”
On a gloomy winter day, the bright colorful sign on the front of 2727 DeHoop Ave. SW only hints at what can be found when you go through the door.
Inside, you might feel as if you had been transported to the heart of Mexico in the brightly lit shop that is full of clothing, home décor and shoes all carefully curated by the shop’s owner Nancy Quero. Guelaguetza Designs, which opened in the City of Wyoming at the end of October, has always been a dream of Quero.
From home décor to shoes, Guelaguetza Designs features an array of items. (Photo by WKTV)
Quero, who started her business in 2005, said she wanted to make a connection between her home culture of Mexico through its clothing and art. She started by first featuring the work of her mother, who has been an artisan for 30 years. As interested in her mobile shop grew, Quero also cultivated relationships with other artists she has known for most her life.
Her clinetle started “asking more about who made it and that they wanted one. So I started getting more things.”
Soon Quero was once again thinking about a permanent store.
“The idea of the store, it was there in the back of my mind for a very long time,” she said. “I just did not have the time or resources to do it.”
Through a friend, she was introduced to the SpringGR program, which helped her see that her desire to have a brick-and-mortar store could become a reality.
“It is a unique store because Mexican-Americans and our community can have access to unique items from Mexico,” she said.
A new line at Guelaguetza Designs is the black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico. (Photo by WKTV)
The store features an array of items such as clothing lines for children, women and men. Guelaguetza Designs also features jewelry, purses, and shoes. A popular items is the Alebrijes, the little colorful hand-painted animals from Mexico. Quero also has added a line of black pottery from Oaxaca, Mexico, which is distinguished by its color, sheen and unique designs and one of the most popular and appreciated styles of pottery in Mexico.
She selected the DeHoop location because of its close proximity to 28th Street, a street she calls very international.
“You can find basically anything from Africa or South America so that is why we decided to do this in Wyoming, specifically on 28th Street,” she said.
For more about Guelaguetza Designs, visit the store at 2727 DeHoop Ave. SW, the store’s website, guelaguetzadesigns.com, or follow the store on Facebook page, Guelaguetza Designs.
It was a record breaking year for Wyoming Gives Back in 2018 with the annual fundraising collecting more than 700 toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.
“It was awesome,” said City of Wyoming Administrative Assistant Jennifer Stowell, who helps to organize the annual event which this year will be Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. “Because its our eighth year and people are aware of the event, attendees will go the day after Christmas to purchase the toys that are on sale and then they bring in garbage bags of toys to the event.”
Each year the City of Wyoming partners with local businesses to celebrate the holiday season and collect toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Event attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.
Last year, local businesses donated about $4,000 in gift certificates and/or items to be raffled off as prize packages.
The jazz band from the Wyoming High School will once again close out the Wyoming Gives Back event. (Photo by WKTV)
“The businesses are extremely generous,” Stowell said. About 1,800 letters are sent out to Wyoming businesses in July and once again the businesses have put together some amazing prize packages for this year’s event, such as a tool chest full of tools donated by Rogers Plaza and a 40-inch TV donated Car City.
About 20 local businesses and organizations will be at the event. WKTV will be providing an opportunity for residents to record a free Holiday Greeting that will be available on the station’s YouTube channel, WKTV Videos.
Hosting this year’s event is Mayor Jack Poll who will be joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt and WOOD TV’s Eva Aguirre Cooper and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping in for a visit. Also on hand will be firefighters and police officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety along with other city officials and staff.
Several school choirs and bands will be performing during the event. The Salvation Army Band will kick things off followed by the San Juan Academy. The Godwin Heights High School Choir will take the stage next, followed by the Kelloggsville High School Choir and then the Lee High School Varsity Voices Choir. Wrapping up the evening will be the Wyoming High School Jazz Band.
Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided by the Salvation Army Kroc Center.
The Dec. 5 event is free and open to the public. Rogers Plaza is located at 972 28th St. SW, along 28th Street between DeHoop and Clyde Park avenues.
The City of Wyoming will host a Veterans Day Breakfast on Monday, Nov. 11. The breakfast, which is at 9 a.m., is free for veterans and $10 for all others to attend.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Diane Cimchowicz, who retired from the Navy. Also in attendance will be Mayor Jack Poll, who will host the breakfast, as well as Wyoming City leaders.
Last year, the City of Wyoming decided to change its Veterans Day program from an outdoor evening ceremony to a morning breakfast. The response to last year’s breakfast was very good, according to city staff.
The breakfast will be at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. Those interested in attending should pre-register by clicking here or contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164. You can also email parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or stop by the parks and recreation office, located in City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
UAW Local 167 members walk the picket line at one of the entrances to the GM-Components Holdings LLC, located on the corner of Burlingame and Burton. (WKTV)
On any given work day, Willie Holmes’ car would be one of about two in the parking lot of the UAW Local 167 office located at 1320 Burton St. SW.
However, this being day 19 of a nationwide UAW strike against GM, the 42-space parking lot is packed with vehicles as strikers head to their assigned posts and retirees come in to help prepare food and work on the organization’s newsletter.
“I’m a little tired,” said Holmes, who serves as the president of UAW Local 167, which represents employees at the GM-Components Holdings LLC, located at the corner of Burlingame and Burton in Wyoming.
Holmes does not look or act tired. He moves effortlessly through the hall, answering questions and talking to members and retirees.
“Actually things are going quite well,” Holmes said. “I think many of us didn’t expect the strike to happen so there was a little bit of chaos in the beginning as this is the first strike for many of us, but we got our groove going now.”
The last GM/UAW strike was in 2007 with about 73,000 employees striking for two days. The longest and largest GM/UAW strike was in 1970, which was 67 days and had about 343,000 GM employees striking in both the U.S. and Canada.
The parking lot at the UAW Local 167. (WKTV)
On Sept. 15, 46,000 GM workers went on strike, of which 650 employees are from the GM-Components Holdings in Wyoming. According to Holmes, there is about 137 employees still working at the plant as they support the Toyota line.
What many people do not understand is that the plant in Wyoming is a subsidiary to GM, Holmes said.
“Many have lumped us in with the traditional GM plants, saying that we make a $1,000 a week,” Holmes said. “I don’t make a $1,000 a week.”
Wages are one of the issues the UAW wants addressed as currently there is a three-tier system. For those at GM Components, a general employee who has been at the plant for 13 years makes about $22 per hour or $45,760 gross per year. The starting wage at a traditional GM plant, like the Lansing plant, is around $29 per hour. Temporary employees make $15.62 per hour.
“So for many of these temporary workers, they are working 10- to 12-hour shifts to make any money,” Holmes said. The union also wants a clear pathway for full-time employment for temporary employees. Currently there is none, according to Holmes.
“They are working one, two, three years,” Holmes said. “There is one temporary worker in Lansing who has been working for five years. That is five years of no profit sharing, no vacation days.”
While there are some places that temporary employees work well, the auto industry is not one of them, he said.
“That is another misconception in that it is grungy, basic work that anyone off the street can do,” Holmes said. “There is a lot of technology involved in auto manufacturing. You can’t just come in and push a button, you have to know why are you are pushing that button.”
From an Oct. 1 letter from UAW Vice President and Director Terry Dittes, other issues centered on health care costs, skilled trades and job security. A GM spokesperson said “We continue to negotiate and exchange proposals, and it remains our goal to reach an agreement that builds a stronger future for our employees and our company.” For more information, visit the ompany’s website, buildingastrongerfuture.gm.com.
“This is going to be historical,” Holmes said, adding that the negotiations will set a tone as to how employees in the auto industry and other places are treated. “It has been like a movement. I believe people are just tired of the greed. They are tried of being taking advantage of.”
One of the sheets listing those who have donated. (WKTV)
There has been community support with three large sheets of paper on the walls filled with individuals and businesses who have donating food and supplies in support of the union and its members.
The ripple effect of the strike also is being felt. Along with the Wyoming GM-Components Holdings, the UAW Local 167 also represents employees at Robert Bosch Fuel Systems, Challenge Manufacturing, Caravan, and North American Fuel Systems Remanufacturing. Holmes said work has slowed down with lay-offs happening at some of the businesses.
As to when the strike will end, Holmes could not predict, but the local is looking to extend services to its members and their families by offering a food pantry, a diaper drive and other resources such as financial planning. Recently, members started receiving $250 a week in strike pay, which is only a portion of an employee’s paycheck — temporary or permanent.
