The action shifts into overdrive at Berlin Raceway as the track hosts three nights of racing over an eight-day span highlighted by the “Money in the Bank” feature, one of the premier races of the summer at Berlin.
The run of racing begins this Saturday at Berlin Raceway with a full lineup of action. Headlining is the non-wing sprint cars that will be racing in the Auto Value Part Store 40, part of the sprint car tour. Also on the lineup card is a Limited Late Model race, a 4-cylinder race and a Midget car race.
Dorr’s Matt Postma a Limited Late Model driver
Matt Postma, of Dorr, is one of the drivers looking to take the checkered flag in the Limited Late Model race. An up-and-coming driver, Postma is currently in sixth place in the division, but hopes to move up the standings in a division dominated by some talented veterans.
Matt Postma (Car #6 of Dorr, Michigan) is a young and upcoming driver in the Limited Late Model division who is looking to move up the standings as he competes this Saturday and Saturday, June 15 at Berlin. (Courtesy, Berlin Raceway)
“I’ve had some up and down weeks for sure this season,” Postma said. “We’re definitely making progress this year. In this division it’s all about seat time. You have to get that experience. This division has some great drivers like Tim DeVos, Denny Anderson, Josh Frye and Billy Eppink, who have years of experience on me. I have to get that seat time and experience and try to catch up.”
Postma is in his fifth year of racing and second year competing in the Limited Late Model division. He has been making steady progress and this year with three top-five finishes to his credit in the division that is led by Frye.
Like many of the drivers at Berlin, Postma grew up going to the races as a youth and caught the racing bug at an early age.
“I grew up going to Berlin with my dad and grandpa,” Postma said. “My grandpa was a huge fan. Every Saturday we would head out to Berlin and watch the Late Models and Outlaws.”
Hudsonville’s Nate Walton in action
While the Limited Late Models are in action this Saturday and next, they will be off next Wednesday, June 12, when the Money in the Bank feature takes center stage at Berlin. Postma will still be in action at Berlin for the Money in the Bank feature as he will be helping out Hudsonville’s Nate Walton, one of the drivers going after the $15,000 first prize in one of the two biggest races of the summer at Berlin.
“Nate has helped me out a lot and any chance I get I try to help him out,” Postma said.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Erik Jones, seen celebrating last year, is back to defend his title at the Money in the Bank race on Wednesday, June 12 at Berlin Raceway. (Courtesy, Berlin Raceway)
Big-name drivers Erik Jones, Carson Hocevar and Bubba Pollard
Walton is one of several local drivers in the Super Late Model division taking on several high-profile drivers who will descend on Berlin looking to take home a big payday and the checkered flag. Among the big-name drivers competing at Berlin in the Money in the Bank race are NASCAR Cup Series drivers Erik Jones and Carson Hocevar along with Bubba Pollard.
“The Money in the Bank race is a big draw,” said Andrew Postma, Operations Manager at Berlin Raceway. “It’s a chance for the local guys to race against some of the guys on the NASCAR Cup Series. It’s also a chance for our fans to see a guy like Carson who just raced at St. Louis to practice and race at Berlin.”
FREE admission to June 11 practice
Berlin race fans also have the opportunity to watch practice for free on Tuesday, June 11. Practice is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is free general admission for spectators.
Berlin caps the busy week of racing with a full slate of action on Saturday, June 15. The Ohio Wheelman Super Stocks headline the card along with the Wheelman Modifieds, NA-Compacts, Vintage Racing Organization of America (VROA) and the Scrappers. The VROA is a club dedicated to preserving a form of circle track racing that was prevalent during the 1940’s to 1960’s. The June 15 card is on Father’s Day weekend and plenty of giveaways are planned for dads including a beer special.
Tickets for all three nights of racing are available online. Fans also can save some money on their tickets by getting them ahead of race day on line at the Berlin Raceway website.
With three school records already as a sophomore at Wyoming Lee High School, Autumn Johnson just might one day reach her Team USA idol’s status down the road.
Johnson currently holds the school record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 8.08 seconds, 100-meter dash at 12.80 and the 200-meter, 26.52.
“Watching Autumn train and compete has been an inspiration to all of us,” said Lee Girls Track and Field Coach Sekayi Bracey, “Her dedication, hard work and passion for the sport are evident in every practice and race. Autumn embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that we strive to instill in all our athletes.”
Understandably, her idol is Team USA track star Sha’Carri Richardson.
“Despite facing setbacks in her career, she never stopped fighting, even when people doubted her,” said Johnson of Richardson. “She made a strong comeback, better than ever, and I feel a connection to her story. At the beginning of this season, I came in injured and had to work my way back up.”
As a freshman at Louisiana State University, Richardson broke the 100-meter collegiate record at the NCAA Division 1 Championships. She has won two gold medals and one bronze in the World Championships for Team USA.
Johnson wins 400-meter dash at regionals
At the Division 2 regional qualifier on May 18 in Sparta, Johnson won the 400-meter dash with a time of 59.51, giving her the second fastest time in Lee history. She also took third place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 12.80, breaking her previous school record.
Those performances led Johnson to be the only Legends qualifier at the state finals last weekend in Hamilton, where she finished 10th in the 400-meter dash.
“These victories are not just mine, the accomplishments are a reflection of the encouragement and support that I receive from my coaches, teammates, family and the Godfrey-Lee community,” said Johnson, who also has played varsity basketball as a freshman and sophomore. “I am grateful for everyone who has been a part of this journey and I am looking forward to achieving even more.
“One of my goals is to attend Michigan State University to continue my track career. Throughout high school, my aims are to make it into the top five in the state of Michigan and to place first in states within the next year or two. I also hope to attract attention from Division 1 colleges to further my track career at the collegiate level.”
Excels in the classroom as well
Lee Athletic Director Andre’ Sargent said beyond the track, Autumn excels in the classroom (3.9 GPA), in community service and is a role model for peers.
“Autumn’s achievements academically, socially and athletically are commendable, and we are proud to have her as part of our community and athletic program,” Sargent continued. “As she continues to excel, we are excited to support her in future endeavors, on and off the track. Her success is a source of pride for the entire Godfrey-Lee community and a powerful reminder of what it takes to truly ‘Be Legendary.’ That is commitment and hard work.”
WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its Kickoff to Summer Celebration, a fun-filled festival for all ages slated for Saturday, June 8.
The Kickoff to Summer Celebration features a variety of food trucks and artist vendors as well as a beer tent, children’s activities, live music and cornhole and beach volleyball tournaments in the area around City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with another fun festival that has something for all ages,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “With a fantastic lineup of food, artists, musicians and activities, we’re looking forward to a full day of sharing the best in summer flavors, sights and sounds.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The free-to-attend festival will begin with a beach volleyball tournament from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the courts near City Hall at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The tournament features four-player teams competing for a championship prize of shirts and a $100 credit toward this fall’s Kentwood Parks and Recreation indoor volleyball league.
The volleyball tournament is limited to six teams. The cost to participate is $100 per team. Those interested can register online or call 616-656-5270.
Food trucks, artist vendors and the beer tent will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the festival. A wide variety of cuisines will be available through 20-plus food trucks – everything from barbeque and burritos to baked goods and cold treats. The beer tent will feature a variety of brews including local craft favorites from Railtown Brewing Company. More than 15 artists will sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, and more. The cost for food, beverages and artisan goods varies by vendor.
The cornhole tournament runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall. The double-elimination tournament concludes with a trophy awarded to the top team.
Each cornhole team consists of two players, and participants must be 18 or older to compete. The cost to participate is $40. Only one teammate needs to complete the registration online or by phone at 616-656-5270.
Kids activities such as face painting, an obstacle course, hoop shoot, and an art activity are offered throughout the day.
The event’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and NN Autocam Inc., gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.
Volunteers are needed for the festival. To find more event information and sign up to volunteer, visit KickoffToSummer.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority is pleased to invite participants to join the annual GRR Runway 5K and one-mile fun run on Saturday, June 1.
Registration is open for this unique race, providing walkers and runners with a rare opportunity to compete on an actual airport runway. The race will commence north of the economy parking lot, onto taxiway Juliet, and runway 8L/26R—the Airport’s general aviation runway—before concluding back at the parking lot.
Race-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m., with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m. The one-mile fun run will begin at 9:05 a.m. Awards for the top three overall males, females and individual age groups will be presented at 10:15 a.m.
Early packet pickup takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 31 at The Runnery located at 5361 Alpine Ave. NW in Comstock Park.
Special Olympics Michigan charity partner
The charity partner for this year’s event is Special Olympics Michigan. This nonprofit is dedicated to creating a world of inclusion and community, where everyone is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.
Through year-round sports competitions and programs for kids and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Michigan provides access to free inclusive health services and equips schools with anti-bullying resources. With programs always free of cost to thousands of residents across Michigan, the organization relies on community support to achieve its mission.
“We look forward to welcoming participants to our runway for this family-friendly event,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “This race provides a unique experience to run or walk on a course that is typically reserved for aircraft only.
“We are delighted to support this year’s charity partner, Special Olympics Michigan, as they continue to provide programming and resources for thousands of individuals in the community.”
Registration for the 5K begins at $44, and $30 for the one-mile fun run. Participants will receive a T-shirt, finisher medals for those who complete the 5K or fun run, post-race snacks and beverages, awards for top finishers and free finisher’s photos.
“As an organization that seeks to encourage inclusion and joy through sport for athletes of all abilities, this partnership with the GRR Runway 5k is one that we are so proud of and incredibly grateful for,” said Kristie Kigar, stewardship and engagement coordinator of Special Olympics Michigan. “Since all of our programs are provided at zero cost to our nearly 22,000 athletes and their families, the support provided through this event will allow the power of connection and community to continue to thrive throughout West Michigan and beyond!”
Ford International Airport’s two commercial aviation runways will be operational during the race.
At approximately 1 p.m. Thursday, May 23, the Kentwood Police Department responded to a report of shots fired near the 4400 block of Bowen Blvd. Several people were detained and questioned in the area, and an investigation is underway.
No arrests have been made and no injuries have been reported at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2024 season on June 6.
The Farmers Market will run 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 6 through Aug. 29 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series will take place 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.
“We’re looking forward to offering more farm fresh goods and great music for our community to enjoy outside City Hall all summer long,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to shop for local produce and homemade goods or want a fun night out with friends and loved ones discovering a new band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series offer the perfect summer experience.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20-plus local vendors and include special activities throughout the summer. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH. The market’s season sponsors are JCI South Kent and Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan, and the market’s artisan sponsor is Metronet.
In addition, community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring ten local music groups every Thursday June 6-Aug. 15, skipping July 4 for the annual Kentwood fourth of July Celebration. 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.
Brena concert in 2022. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Diamond sponsors of the concert series include NN Autocam, Inc, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and Macatawa Bank. Gold sponsors of the concert series are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.
Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:
June 6: Opening day and 10th anniversary celebration of the Kentwood Farmers Market. The Summer Concert Series kicks off with Nathan Walton and the Remedy concert at 7 p.m., playing original soul-rock. Food trucks include PizzaMI, Kool Breze, El Jalapeno and Lazy Man BBQ.
June 13: The Chris Canas Band concert at 7 p.m., performing the blues with food trucks Silver Star Café “Airbourne Burritos,” Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids and Patty Matters.
June 20: Grupo Viento concert at 7 p.m., featuring Tejano music. Food trucks include Taste of Toya’s World, Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, Boujee Bowls and The Falafel Truck.
June 27: Bike Night at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional bike vendors plus a group bike ride. The Summer Concert Series will feature Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations at 7 p.m., performing R&B, pop, funk, Top 40 hits, soul and classics. Food trucks include El Global Mobile, Lazy Man BBQ, Furniture City Creamery and Dune Buggy.
