All posts by Joanne

Exploring the Lake Michigan UFO mystery

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

The U.S. Air Force investigated unidentified flying objects from 1947 to 1969 through the Project Blue Book. (Pxhere.com)

In March of 1966, the Air Force dismissed a wave of UFO sightings in southern Michigan as nothing more than “swamp gas.”

At the time, a then Michigan Representative and future U.S. President Gerald R. Ford called these reports and the people making them “flippant.” Ford had the foresight to call for a “congressional inquiry” into the growing number of reported unidentified flying objects and asked for government transparency. Ford proposed that either the Science and Astronautics Committee or the Armed Services Committee of the House should schedule UFO hearings and invite testimony from both the executive branch of government and some of the UFO witnesses.

Unfortunately, there was never a formal congressional hearing and the Air Force dismissed and discredited these reports by 40-60 extremely credible witnesses, including as many as a dozen police officers.

Project Blue Book

The U.S. Air Force had been investigating unidentified flying objects since 1947 under Project Blue Book out of Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Ohio but the project was terminated in 1969. Of the 12,618 sightings reported, 701 remain “unidentified.”

Project Blue Book concluded that no UFO reported presented a threat to national security or indicated technologies beyond our own scientific knowledge, nor was there evidence to categorize these sightings as extraterrestrial. Other sources suggested that the best cases were never part of Blue Book, especially those of national security over military installations and power plants.

According to the National UFO Reporting Center, Michigan ranks in the “Top 10” of states with the most UFO sightings since the 1950s with more than 2,400.

The Lakeshore Event

The 1994 Lakeshore UFO siting was reported on my various media outlets.

On March 8, 1994, more than 300 witnesses, including police and a National Weather Service radar operator at Muskegon County Airport, reported multiple UFO sightings in at least 42 counties across Michigan.

Jack Bushong, Jr. was the “radar guy” on duty when Ottawa County emergency dispatch called the National Weather Service office after receiving multiple reports with more than 100 people reporting “strange lights in the sky.”

“I either saw them hovering or they were jumping at a high rate of speed over to the next spot,”he said. The lights would jump 20 miles at a time at an estimated speed of 72,000 MPH. The fastest any human has traveled is 24,816 MPH on the Apollo command module. The police officer was seeing the same thing with the same object. This historic radar and ground verified UFO sighting has been labeled the “Lakeshore Event.”

Bushong said he had “never seen anything like it,” it was as if they “wanted to be seen,” and they were “putting on an air show.”

Being transparent about what is in the skies

UFOs have demonstrated “unusual flight characteristics” remaining stationary in winds, moving against the wind, maneuvering abruptly at very high speeds without a source of propulsion, no air intake, no sound, and no exhaust.

Bushong quickly ruled out “ground clutter,” weather balloons, commercial drones, “swamp gas,” or any type of hoax. Bushong received ridicule at the time and through the years but since the U.S. Department of Defense released videos confirming “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAP) he’s felt more comfortable talking about it. Because of the stigma attached to reporting sightings, commercial and military pilots were reluctant to come forward fearing they might be putting their careers at risk and called a “kook.” As the Pentagon releases more UFO/UAP videos, more pilots, intelligent officers, and radar operators are reporting events.

The big question that remains is transparency or secrecy. Can the government and military maintain the U.S. national security and be up front with the public at the same time? According to a massive database of U.S. reports, encounters with UFO/UAPs have left people with radiation burns, brain and nervous system damage, and even “unaccounted for pregnancy.” The truth is out there and we have had our fill of “flippant” reports and reporters. Keep your eye to the sky.

Check out Jack Bushong, Jr. and Bill Konkolesky, Michigan Mutual UFO Network director and author of two books “Experiencer” 1 and 2 on Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast episode # 72. 

Looking for holiday music? Vertigo Music has got you covered

3-bottom, Local Business, Recreation,

By Maddy Visscher
ArtRat Gallery

Vertigo Music (129 Division Ave. S) crackles with energy all year ‘round — but the holiday season gives our neighborhood record curators a special opportunity to hook you up with Christmas classics and unforgettable gifts for the audiophile on your list. 

