Incumbent Maurice H. Groce and candidate Lily Cheng-Schulting have advanced to the Nov. 7 general election for the Kentwood City Commission At-Large Seat.
Groce recieved 2,046 votes (48.11%), while Cheng-Schulting tallied 1,718 (40.40%). JaWhan A. Jackson (President of UAW Local 330) finished third with 479 votes (11.26%).
If a candidate received 50% of the vote, they would have secured the seat during the primary election. The overall turnout was 10.53% (4,267 votes).
Groce has been involved with the City of Kentwood since 2007, and a City Commissioner At-Large since getting appointed in 2018. (See his WKTV We the People video below.)
He is currently the academy liaison officer for the West Michigan Aviation Academy, and previously served as a vice president and branch manager for Mercantile Bank, and a financial planner for Prudential Financial.
Cheng-Schulting is the co-chair of the Kent County Progressive Caucus, vice chair of the Progressive Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party, and Founder and President of Disability A-TEAM of West Michigan. She’s also a Board Member At Large, Michigan Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Committee. (See her WKTV We the People video below.)
The winner of this non-partisan Kentwood seat will serve a four-year term as commissioner At-Large.
Adult and nymphal spotted lanternfly on tree-of-heaven in Pennsylvania. (Courtesy, Heather Leach/Michigan State University)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
The list of invasive species disrupting West Michigan’s land and water is eerily long, and seemingly a battle ordinary people can only stand by and watch. Whether it’s the garlic mustard weed choking out forest floors and backyards or the spotted lanternfly attacking grape vines and apple crops, the feeling could be: “What can I do?”
Turns out there is a lot that people can do, starting with keeping an eye out for the much-in-the-news spotted lanternfly, reporting sightings to the proper authorities, and doing a bit of back-yard eradication if you find one and are not squeamish about squishing them.
WKTV went to Michigan’s own “invasive” pest experts, Michigan State University’s renown Agriculture Department, for information on the “SLF” and two other invasions impacting local residents and homeowners: the cancerous spread of the garlic mustard plant and the tree-killing appetite of the emerald ash borer.
And in all the cases, the public can play a role in the battle against the invasives.
The City of Kentwood, the Kent County Conservation District, and other local groups are harnessing community action and volunteers to battle garlic mustard though education and sweat equity.
And while MSU and other institutional “best minds” are studying ways to battle the ash borer, local land management companies now have the ability to “inoculate” ash trees to give them a fighting chance against the pest.
Aiding local agriculture by being aware, vengeful
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive first found in Pennsylvania in 2014 before spreading to New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, as detailed in an MSU article. In 2022, a small breeding population was found in Oakland County, Michigan.
The spotted lanternfly are most often seen in tree-of-heaven (an invasive, fast-growing tree found sporadically throughout Michigan), wild and cultivated grapevines, as well as silver and red maple, black walnut, butternut, birch, willow and sumac. But there is concern about long-term impact on orchard crops such as apples.
“SLF is also considered a significant nuisance pest in residential landscapes in regions where high populations exist,” authors Heather Leach and Julianna Wilson state in the above mentioned March 2023 MSU article. But the presence of the spotted lanternfly in Michigan “poses a significant threat to the Michigan grape industry and we are asking all growers to be on the lookout for this important new pest.”
Help stop the spread
But the MSU article also lays out how the general public can get involved.
The MSU article details how to spot and report SLF sightings, including reporting findings to Eyes in the Field, a website monitored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or through Kent County’s local MSU Extension Office.
And if a member of the public is not squeamish, there is another possible action.
“If you see only a few SLF, they are easy to kill by squishing adults or immature stages and scraping to remove egg masses,” the article by Leach and Wilson states.
Likewise, according to the Michigan Invasive Species section of Michigan.gov, in order to help stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly, you must:
Take a picture
Squish it
Report it
Garlic mustard: see ‘em, pull ‘em! Eat ‘em?
The first step in battling garlic mustard is recognizing it, and recognizing when and how to attack it — and knowing where to go to for help and support.
Garlic mustard growing along roadways can be spread by mowing crews. (Rebecca Finneran/Michigan State University)
“A native to Europe, garlic mustard was originally introduced in North America by settlers for its ‘proclaimed’ medicinal properties and use in cooking,” Rebecca Finneran, Michigan State University Extension, writes in the article. “Unfortunately, because of its invasive habit, garlic mustard is rapidly dominating the forest floor, changing woodland habitat for plants and animals alike. Given the chance, it will also invade the home landscape and even take over patches of existing groundcover.”
“It’s a continuing battle and we encourage our park stewards and residents who are confident they can identify the plant to remove it early in the spring before it has a chance to drop its seeds,” said Spencer McKellar, Kentwood Deputy Parks and Recreation Director/Project Manager. “We know it’s a problem at a few locations but this spring we spent time at both the Kentwood Community Garden property (next to Veterans Memorial Park/Kentwood Activities Center) and at Stanaback Park.”
But, he pointed out, this is not a one time fix “but an ongoing and yearly effort that will be needed to keep this particular invasive specie at bay.”
The city, and its effort partner the Kent Conservation District, has held educational workshops and hands-on work parties to help battle not only garlic mustard but the bittersweet vine as well — “This is another one of those troublesome plants that we will have to watch for and note where it’s found for further treatment,” McKellar said.
Mowing not effective
One of the problems with garlic mustard in public places is that mowing often simply cuts them, leaves the roots in place, and can even spread seeds if mowing occurs at the wrong time of the year.
People, though, can battle garlic mustard on their own land and in their own backyard as well, but there are some dos and don’ts.
“Smaller garlic mustard infestations can be controlled with a watchful eye and rigorous hand pulling during spring before other vegetation greens up, with early spring before flowering being ideal,” MSU Extension’s Finneran writes in her article. “The plants are relatively easy to pull, but they are brittle, so be sure you are lifting the entire plant out of the ground and not just breaking off the top.”
Bagging and disposing of pulled plants with municipal waste headed to a landfill or incinerator is allowed in Michigan.
And what is killing my Ash tree?
American ash, or white ash, are local versions of a tree species that have a long cultural history in Europe after likely originating in Africa and Asia Minor, and have been a staple in American woodlands, according to another article published by Michigan State University.
But the invasive emerald ash borer — native to Russia and North eastern Asia, and first discovered in the United States and Michigan in 2002, likely through the import of wood and wooden shipping pallets from those regions — has been spreading and killing local Ash trees in droves for two decades.
The emerald ash borer. (Courtesy, Michigan State University)
There is work being done on ways to help nature control the insects, as happens in its native habitats and as detailed in the MSU article. But the infestation is so new that extensive studies must come before effective remedies are deployed.
The emerald ash borer is “considered the most destructive and costly forest insect to ever invade North America.”
The emerald ash borer (EAB) “is now in 35 states, five Canadian provinces and is considered the most destructive and costly forest insect to ever invade North America,” Deborah McCullough, MSU forest entomology professor, states in the article.
“In the case of EAB, there was very little known about this insect when it was discovered, and in many ways, we started from scratch,” McCullough said. “We needed to learn the life cycle of the insect and develop methods to survey it, control it, and to tell people confidently what they could expect about impacts.”
What is known, however, is that there is a usually effective treatment available from local arborists and landcare companies to inoculate trees with minor infections.
Pressurized trunk infusion to the rescue
“TREE-äge (Emamectin Benzoate) came to the rescue in our fight to save ash trees from the emerald ash borer,” Nick Clement, an arborist with All Season Lawn Care, said to WKTV. “The chemical is delivered via a pressurized trunk infusion. Holes are drilled into the base of the trunk of the tree and self-sealing injection ports are installed. The injection needles are then inserted into the ports and the chemical is pushed into the cambium of the tree.”
Once the tree has been treated, the chemical provides two seasons of residual control in the tree, he added.
For more information
For general information about Michigan’s invasive species, visit michigan.gov/invasives.
For more information on local invasive species and how to get involved with the Kent Conservation District’s efforts, visit here.
Today through September 30, drivers can visit a local Shell station and fill up at the designated fueling pump to support Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank-Kids’ Backpack Program.
Marshall-based Johnny’s Markets, owned by Walters-Dimmick Petroleum, is joining with Shell USA (Shell) on The Giving Pump as part of its Force For Good initiative to drive positive change in local communities by giving back.
A portion of the purchases made by consumers who use the designated pump at 70 Shell stations across Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo will support the charities Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank, along with local schools and hospitals.
The Giving Pump will be specially marked with colorful signage at participating Shell gas stations to inspire consumers to fuel up and support two local food organizations: South Michigan Food Bank and Kids’ Food Basket. It’s easy to participate in the program, and it costs customers nothing extra.
South Michigan Food Bank — currently serving 33,000 meals a day across eight counties — works to eliminate hunger by providing healthy and nutritious food to those in need. This year’s donations from Giving Pump will go toward the nonprofit’s BackPack Program, which sends non-perishable meal packages home with students in low-income households, giving children access to food over the weekends and during school breaks. Each package contains enough food for seven meals.
“Many may not realize it, but folks and food banks alike are under a lot of pressure right now,” said Peter Vogel, CEO of South Michigan Food Bank. “During the pandemic, there were plenty of funds flowing to organizations tackling food insecurity. In the past year, though, many of those resources have dried up while demand — the need for affordable food — in our communities remains elevated. The Giving Pump is coming at the perfect time to help these people, and we are blessed to have Johnny’s Markets’ support.”
Kids’ Food Basket’s mission is to nourish kids to reach their full potential. They work with the community to serve 10,000 nutritious evening meals to kids in four West Michigan counties every weekday. KFB is also home to two farms that not only serve as a classroom for STEM education, but also provide fresh produce directly back to the community.
(Kids’ Food Basket)
“Right now, the reality is that most food banks, like so many of the good people we serve, are trying to do a lot more with way less,” said Ashley Diersch, Vice President of Development at Kids’ Food Basket. “By teaming up with The Giving Pump, it gives everybody an opportunity to make an impact and really shows that everything — whether it’s one penny or a million — makes a difference.”
Johnny’s Markets brand, owned by Walters-Dimmick Petroleum, is home to more than 60 convenience stores and fuel stations across Michigan and Indiana. With the purpose of being a reliable source of goodness in the community, the company supports programs and events that help pave the path for young people to be successful.
(Courtesy, Johnny’s Markets)
“As an established member of the Western Michigan community, we believe we can do more by supporting local children’s organizations so that kids may receive what is needed to help them develop and succeed,” said J.P. Walters, President and CEO of Walters-Dimmick Petroleum. “We chose these charities for The Giving Pump because we want to continue growing our relationships with great organizations who support our communities, and there are no better examples of that than Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank.”
In addition to The Giving Pump, Walters-Dimmick has hosted an annual charity event called the Northern Classic for over 30 years, where 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to improve the lives of many in Western Michigan. In the past decade, the Northern Classic charity event has raised more than $1 million for multiple charities including Kids’ Food Basket, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund.
This year, more than 7,500 Shell stations across the US are participating in this two-month Giving Pump initiative to support 532 local charities. Those looking to find a participating station can visit shell.us/givingpump. Since 2021, Shell wholesalers and retailers donated over $4.6M and supported over 400 children’s charities through The Giving Pump.
To learn more about how you can join South Michigan Food Bank in taking a stand against hunger, visit smfoodbank.org. Visit kidsfoodbasket.org for more on Kids’ Food Basket programs, services and how you can make a difference. Visit shell.us/givingpump to find additional program details, participating sites and content about local charities.
Emmanuel Hospice patient James Van Nuil (front) fishing at his favorite spot on the Grand Haven State Park pier. Behind him is RN Case Manager David Stephens. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
By Emmanuel Hospice
In today’s world, it’s tough to pin down a fact.
And for those who work in hospice especially, it’s more important than ever to keep educating an inquisitive public – and to dispel myths surrounding a viable medical option that’s been around the better part of five decades.
“I think the biggest one we still run into is, ‘Wow, I don’t want to sign my loved one up because it’s like signing a death warrant,’” says Jan Amato, business development specialist for Emmanuel Hospice. “That’s a huge misconception we deal with all the time. Hospice isn’t about giving up – it’s about living more.
“In truth, hospice is for people who may have weeks and months to live. And that’s not the only myth we are constantly debunking.”
Others, says Amato, include:
Hospice is only for cancer patients. Not true, as more than half of hospice patients are facing other challenges.
Hospice is a “place.” Again, misleading, as some 70 percent of hospice patients receive care in their own homes.
Its practitioners are too aggressive regarding the use of morphine. In truth, hospice workers are not interested in hastening death and are careful about morphine and all the medical options they bring to bedside. Instead, they’re focused – especially in Emmanuel’s case – on “how you want to live” during the precious time remaining.
That hospice is only for those in their last days and hours. Actually, many hospice patients are still engaged in day-to-day activities. They travel. They’re up and around and interacting.
Hospice, Amato stresses, is available to anyone diagnosed with life expectancy of six months or less. But even if you defy those odds and “graduate” from hospice, you can become eligible again without prejudice.