July 4: No Farmers Market or Summer Concert on July 4, but a full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast, 5k run, carnival, live music, beer tent and fireworks. Details online at kentwood.us/July4
July 11: Roosevelt Diggs concert at 7 p.m., featuring blend of folk, country, blues, bluegrass, and rock-n-roll. Food trucks include Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Kool Breze, Luna Bella’s LLC and Sweet Racks and Smokin Butts BBQ.
July 18: TYPO concert at 7 p.m., playing rock, country, pop and urban favorites. Food trucks include Silver Star Café “Airborne Melts,” PizzaMI, Patty Matters and Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids.
July 25:The Soul Syndicate concert at 7 p.m., performing R&B, funk, soul and Motown medleys. Food trucks include Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack, The Falafel Truck, Dune Buggy and PJW Creole Cuisine.
Aug. 1: The Bootstrap Boys concert at 7 p.m., playing a fresh take on classic country. Food trucks include Street Frites, Kool Breze, Boujee Bowls and Casa de los Abuelos.
Aug. 8: National Farmers Market Week and Watermelon Mania at the Kentwood Farmers Market. MexiCuba concert at 7 p.m., featuring mix of Salsa, merengue, bachata and Cuban traditional music. Food trucks include Skinny Kenny’s BBQ, El Jalapeno, Taste of Toya’s World and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack
Aug. 15: The Sarena Rae Band concert at 7 p.m., performing soulful original music plus a variety of covers. Food trucks include Dune Buggy, Los Pinches Tacos, Kool Breze and Sanse Filipino Cuisine.
Aug. 22: Dog Days of Summer at the Kentwood Farmers Market featuring additional vendors and services for your furry friends. Food trucks Patty Matters and Desi’s Tropical Sno Shack will be there.
Aug. 19: Back to School Bash at the Kentwood Farmers Market with food trucks Taste of Toya’s World and El Jalapeno.
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 at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE, Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE and on-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.
Learn more by watching this video clip: WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.
Former Indy car driver and The Bachelor contestant Arie Luyendyk Jr. will be competing in the MSR series winged sprint car event at Berlin Raceway this Saturday. (Photo Courtesy, Berlin Raceway/Arie Luyendyk Jr.)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
It’s one of the staples of summer in West Michigan and with the weather heating up the action at Berlin Raceway in Marne also is shifting into high gear.
This summer WKTV Journal will be keeping an eye on the happenings at Berlin Raceway. Berlin has a full slate of racing action over the next few months with drivers from all over West Michigan competing including several drivers from Wyoming.
This weekend Berlin Raceway promises plenty of fun for the whole family not only on the race track, but in the stands as well. This Saturday is 80’s retro night at the track and the folks at Berlin are asking everyone to join in on the fun and wear their retro 80’s outfits, tie dye and neon.
On the track, one of the highlights of the evening is the season-opening race in the Must See Racing (MSR) Sprint Series presented by Perfect Parts.
The season opener was originally set for Sandusky Speedway, but was twice cancelled due to rain.
Blonde, Hamilton and McCune featured Saturday
The lineup of drivers entered for the race is an impressive one including defending MSR series champion Jason Blonde and multi-time MSR 2024 feature winners Davey Hamilton Jr. and Jimmy McCune.
The winner of the 30-lap feature will take home $4,000 and the race has attracted drivers from several states. Former Little 500 winners Jeff Bloom and Bobby Santos III are among the drivers entered.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. races Saturday in the Winged Pavement Sprint Car events
Another big name also is slated to compete in the race. Arie Luyendyk Jr. plans to compete in a handful of Winged Pavement Sprint Car events on the MSR series beginning with the season opener this Saturday at Berlin Raceway.
Former Indy car driver and The Bachelor contestant Arie Luyendyk Jr. will race his winged sprint car, sponsored by Jiffy Lube, Saturday at Berlin Raceway. (Courtesy, Berlin Raceway/Arie Luyendyk Jr.)
Luyendyk Jr. announced that he has obtained a partial season sponsorship with Jiffy Lube, His familiar red #25 will now carry Jiffy Lube proudly on the side of the car as well as the top wing.
The second-generation driver is the son of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk Sr. Arie Luyendyk Jr. has had a versatile career and has driven several different cars in his career including events in the Indy Car Series, Stadium Super Trucks, IMSA and Indy Lights cars. Luyendyk Jr. also qualified for the 2006 Indianapolis 500.
Luyendyk Jr. gained additional fame by starring in the ABC television show ‘The Bachelor’ in 2018. He has a huge social media following thanks in part to his appearance on ‘The Bachelor.’
(Courtesy, Berlin Raceway)
Plenty of West Michigan drivers, including Wyoming
While Luyendyk Jr. brings a national name to Berlin Raceway this weekend, plenty of West Michigan drivers and Wyoming drivers have been making news since the racing season kicked off at the end of April. In the Sportsman Division, Ryan Holtzlander of Muskegon is at the top of the standings. Josh Frye of Coopersville is just 20 points behind in second place. Allen Davis of Wyoming is in 11th place in the Sportsman Division and has three top-10 finishes to his credit.
In the 4 Cylinder Division, David Simpson of Hopkins is in first place with two wins to his credit so far while Nathan McNabb of Coopersville is in second place. Richard Succaw of Wyoming is in 17th place.
In the Super Late Model Division, Evan Szotko of Coopersville is in first place followed by Joe Bush of Hastings in second place. Brian Campbell of Wyoming has a top-10 finish in three races this season in the Super Late Model Division and is in ninth place overall in the standings.
In the Limited Late Model Division Tim Greene of Grand Rapids is in first place, followed by Josh Frye of Coopersville, second. Allen Davis of Wyoming is in 14th place and has one top-10 finish in two races.
(Courtesy, Berlin Raceway)
Limited Late Model, Dwarf Cars and Mini Wedge races
Along with the MSR winged sprint cars, this Saturday’s action includes a Limited Late Model race, Dwarf Cars and Mini Wedge race.
The Saturday, May 25 lineup for the Memorial Day Weekend features another packed slate of races including races in the Super Late Models, Limited Late Models, Sportsman, 4 Cylinder and Scrappers Division.
Racing action will continue every week during June, July and August and then on two weekends in September, including September 7 which is Chet Championship Night, and September 21; Monster Truck Throwdown. Among the highlights during the summer are the Money in the Bank feature on June 12, the Ohio Wheelman Superstocks and Ohio Wheelman Modifieds on June 15, an ARCA race June 29, Supermodifieds on July 12 and July 13, and the Tekton 250 Battle of Berlin on August 7.
Gates open for this Saturday’s racing action at 2 p.m. with racing starting at 4 p.m. For more information and all the summer lineups, log on to Berlin Raceway.
Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines Interim Director Judy Westers with their two medals. (Courtesy, Sweet Adelines)
By Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines
greer@wktv.org
Grand Rapids Chorus of Sweet Adelines (GRSA) took home two medals at the Sweet Adelines Great Lakes Harmony Region 17 contest in Cleveland this past weekend. GRSA won third place Division AA (mid-size choruses) and fourth place overall.
This was Interim Director Judy Westers first time on the contest stage as Music Director.
“Our dream came true on that stage because we worked so hard to be prepared and that gave our singers so much confidence on the contest stage,” Westers said. “I couldn’t be more proud of this chorus for what we accomplished. The bonus was that our audience loved the performance.”
Westers also performed as a baritone with an all-GRSA Quartet, “Chime In,” at the Sweet Adelines contest in Cleveland.
The chorus sang two Disney songs: “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Almost There.” The Chorus is fortunate to have an “in-house” music arranger, Penny Hock, who adapted both songs for GRSA.
Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines at Region 17 Contest. (Courtesy, Sweet Adelines)
“It is a privilege to be the in-house arranger and be able to adapt an arrangement to fit us perfectively,” said Hock, who’s also the assistant director and a lead for the Chorus.. “It’s the chorus singers who adapt and evolve constantly, until they create the pulse and breathe life into it.”
“GRSA is an energetic A Cappella chorus of nearly 60 women who perform 4-part harmony in the barbershop style of music.” The Chorus has entertained countless audiences across West Michigan and overseas in the Netherlands, Italy and France. GRSA will perform in Ireland and Northern Ireland this Fall.
If you are interested in joining the Chorus, click HERE.
Starting October 2024, Gerald R. Ford International Airport will increase connectivity to the West Coast with additional service to Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines.
“We’re grateful to our partners at Southwest for expanding their network and further connecting the West Michigan community with the world,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “This will be Southwest’s eighth nonstop destination from our Airport and is a significant addition to their portfolio, providing travelers with more options and convenience when planning their trips.”
This new service – currently served by one other carrier at Ford International Airport – is scheduled to operate on the carrier’s Boeing 737, offering nonstop flights on select weekdays and weekends. Tickets are now on sale at Southwest.com.
“We continue to look for additional opportunities, within our current fleet capabilities, to produce revenue and connect Customers to what’s important in their lives,” said Brook Sorem, vice president network planning at Southwest Airlines. “We’re excited to add this route connecting two business and leisure destinations.”
The Kentwood Department of Public Works and Kent County Road Commission are inviting community members to take a behind-the-scenes look at how local public works departments serve residents during an open house Wednesday, May 22.
The open house takes place 4-7 p.m. at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Community members of all ages can meet the Public Works team, learn more about the services it provides and explore vehicles and other equipment used by the department. The event is in recognition of National Public Works Week, which is May 19-25.
“The Kentwood Department of Public Works is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, health, and safety of our community, whether that’s clearing roadways, beautifying green spaces or ensuring the reliability of public safety vehicles,” Public Works Director Chad Griffin said. “We welcome this opportunity to engage with our community members, provide information about our operations and showcase the tools we use to fulfill our mission.”
Last year’s open house. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The event features giveaways, hands-on activities, live maintenance and repair demonstrations and more. Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.
Additionally, semifinalists and finalists of the Work Zone Safety Poster competition will be recognized at 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by Kent County Road Commission and public works agencies throughout Kent County, the poster contest invited third-graders from across the county to design a caution sign focused on safety tips for driving through a work zone. A gallery of entries will be displayed during the event.
Last year’s open house. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Kent County Road Commission also will have team members and equipment on-site to share more about their role in the community.
“We look forward to this event every year. It provides a fun and interactive opportunity for the community to experience the collaboration among local agencies, meet our teams, see our equipment, and discuss the ways we work to keep Kent County moving,” said Kent County Road Commission Managing Director Jerry Byne.
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 City parks and grounds, buildings and vehicles. The 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.
Prior to the open house, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley will provide a proclamation for National Public Works Week during the Tuesday, May 21 City Commission meeting.
Last year’s open house. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
At approximately 2:41 p.m., officers of both Kentwood Police Department and Kent County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to 60th St. and Wing Ave. for an accident involving a motorcycle and automobile. Life saving measures were immediately given to one involved, however they were pronounced deceased shortly after by medical personnel. No other serious injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-656-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Hospice care can help family members cope and develop strategies for challenges posed by being a part of the sandwich generation while caring for a loved one with a serious, life-limiting illness. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice/iStock)
You feel like you’re in the middle of an old-fashioned taffy pull – being stretched at both ends and there’s no way out.
Welcome to the “sandwich generation,” which finds you caring not only for your own children, but also your parents or in-laws or a complicated combination.
“It’s a lot of juggling at both ends – caring for your own children and/or grandchildren, but also making time for mom or dad and the changing needs they have as they age,” says Jan Amato, business development specialist for Emmanuel Hospice. “One minute, you’re making lunches for your school-age kids, and in the next, you’re arranging all kinds of medical appointments for your parents.
“There could be as many as four generations involved at once, and there you are, trying to keep everyone happy and healthy.”