This year, Vertigo owner Herm Baker has stocked brand-new copies of 20 different holiday albums, such as The Temptations’ Christmas Card, Sufjan Stevens’ Songs For Christmas and the Home Alone soundtrack, as well as the albums Herm told ArtRat are his best seasonal sellers: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash’s The Christmas Spirit, Elvis’ Christmas Album and Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas. 

Other seasonal collections feature Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones and the Beach Boys. And if you need your holiday Mariah Carey fix, Vertigo stocks two different albums to choose from: the 1994 Merry Christmas album, which features Carey’s original rendition of “All I Want For Christmas is You,” and the 2010 follow-up, Merry Christmas II You, which features an “Extra Festive” version.

New adventures in hi-fi

Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra or maybe its

Vertigo’s staff of four is always ready to hook you up with music you’ll love. For this occasion, Ethan and Logan stepped up enthusiastically to help ArtRat explore Vertigo’s holiday collection.

“David Bowie and Bing Crosby!” exclaimed Logan, rifling through the racks. “This one just released this Black Friday on its 45th anniversary. How could you go wrong with Bowie?”

“And A Charlie Brown Christmas! This one is selling fast. It’s my favorite holiday album to listen to — you don’t normally get to hear it on the radio. We also have the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. I love a good movie score.”

“This one is like, post-rock Christmas, and probably the coolest seasonal record we have.” Ethan said, picking up a copy of Scarlet Holliday, a three-song EP the band MONO created with producer Steve Albini in 2021 as a “special little gift” to bring hope to listeners feeling isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Who wants to listen to the same music over and over again?” Ethan asked. “This one still feels festive, but it’s different.” 

Vertigo has also stocked Canned Heat’s Christmas Album and Blondie’s Yuletide Throwdown, as well as No Presents on Christmas by King Diamond for those who really want to take the holiday season to the next sonic level. 

If none of these picks jingle your bells, Vertigo has three crates of used holiday records priced at $1 each.

“I recently had a customer come in looking for a specific singer-songwriter Christmas album for a gift,” Logan said.

“I wasn’t sure we’d find it, but we flipped the first record and there it was. So, even if we all think we might not have it, we probably do!”

Vertigo’s crates contain yuletide music created with organs, music boxes, gospel choirs or guitars. One record in the store’s used Christmas section reads, “Obenkirchen Children’s Choir: a musical experience of unusual charm and merit, so appealing they make you want to cry.”

Unknown pleasures

And if you want to find a gift for the discerning music fan, Vertigo probably has it. “This isn’t your average shop,” Ethan told ArtRat. “This is a real-deal, old-fashioned record store.”

Whether your tastes run to an instructional Jazz Dancing vinyl that guarantees to “prepare you for any current dance craze,” or John F. Kennedy: The Presidential Years, which offers “some of the key words uttered by President John F. Kennedy, humbly presented as a perpetual record,” you can find it at Vertigo.

Vertigo’s shelves are stocked with B-side compilations and rarities, special-edition releases, and more, perfect for gifting to the music lover or trivia buff in your life. 

Vertigo Music is open Monday through Friday 12-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.

How to keep the ‘tripledemic’ at bay this holiday

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Kent County

By Maggie Carey
WKTV Contributor

Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. (Pxhere.com)

Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. Cases of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are rising to an extent of overwhelming hospital emergency departments, creating a ‘tripledemic’ for the community.

The flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all respiratory viruses but they differ in how they spread. The flu can be spread by respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing) and on surfaces. COVID-19 can also spread by respiratory droplets and aerosols but does not spread on surfaces. RSV spreads heavily through contaminated surfaces, so washing your hands and surface cleaning is very important to mitigate the spread of RSV.



While symptoms may indicate what you have, it is hard to make an official diagnosis without being tested for RSV, flu, or COVID.

RSV is one of the more unknown viruses that can spread during the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported high levels of RSV related emergency room visits in Michigan. This has prompted the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Kent County Health Department to advise residents to take action to prevent the spread and protect your loved ones as we approach the holiday season.  

What is RSV?