“We have worked to help members get deferred rent payments, deferred car payments,” Holmes said. “We are bringing people in to talk to members about spending and how to budget on a modified income.”
There is still time for you to add your thoughts and ideas on the vision of the City of Wyoming.
The city leaders and staff will be hosting another Wyoming [Re]Imagined meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Godwin Heights High School, 50 35th St. SW, Wyoming.
“We are really looking for community input on this,” said Mayor Jack Poll during a recent City Council meeting. “This is a big deal that will set agendas, look at properties, look at where we want the city to go in the next number of years.
“We have staff here that does a wonderful job. We try to do our best to give out input but when we have 75,000 people in the City of Wyoming, so there are a lot more opinions then you see in this room and we want those to be a part of the plan in a community where you live and work and do business.”
For the past several months, the City of Wyoming has hosted community workshops, student/youth workshops, focus groups, surveys, and pop-up meetings at various locations.
A key component to the various programs have been an interactive mapping exercise to help identify future desired land uses throughout the community. The exercise is an opportunity for residents to help identify where they would like to see such items as future housing, commercial centers, and employment centers.
According to staff, the mapping exercise will provide residents an opportunity to talk about specific areas within the city such as Site 36, Divison Avenue, and 28 West Place/Downtown area. At Thursday’s meeting there will be a Spanish version of the mapping exercise available with a translator provided.
Those unable to attend the workshop can utilize the mapping exercise at the website wyomingreinagined.com or click here for a direct link to the map.
Also available on the website are ongoing surveys which are offered in both English and Spanish.
This past July, many communities, such as the City of Wyoming, observed National Parks and Recreation Month, an opportunity to showcase the many offerings parks and park programs provide.
WKTV was able to catch up with Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, who oversees the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department. Rynbrandt discussed some of the newest features at a couple of the city’s parks, such as the the new pickleball courts at Pinery Park and the playground at Marquette Park.
Rynbrandt also talked about how the department continues to change and grow to meet its residents’ needs and interests.
“We are seeing an increase of request from our citizens, our residents, to have more special events, like the Trick or Treat Trail, formerly known as the Pumpkin Path Trail; like the Miranda Park parties,” Rynbrandt said. “So you are going to see us increasing our investment in those large scale events that will really engage the entire community.”
The Trick or Treat Trail is Oct. 12 from 4-6 p.m. at Lamar park. The event is free, but children must be under the supervision of an attending adult.
Other popular Park and Recreation events coming up are:
The Veterans Day Breakfast is Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center. Cost is $10 per attendee and free for veterans.
The Great Candy Candy Cane Hunt and Lunch With Santa is set for Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center. Cost is $5/residents, $7, non-residents. Best for children ages 3-10 but open to all ages.
For more City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation activities, visit wyomingmi.gov. Go to the “About Wyoming” tab for a scroll down menu that includes Parks and Recreation or visit the Facebook page, Wyoming Parks and Recreation.
If anyone understands the need to eliminate plastic it would be Martha Vermeulen.
As one of the organizers of the Friends of the Buck Creek Annual Clean Up, which took place in August, Vermeulen and the team have pulled out lots of plastic along with styrofoam and tires out of the river.
“We estimate we pull about a half ton of trash out of the creek every year,” Vermeulen said.
Unfortunately, plastic, styrofoam, and tires are not the only items the volunteers have found. In the past there have been a dryer, partial dishwasher, drums of mysterious liquids, and tennis balls.
“Lots of balls seem to make it in the river,” Vermeulen said. “This year’s most unusual item was a volunteer thought there was a body in the water as it was floating face down. It turned out to be a doll.”
First started by Trout Unlimited, the clean up has been taking place about seven years. The group primarily focuses on the Buck Creek in the Grandville and Wyoming area, selecting about seven sites along the river with a mix of brand new and repeat locations.
And while every year it can seem frustrating on the amount of trash removed, the positive is the number of people who come out each year to help with the clean up.
“We had more than 100 people come out this year,” Vermeulen said. “The better benefit is having people come out and see what is in the river. What our throwaway society does to our watershed.
“Hopefully they begin to reuse things more. Maybe they say this is the year I get that water filter and refill a stainless water bottle.”
The Buck Creek, which is one of the few cold water creeks that runs through a municipality, empties into the Grand River, which the West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s 16th Annual Mayor’s Grand River Cleanup is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event starts at the 6th Street Park in Grand Rapids. Refreshments before the event and a light lunch after with a beverage garden (must be 21 or old with ID) will be hosted by Founders Brewery and Cascade Blonde.
This Labor Day weekend will be filled with music on WKTV 25 as the station runs two marathon events featuring the summer outdoor concerts from both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
A tradition for many years, WKTV has features the City of Wyoming’s Concerts int the Park series on Labor Day, Sept. 2. This year, the station has included a marathon of the City of Kentwood Summer Concert series on Saturday, Aug. 31, giving residents from both communities away to enjoy the past summer before the school year starts.
The Crane Wives were a featured group at the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert series. (WKTV)
Kick off the Labor Day holiday with the Saturday special of the Kentwood Summer Concerts. The concerts will be shown in the following order:
1:30 p.m. The Cranes Wives, a popular West Michigan band
2:50 pm. That Beatles Thing, hits from The Beatles’ catalog
4:20 p.m. Brena, oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country
5:55 pm. Melophobix, an alternative band with a funky musical outlook
7:05 p.m. Hannah Rose and the Gravetones, funk, blues and rock n’ roll
Brena performed at both the City of Kentwood and the City of Wyoming summer concerts series. (Supplied)
On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, the station will air the City of Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park series. The concerts will be shown in the following order:
9:30 a.m. Midlife Crisis, oldies, classic rock band
11:05 a.m. Brena, oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country
12:40 p.m. Ray Watkoski and Family, polka music
2:10 p.m. Paradise Outlaw, Americana with Motown and Southern rock
3:40 p.m. Jared Knox, country music
5 p.m Jack and The Spare Tires, sixties, seventies, and eighties covers
6:35 p.m. Broadman Brown, country music
8:05 p.m. Daddyz Breakdown, classic rock
9:45 p.m. Shadows of the Night, music from the women of rock ‘n’ roll
11:10 p.m Brena, oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country
For more program information, visit wktv.org or go to the tab WKTV Schedule at the wktvjournal.org.
Business owners and employers do no have to permit marijuana use or possession on their property was the main takeaway for a recent Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.
The program, which was this past spring at the Express Employment Professional offices in Wyoming, was focused on helping local business owners understand the impact of the November-approved marijuana act. The act, which allows for the use of recreational marijuana, went into effect in December.
The reason business owners can restrict marijuana is that federal law still deems it as an illegal drug.
“The federal law does supersede the state law,” said Heather Merrick, a professional/technical recruiter for Express Employment Professionals. “From an employer standpoint, we can stick to the federal guidelines. We can still have a drug enforcement policy within our organization and say we are 100 percent drug free and marijuana can be included in that even though it is legal under state law.”
Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Becker talks to local business owners about the Michigan Marijuana Act. (WKTV)
The bigger challenge is proving that a person is under the influence of marijuana when running equipment or at the job site, according to Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Becker.
“Proponents were like lets treat this like alcohol and we can, but there is no per se limit for marijuana,” Becker said. For alcohol that limit is .08. The other issue is that alcohol has a bell curve where as marijuana does not, he said.
“You have five beers at eight o’clock in the morning…you are going to have a high alcohol content in your blood stream and that is going to go down by four or five o’clock and you are going to be fine, probably,” Becker said.
“Marijuana stays in for days. So one of your employees can go out on a Friday and smoke marijuana, come to work on Monday and still have marijuana in their system. Now is he impaired? Depends on the person and how it is impacting him.”
For an employer, they need to be able to show that marijuana is affecting the employee’s ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner, not that it is just in the person’s system.
“Legally, you can not operate, navigate or be in physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, snowmobile, off-road vehicle or motherboard while under the influence of marijuana,” Becker said. “We can do a blood test to say marijuana is in their system but just because marijuana is in their system does not mean they are operating under the influence.”
The prosecutor’s office may not be able to charge criminally because it can not show the person is under the influence but civil liability may attach because a company has got an employee driving a motor vehicle or a hi-low while having marijuana in his/her system, Becker said, adding that some of these issues may have to be litigated in the courts.
Heather Merrick, from Express Employment Professionals, talks to local businesses about updating their drug testing policies. (WKTV)
With these gray areas on what is considered “under the influence,” now is the time for employers to take a look at any existing drug testing policies or create new ones, Merrick said.
