Tag Archives: COVID

Chaffee Planetarium set to reopen Dec. 22

Entertainment, ,
Chaffee Planetarium will present “Let It Snow” through Jan. 3, 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will reopen and welcome visitors on a limited capacity basis starting on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Visitors to the Chaffee Planetarium can relax, recline and visit the galaxy, constellations, far away planets, learn about asteroids and much more! All of the shows feature the latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience.

The Chaffee Planetarium will host multiple shows per week with enough time in between for a thorough cleaning. The schedule beginning this week will include the holiday show, Let it Snow, as well as the popular show Incoming!, Under Starlit Skies and Ice Worlds.

Let it Snow
This special holiday show features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery and special effects. Let it Snowwill run through Jan. 3, 2021. 

George Takei’s “Incoming!” at the Chaffee Planetarium. (Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Incoming!
Narrated by George Takei, Incoming! explores asteroids, comets and meteors. California Academy of Sciences developed cutting-edge visualizations based on real-time data from current NASA missions to show audiences the dynamic story of our Solar System. A live show was created by the GRPM to accompany the movie portion of Incoming! in partnership with NASA scientist Dr. Brent Bos, who is currently studying asteroids and grew up in West Michigan.

Ice Worlds
The delicate balance between ice, water and the existence of life has been a topic of scientific inquiry for generations. In travels to the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet, viewers will examine the ecosystems that exist and thrive there and learn how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, see how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets and moons in our solar system.

 

Under Starlit Skies – LIVE Presentation
Join a live presenter to explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Learn tips and tricks that will help you find planets and constellations from your own backyard. Fly to the far reaches of the solar system to get a closer look at planets, moons and more.

For a full Chaffee Planetarium show schedule, visit grpm.org/planetarium. Planetarium tickets are $2 for Museum members, $4 each with general admission to the Museum, and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required and can be purchased at grpm.org.

 

The GRPM is open and welcoming visitors. Explore three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the GRPM’s visitor experience, visit grpm.org/the-grpms-new-visitor-experience/. The Museum will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For updates, please visit grpm.org. 

SpartanNash, Miller Poultry donate more than 24,000 pounds of chicken to food pantries

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, , ,
SpartanNash staff make a believer of chicken to SECOM. (Photo courtesy of SpartanNash)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Access of West Michigan is one of the several food banks in Michigan and Indiana to benefit from SpartanNash and Miller Polury’s recent donation of more that 24,000 pounds of chicken.

Throughout December, SpartanNash and Miller Poultry teamed up to donate 8,000 pounds of chicken to Access of West Michigan and its network of local food pantries – including SECOM, Streams of Hope, St. Al’s and Green Apple; 9,200 pounds of chicken to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan; and 7,000 pounds of chicken to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana.

VG’s Grocery, Family Fare and Martin’s Super Market associates helped with the distribution of the donations.

In total, the 24,200 pounds of chicken will provide 96,800 meals this holiday season.

“We are proud to carry Miller Poultry in our company-owned retail stores throughout the Midwest – and we are excited to once again team up with them to provide food to families in need this holiday season,” said Meredith Gremel, vice president of corporate affairs and communications for SpartanNash and executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation. “As a company that takes food places, SpartanNash and the SpartanNash Foundation are committed to building stronger communities by ensuring families have access to healthy, affordable food.”

SpartanNash owns and operates more than 155 stores in nine states, including 18 Martin’s Super Markets in Indiana and 87 stores in Michigan under the banners of Ada Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods, Martin’s Super Markets, VG’s Grocery and ValuLand.

 

SpartanNash and Miller Poultry have taken part in the annual holiday tradition for more than 10 years, donating nearly 300,000 pounds of chicken to help families in need throughout Michigan and Indiana.

“We are a local, family-owned company, and our culture has always revolved around supporting local family farms, and the communities in which we all live,” said Galen Miller, owner and CEO of Miller Poultry. “2020 has been a tough year for many of us, but through our partnership with SpartanNash, we were able to make these donations happen again this year, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share.”

Each year, SpartanNash donates more than five million pounds of food throughout its company footprint as part of its corporate responsibility initiatives, in addition to providing financial grants to food pantry partners through corporate giving initiatives and the SpartanNash Foundation.

  

In November, the SpartanNash Foundation granted more than $400,000 to more than 100 community food pantries through its scan campaign to provide hunger relief and a series of $5,000 grants throughout the company footprint. In April, the SpartanNash Foundation also granted $250,000 to Feeding America-affiliated food bank partners as a part of its COVID-19 relief efforts.

More than 24,000 pounds of chicken were distributed to food banks in Michigan and Indiana. (Photo courtesy of SpartanNash)

Food insecurity concerns increase as the holidays approach

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming
Family Network of Wyoming Executive Director Karrie Brown looks through the pantry. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

There are telling signs of a person who has never had to visit a food pantry.

“People will bring their income statements to show they are in need,” said Family Network of Wyoming Executive Director Karrie Brown. “I even had one woman bring all her family member’s social security cards. I tell people I don’t need to see them. I just need to know they are in need and that they live within Wyoming (the food pantry’s service area.)”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide shutdown in March, Brown has seen a lot of new people — many who never thought they would need help from a food pantry — come to the Family Network of Wyoming, located off of 44th Street.

“We have had so many people come through our drive thru that we have had cars backing up on to 44th street,” Brown said, adding that the parking lot at Family Network is fairly deep with it being able to accommodate two circle of cars. 

Usually averaging about a 1,000 participants a month, the pantry saw some of its largest numbers in April as people waited for unemployment checks. Now that may are still waiting for the next round of stimulus money and the holidays around the corner, numbers are once again on the rise. This August had almost a 40 percent increase in participants over August 2019. 