RSV is a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection with mild or no symptoms for adults and older children, but can be very harmful to small children and the elderly who do not have a built up or strong immune system. There is also no vaccine for RSV at this time. Early symptoms of RSV can include runny nose, decrease in appetite, and cough that can progress into wheezing or difficulty breathing. 

What is the flu?

Influenza or the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lung. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8% on average of the United States population get sick from the flu. The CDC reports that children are most likely to get sick from the flu with those over the age of 65, less likely.

What is COVID?

COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus that was identified in 2019. It causes a respiratory illness. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

How to prevent the spread:

The spread of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV could get worse as people begin to travel more for the holidays to see family, especially if they are seeing very young children or elderly family members. One of the simplest tricks to protect very young children from RSV is to not kiss them or be in close contact with their faces. According to the Kent County Health Department, hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection.

 

Other strategies to mitigate the spread include:

  • Staying home when you are sick
  • Avoid close contact with others if you have cold or flu like symptoms 
  • Always cough/sneeze into your arm, never your bare hands 
  • Frequently clean your phone when you get home from a long day as well as surfaces heavily touched like door knobs and countertops

While there is no vaccine for RSV, there are flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available. There are no costs for most vaccines. To learn more about vaccines, check with your local pharmacy or doctor’s office about what vaccines you may need this winter.

Former Grand Rapids native named Navy project manager of the year

3-bottom,

By Matthew Stinson
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington

Nathan Johnson, NAVFAC Washington design project manager at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis (Photo by Regina Adams)

A former Grand Rapids resident was named the first-ever project manager of the year by the Navy.

Nathan Johnson, was announced by Capt. Eric J. Hawn, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington commanding officer, as having been selected for this honor on Nov. 28. Johnson, design project manager at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis, as the Project Manager of the Year. Johnson is the inaugural selection of this new annual award and was chosen from a competitive field of NAVFAC Washington project managers.

“Nathan is currently managing more than 20 active pre-award projects valued over $220 million, including multiple waterfront/recapitalization program projects at the U.S. Naval Academy,” Hawn said. “He is a key member coordinating anticipated sea level rise requirements in each of these waterfront projects and is an exceptional project manager. He has my strongest personal endorsement as the 2023 NAVFAC Washington Project Manager of the Year.”

Johnson has served with NAVFAC Washington for 12 years at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and now Naval Support Activity Annapolis.

“I’m somebody who prefers to keep my head down and get the job du jour done and being recognized with this award is an unexpected honor,” Johnson said. “I’m well aware that there are many talented project managers in this organization, so the pressure to live up to this title is on.”

Over the past three years, Johnson has successfully executed and completed more than 20 projects valued at more than $45 million at multiple installations with multiple customers. These projects included shoreline restoration, multiple sports field lighting projects at the U.S. Naval Academy, and upgrades to wastewater treatment plant at NSA Annapolis.

“The wastewater treatment plant denitrification project was particularly interesting due to the fact that retrofitting an existing wastewater treatment facility with a new and relatively high-tech treatment process required us to become conversationally fluent with some chemistry that I hadn’t encountered since college,” Johnson said. “That project succeeded due to collaborative support of a quality A&E, highly engaged Utilities and Energy Management staff and field operators who were able to quickly learn and help troubleshoot the system.”

Johnson notes that success in the project management arena is the result of team effort. Consistently showing up prepared and willing to support your teammates is how one demonstrates value to the team. Throughout his career, he has found that reputations are built by demonstrating consistency. Strong and consistent efforts and abilities show up in the results of the work and are clearly recognizable over time.

“I feel strongly that any of the successes with which I am associated here at Public Works Department Annapolis are due to the team efforts of a group of dedicated individuals,” Johnson said. “Design Chief Joe Zurzolo’s encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the U.S. Naval Academy is only rivaled by his extraordinary understanding of NAVFAC design and construction processes.

“Bert Taylor’s recent promotion to our A&E supervisory general engineer position from the seat I currently occupy has meant that he remains within shouting distance whenever I have a question he can answer. The major waterfront projects I manage are tenaciously design-managed by John Jones, a fellow civil engineer and fellow Hokie. Finally, my counterpart design-side project manager Aaron Kramer carries the other half of this office’s workload with ease.”