Another misnomer is that hospice is designed for patients only. At Emmanuel, the emphasis is on treating patients and friends and loved ones, addressing not only physical concerns, but emotional, social and spiritual needs as well.
Amato says clients are often surprised to learn Emmanuel offers many complementary therapies that bring everything from massage to music to aromatherapy to pet visits to art experiences to patients. All at no extra cost.
And speaking of cost, myths abound there, too. Normally, there is no direct cost to patients and families for hospice care. Medicare and most other insurers cover all or most of hospice expenses.
Many of the myths surrounding hospice emanate from our culture’s reluctance to talk about death and dying, Amato maintains. In a word, too many of us are in denial. When we face the fact we all must succumb to something sometime, it opens the doors to communication, and the more we talk, the more we’re liable to become educated.
To do the opposite is to possibly delay calling for hospice when the time is right. While that might satisfy the desires of some family members, it might not be what the patient really desires or needs. A capable hospice worker serves as that “extra set of eyes and ears,” acting in the best interests of that patient and working alongside loved ones to counsel them as things progress.
“We’re not there to provide cures, but instead comfort and care,” says Amato. “And when people realize that and more, patients often tell us something we hear too often: ‘I should have called you sooner.’”
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market has some exciting events planned throughout the rest of the summer, including the annual Charcuterie Challenge, Kids Day and more.
In addition to shopping for delicious, fresh produce and local goods at the market, community members of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy during these special events. Kids Day, the Dog Days of Summer, the third annual Charcuterie Challenge and the End of Season Celebration are on deck for the remainder of the market season.
“Our special events make the market a little extra fun for everyone,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you want to play with pups or show off your charcuterie skills, the Kentwood Farmers Market has an event for you.”
Upcoming August and September events at the market include:
National Farmers Market Week celebration Aug. 10 featuring a food demonstration and food samples as well as food trucks: Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze.
Kids Day on Aug. 17 featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo as well as kids crafts and activities. There will be a bubble machine, face painting, food trucks: Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian-Ice and more.
Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 24 featuring a variety of dog organizations like Captivated Canine, Paws with a Cause, Dippin’ Dogs and more, along with adoption opportunities through the Humane Society of West Michigan as well as food trucks: Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo.
Charcuterie Challenge on Aug. 31 featuring a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients and food trucks: El Jalapeno and Dune Buggy. To enter the contest, fill out the online form at bit.ly/KentwoodCharcuterieChallenge.
End of Season Celebration on Sept. 7 featuring food demos and samples as well as food trucks: Patty Matters and Semifreddo.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Farmers Market runs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 7 behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. It provides a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more, and features 20-plus local vendors and special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
For more information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including links to become a vendor or volunteer, visit KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
Kentwood and Wyoming celebrated National Night Out on Aug. 1 as police officers, firefighters and leaders joined residents at multiple gatherings throughout the two cities.
An annual event celebrated across the country since 1984, National Night Out seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.
Many community-based events were hosted throughout the evening and featured a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog.
Wyoming and Kentwood residents had the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment and learn about a variety of safety topics at several local locations in both cities.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley
“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said.
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.
“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”
Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema
“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said.
Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster
“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way.”
Tina Austin (left) and Jennifer VanderMeer. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributor
In 2011, Jennifer VanderMeer was working on a project in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During a walk along the James River on her day off she noticed a man with two young girls. The girls were crying because their dad was going to pitch two ducklings into the water.
VanderMeer intervened.
“That was my first rescue,” she said. For six weeks, the ducklings lived with VanderMeer in an apartment. When the job ended she brought them home to Michigan where they lived long, spoiled lives.
VanderMeer is an ornithologist. “I love birds. It’s a passion and has been a profession for over 20 years,” she said.
For years she volunteered for Michigan Duck Rescue. In October 2020, with the encouragement of her late husband Lenny Rockwell, she opened Wanderlust Acres Animal Sanctuary. The Rockford-based rescue specializes in ducks.
“Ducks and other domestics get overlooked,” VanderMeer said. “They need someone to be their voice. They’re sweet souls.”
Home to 130 ducks, 10 breeds
Close to 130 ducks are housed at Wanderlust with 10 breeds represented. Each duck has a name and VanderMeer can tell the story about how each one came to be a resident of the sanctuary. Most are from Michigan: Millennium Park, the Flat River in Lowell, the Muskegon Causeway, a busy intersection in Jenison, a Sand Lake park, a pond behind Home Depot in Grandville and several other recognizable locations. A few came from Indiana and Illinois.
“They were dumped — in ponds, lakes, streams, wherever there is water,” VanderMeer said. “Don’t dump ducks. It’s illegal to abandon animals.”
Domestic ducks can’t fly, so they can’t escape predators. They also don’t know how to forage for food. “They either fall prey to a predator or they starve to death,” VanderMeer said.
Most of the dumped ducks are drakes; male ducks. She explained that people get ducks for their eggs. When they discover their ducks are drakes, they get rid of them. People also buy ducklings as Easter presents. When they grow up and the novelty wears off, the ducks are dumped. Ducks also come from classroom projects; eggs hatch into fluffy cute ducklings, and then what?
Ducks can live 10-20 years
Jennifer VanderMeer with Gertrude, who has a deformed leg. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)
The rescue of one duck, Gertrude, almost didn’t happen.
“Lenny said no more ducks,” VanderMeer recalled. But he agreed to go along to see the Khaki. Someone had put a zip tie on Gertrude’s leg when she was young. As the duckling grew the hard plastic didn’t budge causing deformity and infection.
Lenny’s no more ducks turned into we’re taking her after he witnessed the abuse done to the young duck. He even held her while the veterinarian examined her.
“He had the biggest heart,” VanderMeer said. Lenny died Sept.14, 2022, three months after being diagnosed with cancer. The couple had 21-1/2 years together.
While Lenny was sick VanderMeer devoted all her time to him and relied on volunteers, especially Tina Austin, to care for the ducks.
“She’s a godsend,” VanderMeer said.
Years ago, the two women met while working as waitresses. They reconnected through Facebook after the sanctuary was started. Tina, a vet-assistant and owner of a pet care business, has 17 chickens and seven ducks.
VanderMeer’s dad, a biologist and a lover of animals, also volunteers. He has five flocks at his Ada home that will soon be moved to the sanctuary.
Gertrude survived and is part of the Disabled Flock; all have leg issues. They live in a fenced area in the garage where they get extra care and aren’t stressed by abled ducks.
“Her leg is permanently disabled, but that doesn’t stop her. She’s very tenacious,” VanderMeer said.
Duck Village
The majority of the ducks live in Duck Village, a maze of dog kennels that provide homes to small flocks such as the Dirty Girls Flock, Eaters Flock and the 19-member Dutch Village Flock that came from the Dutch Village in Holland.
Each flock has a coop where they spend nights. The coops are latched, chained, and for extra security a cement brick is placed in front of its door. It takes close to an hour each evening to tuck all the flocks in for the night.
Numerous predators
Domestic ducks have numerous predators including raccoons, possums, fox, hawks, coyotes and snapping turtles.
“The words ‘sitting duck’ is quite applicable,” VanderMeer said.
Duck Village is predator-proof. The 20 enclosures have woven wire tops, chicken wire skirting, and dig guards. In addition, there is a camera surveillance system so Duck Village can be monitored at all times.
In the summer there is a pond where the ducks get supervised swim time.
Funded by donations
The sanctuary is funded through donations. It costs $300 to $500 per month for food and the wood shavings used for bedding. They go through a 40-pound bag of duck pellets every day. Ducks also eat corn, greens and mealy worms. They love fresh vegetables and fruit, but the food has to be cut into small pieces because ducks don’t have teeth. It takes close to four 5-gallon buckets of cut-up eatables to ensure enough for everyone.
Frozen peas are a favorite treat.
Last fall people from the Rockford area donated enough uncarved pumpkins to fill the garage.
VanderMeer sells duck eggs to help pay the bills. When egg sales and donations don’t cover expenses, VanderMeer pays the difference.
But the expense is worth it. While the ducks aren’t cuddly like a dog or cat, they can be sweet and sassy. They wiggle their tail feathers when they recognize their names and they’re trainable.
“They all have different personalities,” VanderMeer said.
When she told the usually chatty, loud flocks that Lenny had died there was silence across the sanctuary. Some ducks lowered their heads, others turned their backs to her, some went into their houses or into corners.
“Ducks understand more than people give them credit for. They’re feeling emotional creatures. They form strong bonds, not just with other ducks, but with people. A lot of people don’t see that.”
Since Lenny passed, VanderMeer has struggled with the workload of running and caring for the animals at the sanctuary. She also has three cats and four dogs.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has selected West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco to install a one-of-a-kind suspended art piece in the newly expanded Concourse A.
Thanks to support from the Frey Foundation, the Ford International Airport continues its commitment to showcasing local artists through its public art program. The Concourse A extension, part of a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth, will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, an aerial art installation and murals.
“We are thrilled to partner with Jeffrey, whose unique artistic vision and expertise will undoubtedly elevate the passenger experience,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “With millions of travelers passing through our Airport each year, we are delighted that the diverse talents of our art community will be shared with visitors from all over the world.”
Songco is a multidisciplinary artist who uses installation, sculpture, photography and video to explore the intersections of his personal story with contemporary American culture.
West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
“I’m truly honored to create artwork that depicts a story about West Michigan,” said Songco. “I’m grateful to the Ford International Airport Authority and the Frey Foundation for this opportunity, as well as the continued support of opportunities for regional artists. I’m passionate about the arts and culture of West Michigan, and I want this artwork to reflect that sense of pride.”
(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
The artwork, titled Facets, will consist of three large-scale, site-specific suspended sculptures, composed of hundreds of strands of colorful, multi-sided shapes.
“Like the sparkling gems of a necklace, this work is colorful and flashy,” said Songco. “I’ve had the privilege of engaging with local residents, workers, and visitors in a variety of ways, and Facets is a celebration of the different and beautiful faceted gems of our community.”
The Ford International Airport’s Concourse A expansion will transform the travel experience for passengers, featuring modern amenities, eight new gates, additional concession and retail concepts, sustainable design elements and more. With Songco’s artwork as a focal point, the Airport can further enhance the guest experience, creating a memorable journey for all travelers passing through the space.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings throughout the city. Most events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and enable residents to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles while learning about important safety topics.
Mayor Kepley
“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We’re looking forward to spending an evening out and about in our city celebrating the community effort that makes Kentwood such a wonderful place to call home.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Food, fun and games Multiple community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. These include events at the following locations:
Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, will offer food and activities 5-8 p.m.
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party 6-8 p.m.
“Community outreach”
Kentwood Police Sargeant Tim Wierenga said community outreach is one of the main reasons for this event.
“Allowing our community members to engage with officers and elected officials near their homes, asking questions about current or ongoing issues that they may have not asked if this was not available and seeking input on how to handle disputes or just simply saying ‘Hi,’ and sharing a pop or snack,” Wierenga said.
“Our department truly enjoys getting out and talking with the community in this very casual manner. I know that several party planners will reach out many months ahead of time due to the positive reactions they receive from their residents.”
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.
“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”
National Night Out was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. The observance seeks to promote community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO. Groups who are interested in hosting an event can reach out to Kentwood Police Officer Derrick Wolterink at wolterinkd@kentwood.us or 616-656-6569.
For the Michigan Aug. 8 primary and Nov. 7 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited all Kentwood City Commission candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
Kentwood City Commission is made up of seven officials, including the Mayor, elected by the residents. It is the City Commission’s responsibility to set policy and provide financial oversight for the City. All Kentwood elected officials serve a term of four years. The City Commission generally meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall unless otherwise posted.
The City of Kentwood Commissioner At-Large, one of two seats, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. The non-partisan candidates listed in the Aug. 8 primary are incumbent Commissioner Maurice H. Groce and candidates JaWhan Jackson and Lily Cheng-Schulting. Two candidates will advance to the Nov. 7 general election. Betsy Artz is in the middle of her term.
Maurice H. Groce, Incumbent Candidate, Kentwood Commissioner At-Large
Why are you running for office?:
I am running for re-election to retain my seat as Commissioner At-Large. I have been involved with the City of Kentwood since 2007 serving on the Local Officer Compensation Committee, Housing Commission, Planning Commissioner, and three times as a City Commissioner.
My drive and commitment to serving the City of Kentwood are centered around championing public safety, safeguarding the city budget, promoting better communication, and planning for the future generations of our city.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount. I am dedicated to working closely with our department leaders to implement effective strategies to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Responsible fiscal management is crucial for the prosperity of our city. I will work to safeguard taxpayer dollars by diligently examining the city budget, identifying areas of potential savings, and prioritizing essential services and infrastructure development. By promoting better communication channels, we can forge stronger partnerships, address community needs, and work collaboratively to make our city an even better place to live. I will work to plan for the long-term future, ensuring a balanced and inclusive growth that preserves our city’s unique identity and legacy.