With the increased need, Family Network of Wyoming has been receiving an increase in assistance. Most recently with a partnership with the Wyoming Family Fare located at 2775 Health Dr. SW. Through donations, Family Network is hoping to provide 130 meals to area families. Donations are being received through Dec. 15 and will be used to purchase a holiday meal of turkey or ham plus sides and dessert. To donate, visit www.fntw.org/donate.

Other assistance has come in the form of grant funds from the Wyoming Community Foundation and federal CARES Act dollars distributed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners earlier this year. 

The organization was one of two organizations to split a $5,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation with United Church Outreach Ministries (UCOM). The money, Brown said will be used to create a mini shopping experience for those who come to the pantry. That project has been put on hold due to the pandemic. For now, items are pre-boxed and distributed to those waiting in their cars.

Family Network of Wyoming also was one of 112 non-profits to qualify to receive funding for the Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund. Earlier this year, the Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $9.5 million federal CARES Act dollars to the grant fund. The funding is intended to assist local local 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) nonprofit health and human service organizations located within Kent County serving individuals and communities that have been directly affected by COVID-19 and continued to provide services throughout the pandemic.

With the pandemic, Family Network of Wyoming, like many area food pantries, have seen an increase in need. (WKTV)

Family Network of Wyoming was part of the first round of recipients receiving $50,000 which Brown said was used for food purchases and personal hygiene products.

“Here I go again talking about the need for toilet paper,” Brown said. Because personal hygiene projects like toilet paper do not expire such as food items, it is difficult for many food pantries to get the items donated. 

“This way we were able to purchase the items and were able to give those who came a package of toilet paper along with other hygiene needs,” Brown said. The money also was used to purchase food from Feeding America and from Farm Link, which offers fresh food from local farmers.

The need continues to grow as more and more families feel the trickling effects of the pandemic with businesses trimming costs and/or closing. Brown said about 70 percent of the people who come to Family Network of Wyoming are families with school age children.

Along with that, many school grab and go programs will be closed during the holidays, Brown said, making the partnership with Family Fare even more meaningful as well as a recent partnership with the YMCA, which is distributing lunches for children to local agencies.

Those in need are encouraged to text or call 211, which offers a number of services including help with food insecurities. Also residents, may visit any local food pantry which will help them connect to the right program.

Ford Airport first airport in the county to have COVID-19 testing site

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health,
The Gerald R. Ford Airport, through a partnership with TACKL Health, is now offering an onsite COVID-19 testing site. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has become one of the first airports in the nation to be a COVID-19 testing site.

Through a partnership with TACKL Health, the drive-up, no-appointment-needed site will offer both rapid antigen tests, which provide results in 15 minutes, and molecular PCR tests, which provide results in 24-48 hours. The testing site will initially be open from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Those wishing to be tested do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms or a doctor’s referral.

 

“As we head deeper into the holiday season, we hope this service will give community members greater peace of mind before traveling or visiting loved ones,” said Stephen Clark, director of business development for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “With so many test sites in West Michigan overloaded, this new site should help increase testing capabilities, especially for those who might not otherwise qualify. 

“The site is open to all in the community, not just those traveling through the Ford Airport. For our passengers, we hope the tests will let them fly more confidently. We look forward to partnering with TACKL to offer this service to the community.”

 

Airport officials emphasized how the onsite COVID testing will be particularly helpful for business travelers visiting international destinations where the PCR molecular test is required before entry.

“We know our business community is anticipating a return to international travel in the coming year, so having resources at the Airport to make their journey easier will be critical in the coming months,” Clark said.  “Armed with test results, travelers will be able to board a flight in West Michigan with the confidence they can meet screening requirements in the country of their final destination.”

Testing will take place in the Airport’s economy lot and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. When guests arrive, they will need to fill out an intake form using a QR code. If they are unable to access the form or need assistance, a technician will be available at the testing site.

TACKL does not accept health insurance so the testing will be out-of-pocket. Cost for the testing will be $75 for the rapid antigen, $125 for the molecular PCR or $160 for both tests.

 

For more information on the testing site, visit tacklhealth.com/grr.

Local restaurants help with Chamber Foundation scholarship program

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Candied Yam is one of three restaurants give a portion of its Tuesday sales to the Chamber Foundation scholarship program. (WKTV)

As like many others, COVID-19 has impacted the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber Foundation’s ability to fundraise for its Foundation Scholarship Program.

Every year, the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber Foundation awards five scholarships to graduating high school seniors from the five school districts in Wyoming and Kentwood. Those schools are Kentwood, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, and Godfrey-Lee.

Due to COVID, the Foundation has had to cancel two of its fundraisers.

To help raise funds for the scholarships, the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce has partnered with three of its member restaurants, The Candied Yam, 2305 44th St. SE; Delta Hotels Grand Rapids Airport, 3333 28th St. SE; and YoChef’s Catering Co. & Cafe, 34 44th St. SW. Each of the restaurants will donate 15% of its non-alcoholic receipts to the Foundation.

Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said the partnership is a way residents can support the scholarships and local restaurants. Even in the current semi-shutdown issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, all three are open and offer take out or curbside.

To participate, make sure to use the word “scholarship” when ordering.

O’Callaghan said that hopes all those who do participate in the fundraiser will thank the restaurants for helping.

For more information about Chamber events or activities, visit southkent.org. 

Kent County offices, COVID-19 testing sites closed for Thanksgiving

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Most Kent County offices and COVID-19 testing sites will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27. in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. All offices will reopen Monday, Nov. 30. at 8 a.m.

A few service exemptions are:

  • The Kent County Correctional Facility will remain open with regular hours; however, all other services will be closed.
  • All Department of Public Works services will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 but disposal facilities will be open Friday, Nov. 27.