Johnson grew up in Grand Rapids and Northern Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in civil and environmental engineering in 2009 and is a proud dog-dad to a handsome boxer-pit mix named Chili.

Reindeer make a stop at the KDL Wyoming branch

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Santa’s reindeer will be making a quick visit to the KDL Wyoming branch on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

From 2-3 p.m., the reindeer will be at the library, located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW.

Those stopping by are reminded to dress warmly and not to forget their cameras.

If you can’t make it on Tuesday, the reindeer will be at the KDL Byron Township Branch, 8191 Byron Center Ave. SW, from 4- 5 p.m. the day before, Monday, Dec. 19.

For more KDL events, visit KDL.org.

As of Dec. 5, it is officially Mayor Vanderwood

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg administers the oath of office to Kent Vanderwood, who is the city’s newest mayor. (WKTV)

Kent Vanderwood admitted that the most challenging thing over the past four months has been reminding people that he was the mayor elect — not the mayor.

That all changed at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting when Vanderwood took the oath office, officially becoming the city’s mayor.

“It is with thankfulness and humility that I accept this gavel tonight and with it the privilege of serving this community and leading the council for the next four years,” Vanderwood said in a prepared statement he read. “It was not something that I anticipated happening but when the circumstances made it abundantly clear that I should run, I accepted the challenge and have not looked back.”

Dignities, such as Kentwood City Commissioner Betsy Artz and Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Keith Morgan, along with friends, family, residents and city staff watched as Vanderwood along with Renne Hill and Sheldon DeKryger took the oath of office to serving on the city council.

Hill was one of two candidates elected to the councilor-at-large seats. Rob Annoys, the other candidate, was not able to attend Monday night due to a work conflict and will be sworn in later, according Vanderwood. Both Hill and Arnoys are new to the council.

DeKryger was elected to his second term to the first ward council seat. He ran unopposed in the November election.

Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg shakes hands with the city’s newest council member, Renee Hill. (WKTV)
First Ward Council member Sheldon DeKryger takes the oath of office. (WKTV)

Vanderwood’s first action as mayor was to recognize the contributions of former Mayor Jack Poll and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for their years of service to the city. Both Poll and Bolt retired from the council. Vanderwood then lead the council through the process of electing Third Ward Council member Rob Postema as mayor pro tem.

Another of the council’s first actions will be to appoint a resident to fill John Fitzgerald’s councilor-at-large seat, Vanderwood said. Fitzgerald will be serving the City of Wyoming as one of the newest member of the state’s House of Representatives.

Mayor Kent Vanderwood with newly elected (by the city council) Mayor Pro Tem Robert Postema. (WKTV)

The appointment will be until 2024 when the seat is up for election. Applicants for Fitzgerald’s council seat must have lived in the city for two years. Those interested in applying to fill the seat may pick up an application from the clerk’s office, which is located at city hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Applications for filling the seat will be accepted through Dec. 21. Council will review all applications and interview candidates before making an appointment in January.

In his speech, Vanderwood stated when he campaigned he promised to focus on three main areas: maintaining the city’s financial stability which means maintaining a healthy fund balance and preserving the city’s high bond ratings while keeping citizens’ taxes as low as possible. He also would make public safety a top priority by funding the police, fire and first responders, and continue to support the economic growth of the city.

“I intend to follow through on these goals starting tonight but I will need the support of the council, the city staff, and all of our great citizens,” he said. “My promise to you tonight is that I will serve honorably and my very, very best to both fulfill the oath I took early tonight and work with you to meet these goals.”

  • Mayor Kent Vanderwood thanks former Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for his years of service to the city. (WKTV)
  • New Councilor Renee Hill talks to re-elected First Ward Councilor Sheldon DeKryger during a break at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)
  • Mayor Kent Vanderwood (third from right) with his family. (WKTV)
  • Mayor Kent Vanderwood looks his new seat on the Wyoming City Council Monday, Dec. 5. (WKTV)

Out and About: Let’s Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Citizen Journalism

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Wandering through the City of Wyoming and what should we see? The snowman sign that is part of the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt. We can’t tell you where it is but we can share the clue:

Around the curve,

We protect and serve.