I am devoted to upholding these values as your City Commissioner. I humbly ask for your support and trust on August 8 as we work together to build a safer, prosperous and united City for ourselves and for the generations to come.
Two Issues You are Focused on:
Championing Public Safety
·Prioritizing funding for police and fire services to meet the needs of the community.
·Advocating for safe and healthy neighborhoods by supporting community policing efforts and building positive relationships between law enforcement and residents.
·Supporting initiatives such as crime prevention programs and neighborhood watch initiatives.
Safeguarding the City Budget
·Continue to be a driving force to keep Kentwood a city with a continually balanced and fiscally responsible budget.
·Committed to ensuring the city budget is allocated and spent efficiently without wasteful expenditures.
·Forecast budgeting assessments for future projects, challenges and liabilities to ensure the city’s financial stability.
JaWhan A. Jackson — Candidate, Kentwood Commissioner At-Large
Occupation: President of UAW Local 330
Why are you running for office?:
I’m running to represent all of Kentwood’s residents. I believe in community and I have a passion for service.
Two issues you are focused on:
I will prioritize public safety by listening to our Police and Firefighters unions to address their concerns. It’s upsetting that for years the firefighters have begged the City to invest in a training center only to be denied repeatedly.
Affordable housing is a top priority for Kentwood. People who work here should be able to live here. Our economy can only be sustained if our workforce has suitable housing. I will work to increase affordable housing and advocate for development that serves the needs of all.
The City of Kentwood Ward 1, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9 and 17, roughly the southwest areas of the city. Incumbent 1st Ward Commissioner Robert Coughlin is running unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, and Clarkston Morgan is in the middle of his term.
Kentwood City Commission Ward 2
The City of Kentwood Ward 2, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-16 and 18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. David Moore II will run against incumbent candidate Ron Draayer in the Nov. 7 general election in this non-partisan race, while Jessica Ann Tyson is in the middle of her term.
Ron Draayer — Incumbent Candidate
Occupation: Kentwood City Commissioner (since 2019); Computer Science and Cyber-Security Professor — Davenport University (Emeritus)
Why are you running for office?:
I am running for office to ensure that our residents continue to receive top-quality service from our City workers and that our tax dollars are safe and well-utilized.
Two issues you are focused on:
My top priority will continue to be the safety of our residents with strong support for our police officers, fire fighters and first responders.
Another priority will be to continue Kentwood’s strong financial position so that we can support and maintain our wonderful parks and trails along with city streets and other city facilities.
David Moore II — Candidate
Occupation: Self-employed Writer
Why are you running for office?:
Kentwood needs commissioners who will listen to its residents and invest in making their city feel like home.
Two issues you are focused on:
1. Overseeing that the voter-approved Parks and Recreation millage is spent as was promised.
2. Working closely with Mayor Stephen Kepley and other Kentwood commissioners to ensure Kentwood empowers and rewards its residents with clean and safe streets and responsible spending of city revenue and tax dollars.
Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan (right) joined WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer in the studio to discuss the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
The first Kentwood Commissioner I met after taking the job as managing editor at WKTV was Clarkston Morgan. On that day we talked about the Kentwood Little Free Pantry, and most memorably, he said it was “very near and dear to his heart.”
That meeting eventually culminated into Morgan coming into our studio to tape a WKTV Journal show on the Little Free Pantry.
“I have a passion for people,” said Morgan, founder and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC and an executive pastor and a city commissioner. “When you are always working with those that are in need and asking for help, you’re always connecting them to the resources that can help them. I can send anyone to the pantry without them worrying about checking IDs or their backgrounds; individuals can go right in, get what they need and come right out.
“It’s simple. There are no questions with the Little Free Pantry. There’s no embarrassment; all you do is get what you need and then you go home and bless your family. You’re our family and that’s why we do this.”
No questions asked
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (WKTV)
At the time it opened, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said, “This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood. Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”
During the taping of the WKTV Journal show, Morgan continued along those lines and added, “You look at Kentwood as a community of 80 nations and 90 different languages. Dr. King’s message was his dream of all the cultures coming together and supporting one another. We are living out King’s dream of what it means to have unity. And unity comes around food, breaking bread at the table together.”
The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE
Sparks Belting Company, 5005 Kraft Ave, Suite A
Suggested food donations include:
Meats, canned, tuna and chicken preferred
Vegetables, canned
Fruits, canned
Shelf stable milk
Non-stick spray
Peanut butter
Pasta sauce
Cooking oil
Jam/Jelly
Cereals
Pasta
Rice
Soup
* Please be sure to check the expiration date on food items before bringing them in for donation.
Personal care item suggestions:
Soap of all kinds
Shampoo/conditioner
Disposable razors
Feminine products
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Diapers
Some other ideas include:
Kid-friendly non-perishables
Crayons, small toys, games
School supplies
To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Soccer players enjoy playing on the newer grass surface at Veterans Memorial Park where soccer games also take place under the lights. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
When it comes to soccer, the city of Kentwood has been and still is a hotbed for the world’s sport. From youth leagues to the varsity teams at East Kentwood High School, Kentwood has a long tradition of soccer excellence.
The popularity of soccer also is evident among mature soccer players. Many adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s continue playing the game they enjoy for fun in one of the soccer leagues that Kentwood Parks and Rec offers.
The recreation soccer leagues have been going strong for over 20 years. There are currently four leagues taking place in the summer with a total of 23 teams. The leagues include a co-ed recreation league, a co-ed competitive league and men’s and women’s leagues. All the leagues have strong numbers this year and have been popular with area soccer players for years.
“The soccer leagues are a real nice option for adults who enjoy soccer in the greater Kentwood area,” said soccer program director Spence McKellar. “We’ve had the leagues for over 20 years and they are well established.”
The leagues play at three primary locations. Matches take place at Kellogg Woods Park, Pinewood Park as well as Veterans Memorial Park which is home to several matches during the week. The soccer field at Veterans Memorial Park is especially popular as it is a lighted field and has matches going well into the evening from the start of the season in the spring to the summer/fall league that concludes in October.
Referee Dale Sanborn talks with team captains before a recent match in the Kentwood Recreation Department’s soccer leagues. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Dale Sanborn has been around the league for 20 years and has experienced the league in a couple of ways. Sanborn began playing in the league in 2003 and continued as a player until retiring in 2020. Sanborn also began to referee in the league in 2008 and is currently still a referee.
“The leagues are very popular,” Sanborn said. “We’ve had a pretty steady number of teams throughout the years and we have a lot of teams during the fall. I think we are the only league around that has an outdoor league in the fall. We also have a new grass field at Veterans Park along with the lights and that is a big draw.”
The leagues are open to players of all ages and soccer background. Along with many former high school and college players, the league has players with limited soccer experience and backgrounds who just want to play to have fun and meet other soccer enthusiasts.
Alex Pastor has been playing in the league for five years and is a goalkeeper.
“The league is fun,” Pastor said. “I joined five years ago and I’m on my current team after learning that they needed a goaltender. The league is a great way to meet new people and have fun. Even if you are brand new to the sport you can play and have fun.”
The Kentwood leagues draw soccer players from all over West Michigan. Chuck Wroblewski is a former high school soccer player from Wayland who currently plays in the league.
“It’s super fun,” Wroblewski said. “I’ve been playing in the league for five years and every year it is something that I look forward to. Playing with players you know and meeting new players, the league gives you a sense of community and that’s another reason I enjoy the league. There is a real community feeling to the league.”
Soccer players of all ages and soccer experience enjoy playing the game they enjoy in the Kentwood Recreation Department’s soccer leagues. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The number of teams has remained steady and the recreation department is looking to grow the league as well. There also are two seasons of leagues. The first season, a spring/summer league, begins in May and goes through July while a second season starts in early August and goes through October. The availability of lights at Veterans Memorial Park makes having the fall league possible when the days become shorter in the fall.
Signups are already being taken for the fall leagues. There will again be women’s, men’s and co-op leagues taking place in the fall. For more information on the upcoming fall leagues interested players can check out the Kentwood Parks and Recreation website.
East Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra hosts a podcast at WKTV called Great Lakes Music. Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University. (WKTV)
By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributor
A melomaniac is defined as a person who absolutely and enthusiastically loves music. Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra fits that definition wholeheartedly.
“Music is something I have been surrounded by for as long as I can remember,” he explained.
His Mom is a director of music, his father is a Latin percussionist and his siblings all have college music degrees. His grandmother is a talented singer and pianist.
“Currently, music has brought me connections to understanding the world and to people in a way that I plan on pursuing as far as I can,” he said emotionally.
Great Lakes Music host Judah Guerra (right) and guest Kevin Jones, a Michigan State University percussion instructor who has shared the stage or recorded with many musicians, including The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bebe and Cece Winans, Joey DeFrancesco, and many more. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
His music history started with flute lessons at the age of six. And then he joined the Grand Rapids Men and Boys Choir that year. Trombone came next in middle school followed by remarkable experiences at music camps. Thus began his love for jazz.
“I started playing electric bass in 8th grade because my dad had one and always to wanted me to play it. My junior year of high school I bought an upright bass because at that point I was coming to the point of my gigs where bass players weren’t handy,” he said of his love of the instrument.
In high school, Guerra participated in as many musical ensembles as possible. At Grand River Prep he was in the band, choir, jazz band, pep band, pit, and also had lead roles in musicals he participated in. He also played in college bands in the area, honor bands, Grand Youth Symphony, the St. Cecilia Jazz Orchestra and a band he started out of that orchestra called GR Groove. To say the least, he was very busy with music in high school.
During Guerra’s senior year he transferred to East Kentwood in order to be in-person during the pandemic.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra (left) and Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol. (WKTV)
“East Kentwood was extremely helpful in getting me to play at a higher level, and it was very inspiring to see my peers play because of the level they were at.“
Currently, Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University on a full scholarship. He studies bass and trombone with a world class faculty there, he noted.
“Michigan State has been an inspiring institution for me to continue my musical path.”
Great Lakes Music podcast at WKTV
Judah credits WKTV for giving him the opportunity to start a podcast named Great Lakes Music. He has always wanted to have a podcast ever since he started watching his heroes from far and wide talk when the world went online during the pandemic.
“I want Great Lakes Music to be able to highlight the musicians in Michigan at a high level, and to give people a sense of what talent is,” he enthused.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews and jams with local musician Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol.
The podcast itself highlights a new artist every episode.
“It is a chance for the guests to tell their story, give advice, and comment on the music scene as it is,” he explained.
“WKTV has been extremely helpful with the podcast and getting my name out there. The whole staff is out of this world in terms of their talent and kindness; two traits that are very rare to find,” he concluded.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews Joel Ferguson, former Verve Pipe band member.
Members of The Creamsicles celebrate a win, their first of the season, in a recent game. (Courtesy, Miriam Dietsche)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
For the teams and players in the Kentwood Parks and Rec Summer Co-Ed Adult Softball League, it is all about having fun with friends and families.
But, a home run trot and a win or two can be fun as well.
“We definitely have a few competitive players, but at the end of the day everyone is just there to have fun, be social, and get their bodies moving,” said Miriam Dietsche, team manager of The Creamsicles. “It’s our first year playing together, and we don’t have a great record … but I have been extremely impressed by how positive our team has stayed, and we are always hyped up for games.”
Kyler Marble gets high fives after a home run for The Creamsicles. He leads the team in homers this season with two grand slams. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
They were especially “hyped up” on a recent Tuesday night when the team won its first game of the season playing at Kentwood’s Kellogg Woods Park, a 14-6 win on June 13. (For schedule and standings of the Tuesday league and all of the City of Kentwood’s sponsored sports, visit here.)
“Our team is made up of mine and my boyfriend’s family, and a few friends,” Dietsche said. “Most of our team knew of each other before the season started, but over the past few weeks we have all grown a lot closer.
“We have a pretty interesting mix of people who have played softball competitively for a while, and people who had never swung a bat until a couple months ago. I decided to put the team together because I personally have played since high school and love the sport.”
The team’s sponsor is XYZ Motors — “My brother, also on the team, works for them and they were gracious enough to buy our shirts for us,” she added.
Kentwood’s Kellogg Woods Park hosts games
As part of its year-round, wide-ranging recreational offerings, Kentwood Parks and Recreation maintains several baseball and softball fields spread around its park system, also including fields at Home Acres, Northeast and Pinewood parks.
It also oversees other community activities associated with the fields.
“Our adult recreational softball offerings have been a popular option for decades that have created many lasting memories,” said Spencer McKellar, Kentwood Parks and Recreation deputy director. “In recent years we’ve hosted practices, youth clinics, sanctioned middle school games, as well as our adult recreational leagues all on our fields which is a great example of how our playing surfaces are intended to be a community resource for all ages and ability levels.”
Alicia Fields, a summer worker at the Kentwood Parks and Recreation department, handles the scoreboard — and gets in a little coursework reading — during a recent game. The city hires part-time and summer workers for many parks and recreation activities. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
On a recent Tuesday evening, not only was the Kellogg Woods main field prepped for the league games by the city, but a summer-hire city employee handled the scoreboard and a longtime player handled the umpiring duties.