There are three options that employers have. The first is to maintain a drug-free workplace. Those who are federally contracted or under specific federal guidelines must maintain a drug-free workplace because the federal government views marijuana as illegal, she said.
Those who are not under federal rules have some factors to consider such as employment in Kent County is low, around 2.9 percent. Also, it is estimated that about 33 percent of workers will use marijuana in 2019. Statistics show that about 20 percent of people who are 26 or older are or will use marijuana, which could greatly reduce the possible pool of candidates for a business with a drug-free policy, Merrick said.
Option two would be to continue doing pre-employment drug screening, continue doing accident injury drug screening but take marijuana out of that mix. Merrick said that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, recommends that employers do not conduct any test if an accident would have happened regardless if the employee had taken drugs or alcohol.
“Say someone gets stung by a bee and they go to the med center and they are under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or whatever it is, they would have been stung by that bee whether they have it in their system or not,” Merrick said. “But you test them, they come up positive and now you are terminating the employee. So OSHA says not to test in that scenario because it discourages people from reporting accidents and injuries if they know they are going to get terminated because they are going to come up positive on the drug screen.”
Now if the accident involves a hi-low and it was caused by an employee who potentially was impaired, then do the testing, she said, adding “OSHA wants people to report accidents, so that is how they are looking at it.”
The last option is to completely stop drug testing. This move could save money on drug testing but could cause some safety issues, Merrick said.
Merrick did agree with Becker that until it is determined “what is under the influence” and how that is tested, businesses will be operating in somewhat of a gray area on the marijuana issue which makes it even more important for businesses to make sure that the company’s drug policy is in place and specifies what you will be testing for.
“Whether you have a policy or not, it is a good time for employers to look at what they have, revamp or put one together,” she said.
You sometimes hear it said that America’s love affair with cars peaked in the 1960s and has since started to fade. Anyone who believes that has probably not ventured a trip down 28th Street during the annual Metro Cruise, because if they had, they would be quick to discover that America’s love affair with cars is stronger than ever.
Started 15 years ago by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses and patrons to travel the “Sunset Strip of Grand Rapids,” the annual event has become a two-day car extravaganza with more than 100,000 people attending. This year’s Metro Cruise is Friday and Saturday Aug. 23 and 24, and it’s packed with more to do and see, according to organizers.
New this year will be a 4 p.m. Official Cruise along 28th Street. (WKTV)
“The stars are the cars,” as Chamber President /CEO Bob O’Callaghan likes to say. There will definitely be plenty of cars with the Main Event, located at Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW, featuring nearly 400 stationary collector cars, which does not count the cars that will be cursing 28th Street or featured at other business along the road such as Berger Chevrolet.
Berger Chevrolet, 2525 28th St. SE, again will be hosting its All GM Show on Saturday, Aug. 24. The free event, which is open to the public, will feature NHRA drag racer and 2017 NHRA Drag Racing Series Top Fuel dragster champion Brittany Force and her father, drag racer John Force.
WKTV Community Media will produce a one-hour special live broadcast at Metro Cruise scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, on WKTVLive.org as well as on WKTV Comcast Cable Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and, later on demand at WKTV.org.
There are a host of activities taking place at The Main Event located at Rogers Plaza: Those activities include:
A Blind Donut TasteTest is at 10 a. m. Saturday. The first 100 people will get the opportunity to blind taste test donuts from Wyoming’s Marge’s Donut Den and Kentwood’s Cindy’s Donuts and Ice Cream and then tell judges which donut they felt was the best.
Dynamometer, or Dyno, will return, allowing cars to rev up to more than 160 mph. There is a fee to participate in the Dynamometer. Visit 28thStreetMetroCruise.com for more information.
Metro Cruise Tours is new this year. Five different times at the Main Event at Rogers Plaza, an expert in the car world will be leading walking tours down Collector Car Row. The tour, which is free, is an opportunity to see some very special cars, meet the owners, and hear their stories.
Official Cruise Time is another new addition. Any collector car owner participating in the 2019 Metro Cruise is invited to participate in the official Cruise, which is at 4 p.m Saturday. Cars may enter or exit anywhere along 28th Street as there is no lead car. The goal, according to organizers, is to create a one- to two-hour concentration of collector cars along 28th Street.
The final round for the Miss Metro Cruise contest will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Main Event stage. The field of contestants was whittled down at the June preliminaries to 10 finalists who will compete on Saturday for the title of 2019 Miss Metro Cruise.
The final round of the Miss Metro Cruise contest takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday. (WKTV)
Also at the Main Event will be 26 food vendors, including 16 food trucks, 35 local vendors, and official Metro Cruise souvenirs. There also will be music featuring five area bands. On Friday will be Flexadecibel (funk soul, rock) and Onager (rock, pop, country), and on Saturday will be Stolen Horses (country), La Aria del Ritmo (Latin) and Azz Izz (pop, R&M, Top 40). Activities at the Main Event at Rogers Plaza are from 4 – 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.
Through a partnership with The Rapids, there will be a free shuttle service. The shuttle will pick up and drop off attendees at the Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway, and the Wyoming library, 3350 Michael every 20 to 30 minutes during the peak times on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24.
There are other Metro Cruise-related activities happening on Thursday, Aug. 22, as well. The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm Up, Cascade Road and 28th Street, will feature more than 200 cars, a live DJ, food vendors, and activities for the children. This event runs from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Also, the Blessing of the Cars, at Wesley Park United Methodist Church, 1150 32nd St. SE. The event runs from 6-7 p.m. More than 100 show cars are expected. No registration is required.
Today is National Night Out, a time set aside for residents to turn their porch lights on and get out and meet their neighbors.
Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will have a number of National Night Out events and activities taking place throughout the day. Below is a list of just some of those activities.
Consumer’s Energy Kick-Off Event
Consumer’s Energy will host its early morning event from 5:30 – 8 a.m. at its Wyoming headquarters, 4000 Clay Ave. SW. Mayors from several cities including Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley will participate in a joint reading of the proclamation in recognition of National Night Out.
Employees will be handing out light bulbs along Clay Avenue along with area police cruisers on display with lights on.
City of Kentwood
The Kentwood Police Department has partnered with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at emergency vehicles both outside and throughout the mall from 3 to 5 p.m. Large emergency vehicles will be on display outside by Celebration! Cinema, while other vehicles will be placed throughout the mall for shoppers to learn about and explore. A table featuring Kentwood Police Department giveaways will be located in the Barnes and Nobles wing.
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party featuring a bounce house, free meal, face painting, music, carnival games and other kids’ activities.
South United Methodist Church, 4500 S. Division Ave., will have free ice cream and hot dogs, a live band, door prizes and a small water slide for young children.
Faith Church, 1412 44th St. SE, will have food trucks and a live band.
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.
Various activities will be offered at several neighborhood National Night Out events. (WKTV)
The Wyoming Concerts in the Park series hosts its last concert tonight with Shadows of the Night, music of the women of rock from 7 – 9 p.m. The evening is centered around National Night Out with a variety of activities taking place along with a visit from a couple of representatives from the city’s most popular police unit, the K-9 Unit.
Other National Night Out events, which will take place between 5 – 9 p.m., taking place are:
The South Godwin Neighborhood Association at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE. This is one of the biggest National Night Out events with lots of activities.
Grace University, 1011 Aldon St. SW, will have activities and food.
Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW, will have activities and food.
Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW, will have activities including a children’s parade.
South Kent National Night Out
The Kent County Sheriff’s Department and the Kentwood Community Church have teamed up to host the South Kent National Night Out set for 4 – 8 p.m. at Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. SW.
The free event will feature food, games, splash pads, AeroMed Helicopter, KCSO Mounted Unit, and much more! For more information on the South Kent National Night Out, click here.
One thing Sgt. Brian Look is certain of is that Aug. 6 is going to be a busy night for the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
It’s a good busy because that is National Night Out, when residents are encouraged to turn their porch light on and come out and meet their neighbors.
“This is one of the biggest years we have had for National Night Out,” Look said, adding that there are going to be a number of neighborhood and community events including the wrap up event for the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series at Lamar Park.
Started in 1984, National Night out is a nationwide movement created by the National Association of Town Watch to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Always the first Tuesday in August, the event has evolved to neighborhoods hosting block parties, festival, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personal, exhibits and much more.