Be sure to drive slow

For the man made of snow.

To participate in the scavenger hunt, pick up a game sheet from the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation, located in City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, and then write down where you found each of the nine items. Clues to the items’ locations are revealed on the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page. If you collect all nine, return the completed form to the Parks and Recreation by Dec. 29 to be entered to win a prize.

Happy Hunting!

Wyoming Historical Commission’s 2023 calendar now available

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Our Cities,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

South Godwin Elementary School opened Jan. 3, 1956. On June 16, 1938, Wyoming High School first senior graduation ceremony. The Wyoming Township Police was established in 1941.

Wyoming Historical Commission 2023 calendar (WKTV)

This and other fun facts about the City of Wyoming can be found in the Wyoming Historical Commission’s 2023 calendar, which was released earlier this month.

The calendar features 12 photos of the city along with signs from businesses that at onetime were part of the Wyoming community. Along with listing holidays, sprinkled throughout the calendar are special dates related to the city such as when former President Bill Clinton visited Rogers High School (March 13, 1992).

The calendar is available at the Wyoming Library History Room, which is open Tuesday evenings and Saturdays form 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The calendars are also available at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.

The calendars are $10 each with the money raised going back to commission projects. 

Chamber hosts annual Santa Parade Saturday

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)

Santa is coming to town this Saturday for the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Santa Parade.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. starting near Division Avenue and 32nd Street and heads south, ending just before 44th Street.

“This is one of my favorite projects,“ said Bob O’Callaghan, former president of the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber and committee chair for this year’s Santa Parade. “Celebrating our businesses along Division Avenue is a great way to provide holiday cheer for the businesses and for the community. Our sponsors want to give back to the community and this is a perfect way to do that.“


This year’s sponsors are 105.3 HOT FM, 97 WLAV-FM, Arrowaste Inc., Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille, Car City, Catherine’s Health Services, Consumers Energy, Diversified Protection and Investigations, Godwin Hardware & Plumbing, Hobart Sales & Service, Kellogg Community Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Credit Union, Stassen Electric, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, VanDyke Mortgage, WKTV, Wyoming Moose Lodge, YoChef Catering & Cafe, and Honor Credit Union.

WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for Saturday at around 12:30 p.m. (immediately after basketball programming) and again at 7:30 p.m. Check wktv.org for other air times.

“To see the looks on the children’s faces is a wonderful experience which is why I have been on the planning committee for years with the Chamber,” said Mike Zomerlei of Diversified Protection and Investigation Services. “With more than 50 participants it takes a great deal of logistical planning  and a lot of hours but it’s worth it!.”

This year’s parade will include marching bands from four local high schools, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, and Grand Rapids. There also will be several local officials such as Mayor Stephen Kepley as well as police officers and fire fighters from both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The grand marshal is Jackie Green, former 2021 Mrs. American and co-host for 105.3 HOT FM.

Of course this is all in celebration of the arrival of the most famous elf in the world: Santa Claus.

WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.

Orion return to earth featured in special NASA programming

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,

By Kelly Taylor
WKTV Program Manager

Courtesy NASA

On Sunday, Dec. 11, WKTV 26 Government Channel and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99 will be featuring live coverage of the Orion spacecraft’s entry back to earth and the splashdown in the Pacific Ocean to complete the Artemis 1 Mission.

Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. with the splashdown scheduled at 12:40pm. Live coverage will continue through Orion’s handover from Mission Control in Houston to the Exploration Ground Systems recovery teams in the Pacific.

Afterwards, there will be an Artemis 1 Orion post-splashdown news conference at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Artemis 1 is the first integrated flight test of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, an un-crewed Orion spacecraft, and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that is paving the way for a crewed test flight and future human lunar exploration.

 

For more information on NASA TV or the Artemis 1 Mission, log on to www.nasa.gov.