The accompanying challenge: Dealing with a heavy dose of stress if you’re the designated driver for all those people looking to you for everything from meals to transportation to housing to emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Add in a serious, life-limiting illness, and it can feel entirely overwhelming.
In her capacity at Emmanuel Hospice, Amato has seen first-hand the effects of those stress-inducing conditions, and notes how Emmanuel is equipped to help not only its patients, but their family members cope and develop strategies for challenges posed by being caught up at both ends.
“A cardinal rule,” she emphasizes, “is regularly carving out some time for yourself, even if it’s a half hour to read, take a bath or work on a project, or just sit quietly and take in the present.
“You need to find something that’s enjoyable to you, and then take the time to do it, and without taking that phone call.”
Amato also has personal experience with the juggling act of the sandwich generation. Her father-in-law is located in Ohio, while Amato and her husband still reside in Michigan. To help care for him, her husband and his siblings take turns visiting. But Amato says it’s typical for one sibling to absorb more responsibility for mom or dad, and that can lead to stress and friction.
“We try to walk that journey with the patient and their family, and a lot of times there are multiple family members expressing different opinions on how that journey should look.”
Amato says it’s important for caregivers to develop a self-care strategy that includes:
Building a strong support system.
Setting aside time for self-care and staying engaged with your hobbies and interests.
Not discounting what others can do; lean on your network and be willing to delegate.
Keeping priorities organized.
National platforms like CaringBridge also offer helpful resources for navigating challenges of being a caregiver with tools to help you share and communicate updates with loved ones, as well as ask for and receive support.
“At Emmanuel Hospice, we’re qualified to connect people with professionals who specialize in counseling that helps those who might feel overwhelmed as a caregiver at both ends,” Amato says. “People need to know it’s OK to have that third party intervene.”
Kentwood’s annual Bark for the Park. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood’s annual Bark for the Park event is set for Thursday, May 16 to raise funds for new dog park amenities at Kellogg Woods Park.
The dog-friendly event takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Kellogg Woods Park, 275 Kellogg Woods Park Drive SE. Admission is free, and financial donations are accepted throughout the event. No registration is required.
Attendees and their canine companions can interact with a variety of local pet vendors and community booths, including veterinary clinics, grooming companies, the Wyoming Police K9 unit and more. The event features a pet craft station, photo booth and dog agility course. Each attendee also will receive a bag filled with dog treats and other favors to take home.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
At 6:30 p.m., attendees will have a chance to show off their pup’s style by participating in a doggy fashion show. The crowd favorite will receive a gift basket.
“Kellogg Woods Park continues to be a popular place for community members to enjoy with their pups,” said Shelby Henshaw, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “This event offers a fun opportunity for dog lovers to connect in support of the dog park, ensuring it remains a wonderful spot for furry friends for years to come.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward the purchase of shade sails, which will provide much needed shade in the dogpark. The event is sponsored by Bloom Sluggett PC, Metronet, Candra’s Grooming Company, Animal Hospital of Kentwood, Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry, All Weather Seal, Kent County Animal Shelter, Novo Chiropractic and K9 Kuisine. Additional sponsorship opportunities and opportunities to become a vendor for the event are still available.
There also are volunteer opportunities available for this event. Volunteers will help with event setup, bag stuffing, photo booth operations, craft activity facilitation or other activities as assigned.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, in partnership with Grand Valley State University (GVSU), unveiled key findings from its new economic impact study.
The study assessed the role of Gerald R. Ford International Airport in driving economic growth and prosperity in the 13-county West Michigan region.
Results showed the Airport annually supports or contributes:
• 40,324 jobs
• $7.7 billion in economic activity
• $10.3 million in fiscal impact
• $1.3 billion in catalytic impact on household income
“The Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating economic growth and enhancing our community’s vitality,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “Through our diligent and intentional efforts, we have more than doubled our economic impact since our last study was conducted in 2015 and are on track to reach our goal of $10 billion in economic activity by 2030.
“We appreciate our partners at GVSU for helping to benchmark our progress so that we can continue to shape our strategic objectives to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
Total direct spending annually by visitors traveling through Ford International Airport equaled $637 million, with an average daily spend of $161 per person. When visiting the West Michigan region, visitors stayed an average of 4.43 days. Construction activity associated with the Airport also has been significant, supporting an average of 328 construction jobs each year over the last five years.
“As the gateway to and from West Michigan, maintaining connectivity is essential as it provides business and community partners with resources to stimulate job growth, retain employees and support local residents’ livelihoods,” said Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “The Airport serves the fastest-growing region in the state, so it’s imperative that we continuously adapt and expand our services to meet the needs of our dynamic community.
“This ensures our area remains competitive nationally in attracting talent, businesses, tourism and more to further foster a vibrant regional economy.”
In 2019, the Airport announced plans for its $600 million capital expansion program known as ELEVATE, aimed at enhancing the guest experience and positioning the Airport for continued growth.
The projects in this program include:
• Expansion and widening of Concourse A, including the addition of eight new gates, new concession and retail options and modern amenities.
• Construction of Michigan’s first consolidated rental car facility.
• Expansion of the terminal curb front to consolidate all ticketing counters, implement a checked baggage inspection system to streamline operations and create a larger baggage claim space with additional carousels.
• Addition of a federal inspection station to support nonstop international commercial flights.
• Relocation of the air traffic control tower to accommodate terminal-area developments.
• Increased parking capacity with a North Lot garage.
To date, the Airport has invested a total of $205 million in ELEVATE projects. With these investments, the Airport is poised to remain a driving force in powering the local economy and providing connectivity to the region.
Christian Glupker, clinical affiliate professor of economics at GVSU, led the study.
“Gerald R. Ford International Airport has a vital role in facilitating air travel for the West Michigan region,” said Glupker. “However, that is not the only role the Airport has in the local region. The Airport is also an economic engine to the local economy, by generating $7.7 billion in economic activity, supporting 40,324 jobs and a $10.3 million fiscal impact.”
Nearly 4 million passengers in 2023
The Airport served a record number of passengers in 2023, with almost 4 million traveling through the facility. It is ranked as one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S. by the Federal Aviation Administration and was recently named the best small airport in the country by USA TODAY.
For more information and to download the full report, visit FlyFord.org.
Wylea Griggs, founder and owner of Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center in Wyoming. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
There’s no doubt COVID-19 impacted the mental health of many people in the United States. New Wyoming business owner Wylea Griggs said mental health declined throughout the country, and so did hers.
“I started experiencing severe anxiety with panic attacks, and I took a leave of absence from work to focus on my mental health,” said Griggs, owner and founder of Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center, located at 1095 Gezon Pkwy. SW, Wyoming. “I couldn’t take medication due to adverse effects. This is when my mentor introduced me to frequency therapy.
“I immediately bought the technology and started using it daily on myself and then my family.”
Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center was born
“When I was able to stop my panic attacks and manage my anxiety, I knew I needed to help others as I helped myself,” explained Griggs, who opened her new business on Sept. 22, 2023. “That’s when I resigned from my job, opened my practice and joined an amazing group practice as a contractor.”
Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center located at 1095 Gezon Pkwy. SW, Wyoming. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Helping people through her experience with anxiety and panic attacks
“I started helping women who experienced what I was going through,” Griggs continued. “From there, I decided to open my mental health wellness center and bring cutting edge innovative technology to help women overcome their mental health struggles holistically using frequency therapy.
“I have expanded to not only helping women, but women and families. I also help employers with women’s wellness by offering corporate mental wellness to employers.”
Backing up a bit
After beginning her college studies to become a criminal lawyer, a psychology class changed Wylea Grigg’s path in life.
“Then I had two loves, law and psychology,” said Griggs, who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and master’s degree in professional counseling from Lindenwood University. “So, I started taking more classes in psychology. I found out I absolutely love researching; I love learning about the brain and body.
“I got my masters degree in counseling because I wanted to help. I love talking to people and helping them.”
After college, Griggs worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor through the state of Michigan, working with students and adults with disabilities to help them find and keep a job.
“I had the opportunity to help them attend college … and offer career counseling,” she explained.
Quantum
Griggs said her Center offers a nurturing space where women and their families can access comprehensive care that combines traditional counseling with cutting-edge innovative technologies like the Theta Chamber, AO Scan and rTMS.
“We’re helping women and families get to the root cause of their mental health struggles.”
Holistic approach
“A lot of individuals are looking for holistic ways to mental health wellness,” Griggs said. “Our goals revolve around providing a comprehensive and holistic approach and empowering women and families to achieve mental well-being.”
Treating with innovative tech
Griggs said her Center addresses a wide range of mental health and neurological challenges using innovative technology. Some of the health challenges include, depression, ADHD, anger, fear, autism, alcohol addiction, stress, panic attacks, weight loss, sexual dysfunction, insomnia and brain fog.
Theta Chamber
“One of our cutting-edge, innovative technologies we offer is the Theta Chamber, a revolutionary tool designed to promote deep relaxation, stress reduction and emotional well-being,” Griggs explained. “The Theta Chamber utilizes advanced audio and visual stimulation techniques to guide individuals into a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness known as the theta brainwave state. This state is associated with profound relaxation, creativity and enhanced cognitive processing for your subconscious mind.”
Theta Chamber at the Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
rTMS
“Known as Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, rTMS is a groundbreaking non-invasive procedure that has shown remarkable results in treating a range of mental health conditions.”
Griggs said rTMS is used to treat issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain.
rTMS device at Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
AO Scan
According to her website, an AO Scan is an “advanced biofeedback system that utilizes electromagnetic frequency technology to assess the body’s energetic imbalances and provide insights into your overall health and well-being. It operates on the principle that every cell in our body emits a unique electromagnetic frequency, and by analyzing these frequencies, AO Scan can detect subtle imbalances and potential areas of concern.”
For more information on the Quantum Mental Health Wellness Center, click here.
City of Kentwood voters Tuesday approved a permanent dedicated millage increase of 1.95 mills that will provide critical support for police and fire services.
The proposal was passed with 2,835 voting yes, compared to 2,159 no votes.
The millage increase will be levied starting July 1, 2024, and is expected to generate more than $5.1 million in its first year. The funding will enable Kentwood’s Police and Fire departments to hire additional staff members, make necessary vehicle replacements and complete critical equipment upgrades in order to maintain response times and meet growing needs for police, fire and emergency medical services.
“Kentwood residents have approved additional funding that will ensure our Police and Fire departments have the necessary resources to protect and serve our community now and for years to come,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “As Kentwood’s population has grown, funds from the current millage have reached maximum impact. We are grateful residents recognized the need for an increase to meet our community’s growing demand for police, fire and emergency medical services.”
Kentwood has experienced significant population growth in the past 10 years, which has led to increased needs for police and fire services. Since 2010, the population has grown by 11.5%. During that time, police calls for service have risen 14% and fire calls have risen 36%.
In the first year, the millage increase will support critical police personnel needs, enabling the Police Department to add, train and support vital additions to the team.
“While our community has grown significantly over the past 10-plus years, our staffing levels have remained the same since 2000,” Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “This funding will enable us to get our staffing levels up to where they need to be so we can continue to serve our community with excellence.”
As Kentwood’s population continues to grow, the dedicated millage increase also will enable the Fire Department to add another EMS unit when demand for emergency medical services exceeds current staffing.
“This funding will help us keep our promise to maintain an average response time at or below 5 minutes and 20 seconds,” Fire Chief Brent Looman said. “We thank our community for approving this critical support for our department.”
The approved millage increase will support several police and fire initiatives, including:
Addressing critical personnel needs, enabling the Police Department to add, train and support vital additions to the team, raising its minimum staffing level from three officers and a sergeant to five officers and a sergeant.
Adding another EMS unit for the Fire Department in the future when the demand for emergency services exceeds current staffing.
Funding the replacement of necessary police and fire vehicles and other equipment, which have seen significant cost increases in the past few years.