“National Night Out is one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “I love seeing neighbors come together with our public safety personnel to promote safety and strengthen community engagement. Together we are building a stronger Wyoming.”
For the City of Wyoming, the activities start in the early morning with a kick-off celebration at Consumers Energy, 4000 Clay Ave. SW, from 5:30 – 8 a.m. Mayor Jack Poll will join other area mayors from Kentwood, Grandville, Walker and Grand Rapids for the reading of a joint mayoral proclamation at 7:15 a.m. Consumers Energy employees will be distributing energy-efficient LED light bulbs along Clay Avenue.
Area mayors and law enforcement officials gather for the Consumers Energy kick off for National Night Out. (WKTV)
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety will join several other law enforcement agencies for activities at Celebration! Cinema at RiverTown Crossings from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Look said most of the National Night Out programs take place in the evening from 5 – 9 p.m. Many of these activities in the City of Wyoming are specifically for the individual neighborhood, he said.
“We really do not have a big National Night Out party because the purpose is for people to get out of their houses and get to know their neighbors,” Look said. “You really want residents to get to know each other, because once they start to know each other, they start to care about one another and that creates that sense of community and pride which in turn helps deter crime.”
The Wyoming Concerts in the Park series will host the Shadows of the Night, music of the women of rock from 7 – 9 p.m. Other activities will be taking place along with a visit from a couple of representatives from the city’s most popular police unit, the K-9 Unit.
There are a few other community events as well. One of those is hosted by the South Godwin Neighborhood Association at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE. Look said the South Godwin event is one of the city’s biggest National Night Out programs.
Other community National Night Out events are at Grace University, 1011 Aldon St. SW; Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW; and at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW. Look noted that the Oriole Park event usually features a children’s parade.
Also expect to see Mayor Jack Poll, who makes it a goal to visit as many of the National Night Out events as possible. Many of the City Council members will be visiting along with city staff and other area county and state officials.
There will be safety demonstrations, fun games and food at many of the National Night Out events. (WKTV)
When Kentwood resident Micah Hamstra saw that the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Summer Repertory program was going to include “Alice In Wonderland,” he just knew he had to audition.
“The story has been a very big part of my life,” said Hamstra, who will attend Caledonia High School in the fall. “It really showed me how you could just be who you are.”
So Hamstra prepared by “knocking out” his musical audition followed by “blowing up” his script reading. Needless to say, he landed the role of Tweedledum and Humpty Dumpty in the upcoming “Alice In Wonderland” production.
The show along with “All Shook Up” wraps up the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s 2018-2019 season. The shows run during the same week, July 26 – Aug. 4, with the productions alternating performance dates. “All Shook Up” is July 26, 27 (afternoon), Aug. 1, 3 (evening), 4, and “Alice In Wonderland” performances are July 27 (evening), 28, 31, Aug. 2, and 3 (afternoon).
“It’s Elvis,” said Wyoming resident and Byron Center High School student Xavier Turner when asked why he auditioned for “All Shook Up.” “Who wouldn’t want to be involved in a show about Elvis?”
Wyoming resident Xavier Turner is in “All Shook Up.” (GRCT)
“All Shook Up” combines the songs of Elvis Presley with Shakespeare, being loosely based on the “Twelfth Night.”
“I knew of the show,” said Turner who plays the young, quirky, aspiring dentist, Dennis, “ I love that show so, I knew I wanted to get involved.”
This is Turner’s first time participating with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and specifically selected the Summer Repertory program because of the classes tied to the production as well as the chance to be involved on the stage and behind it. Through the Summer Repertory program, each production has its own cast with the cast members of the opposite show serving as the back stage crew. For Turner, he will be helping with wardrobe and the fly rail for “Alice In Wonderland.” Hamstra will be helping with wardrobe for “All Shook Up.”
“Through this program you learn a lot more about theater,” said Hamstra, who said that “Alice” is his third production with Civic Theatre. “You really get the opportunity to learn everything that there is to do back stage along with being in the front.”
Both teenagers said that while they have enjoyed learned about the other aspects of the theater, their hearts are really in performance.
“I know I want to make a profession out of this and for me, I can sing,” said Turner, who has won several awards for his singing performances. “I knew the classes would be really helpful and that it is important to start now.”
Both Hamstra and Turner said they have found a community of family and friends through the production which has made being a part of it even more special.
“It sounds a little cliche but being part of a family has really made coming to this so much fun,” Turner said. “ The opportunity to see something come to life with this group of people has given me the realization of how much I look forward to coming here to do this everyday.”
Hamstra added that those bonds between the actors is what makes the shows fun which in turn makes the production even more exciting to the audience.
“It is just a lot of fun,” Hamstra said. “You have so many very talented people up there on stage just giving it their all.”
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday with all shows at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. Tickets are $10 – $16. For more information, visit grct.org or call 616-222-6650.
While the unusually wet spring has caused the water to be higher than normal at Ideal Park, the park’s redevelopment plans continue to move forward with Wyoming City officials expecting to reopen the park on schedule in June 2020.
Earlier this year, the Wyoming City Council approved a contact to Katerberg Verhage, Inc. for about $1.6 million for the project. The plan will include an accessible playground, improved parking with enhanced safety features, Buck Creek viewing stations, basketball court, shelter, and restroom. The park also will feature an improved walking and bike trail with connection to the City’s interurban trail system.
“All the development will be on the east side of the park,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. This was per residents who encouraged the city to relocate primary facilities to the eastside of the creek because of flooding, Rynbrandt said.
Ideal Park’s playground area after the 2014 tornado. (City of Wyoming)
In 2014, the City of Wyoming had a tornado which caused significant damage at Ideal Park, including the lost of many trees — some more than 100 years old — and the park’s playground equipment. It took two years for the city to clean up the park and it was reopened in 2016 only for a second tornado to hit the park area followed by a flood.
“We have been working toward the redevelopment: the return of playgrounds, the return of trees to that area of our community, particularly to that park since 2014,” Rynbrandt said.
The art deco bridge and the original lodge at Ideal Park were left untouched by the 2014 and 2016 tornados. (City of Wyoming)
Amazingly, what was not touched was the original lodge and art deco bridge which was constructed through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a program designed to put people to work during the Great Drepression years in the 1930s. In fact, Ideal Park is one of the oldest parks in Kent County, dating back to the 1930s. It was South Kent’s preeminent park hosting a number huge events include the local Republican Party. In the 1960s, former Governor George Romney and former President Gerald R. Ford were pictured shaking hands at one of these Republican Party events.
In 2015, after meeting with residents to discuss plans, the city council approved the Ideal Park master plan and was then able to write a grant for Michigan’s Natural Resources Trust Fund. The city received $300,000. The rest of the project will be funded through the dedicated City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation operational millage.
The entire Ideal Park project will be about $3.3 million, with the first phase of about $1.6 million being approved in April of this year, Rynbrandt said, adding “with the goal of having the park opened by June 6, 2020.”
The Wyoming City Council at Southlawn Park in 2017. The council will be heading out on the road this summer visiting three of the city’s neighborhoods. (WKTV)
The Wyoming City Council once again will be taking its meetings on the road with its first summer council meeting at Wyoming Junior High, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. The meeting is Monday, June 17, at 7 p.m.
Started in 2017, the Wyoming City Council has three of its summer meetings, this year it is the third Monday of the month in June, July, and August, in a neighborhood within the city. The goal being to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with council members in their own neighborhoods. Mayor Jack Poll said this gives residents an opportunity o learn about how its council works along with talking about issues or concerns within their own neighborhood directly with council members.
The Wyoming City Council at the Del-Mar Community Center in 2018. (WKTV)
“The Council on the Road program has been a great success for the City of Wyoming, as it allows the City Council to meet people where they are and interact with them in different ways,” Poll said. “In addition to educating residents about the City Council and how our meetings are conducted. These summer meetings also encourage council members to visit areas of the community that may be unfamiliar to them.
“Overall, we have a lot of fun and I think everyone enjoys them!”
From 6 – 7 p.m., there is a meet-and-greet with council members and city officials available to talk to residents, answer questions about the process, and enjoy a summertime treat. The council meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. The official agenda for the meeting will be posted here.
The council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. The July “on the road” meeting will be July 15 at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, and the August meeting is Aug. 19 at Aurora Pond Senior Living & Retirement Community, 2380 Aurora Pond Dr. SW.
Poll said “I encourage you to ‘be involved and be informed,’ and we look forward to meeting you and your neighbors this summer.”