The NxGen LINC Up site has openings for COVID-19 testing starting Monday, Nov. 30, and Baxter Holistic Center has openings starting Tuesday, Dec. 1. More COVID-19 testing locations can be found at www.accesskent.com/covid-testing.

For more information on how to access Kent County departments and offices, visit www.accesskent.com.

Museums are open with a plethora of exhibits, activities

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

A popular pastime for many during the holidays it to tour through the holiday displays at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the trees at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, but with the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recent partial shutdown has left many asking, are these places still open?

The answer is yes, according to Kate Kocienski, vice president of marketing and public relations for the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

“For us, we will continue with our limited capacity,” Kocienski said, adding that the the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be close for the three weeks and the museum’s organ concerts have been switched to virtual.

 

The same holds true for the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park which will open its “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions” Tuesday, Nov. 24. According to a release from the Gardens, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some exhibition elements and activities will be altered to allow for physical distancing. Also because capacities have been limited — indoor facilities are only allowed to be at 30 percent capacity — there may be times when admission will be slightly delayed during peak times. 

Remember masks are required at any indoor facility. Also before visiting call or check the organization’s website. 

Here is a rundown of what is currently at the exhibition sites in Grand Rapids:

The Grand Rapids Public Museum recently opened the exhibit “Wild Connections, featuring more than 20 Lego sculptures. (WKTV/Anna Johns)

Grand Rapids Public Museum

“Wild Connections,” more than 20 Lego sculptures done by artist Sean Kenney, opened in November and runs through May 2. Dec. 8 -1 9 is “Incoming!,” interactive experiences exploring space from current NASA missions. The program is narrated by George Takei, best known as Hikaru Sulu from Star Trek. On Dec. 18 will be a virtual organ concert by organist Lance Luce. The 7 p.m. performance will feature a selection of holiday music. Tickets for the concert are $5/ museum members and $10/general admission.

For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit www.grpm.org.

Mathias J. Alten (American, b. Germany 1871–1938). The Striped Skirt, 1917. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift in Memory of  Eleanore Alten Gilleo by her Family. (Supplied by GRAM)

Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has three exhibits: “Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy,” which features a collection of paintings by the local artist; “Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts,” featuring the craftsmanship of furniture manufacturers Charles P. Limbert and Albert Stickley and artist Forrest Mann; and opening Dec. 5, “Interwoven Legacy,” featuring the black ash basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish. Black ash basketry is a traditional Anishinaade art form of basket weaving.

 

For tickets and other information about the Grand Rapids Art Museum, visit artmuseumgr.org.

Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Lots of holiday favorites are opening at the Gardens this week such as the “Metro Health Christmas and Holiday Traditions this Tuesday, Nov. 24. In conjunction with the Holiday Traditions display, there will be Virtual Santa Visits from 5 – 8 p.m every Tuesday from Nov. 24 up until Christmas. and the reindeer will be visiting starting Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Saturday leading up to Christmas. The Gardens also will be hosting a “Wee” are Thankful, a Facebook Live event at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 27 for littles ones to learn and celebrate the meaning of thankfulness. The Gardens also will be hosting winter walks and other activities.

For more information or tickets, visit meijergardens.org.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Following national policy, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum has been closed since March 14. Check its website, fordlibrarymuseum.gov for updates.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story. 

Wyoming Community Foundation announces 2020 grant recipients

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,
Wyoming Community Foundation Chair Greg Kings sits down with Host Faith Morgan to talk about the foundations work in 2020

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

Persevering through a pandemic, school systems and nonprofit organizations in Wyoming sought financial support. The Wyoming Community Foundation stepped in to help provide relief aid to some of these organizations in addition to their annual grant recipients.

This past summer, the foundation provided $5,000 evenly split among two nonprofits for hunger relief/food bank support: Family Network of Wyoming and United Church Outreach Ministries. Karrie Brown, executive director of development for Family Network of Wyoming, said her organization would be using the funds to create a mini-shopping during their pantry experience. UCOM will use its $2,500 to provide affordable access to nutritious locally grown produce.

“In terms of our funding, we saw a definite increase in the amount of organizations who are looking for funding,” said Wyoming Community Foundation Chair Greg King. “We had a lot of nonprofit organizations reaching out asking for input, and for funding especially with COVID-19.”

This year the foundation received 14 grant applications in comparison to the 10 applications received in 2019, 11 in 2018, and seven in 2017.

 

The 2020 grant recipients:

  • Affinity Mentoring – $2,000 to transition to virtual mentoring in order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and provide equitable access to academic, relational support to students.
  • Feeding America West Michigan – $2,000 to support three Mobile Food Pantries, which provide food assistance for the Wyoming community.
  • HOPE Gardens – $600 to expand Team 21 in-class garden curricula and after school programming to Godfrey Elementary and Lee Middle Schools.
  • SLD Read – $500 to provide tutoring services, including assessments and individual tutoring, to address educational difficulties as a result of school closures.
  • United Church Outreach Ministry – $2,500 to provide affordable access to nutritious locally grown produce.
  • Godwin Heights Public Schools – $1,500 to support the Lower Elementary Sensory Walk at West Godwin Elementary.

Another need is volunteers to join the The Wyoming Community Foundation’s board and its Youth Advisory Committee which oversees grant-making for organizations that benefit Wyomig youth.

If you are interested in joining the Wyoming Community Foundation board or looking for more information you can visit grfoundation.org/wyoming

The Wyoming Community Foundation is a regional affiliate of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Annually the organization selects grant recipients. Applicants for these grants must be nonprofit organizations that are based in the Wyoming area or are doing work to make necessary improvements in the Wyoming community.

New Kent County ad campaign calls on residents to stay home for the holidays

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

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

Thanksgiving day is just around the corner and the Kent County Health Departments’ new campaign urges families to stay home this holiday season.