“I’ve been playing softball every year for 32 years,” said Robert Vanderhart, who umpires the Tuesday night league. “I’ve umpired slow pitch softball for four-to-five years now, but I’ve been an umpire of all levels of baseball for close to 20.”
For Vanderhart, umpiring adult softball also is a way to continue being part of the “rec softball” community as well.
Robert Vanderhart umpires the Kentwood Tuesday night league and has played, coached and umpired softball and baseball for many years. (Courtesy Photo)
“I’m now umpiring for players who have played with me before and also for me when I coached youth ball 15 plus years ago,” he said. “And when I can, I like to help players develop … it’s the coach part in me.”
And over the years, Vanderhart says the fun part of the game is always shared with the competitive part of the game.
“Winning isn’t that important, but having fun and being competitive is,” he said. “If every game you play is very one sided it’s no fun for everyone … (and) if you could play and lose a good, close game or win by forfeit what would you rather do? I’d play.”
About Kentwood parks, softball league
For more information about City of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation programs visit here. For location and amenities of the city’s parks, visit here.
A team launching from the launch pad during the 2022 Fall Fling disc golf tournament and fundraiser. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
In the past couple decades, the community sport of disc golf has literally and figuratively taken flight in West Michigan, and it could be argued that some of the best courses to play begin with launch pads in the Kentwood Parks and Recreation system.
While the city may be mostly known for its innovative, off-season events — the annual Fall Fling and the mid-winter Freeze Fest — one of the areas premier disc golf businesses has nothing but praise for the city’s year-round courses and its commitment to the recreational sport; past, present and future.
Commemorative discs from the 2022 Fall Fling disc golf tournament and fundraiser. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“West Michigan was an early adopter of disc golf and has been a hotbed for the sport since the creator of disc golf, Ed Headrick, founded the Professional Disc Golf Association in 1976,” said Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc. “For the first 30 years of the sport, growth in its popularity was steady but minimal. Starting in the the early 2000s, the PDGA started seeing steady annual growth.”
And that growth was only slightly slowed by the COVID pandemic.
“During Covid, players in areas with disc golf courses installed found that you could practice social distancing while playing and an enormous amount of new players found the sport,” said Abbgy, a long-time partner with the City of Kentwood’s disc golf program whose business opened in 2015 and is located at 4321 Kalamazoo Ave., near the corner of 44th Street.
Kentwood has welcomed the expanded popularity and demand.
City courses improved, new course planned Laura Barbrick, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Market and Events Coordinator, said the city is committed to many community sports and disc golf is certainly one of them.
“We’ve offered youth disc golf lessons and skills clinics in the past and will continue to add new programs in the future to grow the sport with our residents,” Barbrick said. “We also host two disc golf tournaments each year in partnership with Great Lakes Disc … (Abbgy) helps coordinate our tournaments, has helped plan and design our disc golf courses, and is well connected with the disc golf community.”
Not only are there two full-time disc golf courses operated by the city, at Old Farm Park and Jaycee Park, but both have been or will be improved by last year’s voter approval of a parks millage.
And plans are for a third course at Covenant Park, where there is currently only winter “pop-up” disc golf play.
“Kentwood will soon be breaking ground on Phase III of renovations at Jaycee Park which include upgraded baskets, tee pads and signs for the disc golf course,” Abbgy said. “Part of the (millage funded) proposal for Covenant Park was a disc golf course for the property which would be Kentwood’s third disc golf course in their parks system and lay the ground for larger disc golf events to come to Kentwood.”
A disc golfer in action from the 2019 Fall Fling event. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Two annual events support Kentwood Little Free Pantry In partnership with Great Lakes Disc, the city hosts two disc golf tournaments, the Fall Fling at Old Farm Park, planned for November, and Freeze Fest, planned for February 2024.
According to Abbgy, the city and his company will be hosting the ninth annual Freeze Fest at Jaycee Park, scheduled for Feb. 17.
“The success of the Freeze Fest led us to add a second annual event, the Farm Fall Fling at Old Farm Park, in 2018,” he said. “This Nov. 11 we will be hosting the sixth annual Farm Fall Fling at Old Farm Park. Both events are food drives for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.”
While both events can be as much a weather challenge as a course challenge, both typically host 120-140 players at each event, and have seen over 180 players some years, he said.
But on any given weekday, or weekend, players and flying discs are flying in a first- come, first-served style course play.
About Kentwood Parks, Great Lakes Disc For more information about the Kentwood Parks and Recreation programs visit here. For location of the city’s Disc Golf parks with disc golf courses, visit here. For more information about Great Lakes Disc, visit here.
An Air Quality Alert has been issued across Michigan due to wildfire smoke from Quebec, Canada that has blanketed West Michigan, creating a haze that has drastically reduced visibility and air quality throughout the state.
With 483 active fires across Canada and that smoke infiltrating the United States, an Air Quality Alert has been issued for all of Michigan through June 28.
Earlier this week saw the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Grand Rapids well over 200, firmly in the “very unhealthy” category. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the AQI is classified as “unhealthy” with AirNow placing Grand Rapids at 195 and IQAir at 192.
While these numbers fluctuate and are projected to drop over the next few days, the current air quality has prompted health advisories that remain in effect.
Recommendations:
*Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
*Shorten the length of outdoor activities
*Move physical activities indoors or reschedule them
Wyoming concert and Whitecaps canceled Tuesday night events
Several West Michigan activities were canceled or postponed, including the West Michigan Whitecaps game scheduled for Tuesday evening and the Wyoming Concerts in the Park performance by Cabildo. The Whitecaps game has been rescheduled to Friday, June 30 as the first game of a doubleheader.
“Having to reschedule activities due to poor air quality was new terrain for us,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director. “While it was disappointing to postpone the concert, we are looking forward to rescheduling and hosting this community event. Public safety is of the utmost importance and that guides the decision to cancel or postpone programs.
“Stay tuned for Concert in the Parks updates by following us on social media.”
The Whitecaps posted a statement on Twitter stating, “In consultation with local weather and health officials, and for the safety of fans and players and in accordance with MLB safety guidelines, tonight’s game has been postponed due to poor air quality.”
While many outdoor events were canceled or postponed and others moved indoors, some events like the Michigan National Guard Air flyover on Tuesday still occurred, though those lining the Grand River were disappointed, unable to see the aircraft due to the smoke covering the sky.
West Michigan residents are urged to continue precautions and limit outdoor activities through Wednesday, June 28th.
For more information on the Canadian wildfires, visit the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc website.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to participate in its Fourth of July celebration on Tuesday, July 4.
The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show and more.
“Our Fourth of July Celebration is a community-favorite event and is a tradition we have enjoyed for many decades,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This is a great opportunity for community members to gather in the summer sun and connect with friends and neighbors while celebrating with food, fireworks and fun.”
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the day. Community members who are interested in volunteering can visit kentwood.us/july4 to sign up or call 616-656-5270.
Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Pancake and sausage breakfast
The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place fro 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.
5K race and fun walk
The NN Autocam 5K Race & Fun Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route will take participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal.
Parade
At 9:30 a.m., the parade will begin. This year’s parade will feature a new route that starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue, turn north at the roundabout, head east on 44th Street and end at Crestwood Middle School.
Carnival
From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival filled with rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies. Wristbands also will be available for purchase at the event and in advance for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Friday, June 30 and Monday, July 3. City Hall is open 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.
Spectators line up for a past Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Community booths, beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks
The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Bucket O Maybes, the Decades-Band and JP & The Energy. The fireworks show begins at dusk and is visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.
A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
Community members should also note 52nd Street is under construction between Kalamazoo and Breton avenues, which may impact routes for the event. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/EventDetour.
The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Visit kentwood.us/4thofJuly to learn more and sign up.
Other Local Fireworks Celebrations
Grandville: Tuesday, July 4 at Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and Crafts Show
11 a.m. Parade on Wilson Ave. and Flyover along the parade route.
Noon to Dark: Food Vendors
1 to 4 p.m. Penny Carnival by the Scouts
2 to 9 p.m. Kids Zone Inflatables and Activities
2 to 4 p.m. Live Music from Ian Ormiston
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Live Music from John Rush
7 to 10:15 p.m. Live Music from After it All
At Dark: Fireworks
Grand Rapids Fireworks: Saturday, July 1 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Music starts at 6 p.m. with DJ Rob Sparks and 8 p.m. Stone Soul Rhythm Band. Fireworks are at 10:30 p.m.
East Grand Rapids: Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks show begins at dusk over Reeds Lake.
Ford International Airport held a Full-Scale Exercise on June 20 featuring 19 local and state agencies and approximately 200 individuals, including volunteers and first responders. The International Airport Authority training exercises were designed to simulate an emergency event in order to evaluate emergency response plans.
The Full-Scale Exercise, mandated every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration, involved first responders extinguishing fires, supporting volunteers simulating injuries, directing responders, and more.
(WKTV/Katie Bogema)
“Simulating an emergency event is integral for our team and mutual aid partners to be equipped with the necessary protocols for an emergency response plan,” said Airport Authority Fire Chief Tony Gutierrez. “It’s important that we continuously fine-tune our emergency response plans to ensure the safety of our passengers and community.”
Agencies Involved: GFIAA Fire Department, GFIAA Police Department, GFIAA Operations, GFIAA Maintenance, GFIAA Administration, GFIAA Communications, Kentwood Fire Department, Cascade Fire Department, Kent County Emergency Management, Dutton Fire Department, Caledonia Fire Department, Life EMS, AMR Ambulance, Rockford Ambulance, Kent County Emergency Medical Services, American Red Cross, Southwest Airlines, Kentwood Police Department, Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Kent County Emergency Services Team (KEST), Medical Reserve Corp, FAA Traffic Tower Control Tower and Kent County Dispatch.
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra (left) and guest Nathan Walton having some fun at WKTV.
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
You don’t want to miss local talent Judah Guerra’s latest WKTV podcast, “Great Lakes Music.”
As host and creator of the new podcast, Guerra interviews and performs original music with professionals from all corners of the music scene in Michigan.
His very inviting, warm and witty personality definitely shines through in these weekly conversations with musicians.
“This is a pursuit to learn more about what’s going on here in Michigan with music,” said Guerra, a bass and trombone player born and raised in Grand Rapids, a band leader of GR Groove and a jazz studies major at Michigan State University.
Be sure to check out his interview and jam session below with local musician Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol.
The City of Kentwood has announced Keyla Garcia as its new finance director.
In this role, Garcia will serve as the city’s chief financial officer and lead all aspects of the Finance Department’s functions and staff. This will include developing and administering budgets, overseeing all accounting work, managing audits and financial reporting, and overseeing purchasing, accounts payable and payroll functions. She also will lead employee retirement benefits administration, investing, risk management, debt administration, and financial planning and forecasting for the city.
Garcia began her new role with the city this week.
“We are delighted to welcome Keyla to the City of Kentwood,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “She brings a strong background in municipal finance to our organization that will greatly benefit our employees and community members. I look forward to working alongside Keyla as we continue our efforts to maintain our status as a fiscally responsible city.”
Extensive experience in municipal accounting
Garcia brings extensive experience in municipal accounting to the City of Kentwood. She has eight years of finance experience in municipalities, most recently as finance director and treasurer for the City of Hudsonville. As Hudsonville’s CFO and treasurer, she oversaw all aspects of finance and accounting for the city.
She worked collaboratively across departments on all budgeting, auditing and financial reporting projects and was actively involved in risk management for the city. She also briefly served as interim city manager during the City of Hudsonville’s search for a new city manager, managing the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Prior to her role as Hudsonville’s finance director, Garcia served as the city’s deputy finance director. Earlier in her career, she served the City of East Grand Rapids as deputy treasurer and accounting clerk. In these roles, she assisted with payroll, utility billing and rate analysis, tax and special assessment billings and other finance projects and reports.
“I’m honored to join the City of Kentwood as its finance director,” Garcia said. “I have long admired the City of Kentwood and its reputation as a fiscally responsible municipality and am excited to begin collaborating with all departments and elected officials to continue that legacy.”
Garcia holds a Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer distinction from the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association and a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager credential from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada.
She is active in the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada, Ottawa County Treasurers Association and Michigan Government Finance Officers Association.
She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ferris State University.
Succeeds Tom Chase, finance director for nearly 30 years
Garcia succeeds Tom Chase, who has served as the City of Kentwood’s finance director for nearly 30 years. Chase will stay on full time to assist with the transition through the beginning of September. At that time, he will move into a part-time role as pension plan administrator.
Phase 1 expansion features eight new gates to accommodate larger aircraft,new concession and retail concepts, a greater variety of seating options, and more.
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority announced the completion of Phase 1 of its newly expanded Concourse A, part of a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth.