Creating a basic outdoor training facility for police and fire that will eliminate the need for travel expenses and overtime for training purposes, ensuring cost-effective and up-to-date training practices.
Supporting increased simulation-based training for police and fire personnel, helping team members build essential skills so they can make informed decisions in real-time that protect community members, property and fellow emergency personnel.
Updating technology and equipment to protect police and fire team members and community members.
Enabling both police and fire to focus resources on prevention and education and be more proactive in addressing community issues.
South Christian junior Davis Kemper fired a no-hitter against Cedar Springs. (Courtesy, Travis Kuhfeldt)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
The South Christian baseball team may not have a roster full of players who are committed to playing baseball in college, but that’s not stopping the Sailors from challenging for the title in one of the most competitive baseball conferences in West Michigan.
As the baseball season heads for the home stretch, the South Christian baseball team finds itself in first place in the rugged OK Gold Conference that includes a Forest Hills Eastern team that is ranked third in the state in Division 2. Heading into the second week of May, the Sailors have a 13-6 overall record under first-year Coach Harris Fondren.
“The season is going really well,” Fondren said. “We have some good pitching and our offense is looking good. We don’t have a lot of kids committed to playing Division 1 baseball like a lot of other teams do, but we do have a lot of kids who play together as a team and are a lot of fun to be around. They love the process and make sure the job gets done.”
The Sailors have racked up some impressive wins in the conference highlighted by a 1-0 no-hitter victory against Cedar Springs.
The South Christian baseball team is off to a 13-6 record this season and is in first place in the OK Gold. (Courtesy, Travis Kuhfeldt)
South Christian junior pitcher Davis Kemper tossed the no-hitter with plenty of help from his defense. Kemper threw a total of 87 pitches during the no hitter with 59 of the pitches being strikes. Kemper allowed just two walks while allowing no hits.
“Davis controlled the strike zone really well,” Fondren said. “Our defense also did a great job of getting outs. Our middle infielders, Ethan Vostad and Jamin VanGrouw, played out of their minds. They made sure no balls got out of the infield. It was a real team no-hitter.”
Kemper, who has a fastball clocked in the low 80s, is also starting to get looks from college baseball teams.
“The thing is Davis didn’t even have his best stuff in the no-hitter,” Fondren said. “His fastball was around 78, but he was hitting his spots and kept getting outs. He is just a great young man who is coming into his own.”
So far this season Kemper has two wins and a save. In 20 2/3 innings pitched he has allowed just five hits and six walks with one earned run and 31 strikeouts. Kemper also has a 0.34 earned run average.
The Sailors also are getting solid pitching from Logan Henry. In 18 innings of work Henry has a 1.55 earned run average with 13 strikeouts. Henry also has a pair of wins including a complete game shutout of Cedar Springs where he threw 82 pitches.
“Logan has been awesome for us,” Fondren said. “He has four different pitches in his arsenal and he has great control.”
(Courtesy, Travis Kuhfeldt)
The Sailors also have been getting the job done at the plate. Kemper has been among the batting leaders this season with a .421 batting average and a .493 on-base percentage. Noah Funk is hitting .383 with a .567 on-base percentage while VanGrouw is hitting .342 with a .527 on-base percentage.
“Noah Funk is a Calvin College football commit and he has helped us immensely,” Fondren said. “He is our No. 2-hole hitter and he has been bringing it all season. He has scored 20 runs this season and has been doing a really good job.”
Wyatt Vliestra is another hitter who has been igniting the offense this season.
“Wyatt also has a crazy on-base percentage,” Fondren said. “In the big moments Wyatt always seems to be on base. He always seems to find a way to get on base.”
The Sailors also are getting big contributions from leadoff hitter Charlie Schruer.
“Charlie is a great leadoff hitter,” Fondren said. “The way he can work pitchers and get the pitch count up has been big for us. He just eats up opposing pitchers with the way he can get the pitch count up. He is also hitting close to .300 with an on-base percentage over .350. He is also on pace to break the school record for stolen bases in a season. He has 26 so far this year and the record is 28. He has only been caught stealing once.”
South also is getting outstanding play from Caleb Herder at the catcher position.
“Caleb has just absolutely been killing it at catcher,” Fondren said. “He has a great leadership style and he comes to play every day.”
Fondren also is quick to credit his coaching staff for the success of the team this season.
“I think we have the best coaching staff in the state,” Fondren said. “Steve Ritsema, Jake Ritsema and Ted Titus have been so good for our team. They are a big part of the whole culture we are building with the team, not just as baseball players but as young men.”
Overall, Fondren is happy with how the team is performing this season and how the team and program is growing both on and off the field.
“What a great group of men of God we have,” Fondren said. “I have been so pleased with this team and the culture that we have. Some of our best players are part of the ministry groups that our school sends out on weekends. We have some great young men who play together and love being together. They are just so great to be around.”
Wyoming pitcher Kalani Stowe throwing her 600th strikeout in a win over Comstock Park last week. (Courtesy Marty Marzean)
By Ty Marzean
WKTV Contributor
Wyoming Wolves record-breaking senior Kalani Stowe caught the eye of Coach Kaitlin Failing when she was still in elementary school.
“We have been working with Kalani since the summer before her fifth-grade year,” Failing said. “She came to our camp and began pitching with us that summer in our open pitching times.”
Stowe became the first softball pitcher in Wyoming history to eclipse the 600-strikeout mark this past Thursday against Comstock Park. Stowe mowed down the Panthers with a 19-K performance, giving up four hits in a complete game as the Wolves scored a 10-2 victory.
Coach Failing admires the work ethic and determination put forth by her senior hurler. Stowe has been a work in progress since walking through the doors as a fifth grader.
“She has excelled on the softball field since we first knew her,” Failing said.
“She didn’t start pitching during the travel ball season until the summer after her 8th grade year. We knew she was going to be good because of her ability to snap the ball and go all out. She just needed the opportunity to pitch in games.”
Stowe made an impact on the varsity roster as a freshman, collecting 156 strikeouts in 89 innings of work in her first season.
“She worked extremely hard to be ready to pitch varsity with very little experience on the mound leading up to her first high school season,” Failing said.
“She came to weekly lessons to work on controlling her movement pitches and increasing her spin rate. What sets her apart is her spin rate and her ability to spin the ball and make it move with her movement pitches. For her, it was learning to control her natural ability to spin the ball and make the ball do what she wanted it to do for each pitch.”
The Wolves took part in the Northview tournament this past weekend, and Stowe added to her impressive record by throwing a five-inning, no-hitter against Spring Lake in a 7-0 win. She also tossed another three innings against Kenowa Hills in the Wolves’ 11-0 victory over the Knights, taking her career mark to 637 strikeouts.
With 14 games remaining on the Wolves’ schedule, the 700 club is well within reach for Stowe, who has committed to play at Grand Rapids Community College.
“It was very exciting to see her surpass this record because of all the hard work she has put in for years to get to this point,” Failing said. “But we are also excited to see how high she can go this season and see if she can make it over 700 as well.”
A .600 batting average and 14 stolen bases as well
Stowe doesn’t only dominate in the pitcher’s circle; she is also Wyoming’s most productive hitter. The switch hitter carries a .600 batting average and has stolen 14 bases on the season.
“She is a great hitter as well and really a great player in any position on the field,” Failing said. “When she isn’t pitching for us, she is usually catching. She is a natural right-hand hitter, but also slaps left-handed. She is extremely fast and can outrun most balls she puts into play from the left side and hits with power from the right side.”
Stowe is not the only four-year varsity player in the Wolves’ lineup.
Wyoming center fielder Maddy Lee. (Courtesy, Wyoming Wolves)
Maddy Lee has been patrolling center field since her freshman year. Lee has a .569 on-base percentage and has worked 21 walks this season.
“She has been our varsity starting center fielder and has been solid out there all four years,” Failing said. “She covers a lot of ground and is a leader on the field for us.”
Junior catcher Kellsie Dieterle also is an important piece of the puzzle for Wyoming. Failing emphasized the need for a strong option at catcher that can allow Stowe more innings in the pitcher’s circle.
“She is a girl that we taught how to catch last season because we knew we needed a catcher for Kalani,” Failing said. “She has performed beyond our expectations back there. She has only allowed three passed balls on the season and thrown out one of the five steal attempts. There are not many teams that even attempt to steal on her.”
Senior shortstop Isabelle Castro is another key player for Wyoming. Castro currently holds a .404 batting average and has committed to play at Muskegon Community College.
“She moved from third base to shortstop for us this season and has done a great job,” Failing said. “She is a big bat in our lineup and is always hitting the ball hard.”
Failing’s Wolves hold an 11-8 record heading into the second half of the season and will look to her seniors to lead the way against a tough upcoming schedule.
“We have a very strong core with a few young players that have stepped up for us this season,” Failing explained. “We are looking to see the growth each player makes and how our team can continue to work together against some tough competition.”
Wyoming travels to Muskegon Reeths-Puffer and Covenant Christian for two doubleheaders this week.
At approximately 3:10 p.m., the Kentwood Police Department responded to the area of 48th St. and Victoria Ave., on reports of a shooting. Upon investigation officers located damage to three residences and a vehicle from the shooting. No victims were located, and no injuries were reported.
No suspects have been arrested at this time, however, there does not appear to be any ongoing threat to the public.
The Kentwood Police Department will continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Care Resources provides wraparound support services to assist older adults in maintaining their independence to avoid nursing homes. (Photo Courtesy, Care Resources)
Indeed, there’s “no place like home.” But when home becomes a difficult place to navigate, that’s when a partner like Care Resources can provide peace of mind — and they’ll come to your doorstep to make it happen.
“Our approach ensures that you’re going to be comfortable and safe in your home,” says Barb Scothorn, an intake, enrollment and home care manager at Care Resources, which provides wraparound support services to hundreds of qualifying adults 55 and older living in Kent and parts of surrounding counties.
With its headquarters and day center located in Grand Rapids at 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Care Resources offers in-home options that include medical care, prescription help, dietary advice, transportation needs, physical and occupational therapy and much more.
“Our goal is to help people avoid nursing facilities,” says Scothorn, who emphasizes that an entire team works as one to create the best-case solutions for participants, based on their specific needs and wants.
“Our participants tend to join for one of two main reasons,” she says. “One is to secure transportation to and from Care Resources’ Day center and to medical-related appointments addressing general health, dental and vision needs. The other is to lean on Care Resources to help participants safely remain in their own homes for as long as possible.”
Toward that end, Care Resources relies initially on medical social workers and registered nurses, who are typically the first to enter a home and make assessments. They then enlist other members of the team, who also weigh in with options to make living easier and safer for the participant.
Those might include:
Changing up the interior of the home to remove throw rugs, improve lighting, and clear rooms, walkways and stairways of clutter.
Performing light housework like washing clothes, dusting, vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms.
Throwing out expired food, arranging delivery of meals and advising on dietary needs.
Providing hygiene and other personal care.
Installing grab bars, raised toilet seats and other adaptive measures.
Care Resources also leans on a digital communication tool called “care.coach,” which enables participants and Care Resources staff members to “talk” with one another using avatars.
“We can use it for a variety of needs, even alerting a participant to when an aide is knocking at their door,” Scothorn says.
She acknowledges that some older adults are reluctant to embrace the technology, but those who learn how to use it rave about the support it provides and the extra measure of comfort and safety care.coach brings to the home environment.
Care Resources is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, which is funded by Medicare and Medicaid. Participants and families who have Medicare or Medicaid pay no out-of-pocket expenses for PACE services, which promote healthy and independent living while working to prevent nursing home placement.
Scothorn and other experts agree that educating older adults – and legislators – about PACE is key. That’s why participants, staff and volunteers will join others in a rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday, May 22. Nearly 200 in total will gather in Lansing to talk with legislators about the value of PACE, how it benefits their constituents and how they can help expand services in Michigan.