 

The “I love you so” campaign will run on local TV and radio stations, cable networks, print and digital platforms, including local minority-owned outlets, through the end of the year. The campaign is built on the message “I love you SO I’m staying home,” Though this is a tough message they urge residents to make their health and the health of the families the top priority this holiday season.

Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year, instead of gathering in person, the Kent County Health Department suggests that gatherings take place virtually. As shown in their campaign, families can meet virtually as they share their Thanksgiving meals virtually allowing for a safe holiday.

Though it may be difficult to not see loved ones during the holiday season, it is also important to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus, according to Kent County Health officials and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who spoke during a press conference on Nov. 19. Currently, Kent County is seeing more than 500 new coronavirus cases each day, the Kent County Health Department reported. Over the past eight weeks, there have been ten times as many cases and local positivity rates are at the highest they have ever been since the start of the pandemic. 

“This really is a ‘tough love’ message for our community,” said Kent County Health Department director, Dr. Adam London. “We all want to get together to celebrate with family and friends, but those gatherings are the perfect places for the virus to spread.

“We are asking everyone to make their own health and the health of their loved ones their top priorities this holiday season.”

The “I love you so” campaign is in partnership with Spectrum Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, and Metro Health. As cases continue to rise there has been tremendous stress on hospitals and health care providers.

 

“This is a difficult moment,” said Josh Leffingwell, partner at Well Design Studio, the agency that led the creative development of the campaign. “There is so much emotion tied to telling someone you love that you’re not going to join them for a holiday celebration. We wanted to give people the language to use with their friends and family. It’s a simple message: ‘I love you so much that I’m willing to miss our holiday gathering to help keep us all safe.’”

The $250,000 public education campaign, funded with CARES Act dollars, launches with Thanksgiving-themed ads across all media this week. The new ads will launch before the December holidays and will run through the end of the year.

Local state legislator, restaurant owner reacts to latest public health order’s impact

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Restaurants, , ,

Brann’s Steakhouse & Grill on Division in Wyoming, from previous winter. (Supplied/Bann’)s

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Tommy Brann, state legislator and casual restaurant owner, admits he is in a unique position when it comes to reacting to the latest public heath order, announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over the weekend and set to close restaurants to inside dining, among other impacts.

On one hand, Rep. Brann said to WKTV today, Nov. 16, he knows there is need to act to curb the recent negative public health trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan — and he knows restrictions on restaurants may be part of that effort. But he also wishes the Governor would have worked with the the rest of state government, and worked more with restaurant owners such as himself, before the new reductions were ordered.

“She takes (the current COVID-19 numbers) seriously, I understand that, but we do too,” Rep. Brann said. “I would really prefer to work together with the Governor.”

State Rep. Tommy Brann (R-77th District)

Rep. Brann, a Republican who recently won re-election to the House of Representatives from District 77, which includes Wyoming, said what is not being taken into account is the impact the currently planned 3-week shutdown will have on restaurant employees.

“I am worried about my employees … we are going to have employees without paychecks” Brann said, adding that the usual 3-week time lag in filing and collecting state unemployment benefits means that some employees “will not have money to buy groceries. … We should have had some relief for businesses that are closing.”

Rep. Brann owns Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille at 4157 Division Ave. S., in Wyoming.

Gov. Whitmer on Nov. 15, announced three weeks of new COVID-19 restrictions due to spiking numbers of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations in Michigan.

The restrictions came as part of a new public health order, also announced Nov. 15, that will temporarily restrict colleges and high schools to virtual instruction, will urge work from home for employees who can do so, and will close down a number of activities previously limited but allowed, including bowling alleys, movie theaters and in-person dining at bars and restaurants.

The public health order — set to run from Wednesday, Nov. 18, and last through the Thanksgiving holiday and until Dec. 8 —  was announced by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun and MDHHS Director Robert Gordon.

Gordon, in remarks, said public health orders are derived from legislative action taken in Michigan in 1918 after the Spanish Flu. And the Public Health Code Act, passed by the legislature in 1978, further allowed for public health emergency orders to be made.

(See a MDHHS graphic at the end of the story on what the new health order does and does not do.)

Not impacted by the new order are indoor gatherings limited to 10 people and no more than two households meeting in the same place. But outdoor gathering limits have shrunk to 25 people, which includes funerals.

Retail businesses, salons, barber shops, public transit, child-care centers, parks and healthcare facilities are some examples of establishments that may remain open under the new restrictions.

But restaurants, at least for three weeks, will be limited to take-out food sales and outside seating dining sales. But with winter weather impacts, outside dining is not an option for many restaurants, and Rep. Brann points out that limiting restaurants to take-out food sales is particularly unfair to casual dining restaurants such as his.

“For some restaurants, this is not about profit, this is about survival,” Rep. Brann said. “Take-out is important, but it is more important for chain restaurants than causal dining restaurants like mine. … take-out was only about six percent of my sales, that means about a 90 percent loss.”

KDL returns to curbside, online service only starting Nov. 16

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Out of an abundance of caution, beginning Monday, Nov. 16, Kent District Library will close its branches to in-person visits but will continue to offer curbside pickup services, online programs and expanded online resources. Curbside service is available during normal branch hours so there is no interruption for patrons who check out items, while online programs and other resources are available 24/7.


 
“The closure of several branches over the past couple of weeks has made it clear that we must take further steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said KDL’s Executive Director Lance Werner. “The safety of people who visit the library and our staff is our utmost priority.”

Kent District Library has announced it will move all of its branches to curbside pick and online resources. (WKTV)

Curbside service is easy and safe: 

1.      Visit kdl.org, search the catalog and place items on hold, indicating the branch location for pickup. 

2.      After receiving notification that items are ready for pick-up, visit the branch during normal open hours and park in one of the designated Curbside Pick-up spots. 