With a vast repertoire that features covers from such groups as Cake, .38 Special, A-ha, Fun, and Elton John, West Michigan’s Brena Band is set to take the stage Tuesday for the second Wyoming Concerts in the Park.
Concerts in the Park is at 7 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.
The Brena Band, a popular band for weddings and social engagements, has performed at a number of West Michigan festivals and concerts such as the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival and the City of Walker’s summer concert series.
The group is known for its high energy and extensive song list that ranges from oldies to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music and everything in between. The band also has won Revue Magazine’s Best of the West Cover Band for the past three years.
If you can not make Tuesday night’s performance, the group will be back in the area Aug. 1 to perform at the Kentwood summer concert series, which is at 7 p.m. on the lawn behind the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.
Before the Wyoming Concerts in the Park show, there will be free Zumba. Food vendors will be available as well. For a complete list of the Wyoming Concerts in the Park, visit the Facebook page by clicking here.
CEO Gray Granger jokingly admits that his company, The Granger Group, is kind of getting evicted from its current location at 2221 Health Dr. SW.
“[Metro Health-University of Michigan Health] is expanding and growing so much that they really just need this space,” Granger said of his company’s current home during a recent interview. “It is really exciting to see that and to see the hospital continuing to grow and meeting the needs of the residents.”
It is an exciting time at the Metro Health Village, which has been rebranded to The Village, according to Granger. If you have driven by the site located near the corner of 54th Street and Byron Center Avenue, you can not help but notice all the work that has been taking place there.
Site plan for the Village Life Marketplace. The Village Market Place is located on the corner of Byron Center Avenue and Health Drive. (Supplied)
The Granger Group is currently constructing the Village Life Marketplace, located on the northwest corner of Health Drive and Byron Center Avenue, across from the current structure that contains the Starbucks, Posh Nails, and Marcos Pizza.
“We are very focused on health and wellness,” Granger said. “Everything ties together here. There are open site lines. People can see where they want to go to. They know that can get from one point to another point in the village without getting into a car.”
One of the goals of The Granger Group has been to create a sustainable and walkable community, Granger said. The marketplace is about half of the 190-acre Village, totaling 80 acres. Being that Metro Health is the center point to the entire Village, Granger said the company wanted to incorporate as much healthy lifestyle options as possible.
“What we are going to see is just a lot of activity that will build on some neat amenities like the village green,” Granger said. “It is just a fun place.”
The Granger Group has built the first two buildings, totaling about 20 square feet of retail. Last summer, the group broke ground on the construction of four more buildings.
The current project includes a two-story, 20,000-square-foot mixed-use building with first-floor retail and second floor office space, which will be the new home of The Granger Group. The project also includes two single-story retail totaling 10,000 square feet. With that, the project will add more housing to Granger’s First & Main, an assisted-living retirement community. This will be a four-story, 65-unit independent living complex that will face toward Health Drive.
The Granger Group is negotiations with several financial services companies and restaurants. (WKTV)
The Granger Group is currently in negotiations with several financial services companies and restaurants with Granger noting they are hoping to have a restaurant facing out on the current waterfall area at the Village.
“I happen to think this is one of the projects that is going to make a major difference within the city we live and its gonna to be a great addition for those who live within the City of Wyoming,” Granger said.
The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall. It is estimated that the entire Village project is around $2 billion. The project is a partnership between The Granger Group, Metro Health-University of Michigan Health and the City of Wyoming.
The music returns to Lamar Park next week as the WyomingCommunity Enrichment Commission (WCEC) kicks off the 2019 Concerts in the Park series.
The free nine-week summer concert series held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, features a wide variety of musical styles, interactive themes, and local food vendors.
“Concerts in the Park is an annual tradition for the community and provides a great opportunity to enjoy the park with neighbors, family and friends,” says Rebecca Rynbrandt director of community services. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the free concert series.”
The 2019 season features both perennial favorites as well as some newcomers. The entire program, according to Commission Chairperson Rennee Gardner is to make the event a fun, family-friendly one.
“One of the most exciting things about the lineup for 2019 is the incredible variety of performances that we plan to offer,” Gardner said. “Over the course of the season, we are confident that just about everyone can find something they enjoy.”
Midlife Crisis performs June 4
The series kicks off on June 4 with local favorite Midlife Crisis, a classic rock band that was formed in 2001. The six friends and experienced musicians draw musical inspiration from every decade, so expert a variety of songs from originals to the classics.
On June 11 is Brena Band. This six-member band has a wide variety of songs ranging from classic rock to smooth RnB, country to high energy dance music. Having been part of the wedding entertainment circuit, the group is known for its dance party-style.
The Brena Band performs June 11.
For all the polka lovers, Ray Watkoski & Family will take the stage on June 18. Having been playing for more than sixty years, this group is truly a family affair with sons-in-laws and even the grandchildren helping to make it an evening of polka fun.
Wrapping up the month of June is the city’s popular WiFi concert on June 25. The evening will feature two southern rock groups, Paradise Outlaw and Jared Knox along with fireworks taking place after the concert.
Paradise Outlaw performs at the WiFi concert on June 25.
Being that the June 25 concert is the city’s Fourth of July celebration, the Concerts in the Park takes a break the week of July 4.
The local group Jack & The Spare Tires picks up the music on July 9. Known for its sixties, seventies, and eighties covers, the band describes itself as “ a few guys that love music and just like to play whether it’s for a crowd or just jam on our own.”
Nationally known bluegrass group Nu-Blu performs on July 16.
On July 16 the national group Nu-Blu comes to the Lamar Park stage. Hailing from North Carolina, Nu-Blue has brought its unique sound of bluegrass music to the world. Earlier this year, the group was named as the permanent host of the television series “Bluegrass Ridge” and in 2018 became members of the Country Music Association.
On July 23 West Michigan country group Boardman Brown takes the stage with classic rock group Daddyz Breakdown following on July 30.
On July 23 Boardman Brown performs.
Wrapping up the Concerts in the Park series is the Shadows of the Night on Aug. 6. The group will pay tribute to the women of rock. This concert also will be part of the National Night Out event set for Aug. 6 as well.
Performances begin at 7 p.m. and are located at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. For further details and up-to-date information, visit www.wyomingcec.org or www.facebook.com/wyomingcec.
The official start of summer comes this weekend as many have a three-day one due to Memorial Day being on Monday, May 27.
Memorial Day, usually observed on the last Monday in May, originally only honored those who were lost during the fighting of the Civil War. It has evolved over the years to include all American military personal who died in any of the wars. Communities throughout the country mark the event with parades and special ceremonies, which is what both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood will be doing on Monday, May 27.
Wreaths are laid during the Kentwood Memorial Day ceremony. (Supplied)
Kentwood
In Kentwood, the Amvets Post and the American Legion D.W. Cassard Post 208 have shared the responsibilities of hosting the annual parade and service with one group hosting it one year and the other hosting it the next. For 2019, the Amvets Post has organized the event.
The parade is set for 10 a.m. Monday, May 27. It kicks off from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), near the corner of 48th Street and Eastern Avenue. From there, it will head west down 48th Street to Kentwood’s Veteran’s Memorial Park located in front of the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. At the park, there will be a ceremony including the laying of five wreaths, one for each of the branches of the military service: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The service will last about an hour. The Kentwood Memorial Day celebration will air at 12:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.
Wyoming
The City of Wyoming will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 27 at Veterans Memorial Garden, 2380 DeHoop SW.
The ceremony will feature guest speaker Diane Cimochowski who retired after a career of service from the United States Navy in 1996. Cimochowski is a highly decorated photographer’s mate first class who earned many awards during her career including the Navy achievement medal, national defense bronze star and overseas bronze star.
“The City of Wyoming is honored to recognize those who have served and those who continue to serve our country in the armed forces in order to protect our freedoms,” said City of Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, who will serve as host to the event. “The Memorial Day Ceremony is a tribute to that service and protection and we are grateful to continue the tradition of this ceremony in our very own Veterans Memorial Garden.”
The ceremony will feature the Lee High School band led by Kevin Gabrielse and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard who will fire a rifle volley salute. WKTV will air the Wyoming Memorial Day ceremony at 8:30 p.m.
It was quite the affair at the Wyoming Family Fare grocery store at 2900 Burlingame Ave. SW this past Saturday.
SpartanNash representatives, City of Wyoming officials, and community members celebrated the grand reopening of 18 Family Fare stores in the SpartanNash chain. The stores underwent about $18.3 million of renovations all designed to meet the changing needs of the community and the Family Fare customers.