“One of our ultimate goals is to provide services to such an extent that there are no gaps in home care coverage,” Scothorn says. “Life involves change. And when those changes affect the comfort and safety of older adults, we want those in need to understand we’re here for them.”
For more information on Care Resources, call 616-913-2006 or visit CareResources.org.
Alexa Boersma (5) scored nine goals in the first 11 games for the Sailors. Photo from an earlier game. (Photo Courtesy, Brian Nitz)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
When it comes to Division 3 soccer in the state of Michigan, you can usually count on a team from West Michigan being highly ranked in the state.
This season, that team is the South Christian Sailors, who are currently fourth in the state in Division 3 after sitting atop the standings for the first few weeks. Long-time rival Unity Christian has taken over the top spot. South Christian and Unity are familiar names when it comes to soccer in Division 3 as the two teams have combined for two state titles in the past five years with South Christian winning the Division 3 state title in 2019 and Unity winning it last year.
South Christian, which reached the regional semifinals last year, is off to a strong start this season with a 9-2-2 record. One of the losses was a 2-0 decision against Hudsonville, the No. 1-ranked team in the state in Division 1, while the Sailors also played to a draw with anther OK Red soccer power in Rockford. The Sailors also claimed an impressive 1-0 win against East Grand Rapids, another local soccer powerhouse.
New coach Joel VandeKopple
South Christian is off to a strong start under a new coach this season in Joel VandeKopple. So far, VandeKopple likes what he is seeing from the Sailors.
“We’ve had a strong start to the season with results against East Grand Rapids and Rockford,” VandeKopple said. “It’s my first year as head coach of the girls’ team and so there’s always an adjustment to a new coach and style of play, but the girls have bought in and have had a great start.”
So far this season the Sailors are demonstrating a good blend of offense and stingy defense. The South Christian defense has recorded six shutouts through the first 11 games of the season. South has received solid play in goal this season from goalkeeper Olivia In’thout, who has been in goal for all six of the shutouts.
50 goals in 13 games
Offensively, South Christian has totaled 50 goals through the first 13 games. Forward Alexa Boersma has been one of the leaders on the offensive side of the field with nine goals in 11 games, while Katelyn Vander Ark (offensive center midfielder) is having a productive season with six goals.
South Christian’s Izzy DeJong (22) battles for possession during a recent game. (Photo Courtesy, Brian Nitz)
Playing with plenty of drive and having a large group of talented players has been a strong point so far this season.
“Our intensity and depth are two big strengths for this season,” VandeKopple said. “We try to play a high-intensity game. To do that we need a lot of girls who are willing to put that effort in. We have a deep bench that allows us to play with such high intensity.”
The Sailors are getting into the heart of the conference schedule in the OK Gold which is one of the most competitive leagues in West Michigan. Along with playing for a league title, the Sailors are sharpening their skills in anticipation of a deep run in the state Division 3 state tournament.
“We try to compete in our conference and in Division 3,” VandeKopple said. “We try to focus on getting better throughout the year so we play our best soccer at the end of the season while also glorifying God with how we play.”
Woodland Mall will host its very first Cinco de Mayo Fiesta on Sunday, May 5 to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.
In partnership with West Michigan’s Spanish radio station, La Poderosa, the celebration will feature live music, a Mexican dance performance and trivia with exclusive prizes at the mall’s outdoor plaza near On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. In addition, On the Border’s menu will feature food and beverage specials all day.
(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Cinco de Mayo is a widely celebrated holiday that memorializes Mexico’s victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
“We are looking forward to bringing the community together to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture at our first-ever Cinco de Mayo Fiesta,” said Marketing Manager Kennedy Vancalbergh. “The event will provide captivating music and dance performances, crafts for children, games and delicious food.”
A special performance by Mexico Mix Ballet Folklorico, a local Ballet Folklorico dance group, begins at 3 p.m. The group consists of 10 adults and 10 children who will perform traditional Mexican dances for the audience. Other activities include a booth where children can color maracas and a selfie-station to capture memorable moments with friends and loved ones, if weather permits.
The first 50 attendees will receive a gift bag filled with a Cinco de Mayo necklace, an assortment of Mexican candy and coupons to a variety of Woodland Mall stores.
Kentwood Firefighters Andy Biederman (left) and Jeff Bouwkamp shared their stories with WKTV last year for Voices from the Front Line. This story features four highlight reels from that program. This clip’s topic: “Not always fires; medical calls as well.”
“When you’re young, you see the big red fire engines, you see the lights, you hear the sirens … and that’s what captures you,” said Kentwood Fire Department Lieutenant Jeff Bouwkamp, a firefighter for over 30 years. “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.
“This is the greatest job in the world. I still feel that to this day.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: With the City of Kentwood voters to consider a dedicated millage increase to provide critical support for police and fire services on May 7, WKTV is posting excerpts from an important series from last year called, “Voices from the Front Line: A two-part look inside the life of a Kentwood firefighter.” WKTV spent an afternoon at Kentwood Fire Station 3 on Eastern Ave. as part of a documentary where we interviewed Lieutenant Jeff Bouwkamp and Engine Operator Andy Biederman. We talked about many details of their job as a firefighter … from the most routine calls to the most dangerous, and all things in between.
As the city of Kentwood has continued to grow, the demand for police and fire services also has risen. Since 2010, Kentwood’s population has grown by 11.5%, rising from 48,707 residents in 2010 to 54,303 residents in 2020. If approved, the dedicated millage increase would enable Kentwood’s Police and Fire departments to hire additional staff members and maintain response times to meet growing needs for police, fire and emergency medical services.
Kentwood Firefighters: “Helping people in need.”
Below are excerpts from our detailed conversations last year with these two Kentwood Firefighters:
Andy Biederman, Engine Operator (a Kentwood firefighter for over 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 over 30 years):
Talk about your responsibilities as a Lieutenant and the shift breakdown?
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. 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 physical and emotional toll. How do you deal with the stress and anxiety?
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:
We’re always watching each other … we’re that close. 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.
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. 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.
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.
Kentwood Firefighters: “5,000 calls last year: 13 per day.”
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.
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:
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.
East Kentwood pole vaulter Reece Emeott. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)
By Ty Marzean
WKTV Contributor
Coming off a ninth-place finish in the Division 1 state finals, the East Kentwood boys track and field team will lean on some youngsters to top last year.
According to the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association, they are the team to beat this year ranked atop Division 1 in the state.
“We are working hard to maintain a standard of excellence,” said Track and Field Coach and Co-Athletic Director David Emeott. “We are very young, but I am confident over time we will get there.”
Pole vaulting a family affair
Pole vaulter sophomore Reece Emeott is playing a pivotal role in the youth movement in the Falcons Track and Field team. Reece is the son of Coach Emeott, and pole vaulting is a family affair in their household.
“I pole vaulted; his older brother and sister pole vault in college; he has been pole vaulting since birth,” Coach Emeott said.
Reece, ranked No. 1 in the state, cleared 13 feet at the finals last year as a freshman and has already cleared 14-6 this season.
“We are looking for big things from him,” Coach Emeott said. “We are hoping he will place very high in the state meet.”
Emeott also is maintaining a high level of excellence in the classroom.
“Reece is a 4.13 GPA student. He takes many AP classes, and his mom thinks he is very smart. Nice kid, needs to clean his room,” Emeott said proudly.
East Kentwood’s Malachi Mosely. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)
Malachi Mosely was the only underclassman on the 4×100 relay team that finished in the top 12 at the state event.
“Malachi has had to overcome some nagging injuries, but we think he is ready to go,” Emeott said. “He opened up with a 48.56 indoor 400, and this could be a big season for him.”
East Kentwood’s Evan Nikoles. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)
Junior Evan Nikoles has paced the competition in the 1600-meter race while shaving off 20 seconds from his best time during the 2023 season.
“Evan has done an amazing job in the distance events. He has been able to lead in most of his races and do whatever the team needs,” Emeott said.
Sophomore Jhavon Alexander has made his mark in the long jump for East Kentwood. Alexander placed first at the Aquinas HS Indoor Challenge, clearing 21-2. Alexander holds a personal record of 22-3, set on April 17 against West Ottawa.
East Kentwood long jumper and sprinter Jhavon Alexander. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)
“Jhavon has led us in the long jump and, as a sophomore, has been very competitive in the sprints. He is still young, but has a mature attitude and a huge heart,” Emeott said.
From left: Lee Ly, Bieu Duong and Phillip Nguyen, standing in front of The Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Grand Rapids. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
West Michigan resident Phillip Nguyen was 15 years old when he crammed into a 25-by-6 wooden boat with 57 other “boat people” to start a wild journey to a new life away from Vietnam.
“We packed them on; that boat was barely an inch over water,” said Nguyen, who produces a show called “VietSong” at WKTV and is President of Digital Marketing Solutions LLC.
Nguyen traveled by boat to small Chinese islands and learned English and American culture while in Hong Kong before making his way to the United States two years later.
He was fortunate to survive the very dangerous boat trips. Many Vietnamese people risked their lives to escape their war-torn country and seek a better life elsewhere, but did not survive the high seas.
“This isn’t a fiction novel, this is real,” Nguyen explained. “My brother-in-law told me his mother sent him and his two brothers on separate boats every couple of months because she feared if their boat would be lost, they would all die. His brothers never made it; they were completely gone. He was the only one to survive.”
From left: Lee Ly, Bieu Duong and Phil Nguyen at the Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in Grand Rapids. This year marks the 49th anniversary of The Fall of Saigon. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
The Fall of Saigon, which occurred on April 30, 1975, marked the end of the Vietnam War and a pivotal moment in world history. The event not only signaled the collapse of South Vietnam’s government, but also triggered one of the most significant waves of mass emigration in modern history. This year marks the 49th anniversary of The Fall of Saigon.
On April 28, 1975, U.S. President Gerald R. Ford called for the emergency evacuation of American civilians and military from Saigon. Two days later North Vietnamese forces advanced into Saigon, leading to the collapse of the South Vietnamese government. The sight of helicopters lifting off from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon became an iconic image, symbolizing the end of the war.
According to borgenproject.org, in the aftermath of the fall of Saigon, South Vietnamese feared persecution under the new communist government. This fear led to a mass exodus, with many seeking asylum in other countries. Over 1.5 million South Vietnamese attempted their perilous escape by boat. Drowning, piracy, dehydration and failed vessels that would never make landfall would wipe out an estimated 10 percent of refugees.
According to borgenproject.org, over 1.5 million South Vietnamese attempted their perilous escape by boat. (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Under the cover of night
Before Nguyen fled Vietnam in 1982, he noticed people in his village disappearing overnight.
“I lived in a village … almost every day you wake up a family was gone over night,” Nguyen said. “Every day you wake up you hear neighbors say he’s gone, she’s gone, the family is all gone. It seems like everyone was trying to run to get to a better future.”
Vietnamese emigration to the United States
For Vietnamese who fled in 1975, most were received at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and settled in southern California, according to Michigan State Associate Professor of History Charles Keith. The initial wave of refugees consisted mainly of individuals with ties to the U.S. government, military and other South Vietnamese institutions.
“The conditions of diaspora really differentiated Vietnamese experiences from those of other Asian migrants,” Keith explained. “Vietnamese were the only Asian-Americans who were virtually all war refugees when they came.
“Those who came throughout the 1980s relocated to many parts of the country. But many had a second, internal migration within the U.S. for various reasons: better weather, occupations they were familiar with, and to be part of larger Vietnamese communities, which intensified the size of the community in southern California into the largest Vietnamese community in the U.S.”
Into the jungle
Loan Pham was five years old when the invading North Vietnamese took her hometown of Saigon, forcing her family and many more to the jungles of Vietnam.