Concourse A Phase I, which will open to the public June 16 and primarily serve guests flying American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, added:
Eight new gates for a total of 14
Expanded gate space areas to accommodate larger size aircraft
New concession and retail concepts
A greater variety of seating options
A new companion care restroom which includes an adult changing table
The expansion is part of the ELEVATE program, which is designating more than $500 million in critical infrastructure investments to improve the guest experience while positioning the Airport for continued growth. The Concourse A project created more than 125 new construction jobs and added more than 155,000 square feet of space to Michigan’s second largest airport.
“We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone in the monumental transformation of our state-of-the-art Concourse A,” said Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “This investment positions us for our anticipated passenger growth trajectory for the next two decades – and ensures we continue to deliver a world-class experience as West Michigan’s gateway to the world.”
Business partnerships
The Airport has partnered with several businesses on the expansion as part of its efforts for the concourse to reflect the look, feel and culture of West Michigan.
The Airport selected Paradies Lagardère as its partner to oversee the new concession and retail concepts in the new Concourse A extension that features many local businesses. New concession concepts include a beer garden known as Aletitude, Freddy’s, Uccello’s Ristorante, Blue Bridge Market space, which will feature local cuisine from Madcap Coffee Company and Nantucket Bakery, and a news and gifts stand called Thornapple Essentials.
To furnish the space, Haworth, MillerKnoll and Steelcase all supplied contemporary pieces to provide travelers with a greater variety of seating options.
Transitioning to Phase 2
The Airport will now transition to Phase 2 of the project, which will close the gates of the existing portion of Concourse A to undergo widening and renovations, add a second-level executive lounge and additional amenities for passengers. It is expected Phase 2 will be completed in 2024.
The new executive lounge on an elevated level overlooking Concourse A will cater to the needs of business travelers, putting the Airport on par with larger airports, including Chicago, Boston and Atlanta.
The Christman Company serves as general contractor for Concourse A, while Mead & Hunt is the design project manager and HKS is the architect of record. More than 30 West Michigan subcontractors brought their expertise and local suppliers to the project.
As it prepared to design the expansion, HKS led a visioning session with Airport stakeholders to ensure the principal concepts of community and the physical attributes of West Michigan were brought into the space. Architect Jorge Barrero likened the journey of walking the length of the new concourse to exploring West Michigan and its many offerings.
Local artists played a key role in Concourse A’s design providing a sense of place and showcasing the strong regional talent. The extension will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, a suspended art installation and wall art. The four artists selected to feature permanent terrazzo designs include:
George Eberhardt III
Kim Nguyen
Maureen Nollette
Michael Pfleghaar
The suspended art installation and multiple wall art locations will be added to Concourse A during Phase 2.
“The Airport is the first view guests see when they come into town and the last moment they’ll remember when they leave so we worked hard to create a concourse that reflects the spirit of our community coupled with the hospitality we’re known for,” Richardson said.
Plans for additional infrastructure improvements under the ELEVATE program also are underway, including:
The addition of a federal inspection station, or FIS, which will enable the Airport to offer nonstop international commercial passenger flights. This project was announced in August 2019, and the first phase – the addition of a new baggage claim area, restrooms and operations infrastructure – has been completed. These enhancements are being used for domestic flights until the full FIS project is complete.
The relocation of the current air traffic control tower, or ATCT, to make way for diverse terminal-area developments such as additional tenant hangars and more parking. The Airport selected a new site, which was reviewed and approved virtually by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2021 – the first-ever such virtual sighting of an ATCT. With the site plan complete, efforts now transition to the design phase in 2023.
A consolidated rental car facility, or CONRAC, with an enclosed walkway from the terminal that will offer additional transportation accommodations to travelers visiting West Michigan. This project broke ground in May 2023 with an expected completion date in 2025.
Additional parking capacity to accommodate increased guest traffic.
Proposed plans to expand the terminal to accommodate a new checked baggage inspection system, or CBIS, which will streamline the post-ticket counter journey for baggage, decrease processing time and increase capacity.
Thanks to support from U.S. DOT’s Airport Terminal Grant Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Airport received more than $8.6 million for the integration of eight new passenger boarding bridges on the newly designated gate spaces.
“This project would not have been made possible without the support of local, state and national leadership, as well as our airline partners,” Richardson said. “This is an exciting day for our community as we unveil the next generation of air travel in West Michigan.”
No local taxpayer dollars are being used to finance any of the projects included in the ELEVATE program, which will be paid for with a combination of federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the Airport and user fees.
Michigan State University percussion instructor Kevin Jones, left, and MSU jazz studies major Judah Guerra in the podcast room at WKTV. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
Take a look at Michigan State University junior Judah Guerra’s first podcast he recently created at WKTV, “Great Lakes Music.”
As host of the new podcast, Guerra is interviewing and performing with professionals from all angles of the music scene in Michigan.
“This is a pursuit to learn more about what’s going on here in Michigan with music,” said Guerra, a bass and trombone player born and raised in Grand Rapids, a band leader of GR Groove and a jazz studies major at MSU.
Guerra studies under Michael Dease and Rodney Whitaker, “two of the most highly-regarded musicians in their fields today,” he said.
His first guest was MSU percussion instructor Kevin Jones, who has shared the stage or recorded with many musicians, including The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bebe and Cece Winans, Walter Bishop Jr., Tommy Turentine, Joey DeFrancesco, Melvin Sparks, Art Blakey, and a whole bunch more.
Harriet Stanaback (center) and two of her granddaughters look at the tree planted in her honor at a birthday celebration for Harriet Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr, Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
Stanaback Park in Kentwood has been enjoyed by the community since officially opening in 2008 and it recently hosted a special 99th birthday party for Harriet Stanaback, who played a big role in the park becoming a reality for Kentwood residents.
Harriet’s late husband Kenneth purchased that land in 1958 and 10 years after his passing in 1988 Harriet donated the land to the city. After that donation Harriet continued working with the city staff to create park plans that would be an asset to the community and in 2008 that vision came to fruition as Kenneth Stanaback Park opened.
A jewel in the middle of Kentwood, Stanaback Park is a 33-acre park that includes open land, two playgrounds, a basketball court, pavilion, picnic tables and paved walking trails.
Since then, countless local residents have enjoyed the park as has Harriet who enjoys seeing the park grow and become a treasure for the community.
“It’s really grown,” Harriet said. “I like it because it’s absolutely free. Anybody can come over here and have a dinner if they want to. Bring your lunch and eat it in the cabin. I’ve done it myself.”
Harriet Stanaback and family members look at the plaque and tree planted in her honor while celebrating her 99th birthday Saturday at Stanaback Park in Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
Family and friends gathered Saturday afternoon at the park to celebrate Harriet’s 99th birthday. Harriet and her family also were able to see the tree that was planted along with a dedication plaque from the city of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department recognizing her and her late husband’s donation to the city.
My grandmother used to live over there two houses away,” said Harriet’s granddaughter Kelly Martinez. “They had 50 something acres. She decided she wanted to donate this part of the land from their property so that everybody could enjoy the woods. She used to walk through the woods every day after work. That was her favorite thing to do.
“She just wanted everybody to be able to enjoy nature the way that we grew up running through the woods as kids. The way that she walked and enjoyed the woods and she taught us so many things about the trees and the bugs and the plants and the flowers and everything. It was her desire that everybody could have that same type of experience that she gave to us her grandkids and that she’s also enjoyed all these years.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley also dropped in on the festivities to wish Harriet a happy birthday and thank her again on behalf of the city and the residents for her generous gift that has brought so much joy to others.
“This is a beautiful, beautiful park and we are so thankful for the family for donating this land back in 1998,” said Mayor Kepley. “It’s a beautiful sight. I was just talking to some of the family members that have memories of growing up here and enjoying the woods, enjoying the creeks, making mud pies. The blessing is so many more people can enjoy this land because of their gift.”
Harriet’s younger brother, Ron VanDam, 86, of Cutlerville, also was on hand to share the day with his older sister and has plenty of fond memories of the land.
Harriet Stanaback (middle) and her brother Ron VanDam and his wife Mary pose for a photo at Harriet’s 99th birthday party Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr., Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“I love it,” VanDam said. “We come here just to walk around and that’s what it’s for. It’s neat to have a greenspace where the deer can live and all the other wild animals.”
Kentwood residents who were visiting the park Saturday took time out to share their appreciation with Harriet as well including Kyle White who was at the park to get some basketball in on the basketball court.
“It’s been more of a comfort zone for us,” White said. “We kind of just come here to meet up with friends. We’ve played here for the past 15 years so it’s been kind of a consistent thing. This park has just been home for us. Miss Stanaback, her life means so much to us, we meet here to have get togethers. This park is home to us. It’s a great appreciation. It’s one of the underlying things that we have in Kentwood. The parks make a big difference in how our community interacts and basketball has been one of them.”
Kentwood has some 16 parks and nature trails and Stanaback Park has taken its place as a special park in the city since opening in 2008 with its heavily wooded acres along with rolling hills and ravines. The park has over 5,000 feet of paved trails that wind through the hills and trees.
The Azz-Izz Band has been playing local gigs for more than three decades, and still brings it. (Courtesy, Azz-Izz Band)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
Kentwood prides itself on being a city of energetic, multi-cultural residents and visitors, so what would you expect from the Kentwood Summer Concert Series but a kickoff month with bands bringing some savory rhythm and blues, and a taste of Latin love.
The Azz-Izz Band, led by vocalist Darrick Pearson, but including a stage load of local R&B+ talent, will open the free admission outdoor series on Thursday, June 15, starting at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.
Then get your Latin dance party pants on Thursday, June 22, when the Wity Sound Band hits the stage to continue a series running almost every Thursday evening through Aug. 10.
The Wity Sound Band includes as many as eight musicians and singers, and plays a wide range of Latin, Cuban and American music with Latin beats. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)
The remaining lineup includes Cabildo on June 29, Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes, July 13, Good Morning Bedlam, July 20, Big Band Nouveau, July 27, Brena, Aug. 3, and RocknSoul in the series finale on Aug. 10.
More details on the entire lineup are available on a City of Kentwood webpage here. WKTV Community Media will again partner with the City to bring the concert series to the public, with details on live community cable and on-demand replays also available on the city’s webpage.
The public is invited to bring their blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to the concerts, which run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and a variety of food truck fare is available prior and during. Concertgoers also are welcomed to bring their own beer or wine to the show.
Check out the Kentwood Farmers Market beforehand
Come early and visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Bringing local talent to local audiences
The Azz-Izz Band is a “6-piece, energetic dance band performing top hits from R&B, funk, MoTown and pop music,” according to a band spokesperson. The group, which plays throughout West Michigan, has been under the leadership of Pearson for more than 35 years. Featured performers include Pearson on percussion and vocals, James Bates on vocals, Kevin Gillespie on bass, Will McNeil on guitar, Billy Gregory on keyboards and Mark Barnes on saxophone.
For more information on the band, visit their Facebook page here.
Wity Sound Band
While the Azz-Izz band has a long history of bringing their sounds to local audiences, the Wity Sound Band is fairly new to the area, but delivering their hot Latin sounds in a big way.
“The Wity Sound Band is me and my band, eight musicians from Cuba and Mexico,” band leader and keyboardist Wity Zaldívar said to WKTV. “We will be playing Latin music, like Salsa, merengue, bachata, Cuban traditional music and a mix of American music with Latin sounds.
The Wity Sound Band is led by keyboardist Wity Zaldívar. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)
“This is a new concept in Grand Rapids, and we hope the audience will enjoy our performance. This will be our first time playing at this summer concerts and hope not the last.”
The Wity Sound Band is already well known on the local Latin dance and club scene. For more information on the band, visit Wity’s Facebook page here.
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2023 season on June 15.
The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 15 through Sept. 7 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We’re looking forward to connecting with community members as they join us to shop local goods and enjoy the sounds of local music,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone to enjoy.”
The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20+ local vendors and include special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
Community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring eight local music groups on the following dates:
June 15
June 22
June 29
July 13
July 20
July 27
Aug. 3
Aug. 10
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.
Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 15: Opening day celebration featuring Patty Matters, Street Chef Shaw, Kool Breeze and Kona Ice food trucks as well as the Azz-Izz Band concert at 7 p.m., playing old-school, new pop, Motown and funk.
June 22: El Jalapeño, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Taste of Toya’s World and Dolce Maria food trucks and Wity Sound Band concert at 7 p.m., performing a fusion of salsa, Cuban timba, rock ’n’ roll and American music.
June 29: Around Baking Company, Let’z Taco Bout It, Street Frites and Semifreddo food trucks; Cabildo concert at 7 p.m., playing a blend of cumbia, Ska, folk and other genres of music from Latin and South America.
July 6: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing. Food trucks include Street Chef Shaw and Semifreddo.
July 13: El Jalapeño, Taste of Toya’s World, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze food trucks and Chicago Farmer and the Field Notesconcert at 7 p.m., performing gritty country rock and folk.
July 20: Falafel Truck, Let’z Taco Bout It, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Skinny Kenny’s BBQ and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks and Good Morning Bedlam concert at 7 p.m., playing high-energy folk music.
July 27: Around Baking Company, El Jalapeno, Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks and Big Band Nouveau concert at 7 p.m., performing modern jazz in a full big band orchestra.