“It is no surprise to me that they decided to have this ribbon cutting ceremony in the City of Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll, who recently retired from Family Fare after serving as a pharmacist for 15 years. “Where else would you have it?
“We are very pleased to have two stores that are very successful in the city of Wyoming,” Poll said. “They are beautiful stores There are a lot of new things going on and we are really excited to have them here. We look forward to much success here with SpartanNash as they lead in the industry to make this a better place to work and live.”
The redesigned featured the new branding, “keeping it real,” which is centered around creating an exceptional customer experience based. The branding focuses on five promises:
Local: A commitment to supporting local farms, produce, businesses and the community. The store features local products in every aisle along with a commitment of about 60,000 volunteering hours each year by SpartanNash employees within the community.
With value beyond price: A commitment on low prices on items and conveniences such as Thrill on the Grill and lobster mac-and-cheese grab-and-go meals, ready-made sides and starters, plus Fast Lane shopping.
With affordable wellness: A commitment to offer affordable choices that are healthier on a number of items from medications to gluten-free, plant-based proteins, or natural and organic products.
SpartanNash CEO Dave Staples talks to the crowd during the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 18. (WKTV)
Socially smart: A commitment to social and environmental consciousness that include the stores being energy efficient along with supporting a variety of programs and reducing ingredients lists on the store’s products.
Fun and indulgent: This includes the Fresh Divide, the expert Family Fare pit masters, gourmet popcorn, and an in-store taquerias featuring a full-service taco and burrito bars along with fresh-made tortillas and tamales.
“This allows us to feature popular items such as the Japanese ice cream wrapped in sticky rice (also known as Mochi),” said SpartanNash CEO Dave Staples as he talked about all the options available through the redesign to a pack crowd at the Family Fare
In fact, the Burlingame store includes many of the new features of the redesigned such as the Fresh Divide and Thrill on the Grill along wth a Starbucks cafe upon entering. The enter store has gone through an intense remodel, making the store a shopping experience.
“We want people to have an experience when they come here,” said SpartanNash Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communication Meredith Gremel. “We want them to really enjoy coming to a Family Fare.”
With the desire to create that shopping experience, SpartanNash officials decided to focus on the Burlingame location, closing the one at Rogers Plaza, according to Gremel.
Other Family Fare stores that have been remodeled include the ones in Georgetown Township, Hudsonville, Byron Center, Grandville, Holland, Kentwood, Zeeland, and Grand Rapids.
If your travel plans include heading down 54th Street between Clyde Park and Division Avenue you might want to consider an alternate route for the next week or so.
According to Wyoming City officials, the work currently taking place along 54th Street is a gas line reconstruction. It is not a city project.
“Unfortunately, it is located under the eastbound lanes which will require them to take out both lanes of eastbound traffic,” said Russ Henckel, the city’s assistant director of public works/engineer.
The work is expected to take about a week, Henckel said.
This fall, the city will begin its work on 54th Street with plans to widen and add a lane to the westbound lane from about the Home Depot to U.S. 131 interchange. That work is expected to go through the July MDOT biding process and start in August.
The 54th Street bridge over U.S. 131 also will be widen as well along the north side to accommodate the additional lane, Henckel said. When that phase of the project will be started depends on the fabrication of the pillars and other requirements.
In 2020, the city will widen the eastbound lanes which is slated to include a direct expressway entrance into Meijer. Henckel said the city is working on the approvals necessary for that entrance.
For a list of upcoming road construction, projects, visit Public Works page on the City of Wyoming’s website, wyomingmi.gov.
Affordable housing. Connectability. Site 36. Sustainability. Green Space. Speed limits. West 28th Street. Division Avenue. Rogers Plaza.
These were just some of the many topics that Wyoming residents discussed during the first public workshop for the City of Wyoming’s master plan process, called Wyoming [re]Imagined. The workshop took place May 2 at the community room of the KDL Wyoming branch.
“I am really pleased with the turnout,” said Nicole Hofert, principal planner for the City of Wyoming. “I am really pleased that we pulled residents from all over the city.”
Share your thoughts about what areas in the City of Wyoming you would like to see preserved or improved at wyomingreimaged.com.
The purpose of the workshop, according to Brandon Nolin, of Houseal Lavigne Associates, the consulting firm that is working with the city on the master plan, was to gather information about how residents see their community. What are the things residents want to preserve and what are the items they would like to see change?, Nolin said.
The full room included residents, business owners, and community leaders. Those who attended the workshop were asked four questions.
Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt talks to City Planner Nicole Hofert during the May 2 master plan workshop.
What do you like about Wyoming?
Residents indicated they enjoyed a number of city amenities such as the senior center, library, and parks. They liked that the city is close to everything such as Grand Rapids and offers convenient transportation options. They also liked that businesses were friendly and that the government offices were approachable and did a good job, and that overall, the city was open to diversity. Also top on the list was affordable housing.
Wyoming would be better if….
As to what Wyoming could improve on was affordable housing, connecting neighbors and neighborhoods with bike paths and wider sidewalks. It could have a viable downtown area, more public spaces and needs engaging activities that are not necessarily retail-related but are more social. Also trails and bike routes that allow for alternative transportation to stores and other businesses.
The single biggest issue facing Wyoming is…
Affordable housing also topped this list along with employment and lack of good paying jobs. Site 36, a friendly downtown area, sustainable/green space, speed limits/traffic congestion, walkable communities, bike trails, and the increase in crime were discussed as well.
If I could do one thing to improve Wyoming, I would …
As to the one thing to improve many residents agreed it was Site 36. The former GM site has left a void in the city, according to several residents, with the 92-acre parcel having been vacant since 2009 when the plant was closed. The void is the lost of job opportunities for residents, said Nolin who summed up the residents feelings. Residents also felt city officials needed to think outside of the box when it comes to the site, considering such possibilities as a convention center.
Other areas that residents felt needed improvement were Rogers Plaza, Division Avenue, and affordable housing.
Get interactive by visiting wyomingreimaged.com and creating your own map of the city. There you can highlight areas you feel need to be featured in the city’s new master plan.
Hofert said the comments that residents made at the May 2 workshop reflected what many have said at various events and one-on-ones the planners and city staff have hosted. Planners and staff will continue to engage and collect input from residents for the next summer months, Hofert said. adding that she has ” a pretty packed schedule for the summer.” City staff plans to be at a number of city events such as the summer concerts series at Lamar Park, Miranda’s Park Party, and Metro Cruise to collect input from residents, she said.
Nolin said the Wyoming [re]Imagined is just in the beginning process where staff and planners are collecting information. This process takes about three months. In the fall, the team will comeback to the city with a snapshot of the community. From there, the team will then begin to draft a master plan that the city and residents will have a chance to vet before any master plan is voted on and approved, Nolin said.
Along with the community meetings, residents, business owners, and community leaders can also share their thoughts and ideas on a website dedicated to the master plan project, wyomingreimagined.com. Click on the “Get Involved” tab for the questionnaires and an interactive map that allows you to mark what you feel is important in the city and areas you would like to see improved.
It’s the first weekend in May which means the 6th annual Metro Cruise Dust-Off is finally here! The annual start to the summer car shows, the event takes place Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW. Contestants for the annual Miss Metro Cruise will be on hand as well. Those interested in participating in Miss Metro Cruise have until noon Saturday, May 4. For more information on the Dust-Off or the Miss Metro Cruise contest, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.
City of Kentwood will have its Community Clean-Up Saturday, May 4. (WKTV)
Kentwood’s Time to Purge
Kentwood residents wanting to “spring clean” their homes and yards may bring general debris, gently used items for donation, household hazardous materials and electronic devices to the Kentwood Recycling Center, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Salvation Army will be on hand to accept gently used items for donations and the Kent County Department of Public Works will accept household hazardous waste items. Comprenew will also be present to recycle electronic waste, such as mobile telephones, computers and fax machines. For more information, visit kentwood.us.
Kentwood and Kelloggsville voters head to the polls on Tuesday.
Your Vote Counts
On Tuesday, May 7, both the Kentwood Public Schools and the Kelloggsville Public Schools will be seeking renewals for operating millages. Kentwood Public School voters are being asked to renew the current 10-year operating millage, an assessment of 18 mills on non-homestead properties. The millage would be renewed through 2029. Kelloggsville voters are being asked to renew its current operating millage, an assessment of 17 mills on non-homestead properties and to increase that millage by .5 or 50 cents per $1,000 taxable valuation. The millage proposal is for two years. With the change in election laws, residents can not request an absentee ballot with no reason. See you local clerk’s office for more information.