3.      Call the number listed on the signs in the parking lot; please have your library card number ready. 

4.      A library staff member will bring the items to the car. 



Patrons are also encouraged to access library services online. KDL offers cardholders access to several digital content providers —Freegal, Overdrive, Hoopla and RBdigital. These providers offer digital content in a variety of formats including audiobooks, ebooks, music, movies, magazines and more. All of KDL’s digital resources can be accessed at www.kdl.org/virtual. 

KDL will continue to offer online programs at www.kdl.org/livestream.

 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, KDL has continued to provide services to patrons. In March, online services were expanded and live streamed programming began in April. Curbside service was introduced in June and free printing launched in August. KDL has streamed over 1,100 programs online since late March, with over 140,000 attendees watching live and over 400,000 recording views.

Check kdl.org for future updates as Kent District Library plans to have their branches back open soon.  

KDL Wyoming, Kelloggsville branches closed until Nov. 9

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
The KDL Wyoming branch is open today for elections only. The branch will be closed to patrons until Nov. 9. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Kent District Library is working to make library patrons aware that an employee who works at the Wyoming and Kelloggsville branches has tested positive for COVID-19.

The person was working at the Wyoming KDL branch, located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW. Oct. 26 – 28 and the Kelloggsville branch, located in the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 S. Division Ave., Oct. 27. 

Both of the locations are closed and will reopen Monday, Nov. 9. The KDL Wyoming branch lobby is open for today’s elections, according to officials from the City of Wyoming.

KDL Kelloggsville Branch is closed until Nov. 9. (WKTV)

Materials that are ready for pickup at either location will become available after reopening. Due dates and hold-pickup deadlines will be extended. 

KDL officials stated in a release that due to the extensive health safety protocols put into place by the City of Wyoming, Kelloggsville School District and Kent District Library, the risk of patrons contracting the virus from the employee while at the location is assumed to be extremely low. At the same time, library officials wanted the public to be aware of the situation and to assure that safety of the public and staff is the highest priority. 

For more information, call 616-784-2007, email ask@kdl.libranswers.com, or visit the KDL website, kdl.org. The remaining 17 KDL branches are opening including KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch, 4650 Breton Rd. SE; KDL Gaines, 421 68th St. SE; and KDL Grandville, 4055 Maple St. SW.

Can you trick-or-treat? It is up to individuals, neighborhoods to decide

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
One safe Halloween alternative is tour a neighborhood and look at the Halloween decorations. (pxhere.com)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Will there be trick-or-treating this Halloween? The answer is yes, although it may look a little different this year.


There has been no state or local mandates cancelling trick-or-treating, however the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has encouraged people to consider alternative Halloween options such as carving pumpkins and then walking around and viewing Halloween decorations or have a virtual costume contest. In fact, there is an entire website, Halloween2020.org, that provides information on risk factors throughout the entire country and recommended Halloween activities.

Traditionally, the Wyoming City Council has never weighted in on specifics for Halloween but instead has left the option up to neighborhoods and families to decide what works best for them. For 2020, the council has kept to that tradition, according to Amanda Moore, communications specialist for the City of Wyoming.

The City of Kentwood, which has its guidelines on its website, is encouraging trick-or-treating from 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Kentwood also has a curfew ordinance. Unless accompanied by a parent or responsible adult over the age of 21, children who are under 12-years-old must be off the streets by 10 p.m., 13 to 16-years-old by 11 p.m., and 17 years-old by midnight.

Representatives from both cities said they are encouraging community members to practice social distancing, wear a mask when around others, and follow CDC guidelines. In fact, Kent County Health Department representatives said they also are directing residents to the CDC or to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for guidance on having a safe Halloween. Both have put out quite the list of safety practices, so here are the highlights:

Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters

Give out treats outdoors, if possible

Set up a station with individuals bagged treats for kids to take

Wash hands before handling treats

Use hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol

And when we say wear a mask, we are not talking about one that disguises but rather the face mask that covers both the mouth and nose. Health officials encourage participants to incorporate the face mask into their costume design. 

Participants are being reminded to stay at least six feet apart and of course, if you are sick stay home and/or do not hand out candy. 

The Usual Halloween Warnings

For every Halloween, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and local law enforcement have put out reminders to drivers about large numbers of people out for Halloween and therefore motorists should drive slowly through neighborhoods and keep an eye out for children who might dart out into the street. While the number of trick-or-treaters could be less this year, motorists still should be alert when traveling.

Anyone wearing a costume should be visible after dark so reflective tape on the costume, glow sticks or flashlights are recommended.

Also have everyone wait until after trick-or-treating before digging into the treats so the candy can be inspected and anything suspicious is discarded.

Be respectful and do not visit house without porch or outdoor lights on. Also, if you see something that appears suspicious, report to your local law enforcement or call 911.

Snapshots: Music, masks, and enjoying our great state

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“If the choice is dying from COVID-19 or surviving by wearing a hazmat suit, a gas mask and goggles to the shops, I choose the latter.”

Steven Magee, a world leading expert on radiation and human health

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

No shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service

OK all you mask haters, Governor Gretchen Whitmer had a message for you this week: just wear them. And in fact, several area restaurants, such as Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing, have joined the Michigan Restaurant Promise, an initiative designed to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant owners have made the commitment to assure their employees are healthy with wellness checks, and other social distancing guidelines including wearing masks. In return, restaurants who sign the promise, ask restaurant-goers to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. For more, click here.