Aug. 3: Patty Matters, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Falafel Truck, Street Chef Shaw and Kona Ice food trucks andBrena concert at 7 p.m., playing oldies, Top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
Aug. 10: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples, Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck, Kool Breeze and Dolce Maria food trucks and RocknSoulconcert at 7 p.m. performing a mix of songs from the 60’s to current hits.
Aug. 17: Kids Day featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo, kids crafts and activities and Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks.
Aug. 24: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors and adoptions and Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo food trucks.
Aug. 31: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients, and El Jalapeño and Dune Buggy food trucks.
Sept. 7: End of season celebration with food demos and samples and Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks.
Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking options at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE; Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE; and street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the events. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.
Photo from a previous Food Truck Festival. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will once again celebrate the start of summer with the annual Food Truck Festival.
The Kentwood Food Truck Festival is set for Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The popular community event offers free admission and features more than 25 food trucks, live music, beer and community booths for attendees to explore. Another food truck festival will celebrate the end of the summer season on Sept. 9.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A wide variety of cuisines will be available at the June event, with trucks offering barbecue, burritos, baked goods and more. Whether you’re searching for a savory snack, satisfying meal or sweet treat, the festival has options for every appetite. Entry to the festival is free, and cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with this community-favorite event,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “The City of Kentwood, GR8 Food Trucks and our vendors and musicians are looking forward to sharing local flavors and sounds with the community.”
Food trucks participating in this year’s event include:
“Food trucks enable community members to spend time outside while supporting talented local food vendors,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival gives residents an opportunity to build connections while enjoying delicious food.”
This year’s diamond sponsors are NN Mobile Solutions and Macatawa Bank.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the event. A detour map and parking map are available on the City of Kentwood’s website.
Volunteers are needed for the event. Find more information about the Kentwood Food Truck Festival and sign up to volunteer at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival.
The East Kentwood softball team opened state tournament action with a 2-0 win against conference-rival Grandville. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
While the season hasn’t gone entirely according to plan for the East Kentwood softball team, the Falcons have continued to battle and that persistence continues to pay off.
The Falcons, who have played around the .500 mark this season, have faced a rugged schedule and have had to deal with several key injuries. Despite the hurdles, East Kentwood has remained focused and competitive and picked up a big win to kick off the post-season by defeating O-K Red Conference rival Grandville 2-0 in the opening district game.
“We were very excited for the 2023 season with many returning players, although only three seniors,” said East Kentwood coach Owen Fletke. “We lost two of our senior starters (Landrie Fridsma and Taylor Barnes) the second week of the season. Two of our pitchers, Liz Davis and Jaycie Gasper, have been injured off and on all season. We’ve had a number of other injuries, like concussions and strains, that have really impacted our ability to have a consistent lineup with experienced players.
We’ve brought three freshmen up from our junior varsity team, two of whom (Riley Smith and Meredith Antonovich) are still on varsity. Overall, our record is now 16-19, not what we expected or anticipated, but we continue to fight and compete with the players we have.”
East Kentwood senior Landrie Fridsma will continue her career at Kalamazoo College. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
That competitive spirit was evident in the opening district game against a Grandville team that came into the post-season with a 23-12 record and defeated East Kentwood in two of the three league matchups this season.
East Kentwood was led this season by its trio of seniors. Aalana Kimble, who will be attending Saginaw Valley State University to continue her career as a student athlete, has been a leader of the Falcon offense and heads up the pitching staff.
“Aalana is the ace of our pitching staff and offensive leader on our team,” Fletke said. “She is a four-year varsity player and school record-holder in many categories.”
Fridsma is an offensive leader and second baseman who will be continuing her career at Kalamazoo College.
“Landrie partially tore a hamstring in week two and has just returned,” Fletke said. “She is a four-year starter and is our other offensive catalyst. She is our team captain and best power hitter.”
Like Fridsma, injuries have dashed the senior season for Barnes as well.
“Taylor tore her knee in the same game Landrie was injured in,” Fletke said. “Taylor was our starting leftfielder. Even though Taylor was not able to play, she was at every practice and game, cheering and coaching from the dugout. She provided us with incredible leadership.”
The junior class has stepped up and provided strong play throughout the season with several juniors playing key roles.
“We’ve received solid play from our juniors,” Fletke said. “Catcher Emily Visser, first baseman Kaleigh Higgs and third baseman Ashley Matejovitz have stepped up. Sophomore shortstop Kayla Finlaw has done a fine job there and freshman Natalie McCune has been a great surprise in the outfield and infield wherever she’s been needed.”
The Falcons have also received strong play from even more of their young players.
East Kentwood senior Aalana Kimble is a leader at the plate and in the pitching circle for the Falcons. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
“When healthy, junior pitcher Liz Davis has done a great job as has freshman pitcher Jaycie Gasper,” Fletke said. “We’ve also received great help from freshman Riley Smith, sophomore Josie Manning and junior Allie Cahill.”
Davis is another Falcon who will play college softball in the future as the junior pitcher has verbally committed to the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Along with solid play on the field, the Falcon softball players get the job done in the classroom. The team grade point average is 3.5.
Kentwood firefighters Andy Biederman (left) and Jeff Bouwkamp at Fire Station 3. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: WKTV recently spent an afternoon at Kentwood Fire Station 3 on Eastern Ave. as part of a documentary we produced called “Voices from the Front Line,” where we interviewed Lieutenant Jeff Bouwkamp and Engine Operator Andy Biederman. We talked about all the details of their job as a firefighter … from the most routine calls to the most dangerous, and everything in between. This is Part 2 of a two-part series on our very interesting and informative conversation below.
Let’s talk about the dangers of being a firefighter. When I walk through the doors at my office I don’t have to worry about saving lives or putting out fires. How often are you and the team put into dangerous, life-threatening situations?
Andy Biederman, Engine Operator (a Kentwood firefighter for five years):
Every call we go to could potentially be life threatening or dangerous. We definitely don’t really know what we’re getting into once that alarm goes off. We’ve had times where we’ll get dispatched for a fall, and when we get there it’s a cardiac arrest. So, we have to be on our toes and be able to adapt to every different kind of situation. It’s no different if we get a burning complaint for somebody in the campfire in their backyard. And then when we get there, it’s a structure fire. Each call has its own different type of variables. It’s hard to pinpoint what’s going to be life threatening, or what’s going to be, you know, your run of the mill call, because I think these calls can turn into something that they’re not.
Talk about the physical and emotional toll. How do you deal with the stress and anxiety? Is there help or counseling available?
ANDY:
Something that they’re trying to promote and push better is the whole mental health situation in the fire service. And with any kind of first responder or police officer they have seen a lot of suicides in this job, just due to the amount of stress and types of calls that we see, it starts building up. The older firefighters out there typically used to hold their feelings back, suppress them and not talk to anybody, when really that’s not beneficial. It’s easier to talk to somebody and get that information out to help you help other people. So it’s been a growing trend just to help talk to somebody and go that route.
Jeff Bouwkamp, Lieutenant (a Kentwood firefighter for 30 years):
We’re always watching each other … we’re that close. If somebody’s having a bad day you can tell. I pay close attention to the people that I’m working with because they’re very important to me. Because at one point or another we’re going to do something, we’re going to be out there together. I’m going to be relying on them, they’re going to be relying on me. We have to be there for each other. And I think the mental health aspect is a huge deal. So, I’m watching out for each one of the people here and each person is watching out for the other ones, because you may pick up on something and that’s huge, because yeah, that never used to happen. Or I can’t say never, but that really wasn’t in the forefront. People don’t talk about it.
Does the stress help you better manage your personal life stresses, if so, give an example?
ANDY:
I think the types of calls that we see here and having to think on our feet definitely helps at home. I tend to be a lot more relaxed, but I think that’s just a big factor from working here. Just seeing different things that happen and reacting to it. Because if you start freaking out on a fire scene or on a medical, you’re not helping anybody. You’re making things worse if you start running around or yelling; it doesn’t do any good. But if you remain calm, you can think clearer, you can figure out what’s going on and then go from there and make a plan.
JEFF:
The stuff that we see or the stuff that we come in contact with or the stuff that we train for, this definitely helps me when I’m out of here, because it helps me be like, ‘Oh, sorry, we’re gonna get through this, we can make this happen, we can make this work. It’s going to be okay.’ I don’t sweat the small stuff; not downplaying anybody’s issues outside of here, but it’s helped me out a lot. The firefighters that are here, the family that they have at home, I give them a lot of credit because I’m sure at some point or another they do take stuff home. And that’s what they have to deal with. I know what’s helped me out a lot is the crew that I work with because there are times I tend to get a little excited. And it’s really nice to be able to feed off these guys to where it helps keep me in check as well. And that’s part of where we all kind of watch each other. And last year, we ran 5,000 calls. You can take and divide that up between 365 days, and you can find an average, but there are days where maybe we run three or four calls. And then there’s days where maybe we run 10 calls. There are some times during the whole shift, the whole city may run six calls. And then the storm comes through, you know, and we run 25, there’s no routine. That’s one of the great things because you just never know. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve made dinner and it’s quarter to five, and we’re getting ready to eat and you end up running something and then you’re back at 10 o’clock at night, and okay, well, that’s ruined. There is no routine, but that’s just what makes this job so great.
Talk about the amount of hours it takes to put fires out and what’s the longest time you’ve spent doing so?
ANDY:
Every fire call is different. I think on average you’re probably looking at around an hour, give or take from start to your last unit cleaning up. And I say this is a typical fire of about an hour, but not every fire’s typical. We’ve been on fires that have lasted eight hours, nine hours, you know, just the magnitude of the call.
Firefighter suits waiting in lockers for the next alarm at Kentwood Fire Station 3. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
JEFF:
We wear a suit that’s made of Nomex, which is fire resistant. During the winter, it’s nice because it’s a little bit warmer, and during the summer it gets hot. But it protects us from the heat, from the fires. So that’s the nice thing with technology. We get to a fire and we get a little protection. Gotta remember that we’re getting into a burning building, we have to be really careful that we’re not in there too long. We also have the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) that we wear on our back. It’s been nice because with technology the bottles have gotten a little smaller, they’ve gotten a little lighter, but they carry about 30 minutes of oxygen in them and that helps out.
ANDY:
The thing that we have to remember, too, is we have all this equipment and the person that potentially is in the house fire doesn’t. So, it’s our job to effectively and efficiently search that house and try to find them to remove them as quickly as possible. Because not only do they not have any protection, there’s all that smoke and all those dangerous toxins in there and stuff that’s not conducive for life. It’s our job using that equipment to get them out. And it’s kind of scary on how good our equipment is and how much heat we can take without really knowing how much heat we’ll truly take. I don’t think there’s a statistic about it. I think it’s all situational. It’s all dependent on the fire, where they are in the fire. And there are a lot of factors that are just very endless because not everybody will survive a house fire. But it’s our job to give them the best chance that they have.
Can you give our readers some fire safety tips:
JEFF:
There’s a fire safety message that we push.
*Have working smoke detectors inside bedrooms and throughout the house. There’s no reason to not call your local fire department if you don’t have them. Tell them, ‘Hey, my house doesn’t have enough smoke detectors or I don’t think they’re working.’ Call them and they’ll come out. And (you should) test them every month.
*Have working carbon monoxide alarms.
*Don’t have anything near your stovetop.
*Space heaters: Unplug them when you’re not using them and keep them 3 feet away from bedding, drapes and furniture, and combustible items.
*Have exit drills in your home. We go into all these schools in October, November for Fire Prevention Month and we teach them about fire safety. We talk about exit drills in the home; have a plan to get out, have a meeting place.
Get Out, Call 911 and Don’t Go Back In!
ANDY:
Another thing, too, is to close your doors. It’s better to close your door at night in case you’re dealing with fire, you’re gonna have less fire spread to that room. And then when you’re leaving, try to close your doors as well, because that’ll help contain the fire in that room, ideally. Now, there are obviously circumstances where that doesn’t happen, but you’re usually in a panic, you want to get out as fast as possible, but closing your doors can help affect the limit and the spread of fire.
(WKTV/Cris Greer)
How often does it turn into a domestic situation?
ANDY:
There are situations where one person might be mad at the other … and now they’re yelling at each other. And so we have to attend to that emergency. But we also try to keep them apart and try to figure out what the best course of action is. We’re not police officers, but we’re also an advocate for patient care and advocate for them. It’s everything … from having a grandma or grandpa that falls all the way to a cardiac arrest. We are here for the citizens of Kentwood. If you call we’re going to come and help you out as best as we can. We’ve had kids who lock themselves in the bathroom, we go there and help them unlock it. It’s a wide variety of calls.
Can you explain the certifications and training necessary to be a firefighter, and how much time you spend keeping up on that training and keeping equipment up to date?