“The new government warned people to go live in the jungle,” explained Pham, who’s from Wyoming. “I went to the jungle with my mom and three siblings, we were city people now living in the jungle.”
Pham’s mother was injured by a falling tree while trying to build a shelter for her small family during their months in the jungle. Once they returned to city life they would remain homeless for the next 11 years.
Loan Pham was five years old when she and her family escaped to the jungle when North Vietnam took Saigon. (Photo Courtesy, Loan Pham)
“We had a rough life”
“We had a rough life,” Pham said. “I had to start working at seven years old because my mom was sick. I would work odd jobs. I would sell stuff, people would ask me to do some small jobs. I would give the money to my mom so she could buy rice to feed us.”
Coming to America
Pham found a different way to the United States that most Vietnamese people including Nguyen could not take advantage of. Her father was an American soldier.
In 1983, Pham used her status as an American kid to start the process of emigrating to the United States.
“When I was 13 years old I saw on the TV news … it said if you have American children, you fill out paperwork to get to the United States,” Pham explained. “Five years later, when I was 18, I finally had my papers. I went to the Philippines for eight months to learn English and American culture.
“They taught us the peace sign, the middle finger, and not to ask people their age, all the stuff we might need to get along in the U.S.”
Part of the Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Part of the Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Part of the Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Part of the Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Part of the Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Part of the Saigon Staircase exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Nguyen came to America via Bethany Christian Services
Also in 1983, Nguyen made his way to Michigan through Bethany Christian Services. Nguyen was orphaned when he was five years old. His father was killed in the war, and his mother died a couple of years later.
“I was under the minors program sponsored by Bethany Christian Services,” Nguyen said. “I lived with my foster parents until I was 18.”
Nguyen had a typical American life of working small jobs and graduating from South Christian High School while living with his foster parents. Nguyen completed his bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University where he met his wife.
Nguyen gives back; has fostered 17 children
Nguyen and his wife have three adult children and have helped foster 17 others through Bethany Christian Services.
“I owe them one and paid back with 17,” Nguyen proudly said.
His household is still home to five foster children.
“We have three from Afghanistan, one from Guatemala and one from Honduras.”
Upon arrival in the United States, Pham was helped out by the U.S. government, but that assistance would not be long-term, and soon she was looking for work in a foreign country.
“My first job was sewing baby clothes for $2 an hour,” Pham said.
Fortunately for Nguyen and Pham, they were able to avoid harsh racism and persecution that many of their fellow Vietnamese refugees had to endure.
“When I came to Michigan I didn’t see any racism against me, nothing like I saw when I lived in Vietnam,” Pham said. “South Vietnam was racist towards North Vietnam.”
And Nguyen said he was more fortunate than most.
“I’ve seen it happen to other people and I’ve heard horror stories, but me personally have never really felt it,” said Nguyen, who served as the president of the Vietnamese American Community of Grand Rapids Michigan for six years.
(VACGRM) is a non-profit community organization established to serve Vietnamese Americans in the city of Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas with charity and cultural work.
Events include: Remembering the Fall of Saigon, Lunar New Year celebrations and other cultural events throughout the year. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the VACGRM was able to supply food and medicine to those in need in the Vietnamese community in West Michigan.
The fall of Saigon created new beginnings for countless Vietnamese refugees who found hope and a new home in the United States.
Viet Benevolence Foundation
Nyguyn is Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Viet Benevolence Foundation.
“In July 2022, I went to Việtnam to work with the U.S. Consulate Office and with the Vietnamese government in an effort to preserve the former Vietnamese National Cemetery known as Nghia Trang Quan Doi Bien Hoa (now renamed Nghia Trang Nhan Dan) where over 16,000 former South Vietnamese soldiers rest. During this trip I learned that there are thousands and thousands of former South Vietnamese soldiers’ remains that still need help to bring home to their families, especially those who died in re-education camps after 1975.”
To learn more about Nyugen’s Viet Benevolence Foundation, who’s mission is “Healing the past and empowering the future through charitable causes,” check out VIETBENEVOLENCE.ORG
Kentwood Commissioner Maurice Groce. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
After an eight-year tenure on the Kentwood City Commission, Commissioner Maurice Groce has announced his plans to resign for family reasons.
A Kentwood resident for more than 32 years, Groce has brought more than three decades of operational business and management experience to his role as commissioner. Since 2007, he has been heavily involved with the City of Kentwood, fulfilling previous appointments to the Local Officers Compensation Committee, Housing Commission and Planning Commission.
Groce and his wife, Donna, have made the difficult decision to move out of Kentwood so they can be closer to their son and daughter on the east side of the state. They also want to be able to support and spend more time with their daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren.
“I am incredibly honored to have served as a city commissioner for the past eight years and collaborate with my fellow commissioners, City staff and community members to ensure a safe, diverse and fiscally responsible city with economic, educational and cultural opportunities,” Groce said. “The decision to step down is not an easy one or something I expected to do before the end of my term. However, my wife and I feel very strongly about being closer to family and being active grandparents in the lives our of grandchildren.”
Groce first began serving on the City Commission in 2012, when he was appointed to fill the remaining two years of a Ward 2 commission seat. In 2018, Groce was again appointed to fill a vacant commission seat. He then was elected to the commission in 2019 and again in 2023.
Groce will continue to serve as a city commissioner until late spring or early summer. The City Commission will appoint someone to serve the remainder of his term, which ends in November 2027. Details about this appointment process and how interested residents can apply will be announced once finalized.
Wyoming pitcher Jack Terveen totaled 11 strikeouts and gave up only one hit in the Wolves’ 6-1 win over Grand Rapids Union. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
Thanks to some solid pitching by Jack Terveen and a balanced hitting attack, a young Wyoming baseball team continued to show progress this season with a 6-1 win over Grand Rapids Union in WKTV’s Tuesday Night Truck Game.
The win was the fourth of the season for the Wolves who faced a difficult schedule to start as they played some of the top teams in West Michigan like Zeeland West and Zeeland East.
Terveen gets 11 strikeouts in one-hitter
Pitching was a big key in the win for the Wolves as Terveen allowed one hit and one run over six innings. Terveen also racked up 11 strikeouts during his six innings of work as he hit his spots and changed speeds to keep the Union hitters off balance. Markis Cadreau came on in relief in the seventh inning to nail down the win for the Wolves as he retired the Red Hawks in order with one strikeout.
Wyoming players converse on the mound during the OK Green Conference win against Grand Rapids Union Tuesday. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
A balanced hitting attack
Offensively, Wyoming enjoyed a balanced attack at the plate. The Wolves pounded out 12 hits in the game with all but one batter in the order recording at least one hit during the game.
Wyoming scored single runs in the second and third innings to take a 2-0 lead. The Wolves then doubled the lead with two runs in the fourth inning and added a pair of insurance runs in the sixth after Union scored its lone run in the top of the sixth.
Elijah Halbower led the Wyoming offense as he collected a pair of hits and drove in a run. Branson Abdella also added two hits and walked while stealing a pair of bases. Jackson Reed had two hits, scored a run, stole a base and had an RBI. Donny Petree Jr. also had a pair of hits, stole a base and drove in a run.
The Wolves also displayed some solid defense in turning a double play and committing no errors during the game.
Wyoming won a pair of games April 20 en route to winning the championship at the King of Wyoming Tournament, defeating Lee 14-3 in the semifinals and stopping Kelloggsville 22-0 in the championship game.
“We have a really young team,” said Wyoming coach Donny Petree Sr. “We lost 13 seniors from last year’s team so we are rebuilding this year. We played really well this past weekend in the King of Wyoming Tournament. We had some good pitching and we hit the ball really well.”
Terveen was one of the Wyoming pitchers who stood out at the tournament as he tossed a three-hitter in one of the wins.
Petree Jr. leads team with a .406 batting average
The Wyoming offense was paced by Donny Petree Jr. The junior infielder collected six hits and drove in four runs during the tournament. Petree Jr. came into the Union game leading the Wolves in hitting with a .406 batting average. Sandwiched between the tournament and the Union game was a strong game against Caledonia where Petree Jr. went three-for-four with three doubles.
Terveen also has been one of Wyoming’s top hitters as he entered the Union game with a .323 batting average.
Petree Jr. and Terveen are both juniors and team leaders for the Wolves, who have been showing progress as the season heads into May. The Wolves also are getting strong contributions from senior shortstop Seth Moore, junior catcher Diego Romero and Halbower in centerfield. Petree Jr., Romero and Halbower also are team captains.
A pair of juniors, first baseman Chase Simon and Reed, left field, are also stepping up this season as is sophomore second baseman De’Avion Miller.
Even more young players contributed in the tournament win. Sophomore Isaac Johnson and freshman Josue Pagon along with Miller and Cadreau, a sophomore, helped with the tournament wins.
“Faced really good teams right out of the gate”
“We won our first game of the season then lost nine in a row,” Petree Sr. said. “We faced Zeeland East and Zeeland West early and they are state-ranked teams. We lost one of those games 5-2 and we played a good game against them. We’ve played well, we’ve just went against some really good teams right out of the gate.”
Petree Sr. is also receiving plenty of help from his coaching staff.
“Our assistant coaches, Chano Buentello, Rob Kogler and Nico Rodriguez are doing a great job,” Petree Sr. said. “We have a young team, but we are getting better all the time.”
The City of Kentwood will offer its annual Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 4 to help residents “spring clean” their homes and yards.
Residents can drop off household trash, general debris and yard waste for disposal and electronics for recycling from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
Public Works staff will be on-site during the Community Cleanup Day to accept trash and general debris, including mattresses, for disposal. Tires cannot be accepted. Yard waste such as brush, sticks, tree limbs and logs as well as leaves and grass clippings will be accepted. Leaves should be loose when dropped off – not left in bags.
Electronics will be accepted for recycling: cellphones, computers, fax machines and more.
Items that will not be accepted are: Hazardous material of any kind, batteries not integral to computer systems, smoke detectors and refrigerant/Freon.
“The City of Kentwood’s Community Cleanup Day offers residents a convenient location to drop off household items they no longer want,” said Chad Griffin, Department of Public Works director. “We encourage residents who are spring cleaning their homes to participate in this program, which we are pleased to provide at no additional cost to them.”
The Community Cleanup Day and brush and leaf drop-off service are available to Kentwood residents only. Anyone wishing to participate is asked to enter the drive off Breton Avenue, where staff will check ID for residency and direct traffic flow. The City has contracted with GFL environmental, Valley City Electronic Recycling and Mattress Shredderz to help recycle and dispose of the items received.
Items for donation and household hazardous materials will not be accepted during this year’s cleanup event. Residents looking to safely dispose of household hazardous materials may utilize the Kent County Department of Public Works’ SafeChem program, which remains available to residents at the Kentwood Public Works facility from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays.
After the cleanup event, the City’s brush and leaf drop-off site, also located at the Public Works facility, will remain open through Saturday, May 24. Hours of operation for the drop-off site are noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Metro Cruise organizers are expecting between 140 to 150 collector cars at this year’s Dust Off set for May 4 at the Wyoming Moose Lodge. (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Contributor
May is calling with its warmer weather which means it’s time to pull the cover off that classic car and head to the City of Wyoming for the first major car event of the season: the Metro Cruise Dust Off.
The annual event, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Wyoming Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW, marks its 10th anniversary this year.
Up to 150 collector cars expected
“It’s a big event,” said Metro Cruise Event Manager Brandon Simmons. “It really has grown over the years. We are expecting about 140 to 150 collector cars.”
To accommodate the growth, last year, the layout of the event was changed to allow for more collector cars, Simmons said, adding that those with cars usually come early to secure their spot. Also the first 100 car owners will be offered a custom Dust Off t-shirt for $15.