Renowned harpist Deborah Henson-Conant and the Grand Rapids Symphony will be featured in a rebroadcast of a Grammy-nominated PBS special. (Supplied/GRS)

A blast from the past

Missing the Grand Rapids Symphony’s summer pops concerts? Well don’t fret! At 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, and again at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, there will be a special showing of the Grammy-nominated PBS special “Invention & Alchemey,” featuring renowned harpist Deborah Henson-Conant and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Streaming of the special will be available July 12 -17. For more, click here.

Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. (Supplied)

West Michigan Round-Up

There are lot of gas tank away adventures taking place this weekend that gives you an opportunity to explore our great state. The Lakeshore Harvest Country’s guide features an array of farms and wineries that will have you traveling around Lake Michigan. Petoskey is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Petoskey stone being Michigan’s state stone. Or go further north to visit the Fort Michilimackinac, part of the Mackinac Historic State Parks, which will be featuring 125 different events in the coming days.

Final Word on Masks from Bill Nye

Today we are letting one of the nation’s most famous science guys do all the talking…take it away Bill.

Bill Nye, the Science Guy, discusses wearing a face mask.

Kent District Library delays reopening of branches

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The Kent District Library (KDL) Kentwood Branch Library. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The planned reopening of Kent District Library to the public on July 6 will be delayed. A new date for reopening has not been determined but will depend on a sustained improvement in the coronavirus situation. Curbside pickups, availability of exterior drop boxes for returns, livestreamed programs and expansion of digital resources is unaffected by the delay in opening the library for public access. 

 

Due to the increased incidence and risk of coronavirus, KDL has made the difficult decision to keep the library closed to the public. The Leadership Team of KDL places the safety of patrons and staff as the highest priority.

 

“Although Kent County is in a better situation than many other areas, we are committed to helping to create a sustained improvement. Right now, the trend needs to be turned around,” explains Lance Werner, Executive Director of KDL.

 

Changes that have been made in library service since mid-March have been well received. The library immediately shifted programming to be livestreamed and online. Due dates for all items were extended and exterior book drops opened for returns on June 8. The introduction of curbside service on June 15 has enabled people to checkout materials from the convenience of their car. Additionally, the library added 700 new Wi-Fi hotspots, which will be mailed to homes needing internet access.

These changes, in conjunction with increasing checkout limits on digital resources, allow people to have continued use of most of the library services that they depend upon and expect.

 

The status of library services is continuously updated on the kdl.org website.

Fourth of July events, fireworks around West Michigan

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Mackinaw City and St. Igance are just some of the places hosting fireworks for July 4th. .

By West Michigan Tourist Association

Find 4th of July fireworks, porch decorating contests, late night kayak floats, special golf outings, and more to enjoy in West Michigan this month! 

 

Due to COVID-19, many summer events throughout Michigan are being updated and changed on a daily basis. While this article was accurate to the best of our knowledge upon publication, we strongly suggest confirming with festival organizers before making plans to attend the below events.

4th of July Celebrations

Silver Lake’s Thunder Over the Dunes fireworks event is scheduled to take place at 10:00 pm on July 4th at Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park in Mears.

Celebrate America at Vacation Station RV Resort in Ludington with bingo, tie dye crafts, bike and golf cart parade, site decorating and a pancake breakfast on July 4th!

The Ludington Area Jaycees Porch Decorating Contest will be held throughout greater Mason County to celebrate Independence Day. Dress up your outdoor area with red, white and blue for this new, festive event with chances to win a prize. Find details on the Jaycees’ website.

Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. is the 4th annual Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show & Benefit at the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum in Muskegon, benefiting Lighthouse For Veterans and the fight against Veteran suicide. There will be DJ’d music, vendors, Pinning Ceremony, 50/50 Raffle, Silent and two live auctions, as well as a bounce house and face painting for the kids.

Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire is getting a jump start on celebrating Independence Day this year. Kick off the holiday weekend with fireworks on Friday, July 3rd. Make a weekend of it and stay, golf, hike or just relax and reconnect with family.

The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce hopes to capture some of the holiday spirit by organizing a #SafeHarbor 4th of July online celebration to create a driving tour of patriotic homes, businesses, and vehicles. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their homes, businesses, and vehicles and post the pictures on the chamber’s Facebook page. Please include the address of home or business of pictures sent in. Photos will be shared on social media, as well as the chamber newsletter and website. Contest will honor the best of these categories: Most Patriotic Business, Most Patriotic Home, Most Patriotic Family, and Most Patriotic Vehicle. 

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau looks forward to seeing everyone in Mackinaw City for fireworks on the 4th of July.

Fourth of July Fireworks will take place in St. Ignace at dusk and there will be fireworks every Saturday night after that through Labor Day Weekend.

Although the Independence Day Parade has been cancelled, the Sault Ste. Marie 4th of July fireworks will still be taking place at dusk.

More Events and Happenings in July 

Harbor Springs will host the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade.

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society will be hosting the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade July 2 at 6 p.m. on Little Traverse Bay. This annual event, now in its eighth year, is the official start of summer in Harbor Springs and honors the rich maritime history of the area. Vessels of all shapes and sizes are welcome to take part and decorations are encouraged. When registering, participants can select from several options which include offers of commemorate baseball caps.

Crystal Mountain will be hosting several Fourth of July activities that include the Alpine slide, activities, laser tag, campfires, bike parade, golf scramble, and chairlift rides with live entertainment. Activities run July 1 to July 5. For more information, visit www.crystalmountain.com.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall welcomes back the Flea Market & Antique Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 3 – 5.

Put your paddles in the river on July 4 with Guy’s Ultimate Kayak Service in Muskegon for a 1 & 1/2 hour full moon float at the Hungry Ghost Moon Full Moon Kayak Float. Your float includes a kayak, paddle, life vest, glow stick, and transport back to your vehicle. Kayak owners are welcome to join, but must provide transport for themselves and their kayaks upstream. Book your float online or call 231-740-0227 for more information.