JEFF:
We do a lot of hands on training, and a lot of it we do here. We can’t light a fire here, but we’ll practice pulling lines off the engine. Out behind the strip mall by the station there’s a hydrant we hook up to and we’ll practice pulling lines, we’ll practice stretching the lines, advancing them. A couple times a year we do what we call a block training where we’re off shift, we come back and do various strains. And during the wintertime, we do EMS training and codes. During the summer we’ll practice something that we can do outside. We’ll go to a training tower in the city of Wyoming or we can go to the city of Grand Rapids where they have some burn containers and we’ll do some fires there and practice.
Fire Call Crossovers with other cities?
JEFF:
We have a mutual aid agreement. And there are areas where we’ll run a certain distance into Wyoming, and they run a certain distance into Kentwood. If we were to get a possible structure fire they would automatically be on that alarm. There are times we do that with Grand Rapids, we have it with Cascade, and we have it with Cutlerville and Dutton. We have all our neighboring departments, and it’s a good thing, because we help each other out. And then sometimes we actually will run into those municipalities and run calls for them when they’re tied up, and they don’t have the resources to get to them. So that’s kind of a nice thing, too, because they will reciprocate that to us. If we’re tied up somewhere, we have a fire or something and all of our equipment is in a certain area, and maybe we can’t get to it very quick … they’ll turn it over to a neighboring department, and they’ll run it as a mutual aid call. And they’ll cover that for us.
Talk about the calls that stick in your head?
ANDY:
I Think any kind of call that deals with children is a call that kind of sticks in the back of my head. Typically, we don’t like running calls that involve kids, because a lot of us have them. I think it hits home, and you know, all the pediatric calls that I’ve run, I remember them. But as long as you give your best and you do what’s right for the patient, I can sleep at night.
JEFF:
I’d have to say kids’ calls are the worst. A couple of things that just stand out in my mind are kids calls and just needless accidents that happen. People being careless.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is inviting individuals to join them on the dance floor for two adaptive dance events in June.
On June 1, Kentwood Parks and Recreation will host its annual Spring Fling from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The event will offer individuals with disabilities ages 15 and older and their loved ones an opportunity to celebrate the start of summer with dancing, food, prizes and more.
The event costs $12 per person, and participants are asked to pre-register by May 25 online at bit.ly/AdaptiveSpringFling or by calling 616.656.5270.
On June 9, Parks and Recreation will host an inclusive dance workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Community members of all abilities ages 3 and older are invited to join the workshop, where experienced dancers will teach participants a choreographed dance. At the end of the event, parents and caregivers will be invited to watch the final production. All moves will be inclusive of individuals who use a wheelchair, walker, crutches or other mobility aide.
The event also will include games, snacks and more. Siblings and friends are welcome to participate. The workshop costs $12 per person, and registration is available online at bit.ly/InclusiveDanceWorkshop or by calling 616-656-5270.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“Our adaptive programs give individuals of all abilities a chance to connect, learn something new and have fun,” said Katelyn Bush, program coordinator with Kentwood Parks and Recreation. “Dancing is a great way to get active and build connections, and we’re looking forward to learning some new moves alongside participants.”
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming. Programs are open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. To learn about current offerings, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.
This free community event is a dog-friendly fundraiser for enabling the city to add amenities to Kentwood’s Dog Park at Kellogg Woods Park.
“We have a ton of great amenities in our park system for humans, but want our community members to know that if you have a pet at home we have fun, social, safe spaces for them, too,” said Spencer McKellar, Lead Recreation Program Coordinator for KPRD. “We welcome (dogs) in our parks … and welcome them to come out and have fun just like humans do.”
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley agreed, telling WKTV, “We have 54,000 bosses, and what do they want as a service from the city? We heard loud and clear that one of the things that they want is a place where they can take their dogs to play with other dogs and let them run free.”
Kepley went on to say the city has done as the community requested.
“We’ve created dog parks where owners can go to a fenced in area to release their dogs,” Kepley explained. “It’s a way for dogs to play with one another and for their owners to meet other dog owners. Everything costs money and to be able to raise funds to help build new ones and to maintain the ones we have is what we’re doing.”
Due to previous Bark for the Park fundraisers, Kentwood was recently able to purchase and install a drinking fountain near the Kellogg Woods Dog Park.
Artemis, the winner of the Doggie Fashion Show. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“This year, and moving forward, the funds raised will hopefully provide shade sails or some kind of shade structure,” McKellar said. “There is not a lot of shade for the dogs, and they get hot.”
Sponsorship dollars and donations enable KPRD to offer free admission to Bark for the Park, though donations are welcome via QR codes throughout the event if participants feel led to do so. Each attendee also was offered a goodie bag full of items from participating sponsors and vendors.
“We invite pet-related businesses and organizations in the area, but also anybody is welcome to sponsor and donate to our event,” McKellar said. “If they do, they are welcome to have a booth here and talk to our community members as they come through.”
Beastro, a restaurant designed specifically to cater to dogs and cats and owned by Jessica Ann Tyson, was one such sponsor at Bark for the Park.
Getting some dog treats at the Kentwood Bark for the Park fundraiser May 18. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Offering fresh canine cuisine, Beastro’s recipes are created by a Michigan pet nutritionist. “We love making food that is fresh for the animals,” Tyson said.
Dogs are allowed inside the restaurant for dining, or customers can order take out as well.
Also the owner of The Candied Yam on 44th Street, Tyson said she got the idea for Beastro from watching her customers.
“We started this because our customers would come in and they would have to leave their dogs outside, and we watched their dogs while they got their Candied Yam (order),” Tyson said.
Treats were provided for the dogs at various stations, and Dune Buggy and Underground Cookie Club food trucks were on site to provide food for pet owners.
Various activities included pet craft stations, a dog agility course, photo booth, and a doggie fashion show featuring many costumes and colored hair and fur.
Amara, a 14-week-old Husky Great Bernese mix sporting a tutu. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“They get really into it, and it’s fun,” McKellar said.
Attendees included Lainey Dennison, resident of Portage, Michigan, who heard about Bark for the Park through Facebook and attended with her one American Eskimo and four Husky dogs.
“I try to take them out and socialize them,” Dennison said of her well-mannered troupe of canines. “We go into stores and dog parks and stuff, so they are pretty used to this.”
To learn more about Kentwood and the city’s variety of parks, or to submit a donation, visit Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood/All photos taken by Ingrid Campos)
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By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
While making the rounds at the Kentwood Public Works Open House last Thursday, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said it best, “Little kids love big equipment.”
That was part of the appeal of the Open House, which was co-sponsored by the Kentwood Department of Public Works and the Kent County Road Commission. The event was held at the Kentwood Public Works facility at 5068 Breton Ave.
It was not only kids taking part, but community members of all ages taking a look behind the scenes at how Public Works serves residents.
“We’re here to celebrate the Department of Public Works and the staff who run it,” said Mayor Kepley, of the third annual event. “Kids light up when they see a big piece of equipment, and to be able to climb inside, feel the steering wheel and honk the horn. When I was a kid I was fascinated with excavators and bull dozers and I never got a chance to climb in one.
(WKTV/Vini Marconcin and Hayden Passig)
“It’s an opportunity for kids to see some big equipment, but also to educate the kids and the parents of what we do here in Public Works. People primarily focus in on police and fire, but they take for granted so many different things, for instance, our roads, our water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and also the Parks, and who maintains it all. When the Department of Public Works does its great job, it really goes unnoticed, because everything is working properly.
“When you turn on your water, do you get dirty water? No, you get clean water and that’s thanks to the Department of Public Works and their staff doing an excellent job.”
Mayor Kepley said he loves talking to students and classrooms about the different divisions at Public Works and how great the department operates, and jokingly apologizes to them about the lack of snow days.
“When I talk about roads and road maintenance (to students), I do apologize for us cleaning the roads really quickly and efficiently during the winter because chances are if you live in the City of Kentwood you have very few snow days because we do an excellent job of cleaning the road,” said Kepley with a grin. “If someone hits a deer who cleans that up? The Department of Public Works. They do so many different things.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Director of Public Works Chad Griffin talked about the opportunity the Open House provides for his staff to mingle with residents.
“We really love to have the community come out and see what we do,” said Griffin, who leads a staff of 37 full-time workers and 10 seasonal. “It’s a great chance for residents and employees to interact, meet one another and talk about the work that we do.
“We had many families and kids attend the event … we are considering it a success. We counted nearly 300 in attendance.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Griffin said complimentary grilled hotdogs, chips, freezer pops and bottled water was served and kids of all ages received coloring books, construction themed snap bracelets and construction equipment temporary tattoos.
The Kentwood Department of Public Works has five divisions that work together to maintain the City’s infrastructure, which includes more than 150 miles of pipes underground and more than 155 miles of streets above ground, as well as parks and grounds, buildings and vehicles. The five divisions are building maintenance, fleet services, grounds maintenance, streets maintenance and utilities (water and wastewater) services. To learn more about Kentwood DPW, visit kentwood.us/DPW.
Mary K. Hoodhood (far left) with volunteers assembling dinners at the Kids’ Food Basket. (Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
By K.D. Norris WKTV Contributor
When you first glance at the book cover of Kids’ Food Basket founder Mary K. Hoodhood’s new memoir, you can read the title in at least two different ways.
You can see it as asking the question “What Can I Do,” as in resignation to the inability to tackle difficult social problems such as hunger among our youth.
But you can also see it as a call to action, personal action: “What I can do” to be part of the solution to such issues. The book was co-written with Lisa McNeilly, PhD.
The life story, so far, of “Mary K” as most people know her, is a testament to “doing what you can do” in one’s personal journey, even overcoming huge physical obstacles, to serve the community.
In Mary K’s life, serving the community, including founding Kids’ Food Basket (KFB), has been a driving force in moving her forward.
“My upbringing and Catholic education helped me understand the importance of community and giving back,” Mary K. said to WKTV. “I was working at God’s Kitchen when I found out about kids not receiving an evening meal at home at the three GRPS (Grand Rapids Pubic Schools) schools KFB started with.
“I knew that this was an injustice, and it wasn’t the kids fault. I also knew that I could raise the money and get the volunteers to help.”
And raise the money, and get the volunteers/community/government support needed to run Kids’ Food Bank is exactly what she has done — this year, KFB sends 10,000 sack suppers to 60 schools across four counties every weekday.
Inspiring others to “Do what they can do,” that just came along naturally.
(WKTV/Katie Bogema)
Finding a calling after tragedy
In the introduction to “What I Can Do,” Mary K. dedicates the book to her husband, Jeff, with the words “My life is possible because of your love and devotion.”
And discussion in the book of her support network is an essential part of understanding her drive to serve the community as she overcame an automobile accident in her 20s that left her paralyzed from the chest down.
Instead of focusing on what she could no longer do, she states, she started repeating her mantra: “I will focus on what I can do.”
Successful before her accident, Mary K. Roach was born and raised in Grand Rapids and earned a degree in education from Michigan State University in 1973. One of her first jobs was working with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, working with high school and community college counselors as well as the Michigan legislature.
But then came May 1980 and a car accident that left her in a wheelchair, but not idle. She got married, helped raise a stepdaughter, took in her teenage nieces and nephew, and began volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program at God’s Kitchen, a local food pantry.
Mary K. Hoodhood with one of the dinner bags distributed by Kids’ Food Basket. (Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
There she saw the need to feed not only seniors and adults, but also school-age youth triggered by a 2002 phone call from a local school principal to say that students were regularly going into the cafeteria after school in search of food to take home.
With $3,000 and a handful of volunteers, she committed to seeking a solution to childhood hunger in our community and Kids’ Food Basket was founded.
“Many volunteers from God’s Kitchen followed me to KFB,” Mary K. said, and the group began feeding 125 meals a day. “What I didn’t anticipate is how much KFB has grown to increase access to good food for kids.”
The first big growth in 2008 and 2009
“There was a recession and we expanded our services outside GRPS to where there was need. I knew our numbers would increase and we would grow,” she said.
With the growth and recognition of Kids’ Food Basket, Mary K. has gained local, regional and national recognition, including being named one of The Grand Rapids Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2018.
(Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
But KFB is and will always be closest to her heart. She is past Chair and current member of the Kids’ Food Basket Board of Directors, and volunteers many hours every week, focusing on fund development and public relations, but also sometimes just working the line putting together “dinner” bags.
That growth has led Kids’ Food Basket to becoming one of the largest non-profits in West Michigan, with staff and leadership carrying it into the future.
“Mary K.’s motto to ‘Do what I can do’ is one of many driving forces behind everything that we have built at Kids’ Food Basket,” Bridget Clark Whitney, President and Founding CEO of Kids’ Food Basket, said to WKTV.
“Food insecurity is a very real concern, and breaking down the barriers to good food access can feel overwhelming. At KFB, we create a space where people can make a real impact, one step at a time. Packing a single Sack Supper is easy, and together across three locations, it adds up to 10,000 healthy evening meals each school day.”
(Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
What can you do?
Community volunteering and financial support has been a key factor in the growth and success of Kids’ Food Basket. Many people, it seems, believe in the title of Mary K.’s book — doing “What I Can Do.”