Kentwood students take top honors at political debate competition

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The East Kentwood team that competed in the We the People District Finals last week. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)

East Kentwood’s American Political Thought students brought home top honors from the We the People District Finals which were hosted at Kent ISD last week.

The school’s team, which includes 21 seniors, finished second overall with several groups within the team also receiving first and second place awards.

Lucy Fornetti, Mary Johnakech, and Owen Lawrence received first place for their analysis of the American version of the rule of law and international perceptions of the system.

 

Taking second place were Bianca Bancifra, Maggie Fisher, Keaton Nguyen, and Sarah Chapin for their explanations of the philosophical underpinnings of American constitutionalism. Also taking second place are Andrew Dame, Rebecca Moore and Mike Nguyen for their understanding of the evolution of Congress’ powers and limitations on them.

To prepare, the East Kentwood team accumulated 55 hours of practice time with coaches outside of the school day in addition to time spent preparing for those sessions on their own. Coaches volunteered their time to help prepare the team for the variety of aspects of the competition — which includes presentation and public speaking skills along with an incredible depth of knowledge in constitutional law, philosophy, politics, American history and current events.

The team is currently working on new content in preparation for Jan. 6 when they will travel to Michigan State University’s College of Law for the State Finals. The first place team at the State Finals will earn an invitation to represent the state of Michigan in the National Finals in late April. For the 2021-2022 school year, the East Kentwood team took second at the State Finals with East Grand Rapids taking the top spot.

The Lantern is more than just the coffee it serves

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Food, Local Food, Recreation, Restaurants, ,

By Maddy Visscher
ArtRat Gallery

“Our job is way more than just making drinks,” said Jon Bailey, owner of The Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, 100 Commerce Ave. SW.

All photos courtesy of ArtRat.

“A few years ago, I had a realization when taking a look at coffee shops all over the United States: We’re all doing the same thing — serving high-quality coffee,” Jon told ArtRat. “At The Lantern, it’s different. We focus on the environment, our service and your experience.“

That commitment to Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood guided The Lantern through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and still shapes the way the popular coffee spot treats customers, other local businesses and the community at large.

Steve Wiltjer and Kevin Wallace opened The Lantern in April 2013, in the old Grand Central Engineering Building — a site that had stood gutted and empty for 15 years. The space is much bigger on the inside than it seems when you pass by; the spacious downstairs area still features the Grand Central’s original wood and is filled with tables and desks for people to socialize or work.

“I have all of my meetings at Lantern,” Rock Dandeneau, owner of Taste Buds-Kitchen Connects, a catering business just around the corner at 122 Division Ave S, told ArtRat.

Down in the vault 

The historic building holds some surprises. John led me down to a former bank vault that’s now The Lantern’s dry-goods storage. “This door is the original one,” he said, spinning the combination lock. “It’s supposedly worth a lot, too … But it’s so heavy, no one has moved it!” 

Inside, there’s not much space. “It forces us to work a little differently, more intentionally. For example, instead of ordering 10,000 to-go cups, we order 1,000.”  He pointed out ingredients that go into The Lantern’s latest offering: homemade oat milk. Though the ingredients are Michigan-made, the recipe required a lot of tweaks and a journey to New Orleans where Jon met a master oat-milker to learn his ways. After Jon added his own personal touches, the cafe added it to the menu on Monday.

The coffee bar is intentional with its waste, too. Just outside the vault, the space also holds The Lantern’s compost bins: All coffee, filters, and tea scraps are composted for distribution to local farms.

Navigating a pandemic

Jon started at The Lantern as a barista, but his role grew over time. In 2020, he was already on track to take over ownership responsibilities from The Lantern’s founders when COVID-19 hit.

For a gathering spot like The Lantern, social-distancing requirements were a critical hit, and the cafe shut down entirely for several months. “I didn’t want to reopen without indoor seating,” Jon explained. “It’s such an integral part of what we are.”

Jon remained committed to operating The Lantern while keeping customers safe. “I didn’t really have experience doing that kind of thing,” he said, “but I saw it as an opportunity to save something that was important to me, to not just watch it die in front of me. While there are trials and tribulations, I always [work] to pull myself up.”