During what would have been the National Cherry Festival week in Traverse City (July 4 – 11), members of the community are invited to join in the Very Cherry Porch Parade by decorating their porch, yard, or window to bring a smile to your friends and neighbors. The theme of the porch parade is cherries to celebrate the region’s favorite fruit! The Very Cherry Porch Parade will take place from July 4 to July 11. Registration is quick, simple and free.

Robinnette’s Apple Hause Barnyard Sale will be held at the Grand Rapids farm July 8 – 11.

If you’ve never experienced a fresh Michigan sweet cherry picked right off the tree, then you’re in for a real treat!  Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo in New Era is celebrating cherry season with everything from food to fun. Bring your family and friends to enjoy cherry donuts, cherry pie, cherry orchard tours, U-pick cherries, cherry pit spitting contest, and so much more at the Cherry Jubliee, July 11 and 12. 

Enjoy a Ladies Day and golf clinic on July 19 at The Lynx Golf Club in Otsego.  Options for either 9 holes, or 18 holes with a skills clinic by Patti Butcher, LPGA.  Register online at migolfleague.com.

Come shoot sporting clays at Blendon Pines Gun Club in Zeeland! Great for families or friends, as you are outside and can easily distance in the fresh air! It’s like golf with a gun. New shooters, no problem! Onsite instructors will start you with a safety talk and demonstration.  Great for couples, families, small groups and those seeking a new experience. Full gun store, with ammo, clothing, guns, flashlights, knives, hats, shirts, and more available onsite. Blendon Pines is open Wednesday through Saturday. For more, call 616-875-7000 or visit Blendon Pines online.

Local trumpeter kicks of Sounds of Summer series tomorrow

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Max Colley III kicks off the Sounds of Summer concert series tomorrow. (Supplied/Max Colley III)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Trumpeter extraordinaire Max Colley III will kick off the 2020 Sounds of Summer concert series tomorrow at Cutler Park.

The popular concert series is one of the few free concert series that will take place this summer. The concert is set for 7 p.m. and organizer Patty Williams said there will be social distancing guidelines including groups sitting at least six feet a part.

Colley has earned many honors over the years including being named the 2014 Musician of the Year by the West Michigan Jazz Society. He has performed with several area groups such as the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra and Gumbo Nuveau, as well as his own Max Colley III Quartet. 

Through his Facebook, Colley has stated he is excited about being able to performing considering so many summer concerts have been cancelled. 

“I always look forward to this and try and keep it fresh and new each year,” Colley wrote on his Facebook page. He has been part of the Sounds of Summer concert series for about 20 years. “It will be hot, but I guarantee it won’t be snowing!”

Joining Colley on stage is Jordan VanHemert on sax, Kazuki Takemura on bass, Elijah Cosby on drums, and Colley will be trumpet and drums. 

The Sounds of Summer includes family friendly activities. All performers start at 7 p.m. The shows are sponsored by Byron Township. 

“We know that people really look forward to this,” said Byron Township Supervisor Tom Hooker about the annual Sounds of Summer concert series. “We just felt this was an opportunity for people to get out and look forward to something that was different.”

Upcoming performances include Jaded July 9, Oat Bran Boys July 16, Dusty Chaps July 23 and LWND July 30. For more information about the Sounds of Summer, click here. 

Lack of cash poses risks to many Michigan nonprofits

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Johnson Center for Philanthropy

By Nate Hoekstra
Grand Valley State University

A large percentage of Michigan nonprofit organizations face risks of a break in operational continuity due to a lack of cash on hand, according to an analysis of tax return data by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

Researchers used data from 2015 and 2017 IRS 990 tax forms to set a baseline for where Michigan’s nonprofits began 2020 financially, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Using that data, they determined the median number of months of cash on hand for Michigan charitable nonprofits (excluding hospitals and college/universities) is two months. That number increases to five-and-a-half months counting cash and cash equivalents. Both figures are identical to the national average for U.S. charitable nonprofits.

According to the analysis, one-third of Michigan’s charitable nonprofits have less than one month of cash on hand. These organizations employ two-thirds of the sector’s employees: more than 163,000 people work for nonprofits with less than one month’s cash on hand. Those organizations pay $4.8 billion each year in salaries and benefits. Researchers say until nonprofits are operational again, Michigan’s return to “normal” employment will be at risk.

These same low-cash nonprofits reported engaging 431,622 volunteers, which is nearly half of the 1 million volunteers reported on all Michigan 990 tax returns. The report indicates that until volunteers feel safe returning to nonprofits, these nonprofits are facing multiple perils: low cash along with a large decline in labor force in the form of employees and volunteers.

“There are still many uncertainties about how COVID-19 will affect nonprofits in Michigan and elsewhere,” said Jeff Williams, director of the Johnson Center’s Community Data and Research Lab. “What we do know is that, in nearly all cases, recovery is not a single event. It will be messy, iterative, and it will likely take years to reach.”

With nonprofits at risk due to a lack of cash, some nonprofit experts are calling for private foundations, which are required by law to pay out 5 percent of their endowment value each year, to distribute more than that amount this year.

Williams and the Johnson Center data team ran a simulation to determine what might happen to endowments in different market and payout scenarios.

Their findings suggest that payouts from private foundations can double or triple in 2020, while still maintaining at least 80 percent of their current value by the end of 2024, unless the country faces a long recovery. Williams said if COVID-19 economic shocks pass through the financial markets even by the end of next year, increased payouts will have very little effect on a five-year outlook, and will largely be erased after 10 to 20 years of compounding earnings.

More details on the Johnson Center’s findings are available at JohnsonCenter.org.

Just be cool and wear a mask even in the summer heat

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As it warms up, wearing a mask is still important to reduce COVID-19 transmissions. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Even with 90-degree weather scheduled for this week, now is not the time to stop wearing masks according to local health officials.