Kentwood firefighters Andy Biederman (left) and Jeff Bouwkamp at Fire Station 3. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: WKTV recently spent an afternoon at Kentwood Fire Station 3 on Eastern Ave. as part of a documentary we produced called “Voices from the Front Line,” where we interviewed Lieutenant Jeff Bouwkamp and Engine Operator Andy Biederman. We talked about all the details of their job as a firefighter … from the most routine calls to the most dangerous, and everything in between. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on our very interesting and informative conversation below.
Andy Biederman, Engine Operator (a Kentwood firefighter for five years):
What are your duties as Engine Operator?
Basically, I’m in charge of this whole engine behind me; I have to know everything that involves the engine. From the engine itself; the motor to the water pump to all the tools that are on it … how much hose we have on it. It’s a pretty extensive job and I have to get water supply for the firefighters in the fire. We carry 500 gallons on it, so it goes pretty quick. We have a 1,500 gallon-per-minute tank or pump. So it’s a pretty fast-paced job.
Jeff Bouwkamp, Lieutenant (a Kentwood firefighter for 30 years):
Talk about your responsibilities as a Lieutenant and the breakdown of shifts?
As the lieutenant here, I’m assigned to Engine 53. We have five people at this fire station; two lieutenants, one equipment operator, two firefighters. I manage day-to-day operations. I make sure the calls get run appropriately, get handled, that we do our jobs, and everything’s done correctly … and that we have a good time and everybody goes home safe at the end of the shift.
We run three different crews through our three different shifts. Each shift consists of two lieutenants, one equipment operator and two firefighters. The three shifts makes 15 people. We’ll run Engine 53 and Medic 53 out of the fire station. We work a 24-and-a-quarter hour shift starting at 6:45 in the morning and get done at seven o’clock the next morning, that gives us about 15 minutes to overlap and do a little shift exchange. And then we get 24 hours off. Our second day is another 24-hour shift and we get the fourth day off, and then we work the fifth day. So, we work three out of five 24-hour days, and we get four off at the end. It comes out to about 10 days of work a month.
Talk about the warning system of alerting firefighters for calls:
ANDY:
When you’re a new guy here, you don’t want to miss a call. So, it’s all important to hear that call when it goes off. If you don’t wake up for that call it’s a bad day. A lot of it is just being excited to be here. We have a lot of new guys here and they want to run the calls so they’re going to wake up for them. There’s a study about when the alarms used to go off, they’re very loud and like an abrupt alarm. But now they’ve realized with the study that a gradual tone is easier on your heart.
If you hear that loud tone at 3 in the morning, you’re automatically gonna start getting an increased heart rate, you’re already starting to kind of get some anxiety, if you will. So, the gradual tone will help reduce that which is beneficial for everybody.
JEFF:
We used to get a phone call from dispatch and now we’re on the 900 megahertz system. We have a station alert from the Kent County Communications Center, which is the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. They dispatch us; they hit a button and it transmits over our intercom. And then they’ll say Medic 53 or Engine 53 and tell us what we have and they’ll give us the address and then we just get up and go out.
Many youngsters dream of being a firefighter or police officer. What age were you when you thought of this as a career, and was there someone who sparked your interest?
ANDY:
I grew up in the Chicago area and I have a cousin that works for the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department, and ever since I was a little kid I always wanted to do that. We also had some close family friends who were firefighters in our local department where I used to live in Evanston. I would go there after school and the firefighters would basically treat me like I was one of their kids. After school, when my parents were still working, I would hang out at the firehouse until they were done working. I was immersed in that whole environment, my whole childhood. And that’s something I never wanted to leave.
When you see a fire truck go by, you think they’re going to a fire, and you don’t necessarily understand that they might be going to a cardiac arrest, or they can go into something else that isn’t necessarily a fire. In joining the fire service, you learn that. And it kind of adds a different perspective because every time you do see it, typically they are going for a true emergency. So, with that kind of in the back of your head, it changes your perspective about how it’s not always with just the fires that we change lives. It’s also the medical calls that we go through as well. You want to make a difference.
JEFF:
This is all I’ve ever wanted to do is be on the fire department. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I used to hang out with Brent Looman, we were buddies growing up, and now he’s the fire chief in Kentwood. His dad was on the fire department and we would see him going to calls and we’d hear about them and that just kind of caught me. As I grew up it never left me.
Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
I’ve had a few different jobs; worked as a plumber, worked in a factory. Nothing beats the fire department. This is the greatest job in the world. I still feel that to this day.
When you’re young, you see the big red fire engines, you see the lights, and you hear the sirens, and that’s what captures you. You work here and you start to see the impact that you make, and it kind of gives you satisfaction. It makes you feel good.
You’re helping somebody who’s in need, helping them with something that they can’t take care of themselves.
Talk about the tight-knit camaraderie you have here at the Fire Station:
ANDY:
It’s kind of nice that everybody knows each other by their first name; they know their families. We’ve all interacted outside of work, which is huge, too, because that also helps build that camaraderie. At a bigger department sometimes you don’t necessarily know everybody.
JEFF:
We get together for different things. During the summer we get together for picnics and whoever can get together for our shift. And we also have a nice Christmas dinner together. We’ll do stuff like that off duty or on occasion we’ll go to a hockey game or a baseball game or whatever. And that’s a special thing because a lot of times the spouses and the families get involved. But what I would tell people is, even when I worked as a plumber, I worked at a good place. But we didn’t have near as much fun as what we have here.
The closeness that we have is just great. Other jobs, I didn’t know how many kids they had or how old they were. I know these guys, I know their kids and I know their families. They come in and we have a good time; we laugh, we joke around and that’s a special thing.
How does being a firefighter blend in with your family life?
JEFF:
Last year, we ran almost 5,000 calls, and two years ago we ran over 5,000 calls. If you break that down for all of our shifts, we have half a day where we don’t run a call, and we can just be crisscrossing all over the place. So, we always have to be ready. In the beginning, it was a little difficult because my family was … ‘Well, you coming over for Thanksgiving? … uh, you’re coming over here for Christmas, right?’ If you have to work, they don’t quite understand that because people have Thanksgiving off, or maybe they have Christmas off. They don’t understand the schedule right away. That’s a little bit of a work in progress.
When your spouse needs help with the kids or whatever, and you’re not around, and you’re not going to be around until the next day, it makes it a little different. But you start to learn to adapt to that. One of the nice things is that we have days off during the week where my kids have done things with school, and I’ve been able to go on field trips with them. I’ve done things that some other dads aren’t fortunate enough to do. If I do work on their birthday, we’re going out on another day for their birthday. We’ve done Christmas almost a week early and a half a week late.
Kentwood’s Engine 55 at Fire Station 3. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
A day in the life…
JEFF:
Our shift starts at 6:45 a.m. We get in our uniform, get our gear and put it by where we’re going to be for the day. We do a little shift exchange with the off-going crew and then we do our vehicle checks. After we do vehicle checks we have a shift meeting and a schedule comes out for the day. We get all of our errands run. We work three shifts, but what we’ll probably do is go grocery shopping the first day for the whole week, and get that out of the way.
We do our station cleaning: kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, showers, all of that. We do any training that needs to get done; a lot of online training, especially for our EMT license. The first of every month I get inspections so the lieutenants will go out and do inspections. We take the crews out; we get to go through buildings in the city. That’s really nice because you get into places that you don’t normally see. We see things that may become problematic and help them get that straightened out; it’s more of a safety inspection. After lunch, we finish up our daily duties. About three o’clock we work out for about an hour; we’ve got a treadmill and some free weights, elliptical and a whole host of things. We usually eat after 5 o’clock.
Some of us will finish up projects after five, but normally that’s our downtime. We’ll watch movies and play games or whatever. And then after 5 o’clock we have to make sure that throughout the day no matter what we’re doing we’re freed up for alarms or medicals or whatever may happen. At night, you really don’t sleep well here; it’s more resting between calls. You never know when you’re gonna get a call … that’s always on your mind. It’s really hard to just relax. Sometimes you run a couple calls at night, sometimes you’re up all night.
Can you explain the certifications and training necessary to be a firefighter, and how much time you spend keeping up on that training and equipment?
JEFF:
About 3 o’clock we work out for about an hour; we’ve got a treadmill and some free weights, an elliptical and a whole host of things. We do an annual physical agility test and that has eight different things that we have to accomplish within a set time. That has to do with swinging a sledgehammer a certain amount of times within a time limit, pulling some holes and hooking up pieces of equipment, carrying equipment up and down a set of stairs.
We make several trips to know your physical strength and your cardio. There’s another one where we use a mannequin full of heavy stuffing and we’ll drag that a certain distance around, in certain ways, and then come back. We do that annually. We’ll go to a doctor to make sure we’re physically fit to do the job. To work here we have Fire 1 and 2, which is the minimum that they would give you if you were to just apply at a department.
And then we’re also all EMTs. Certain people that we’ve hired have gone past that and have gotten a paramedic license. We do not operate as paramedics, but we’ve hired people who are paramedics. We also have a certification in hazardous materials. I have Ropes 1 and 2 for high and low rescue, and I have trench rescue and confined space.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Please look for Part 2 of this series on Friday. To watch the entire program, click here: “Voices from the Front Line”
Last year’s Kentwood Police Department Youth Academy. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
The Kentwood Police Department is inviting high school students to apply for its youth academy set for July 24-27.
The academy is open to all graduating seniors and students who will be a sophomore, junior or senior in the 2023-24 school year. The program is designed to show young people who are interested in a career in law enforcement what it’s like to be a police officer. Participants do not need to live or attend school in Kentwood.
“Our youth academy allows us to connect with young people in our community and show them first-hand what a career in law enforcement is like,” said Chief Bryan Litwin. “Our officers are looking forward to sharing more about their career path, building relationships with students and helping answer questions they have about the profession.”
Last year’s Kentwood Police Department Youth Academy. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The youth academy is free for participants and runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. Each participant is provided a uniform and daily lunch.
Hands-on experience in police training
The program gives students hands-on experience in police training and operations. Participants receive instruction in various aspects of policing and participate in training scenarios, including:
Drunken driving enforcement
Building searches
Handcuffing
Special Response Team
Eligible participants must pass a background check and be interviewed before being accepted into the program. Participants also are required to attend an informational meeting with a parent or guardian before the academy begins.
The youth academy application is available at kentwood.us/YouthAcademy. Applications are due by June 15 and can be submitted online, by email to wierengat@kentwood.us, in person at the Police Department or by mail to Sgt. Tim Wierenga at 4742 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512.
Jacob Pewee won both the 100m and long jump in the Alliance League championship. (Courtesy, Grand River Prep)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
As a youngster, Grand River Prep sprinter Jacob Pewee was told he was fast.
“As a kid, I was always fast,” said Pewee, a senior at GRP. “Many of my friends let me know that. In general, I just enjoy running as it is one of my favorite things to do so I decided to put my skills to the test by joining track and field.
“I wish I would have joined sooner because I would be a lot farther than I am now despite my current accomplishments.”
Most recently, Pewee was the conference champion in the 100m sprint (11.50 seconds and the long jump (18 feet, 7 inches). He also was third in conference in the 200m and a member of the 4x400m relay team that placed second in school history. The boys team finished third overall in the Alliance League.
Pewee broke the 100m school record (11.50, regional qualifier) and the 200 record at 23.86. He also ranks fourth in school history in the long jump and sixth in school history in the open 400m. Last season he won all-region honors in the long jump.
“The very first time I participated in track and field was in sixth grade when I was about 12 years old,” said Pewee, who played varsity basketball as a junior. “When I moved to Michigan from Iowa and entered high school I decided to get back into it my junior year and am currently doing it as a senior. I’ve been loving it ever since.
“One of my favorite events is the 100-meter dash. I enjoy putting in the work during practice and applying it by going all out on the track. It leaves little room for error and is highly competitive which I love. Running against people around my skill level not only humbles me, but also pushes me to greater heights because I’ve always believed I can do good no matter what.”
Pewee was accepted to attend Grand Valley State University, but is still deciding if he’ll run track there.
“Judging by my performance and how quickly I’m improving in such a short time I think it’s inevitable.”
GRP track and field Coach Seth Pronger spoke highly of his leader
“Jacob has always been one of my most energetic and hardworking athletes in my time here,” Pronger said. “He’s embraced his role as a team leader as someone who uplifts the team and centralizes his teammates’ focus not only through his words, but through his actions as well. He’s always humble and regardless of the result of his competitions, he fist bumps all of the competitors in his heat.
“Jacob has an infectiously positive energy that carries through the entire team. He has more than earned his teammates’ respect on a personal and athletic level. As talented of an athlete as he is, it’s his superlative character that makes him the perfect leader for this team.”
Pronger said he’s relentless in working towards his goals
“Jacob pushes his limits in practice and has an acute attention to detail to make sure he is performing at the highest level,” Pronger explained. “No matter how tired he is, he will always go all out and finish his races and workouts even stronger than he started them.
“At his current trajectory, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Jacob qualify for the state meet and continue to further extend his school records and decorated track career here at Grand River Prep.”