The event and lodge is open to the public. The Moose Lodge will offer food and beverages starting at 11 a.m. and will have entertainment in the evening, which also will be open to the public.
The Metro Cruise Dust Off marks its 10th anniversary this year. (WKTV)
A Summer Packed with Metro Cruise Fun
The Dust Off is the first Metro Cruise event of the season with a host of activities planned for the summer.
“This is the kick off of a summer of monthly Metro Cruise activities,” Simmons said. “This year we will be hosting the first-ever Cars ‘n Clubs in June, which is our golf outing/fundraiser event.”
Cars ‘n Clubs Golf Outing
The Cars ’n Clubs Golf Outing is June 22 at Indian Trails Golf Course, located at 2776 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The event is open to all golfers, with or without a classic car. Cost is $69 for one play, $138 for a two-player group and $250 for a four-player group. Registration deadline is June 20 with discounts for those who reserve before May 1.
There will be a Cruise to the Course before the golf outing. Those interested in the cruise should meet at Rogers Plaza by 7 a.m. for the lineup to drive to the course. Those participating in the cruise will receive donuts and coffee courtesy of Marge’s Donut Den.
Miss Metro Cruise winners and contestants will be at the Dust Off and will be available for pictures. (WKTV)
Miss Metro Cruise Prelims and Car Show
The popular Miss Metro Cruise Prelims and Car Show returns July 13 and will be at the Wyoming Moose Lodge. The field of contestants will be narrowed down to 10 who will compete for the title at the 28th Street Metro Cruise. To sign up for Miss Metro Cruise go to facebook.com/missmetrocruise.
Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm Up
Aug. 22 is the Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm Up at the Fowling Warehouse lot, 6797 Cascade Rd.
The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 23 and 24 at Rogers Plaza. (WKTV)
28th Street Metro Cruise Main Event
The Main Event, the 28th Street Metro Cruise, is set for Aug. 23 and 24 at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming. The Rogers Plaza site will feature over 340 show cars along the famous Collector Car Row, food from 24 vendors including 12-plus food trucks, live music from five top West Michigan bands, the Miss Metro Cruise Finale competition, the popular DYNO viewing area, freebies/coupons/drawings from the sponsor vendors, a kids’ coloring area, and much more.
Simmons said the main event site for the Metro Cruise is Rogers Plaza, but that there will be Pit Stop Sites along 28th Street between Grandville and Cascade. The Pit Stop Sites will feature collector car clubs along with food and Metro Cruise merchandise.
For more information on the Metro Cruise Dust Off or any of the upcoming Metro Cruise events and how to register for the 28th Street Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.org.
The City of Kentwood will host a community forum for the upcoming police and fire millage increase ballot proposal on Monday, April 29.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Kentwood Police Department’s training room at 4742 Walma Ave. SE. It will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the May 7 ballot proposal and get their questions about it answered. The session will be led by Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin and Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman.
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We are looking forward to engaging with residents and discussing the millage increase proposal,” Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “This forum is intended to be an open discussion where community members can get more information about the ballot proposal, ask questions and share their thoughts on it.”
Voters will consider a permanent millage increase proposal of 1.95 mills that, if approved, would provide critical support for police and fire services. It would enable Kentwood’s Police and Fire departments to hire additional staff members and maintain response times to meet the community’s growing need for police, fire and medical services.
As the city of Kentwood has continued to grow, the demand for police and fire services has also risen. Since 2010, Kentwood’s population has grown by 11.5%, rising from 48,707 residents in 2010 to 54,303 residents in 2020.
“In line with our ongoing commitment to serving our residents, we see this community forum as another way to support them,” Fire Chief Brent Looman said. “We want to continue to be transparent and further educate Kentwood voters on the proposed millage increase.”
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority broke ground Wednesday on its snow removal equipment building, or SRE. The $8.5 million investment will expand the existing Airfield Maintenance facility by over 60,000 square feet to support critical operations and accommodate forecasted passenger growth at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to further enhance operational efficiency while ensuring the safety of our staff, passengers and partners,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “This transformative expansion will accommodate the Airport’s increasing passenger demand while optimizing space for equipment and operations.”
The SRE building will be managed by the Airport Authority’s Airfield Maintenance team, which is responsible for maintaining more than 45 vehicles and equipment, including specialized snow removal machines designed for the aviation industry. The snowplows are twice the size of those used by county road commissions, measuring up to 26 feet wide and 78 feet long, enabling swift and efficient clearing of runways even in challenging weather conditions.
A rendering of the Snow Removal Equipment building. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
“We continuously strive for excellence in every aspect of our operations, and the groundbreaking of our snow removal equipment building showcases our dedication to providing world-class service to our community,” said Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “The Airport Authority Airfield Maintenance team has been nationally recognized for their expertise in snow removal operations, receiving multiple awards over the years for their efficient and innovative processes.”
During snow events, snow removal operations include seven trucks or more in a conga line formation, swiftly clearing runways when there is three inches of snow or more. The team can plow two miles of runway in under 30 minutes, ensuring minimal disruption to airport operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been a key partner in helping the Airport Authority secure funding to support the project through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The FAA’s Detroit Airport District Office Manager John L. Mayfield Jr. provided remarks at today’s event on the impact of this project.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build safer and more sustainable airports,” Mayfield said. “Ford International Airport has chosen to modernize their infrastructure by expanding their existing 57,000 square foot snow removal equipment facility by an additional 60,716 square feet.
“The expansion of the building will allow all snow removal equipment to be consolidated in the same area and protect it from the weather to extend its useful life. Snow removal equipment is critical to remove the presence of contaminants such as snow, ice or slush on airfield pavements which causes hazardous conditions that may contribute to airplane incidents and accidents,” Mayfield continued. “Therefore, protecting the airport’s investment in snow removal equipment from the elements allows for a more efficient response to weather events.”
Congresswoman Hillary Scholten has been instrumental in supporting infrastructure improvement projects at the Airport, further contributing to its growth for the benefit of the West Michigan community.
“West Michigan is on the move and our GRR airport is helping people come and go to keep pace with a modern economy,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “As one of the fastest growing small hub airports in the country, GRR has delivered with excellence no matter the weather.
“This brand new and expanded snow removal facility is going to help us update equipment that keeps snow off the ground and planes moving on time. Our snow removal team is the best in the business, and they deserve state of the art facilities to help them do their job, keep passengers and crew safe and everyone on time!”
The project is expected to be completed by this winter season and will support 130 trade jobs. FCC Construction, Inc and MTC will serve as the main contractors, with DLZ and C&S Companies supporting design and construction administration.
Richard Thomas plays Atticus Finch in the touring production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” (Photo Courtesy, Julieta Cervantes)
By John Gonzalez
WKTV Contributor
John Gonzalez is a veteran journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a reporter, editor and digital innovator. He co-hosts the statewide radio show “Behind the Mitten with Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. He can be reached at michigangonzo@gmail.com
There’s a harsh reality to the current Broadway tour of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
What was reality back in the 1930s still lingers today, said actor Christopher Ellis, who stars as prosecutor Horace Gilmer in what some consider the “most successful American play in Broadway history” (60 Minutes).
“This show is relevant. Even though it was 1934, it’s still relevant today, and some of the injustices,” said Ellis in an interview last fall before a tour stop in East Lansing.
The reimagined drama by the acclaimed playwright/screenwriter/film director Aaron Sorkin addresses that head on, he added. His version looks at the play in a new way.
“Like Aaron said … from an African American perspective, this is old news. This is still happening, maybe in different forms, but that type of thing is still happening.”
Maeve Moynihan (Scout Finch) and Jacqueline Williams (Calpurnia). (Photo Courtesy, Julieta Cervantes)
The classic 1960 novel, which later became a film starring Gregory Peck, is about a young girl named Scout Finch and her brother Jem. Set in Alabama, their father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man named Tom Robinson who is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Scout, Jem and their friend Dill, are curious about the trial and learn important lessons about racism, injustice and empathy.
Sorkin’s stage adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” maintains the core themes and messages of Harper Lee’s original work, according to critics, but introduces some changes in narrative perspective, character development, and storytelling style to make it a distinctive and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
In the end, it’s a story about standing up for what’s right and understanding the importance of seeing the world from other people’s perspectives.
The tour has made a couple of Michigan stops before coming to Grand Rapids. It played in October at MSU’s Wharton Center in East Lansing. It also finished a run last month at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit.
This is the national tour’s third leg of dates after successful runs that started back in April of 2022. Ellis was on that first tour, which starred Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”) as Atticus Finch.
Ellis said that Thomas remains a fixture on the tour and has been a key factor to the tour’s success. As one reviewer said: “Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch is at the height of his career.”
Richard Thomas (Atticus Finch) and the Company of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in a courtroom scene. (Photo Courtesy, Julieta Cervantes)
Ellis speaks highly of the actor we all remember as John-Boy Walton of the long-running TV series “The Waltons.”
Ellis said: “What you see is what you get. He is a great leader. He’s fun to work with. He’s fun to play with. I have nothing but praise for this man. I’m a fan.”
Plus, he has a sincere way of “immediately embracing everybody” in the cast.
“He’s inspiring us to tell this story all across the nation, and he’s still having a blast with it. Every night he’s on stage you can tell.”
Originally from Idaho, Ellis attended Wayne State University’s Hillberry Program in Detroit for three years, “which was a good training ground because it was a rotating rep, so you would go to classes in the morning and rehearsals in the afternoon.”
After graduating with an MFA in 2012, he did Utah Shakespeare Theatre and also moved to Chicago where his wife teaches high school drama. They have two teenage children. He also does a lot of Dick Wolf TV shows “where I play a cop a lot on ‘Chicago Fire PD.’”
Overall, Ellis said he hopes everyone comes out to see “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It’s compelling to those who already know the story, and it’s timely for those who only have a passing reference to the show.
If past audiences are any indication of the show’s powerful impact, he said, “people are going to enjoy” it.
“It’s well worth it to come. I know I’m in the show, but I cannot recommend it enough. People NEED to see this show.
“It’s taking this story to new audiences that might not see this perspective,” Ellis said. “This is not something that has gone away. This is not something (where you say) ‘oh, that was way back then; it’s different now.’ It’s just changed form.
“These audiences, who might not go to Broadway, get to experience this, and I think this story is very relevant. Every day. Still is.”
IF YOU GO:
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” A new play by Aaron Sorkin When: April 23-28, 2024 Where: DeVos Performance Hall Tickets: Variety of price levels More info:broadwaygrandrapids.com
Performance Times: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – 7:30pm Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – 7:30pm Thursday, April 25, 2024 – 7:30pm Friday, April 26, 2024 – 7:30pm Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 2:00pm Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 7:30pm Sunday, April 28, 2024 – 1:00pm Sunday, April 28, 2024 – 6:30pm Show Info: tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com
IMPORTANT SIDEBAR:
In anticipation of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Broadway Grand Rapids sent an email to its subscribers about the show’s subject matter, as well as links to a series of videos.
In the email to subscribers, it said:
“As we prepare for the upcoming performances of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ we want to extend an understanding and supportive hand to those who may not be familiar with the story or its themes, or for whom it’s been some time since encountering it.
“Recognizing the sensitivity of the topics addressed, we’ve sought insights from prominent thought leaders in West Michigan. They offer valuable perspectives on why this performance is worth your time and consideration. Additionally, they encourage you to take proactive steps to educate yourself about the narrative beforehand.
“Ultimately, our hope is that you’ll come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for its themes, as well as valuable insights into the human experience.”
Sonya Hughes Video
A conversation with Sonya Hughes, Principal at Inclusive Outcomes LLC: Hughes discusses the novel’s enduring relevance in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Skot Welch Video
A discussion with Skot Welch, President/Founder of Global Bridgebuilders: Welch encourages Broadway Grand Rapids patrons to educate themselves on the subject matter and race dialogue surrounding the show’s performance.