As cases of COVID-19 rise throughout the world — the number of confirmed COVID cases worldwide is more than 10 million with the U.S. reporting more than 2.5 million COVID cases — one of the biggest preventatives is wearing a mask, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 

According to the CDC website, cloth face coverings are recommended as “a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice.”

“For outdoor gatherings, masking remains key in preventing transmission,” said Doreen Marcinek, manager of infection prevention at Spectrum Health. “If unable to mask for health reasons, social distancing of at least 6 feet is recommended.”

It’s all about the fabric

Light color masks will be cooler than dark as they do not absorb ultraviolet light. (WKTV)

During warms days, Marcinek recommends wearing a cotton mask as it may be more comfortable. Cotton is a more breathable option than other fabrics, but it can also absorb sweat, which could cause issues on hot and humid days. Marcinek said she encourages people to carry a couple of masks with them so they can switch the masks out if one does become saturated.

Another light weight option are masks made form bamboo. According to The Miami Herald, bamboo is 40 percent more absorbent that organic cotton fabrics and it can absorb up to three times its weight in liquid. Bamboo is  known for its  insulation properties, allowing it to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. Also because of its antibacterial properties, its is less likely to develop an order. 

Remember that lighter colors, white and pastels, tend to reflect ultraviolet rays and will be cooler than wearing darker colors such as black or dark blue. 

If you can’t breathe, remove the mask

According to the CDC, if a person is having trouble breathing, it is OK to remove a mask. When the mask is removed, the person should adhere to the six feet of social distancing. 

In fact, the CDC recommends the following people not wear masks: 

  • Children 2 and under
  • Anyone who has trouble breathing
  • Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.

There are other reasons as well for people not to wear masks, such as those who are hard of hearing and rely on reading lips and those who work in manufacturing where the strings of the mask could get caught in the machinery. For the list, click here.

Skin care important

A mask should cover the nose and the chin. Megan VanderMaas, a physician assistant at Metro Health Cosmetic Treatment Center said there are no special tricks or ways to wear a mask without compromising the integrity and fit of it.

“Wearing a mask for long hours you are bound to get irritation, potential acne, redness, etc.,” VanderMaas said. One of the thing she would recommend is keeping the face clean and free of make up. The makeup can build up under the mask and clog the pores. Washing the face in the morning and night will help remove any dirt and oils from the day.

VanderMaas said after wearing a mask, try putting on products that will help soothe and calm any area with irritation. Also making sure the skin is well hydrated and try to avoid harsh products that may irritate the skin more, she said.

Wash and repeat

Make sure to wash you cotton masks. The CDC recommends that cotton masks be washed daily and allowed to dry completely before wearing again. 

Many publications recommend that you wash your mask in hot water and use high heat to dry to eliminate as many germs as possible. Also ironing a mask after washing will help to eliminate germs as well.

Basic health tips in dealing with hot weather

Our health experts mentioned that when the heat and humidity are high to take the normal precautions to avoid overheating or heat stroke.  From the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health website:

  • Stay indoors and away from the sun.
  • If you must work outdoors, drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
  • Wear light colored clothing that is lightweight and loose fitting and wear a hat. 

UICA moving to former Grand Rapids Art Museum space, putting 2 Fulton up for sale

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UICA will be moving to the Woodbridge N. Ferris building, the former home of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) announces its intention to relocate from its 2 Fulton West space to the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, 17 Pearl Street, on the campus of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, in Spring 2021. All in-person UICA programming, which has been paused due to COVID-19, will continue to be on hiatus until the organization reopens in the Ferris Building.

The decision was finalized June 17 by the Ferris Board of Trustees.

The UICA identity and mission will remain when it reopens in the LEED-Gold certified Ferris Building, which, until 2007, was the home to Grand Rapids Art Museum. One of the biggest questions that came to light with the announcement is what would happen to the alternative movie offerings at UICA. According to officials, UICA is working on outdoor movies, movie panel discussion opportunities, and potential upcoming partnerships.  

“The impact of COVID-19 has led us to rethink how we work and provide programming in the future, and I’m confident our re-envisioning of UICA will help it succeed,” said Kendall Interim President Tara McCrackin. “We realize this is an unexpected announcement, but we believe it is a necessary move to ensure UICA continues to be a leading cultural arts destination in Grand Rapids.”

UICA Executive Director Miranda Krajniak has been actively participating in this process and believes that UICA’s future stability enhances, not diminishes, its commitment to the community, and strengthens its connection to Kendall.

“We believe a smaller footprint and associated expenses will allow UICA a more stable foundation going forward,” said Krajniak. “Additionally, for some time now, UICA has been managing Kendall’s student art exhibition spaces, so the move will provide for more efficient operations and present a stronger alignment between Kendall and UICA.”

After a University-wide review of all programming, and subsequent conversations between Ferris, Kendall and UICA leadership, it became apparent that UICA’s current location, the 2 Fulton West building, is too large and expensive for the University to maintain going forward. 

The intent is to immediately begin adjusting the space at the Ferris Building to accommodate UICA. The building offers a world-class space that will easily allow UICA to re-envision its public offerings including activating an outdoor area for the downtown and student community.

Although the location will be different, UICA’s exhibitions and programs will continue to present the voices of those who have been oppressed, marginalized and exploited by society.

“We pledge to continue to work to recognize and act against the inequities that systematically hurt artists, neighbors, and diverse communities and to show work that reflects our entire community,” Krajniak added.

“We look forward to enhancing our partnership with UICA and the arts in West Michigan,” said Ferris President David Eisler. “The UICA plays an important role in the Grand Rapids community, and Ferris State University is pleased to see the relationship strengthened with Kendall College of Art and Design.”