Fun fact:
83,700,000 cubic feet
That is how much snow on average that the Gerald R. Ford International Airport removes during the winter. That is enough to fill 20,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! The Ford Airport was recently recognized for outstanding efforts in battling the elements by the International Aviation Snow Symposium. (Source.)
“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”
― Kalpana Chawla, an astronaut, engineer, and the first woman of Indian descent to go into space
Front row, scholarship recipients (from the left) : Astrid Melissa Lopez Oroxom from Kelloggsvile High School; Luz Parada-Martinez from Godwin Heights High School; Kathryn Abbott from East Kentwood High School; and Crystal Gonzalez-Pineda from Lee High School. Back row, from left: Chamber Education Committee Chair Kathey Batey; Chamber CEO and President Bob O’Callaghan, and Chamber Foundation Director Danna Mathiesen. (WKTV)
Following Their Dreams
Four students from Lee High School, East Kentwood High School, Godwin Heights High School, and Kelloggsville High School were the scholarship recipients for the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. The students received lots advice from those attending a special luncheon such as connect, network, and have an open mind. The students also offered advice to the class of 2020, such as make sure to fill out those scholarship forms. For more, click here.
The City of Wyoming will be bring a new master plan process on Thursday with a public workshop on Thursday at the KDL Wyoming Branch. (WKTV)
Getting [re]Imagined
The City of Wyoming announced last week its plans to develop a new master plan for the city. The process, called Wyoming [re]Imagined will start with a public workshop set for Thursday, May 2 at the KDL Wyoming branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The workshop will be from 6-8 p.m. For more information, click here.
City of Kentwood Veterans Park, at 331 48th St. SE, will be the location of improvements this year. (WKTV)
Pardon Our Dust
The City of Kentwood has started several park improvements at Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE; and Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Park Dr. SE. The improvements will bring a new splash pad and playground to Veterans Memorial Park, a covered entry to the Kentwood Activities Center and a new multi-use facility at Old Farm Park. “We are looking forward to opening the new and improved facilities in the fall and appreciate your patience as we make our facilities more accessible, functional and fun,” said Val Romeo, Parks and Recreation director. For more information, click here.
Fun fact:
Hot and Cold
If you think Hell, Michigan is the warmest city in our state, think again. It is actually Benton Harbor, which has an average high of 60 degrees. The coldest will probably come as no surprise as it is Ironwood, located in the Upper Peninsula, on the border of Wisconsin. It has an average low of 30 below. (Source.)
The City of Wyoming is starting the process for a new master place, called Wyoming [re]Imagined.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma joanne@wktv.org
There is an undercurrent of excitement building in the City of Wyoming as new developments get underway within the city.
With that in mind, the city has announced that it has formerly launched a new master plan process, called Wyoming [re]Imagined.
“The City of Wyoming is growing and changing at an accelerated rate, and it’s important that we take the time to develop an updated plan,” said City Planner Nicole Hofert. “Wyoming [re]Imagined will provide the city with a new land use plan, updated housing studies, goals for economic development, and a framework to guide strategic investments over the next 20 years.”
And the city is going to start this process next week with a community workshop set for Thursday, May 2, at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The workshop will be from 6 – 8 p.m.
The first public workshop on the new master plan will be at the KDL Wyoming Branch on May 2 starting at 6 p.m.
Residents, visitors, business owners, and anyone with an interest in the City of Wyoming may attend the workshop. At the event, participants will learn about the process as well as provide insight on local concerns that the master plan should address. According to Assistant City Manager Megan Sall, community leaders believe that resident feedback is critical as they identify important issues, opportunities and projects for the future.
The city’s current master plan is about 13 years old and was revised about seven years ago in 2012. Since the revision, the city has implemented the first phase of its 28 West project, which included the redevelopment of the Wyoming Village Mall, now called 28 West Place. This project also has brought in a new apartment development.
City leaders and the council approved a new form-based code for the Division Avenue and 28th Street corridors. There also has been several housing developments underway, including the Granger Group’s The Reserve, which broke ground last fall and development continues at The Metro Health Village.
Sall said the city does have some green space. A vision for the city’s future growth and development will help in planning how that green space is used, she said.
“My fellow council members and I are proud to serve this community, and we are excited for what the future holds,” Mayor Jack Poll said. “The master plan will provide a platform to integrate plans from across the City and region, and it will unite us under a common vision and set of goals. It is my sincere hope that all Wyoming residents will lend their voices to this important work.”
The Wyoming City Council contracted with planning firm House Lavigne Associates who will carry out the work on the master plan with city staff.
In addition to the community workshop on May 2, the public engagement process includes the following:
· Two additional community workshops
· Pop-up meetings at locations across Wyoming
· Student/youth workshops
· Focus groups
· Interactive website
· Surveys, including innovative digital mapping tools
Bob O’Callaghan, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce CEO and president, joins the Fresenius Kidney Care staff in opening the Fresenius Kidney Care Clyde Park South. (WKACC)
As the weather warms up, there has been a lot of activity with in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming as businesses open new locations, joining the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.
In March, the Fresenius Kidney Care, the dialysis division of Fresenius Medical Care North America, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new clinic at 5311 Clyde Park Ave. SW in Wyoming.
The clinic, which can treat a maximum of 96 patients a week, enables Fresenius Kidney Care’s local team of expert medical professionals to better serve the Kent County area’s growing dialysis community. In Michigan, more than 14,600 people living with end stage renal disease are on dialysis.
The Fresenius Kidney Care Clyde Park South strives to empower people to thrive on and live the healthiest, fullest way possible with kidney disease treatments that fit in with life. The facility offers patient services and the latest dialysis treatment options including in-center dialysis and has Fresenius Rx renal-trained pharmacists who can help dialysis patients manage their medications.
To learn more about Fresenius Kidney Care visit its website, freseniuskidneycare.com or call 1-888-373-1470.
On April 11, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the rebranding of Azpira Place of Breton at 4352 Breton Rd. SE. (WKACC)
On April 11, the chamber marked the rebranding of the Azpira Place of Breton (formerly Elmcroft of Kentwood), located at 4352 Breton Rd. SE., Kentwood. The 54,387-square-foot facility offers both an assisted living portion as well as the “A Knew Day” memory support neighborhood. The facility is part of the Pathway to Living community which owns or managers 29 communities comprising about 2,800 units in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
For more about Azpira Place of Breton, visit the website or call 616-499-2357.
On April 18, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the new U.S. Army Recruiting Office now on 28th Street. (WKACC)
On April 18, the chamber helped celebrate the new location of the Wyoming Army Recruiting Center, which moved from Clyde Park Avenue to 1274 28th St. in the 28 West Place (formerly Wyoming Village Mall). Focusing on land operations, the U.S. Army organizes, trains, and equips active duty and Reserve forces to preserve the peace, security, and defense of the United States.
For more on the U.S. Army, visit its website, goarmy.com,or call 616-531-3700.
Residents unload trash into the dumpsters during Wyoming Community Clean-Up Day. (WKTV)
By City of Wyoming
The City of Wyoming is planning a Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 27. The event, set to follow Earth Day earlier in the week, is designed to encourage Wyoming residents to maintain their properties and dispose of unwanted items in a responsible manner.
Residents can drop off trash, household hazardous waste and donations for the Salvation Army from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grand Rapids First Church, 2100 44th St. SW. Plummers Disposal will provide refuse hauling while Kent County will accept household hazardous waste and recyclables.
Residents are asked to enter the parking lot through the northeast entrance off of 44th St. SW and follow the relevant signage. All residents are asked to be in line by 1:30 p.m. in order to dispose of their items.
“Last year’s cleanup day was a huge success and we were able to assist hundreds of Wyoming families,” said event organizer Dave Rupert. “Our annual cleanup day helps to beautify our neighborhoods and reduce the risk of blight throughout the community.”
Residents will have the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste and recycling. (WKTV)
In addition to the refuse hauling, household hazardous waste disposal and recycling, the Wyoming Public Service Center Yard Waste Drop-Off site at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no limits to the size of branches or shrubs accepted at the site; however residents must unload the yard waste themselves and all containers must be removed from the facility.
Proof of residency identification is required at both sites. Some items, such as mattresses and tires, will have a modest disposal fee.