Jon March Video
Jon March is Of Counsel at the law firm of Miller Johnson, which is the exclusive sponsor of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” March is also a community actor having previously played the role of Atticus Finch. He shares why he connects to the role so deeply and why he believes the show will inspire other young attorneys.
The City of Kentwood will once again honor Arbor Day with a tree planting and celebration, which will include a free tree seedling giveaway.
Residents of all ages are invited to join Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 26 at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE. The event begins at noon with an Arbor Day proclamation, followed by a tree planting and a guided tree identification walk in the park. Complimentary refreshments also will be provided.
Arbor Day is an annual observance held each spring to recognize the impact of trees in the community and encourage tree planting.
“Our trees, of different species and sizes, offer more than just visual charm,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “They serve as vital contributors to a cleaner and healthier environment. Our Arbor Day Celebration is an opportunity to collaborate and encourage one another by not only planting new trees, but also protecting our existing tree canopy from invasive species for the preservation and enjoyment of today and future generations.”
Pick up your free seedlings April 23-26
Residents can pick up free tree seedlings at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, or at Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton SE, ahead of the celebration. The seedlings will be available during business hours Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, April 26 while supplies last.
Community members can check on tree seedling availability by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Residents are invited to share a photo of their planted seedling on social media using the hashtag #GreeningKentwood.
The Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by Railtown Brewing Company and Metronet. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Arbor Day Celebration is sponsored by Railtown Brewing Company and Metronet. Railtown Brewing Company also held a fundraiser through March where a portion of the proceeds from every Bike Ride Blonde ale purchased went towards supporting the planting of trees in Kentwood for Arbor Day.
More information about Kentwood’s Arbor Day Celebration can be found at kentwood.us/ArborDay.
Community members who are looking for more ways to get involved beyond Arbor Day are invited to join the Kentwood Park Stewards, an environmentally focused program that helps preserve and maintain neighborhood parks, trails and public spaces. More information about the program is available at kentwood.us/ParkStewards.
Completing an advance directive outlining your end-of-life wishes can serve as a final gift of clarity for loved ones. (Photo Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)
OK, you’ve made the mid-April tax deadline. Congrats. Now what?
Here’s a thought: Get something arguably as important – or even more so – in order next.
We’re talking about critical health care decisions in the event you’re not able to communicate decisions yourself – decisions you can define in an “advance directive.”
That’s the aim of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16 every year, which is typically the day after taxes are due.
Unlike taxes, advance directives aren’t something you’re obligated to execute, but experts agree you’ll feel immense relief should you take on the task. You’ll then have legal documents in place to safeguard the ways in which you want important decisions made about your health care if you are unable to communicate them yourself due to an accident, illness or other factors.
“Having a conversation is a good place to start, after you’ve gone through the contemplative part of it,” says Sara Lowe, executive director of Emmanuel Hospice in Grand Rapids.
Lowe, and scores of her employees, have witnessed firsthand the friction that can ensue when advance directives aren’t in place, and loved ones start arguing about what dad or mom would want when they can no longer decide on their own.
“What we’ve seen is how there is so much more peace in the family when those documents are in place,” says Lowe, noting that setting up advance directives “can serve as a final gift of clarity for your loved ones.”
Conversations should eventually include the person or persons you’re confident about choosing to serve as your durable power of attorney for health care decisions revolving around the types of medical interventions you do and do not want dependent upon the situation.
“Those conversations help determine who the right person for that is,” says Lowe, emphasizing that you shouldn’t automatically choose your spouse or firstborn, but instead that person you can best trust to carry out your wishes.
Advance directives remain in effect until you change it, so it’s a good idea to review your advance directives on an annual basis, especially if your life has been affected by divorce, separation or other family crises that might affect your initial choice.
“You never know when something unforeseen is going to happen,” she says.
Lowe understands that some people find it a daunting task to discuss death and dying. Her suggestion?
“You don’t have to do it all at once. Take your time,” she says. “Think about it, then have those conversations. Break it up into smaller pieces, but then act.”
And she offers this to consider, “It’s always better to have advance directives in place and not need them, than it is to need them and not have them.”
A lawyer is not needed to fill out an advance directive, but witnesses are required for the document to become legally valid. For more information about advance directives, consider visiting websites like CaringInfo.org, where you can navigate to the state you live in for specific guidelines, and download forms. You can also learn more via the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization at nhpco.org.
Once your advance directive is complete, be sure your doctors have a copy, as well as everyone who might be involved with your health care decisions. Store the original document in a safe, but easy to find place. Avoid locking the document away, so it can still be accessed by loved ones if you’re unexpectedly hospitalized.
For more information about Emmanuel Hospice, call 616-719-0919 or visit EmmanuelHospice.org.
The Scarlet Tanager is one of many beautiful birds migrating back to Michigan in the spring. (Courtesy, pixabay.com)
By Patrick O’Donnell
WKTV Contributor
Patrick O’Donnell started birding at the age of seven in his hometown of Niagara Falls, NY. He has worked as a field biologist in the USA, and guided tours and taught birding courses in Ecuador, Peru and Costa Rica. He resides in Costa Rica where he works with birding tourism and writes about birds at his blog, “Costa Rica Living and Birding,” the Birdzilla website, and other places. He is the author of an ebook, “How to See, Find, and Identify Birds in Costa Rica.”
Spring has arrived in Michigan! Warmer temperatures have arrived on southerly winds and the birds of spring are back. Walk outside, stop to listen, and you’ll hear them.
It started in March, maybe even late February with the bugling of Sandhill Cranes and “kon-ker-ees!” of Red-winged Blackbirds. By April, those and other early spring migrants have become well established on breeding grounds throughout the state.
Sandhill Cranes. (Courtesy, Andy Morffew, pxhere.com)
These birds are the first heralds of spring, avian reminders that more are on their way; millions of birds! That many? Oh yes, and some.
There’s a digital tool called Birdcast that gives an idea of the number of birds flying through Michigan skies. By analyzing data from radar stations, Birdcast estimates numbers of birds in flight, even in real time!
Red-Winged Blackbird. (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
According to Birdcast, on April 8, more than 5.5 million birds migrated over Michigan. That was just one night and since peak migration doesn’t happen until the second week of May, a lot more birds are expected.
Many birds that passed overhead during the first 10 days of April were probably Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, Blue Jays, and other common statewide species that migrate in April. Since dozens of other bird species won’t arrive until May, birders often refer to these hardy April songbirds as “early migrants.”
Blue Jay. (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
These species can withstand some cold weather and migrate relatively short distances to the southern United States. Go birding anywhere in Michigan in April and you’ll find them! A shy, rusty-tailed bird hopping under a bush could be a Hermit Thrush on its way to the U.P. That plain bird perched on a low post and wagging its tail is probably an Eastern Phoebe; a common breeding bird throughout Michigan.
Are you hearing high-pitched calls emanating from bushes and trees? Take a close look, you might find tiny, cute Golden-crowned Kinglets. After the next push of warm southerly wings, they’ll be joined by fellow breeding birds of the U.P.; Yellow-rumped Warblers. These beautiful songbirds have black and yellow highlights on gray-blue plumage and a bright yellow rump.
Yellow-rumped Warbler. (Courtesy, pixabay.com)
That particular field mark gave rise to a popular birding nickname for the species. If you go for a morning walk and hear birders saying, “Butterbutt,” don’t be alarmed! They are just admiring Yellow-rumped Warblers.
By late April, those pretty warblers should also be joined by dozens of White-throated Sparrows. These big handsome sparrows breed in most of Michigan as well as further north. Take an April morning walk in a wooded park and you’ll probably hear their sweet whistled song, “O Canada Canada Canada.”
Turkey Vulture. (Courtesy, pixabay.com)
Many raptors migrate to South America for winter
While enjoying the songs of White-throated Sparrows and looking for Butterbutts, handsome Eastern Towhees, and other April migrants, don’t forget to look to the skies. There’s a fair chance you’ll see some migrating raptors that move through and breed in much of Michigan. There will be Turkey Vultures and maybe a hawk or two. Yes, those big birds migrate too; many Turkey Vultures even soar to South America for the winter.
A small hawk making a few quick flaps followed by a glide might be a Sharp-shinned Hawk; a diminutive yet lethal raptor that preys on songbirds. In late April, crow-sized soaring raptors with broad black and white tails are probably Broad-winged Hawks. They are returning from Costa Rica and other tropical wintering grounds.
Other, smaller birds also flow north through Michigan skies. Small birds zipping overhead in elegant flight are probably swallows that move through and breed in every part of the state. At first, thousands of Tree Swallows are on the move. Beautiful aerialists with blue-green upperparts and white underparts, they fly north to breed near lakes and other wetlands. However, in mid and late April, additional swallow species necessitate a closer look.
Plain brown swallows with pale underparts are Northern Rough-winged Swallows. If you see some with a brown breast band, you have found Bank Swallows. Steely blue and peach Barn Swallows zip low over the fields, but what about those big dark swallows? Those are Purple Martins migrating to martin houses throughout the state and further north.
Highest numbers of bird species come back in May
There are a lot of spring migrants in April, but the best birding cake gets served in May; when the highest numbers of bird species come back to Michigan. During the first week of May, it begins with a trickle of warblers and a few other birds quick to reach their breeding grounds.
However, by the second week, the migration dam opens and that initial stream of birds swells into a massive feathered movement flowing north. Thousands, millions of birds migrate through Michigan. Even better, all are in beautiful breeding plumage, many are singing, and lots can show up in backyards and urban parks.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak. (Courtesy, pixabay.com)
It’s a birding bonanza and, for birders, just might be the most wonderful time of the year. As with many places, May birding in Michigan means the return of Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers, Red-eyed Vireos, and other songbirds that breed throughout the state.
Best of all, the warblers come back. Beautiful little birds plumaged in a variety of colors and patterns, most migrate to breeding grounds in the U.P. and further north. However, a few, such as the Chestnut-sided Warbler and the Halloween colored American Redstart, stay to breed in every county.
Other warblers that arrive in May, but then mostly move on to the forests of the U.P. include handsome Magnolia Warblers, tiger-striped Cape May Warblers, and flame-throated Blackburnian Warblers. Keep looking up and your binoculars might also focus on movements that materialize into fancy Northern Parulas and the cocoa and cream of Bay-breasted Warblers.
Blackburnian Warbler. (Courtesy, pixabay.com)
A birder’s dream in May
On the best of May birding days, the birds just don’t stop! Such rare days can truly be the stuff of birding dreams.
Not to leave wetlands out of the birding mix, May is also when shorebirds migrate through Michigan. Visit wetlands and there might be sandpipers foraging in the mud with Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plovers. Be careful to not disturb them, these amazing migrants are on their way to the Arctic!
The best way to see migrant birds in Michigan is by looking for them in wildlife refuges, parks and other places with natural habitats. However, backyards can work too, especially ones planted with native trees and bushes.
Bird feeder tips: What food attracts what bird?
Put out tray feeders with black sunflower seeds and peanuts to attract Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals. Let some of those seeds spill on the ground and your garden might also be graced with migrant sparrows and towhees.
Northern Cardinal. (Courtesy, pixabay.com)
To attract orioles, put out orange slices and grape jelly. They’ll love those offerings; orioles have a serious sweet tooth! Although most May migrants are insectivores and avoid feeders, mealworms can bring in Eastern Bluebirds, thrushes and maybe some warblers, too.
Install feeders where you can watch them, but, to help birds feel safe, place them within 15 feet of bushes or trees. If you want extra close looks, some feeders have their own little camera.
Whether you use feeders or not, this spring, keep an eye out for birds. Huge numbers of beautiful birds are migrating through our neighborhoods, towns and cities, probably more than we realize.