For more information and a complete list of items that are acceptable, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/cleanup or call the City of Wyoming at 530-7226.
Spring is finally here and to celebrate, Wyoming’s spring carnival is coming back again this year.
West Michigan families are invited to come out to Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St SW, and enjoy carnival rides, food, and games April 26 – May 5. The carnival will be open Monday through Thursday from 4–8:30 p.m., Friday from 2– 8:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon–8:30 p.m.
“What says family fun like a spring carnival?” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “The carnival is a great opportunity for the community to come out and celebrate the change in seasons in a fun and exciting atmosphere.”
Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming parks and recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA. Funds raised support youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department. The GWCRA distributes funds to the community through their annual grant awarding process.
The carnival will include various rides, games and food options. There is sure to be fun available for all ages.
About Wyoming Parks and Recreation
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is a key service area of the community services department and is committed to providing leisure and recreation opportunities by developing and maintaining green spaces, facilities, and programs to enrich the quality of life for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area. For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our web site at: www.wyomingmi.gov.
A few years ago when Bill Branz was visiting in Colorado, he found an old wooden box with the word “Tanglefoot” printed on the side. The Wyoming Historical Commission chair quickly snapped it up.
Tanglefoot is one of the most well-known flypaper manufacturers, and while some know that the company got its start in Grand Rapids, many may not realize Tanglefoot had a factory operation in Wyoming.
“Back in the early 1900s we had this little factory operation here in Wyoming Township and it was a family of four brothers who worked with their father in the late 1800s in Grand Rapids,” Branz said.
The Thum family ran a drugstore in the late 1800s. Due in part to the horse-drawn carts, flies were a big problem during that time period, with farmers to lawyers visiting the local drugstore to have flypaper, paper covered in a sweet, tacky substance, prepared.
“The two younger brothers discovered with the chemistry that their family played with that they could make this flypaper out of some of the chemicals they were using,” Branz said. The flypaper was a hit and the family patented the product.
Where the former Tanglefoot building was located. The building is still there. (WKTV)
“They stated up a factory operation right along the old railroad track line that ran from the Kalamazoo/Allegan area into Grand Rapids,” Branz said. “They made enough money to become what is considered wealthy and moved to California, the Pasadena area, and the youngest brother, William, became the mayor of Pasadena.”
The wooden box is now housed at the Wyoming Historical Room, located in the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
“I thought it was an interesting story and it is just fun to have something like this in our room to show people and bring back a little story involving our local history,” Branz said of the box.
The Wyoming Historical Room is always looking for items related to the history of Wyoming. If you have something you would like to donate or if you are interested in volunteering, call 616-261-3508 or visit the Wyoming Michigan Historical Room on Facebook.
Deadline for the City of Wyoming Spring Youth Soccer League is fast approaching. The registration deadline is Thursday, Feb. 28.
Those interested should register by the Thursday deadline to avoid a $5 late fee. The fee is $40 for a resident and $60 for a non-resident with $10 for additional children.
The Spring Youth Soccer League is April 9 – June 1. Practices, which are at Marquette Park, will begin April 9 or 11.
Preschool-kindergarten teems meet on Saturdays only. Every Saturday, teams practice for 30 minutes and then complete a 20-minute game. First – sixth grade players complete several weeks of practice prior to the start of games. Teams will practice once per week on Tuesday or Thursday nights and play games on Saturdays.
Federal legislation, if passed, would increase safety and security for airport passengers and visitors outside of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened areas. (WKTV.K.D. Norris)
While the Polar Vortex locked down most of Michigan, it certainly did not stop the flights from entering and leaving the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Airport officials announced that the airport once again had record numbers for the month of January, proving what we all ready knew: that the staff is amazing when it comes to keeping the pathways clear and planes on time. For more, click here.
Life on the Farm
Sometimes the best stories are the stories about life. We are honored that Donna Troost was willing to share her story during a recent WKTV VOICES. Born in Wyoming, Troost had wanted to be a nurse. Discover how an engagement ring and two calves changed her life by clicking here.
Super Trouper
By day, she is the communications manager for the Kent County Road Commission. By night, she is a “dancing queen”… at least until March 17. That is because Maura Lamoreaux is in the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre production of “Mamma Mia!” which opens on Friday and runs through March 17. For more about this “super trouper,” click here.
Fun fact:
Bottoms Up!
That’s because it is National Margarita Day on Friday, Feb. 22 (hence our quote for today). Known to be the most common tequila-based cocktail to be served in the United States, there are several myths as to how the margarita came to be. It is known that a 1953 “Esquire” article included it as the drink of the month and in 1977, Jimmy Buffet’s song “Margaritaville” further popularized the drink. Speaking of Jimmy Buffet, his “Escape to Margaritaville” is part of the 2019-2020 line up for the Broadway Grand Rapids, with the season also including the outrageously popular “Hamilton.”
Now that Christmas is over, the age old question of “What shall we do with the tree?” is on the minds of those who had a real tree.
Well, if you are are resident of the City of Wyoming, there is always the drop-off site at 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW. The drop-off site, which is open year round, will have special hours this Saturday, Jan. 5, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wyoming city residents may bring their Christmas trees and other yard waste to the site for free. Residents must register with an ID each time they use the site. Winter hours for the drop-off site Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. December through March.
If you are a resident of the City of Kentwood, the city’s tree recycling site is now open through Jan. 31. Residents can drop off their trees at the city’s Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Remember, before bringing tree to either site, make sure that all decorations, wires, and lights have been removed.
At the Wyomig Gives Back event held on Dec. 7, several city officials and community members stopped by the WKTV booth to record a personal Christmas Greeting. The greetings have been airing on WKTV. Here is the complete line up:
Mayor Jack Poll
City Manager Curtis Holt
Brian Bennett Deputy Director of Wyoming’s Fire Services
Marcy Schaller’s Daughter Wyoming Department of Public Safety
Krashawn Martin Special Events and Marketing Planner, City of Wyoming
Emily VandeGriend and family Employee, City of Wyoming
Jim Ward Wyoming Tree Commission
Bob O’Callaghan President/CEO, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
At approximately 2:45 am on Dec. 20, 2018, an officer from the Wyoming Dept. of Public Safety was traveling southbound on US 131, near 44th St SW, when he observed a wrong way driver going northbound in the southbound lanes. The officer immediately activated his emergency lights and siren to warn other drivers of the possible impending danger and pulled alongside of the wrong way vehicle, which was traveling at approximately 50-60 mph. The officer noticed that the driver appeared to be sleeping and used his cruiser to push the car to a stop. This quick thinking action almost certainly prevented a head-on collision which could have injured or killed someone.
It does not appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor in this incident and there were no injuries to the driver or officer. The driver of the vehicle stated he had been awake for more than 40 hours and was sleep deprived.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety would like to take this opportunity to remind drivers of the dangers associated with “drowsy driving” or “fatigued driving.” The National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 90,000 vehicle crashes in 2015 were caused by drowsy drivers in the United States. Additionally, there were 795 traffic fatalities in 2017 due to drowsy driving. Below are some tips from the NHTSA on how to avoid driving drowsy:
How To Avoid Driving Drowsy
1. Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy. Experts urge consumers to make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. For more information on healthy sleep, see Healthy Sleep At A Glance (PDF, 1.81 MB) at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website.
2. Before the start of a long family car trip, get a good night’s sleep, or you could put your entire family and others at risk.
3. Many teens do not get enough sleep at a stage in life when their biological need for sleep increases, which makes them vulnerable to the risk of drowsy-driving crashes, especially on longer trips. Advise your teens to delay driving until they’re well-rested.
4. Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
5. Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use.
6. If you take medications that could cause drowsiness as a side effect, use public transportation when possible.
7. If you drive, avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight – 6 a.m. and late afternoon). If you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip, especially if you’re driving alone.
Short-term Interventions
1. Drinking coffee or energy drinks alone is not always enough. They might help you feel more alert, but the effects last only a short time, and you might not be as alert as you think you are. If you drink coffee and are seriously sleep-deprived, you still may have “micro sleeps” or brief losses of consciousness that can last for four or five seconds. This means that at 55 miles per hour, you’ve traveled more than 100 yards down the road while asleep. That’s plenty of time to cause a crash.
2. If you start to get sleepy while you’re driving, drink one to two cups of coffee and pull over for a short 20-minute nap in a safe place, such as a lighted, designated rest stop. This has been shown to increase alertness in scientific studies, but only for short time periods.