The Lantern team shares Jon’s focus on the cafe’s role as stewards of the community. Savannah Jeanelle took a moment to talk with us. Between brewing my Malabar Tea and packing a shot of espresso, our local barista filled ArtRat in about what Lantern does best.

“Engrained within us, we are a part of — and take part in — this community,” Savannah said. “All are welcome. This community is so full of vibrant people: artists, musicians, people with stories to tell.

“No matter who you are, we’ll always be happy to make you a drink and have a conversation.”

This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.

Running in Silence; an All-American runner’s battle with an eating disorder

Citizen Journalism, Health, Local Faces, ,
(Courtesy, Rachael Steil)

By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org


Way back in kindergarten, accomplished distance runner Rachael Steil’s life path became extremely clear.

The future cross country and track star said it all began with a quarter mile field day race at age five. She remembers her mom cheering her on as she ran down the home stretch to a second-place finish.

“My mom was a runner at the time, so I grew up watching her compete in large road races,” Steil said. “Her enthusiasm for running, plus my excitement for taking second in my class, made me eager to improve and continue running.

“With my mom’s gentle guidance, I asked for a training plan. By first grade, I ran every other day, one to three miles at a time. I learned pacing, the joy of running, and how to race. I thrived off my mom’s excitement and joy for me.”

Making mom proud

Steil said she loved making her mother proud, and fell in love with the way running made her feel — “free and special.”

“I felt special because I could do this tough thing that took discipline and hard work,” she continued. “I loved that the sport represented these admirable qualities.”



Much later, at Grandville High School, Steil earned All-State recognition in cross country her junior and senior years, taking 29th and 26th, respectively. She also was a two-time cross country captain, cross country MVP, and was All-State in the 1600-meters in track her senior year.

“I was proud of my accomplishments, but disappointed that I put in so much work, heart and time into running, and never ended up placing in the top five in the state, which I’d imagined doing as a kid.”

All-American at Aquinas College

She would later become an All-American cross country runner at Aquinas College. As a freshman, she was sixth place All-American in cross country and seventh place All-American in track, and broke the school record for the 5k in cross country and track.



Rachael Steil was an All-American runner at Aquinas College. (Courtesy, Rachael Steil)


“I was very excited and proud of these accomplishments, but deep down, I felt I only achieved these results by losing weight and cutting out certain foods,” Steil explained. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was struggling with an eating disorder. The eating disorder was difficult to recognize because no one talked about this issue in athletics, and I was performing well in my sport.”


Steil said Aquinas College was exactly where she needed to be, especially while suffering with an eating disorder.


“My eating disorder continued to worsen going into my sophomore year of college when I started a raw food diet. I was bingeing and restricting, constantly injured, and felt that I would never achieve my goals in running if I gained weight. 






“The eating disorder and recovery made for some very low points, but I had incredible family and team support, professional help from an eating disorder therapist and dietitian, and other parts of my college academic experience where I could thrive outside of running.”

Realization happened slowly

Steil said realizing she had an eating disorder happened gradually, in multiple moments over the years, often followed by denial.

“I tried to hide my behaviors for about three years,” Steil said. “Going into my sophomore year, I wondered if I’d had an eating disorder when I saw someone else struggling and realized we had very similar behaviors. Then when I began bingeing and hearing from others online about their restricting and bingeing experiences, I started to come to terms with it.

“I fully recognized that I’d had an eating disorder after a few appointments with an eating disorder therapist and dietitian, but I didn’t think it was ‘bad enough’ because I was no longer restricting, but bingeing. I was also at a weight many would deem ‘healthy,’ so I thought that I was recovered and just didn’t have ‘discipline’ or ‘willpower’ anymore. I probably had my eating disorder for about five years total.”

Recovery began with a therapist and dietitian

Steil said her recovery began when she started seeing her therapist and sports dietitian, but it wasn’t easy, and definitely didn’t happen overnight. 

“I thought I’d just spend a few months working with them and then be on my way, again, because I didn’t think that my eating disorder was ‘bad enough.’ It ended up taking years of therapy and working with the dietitian to understand that my body was never ‘broken,’ and that my identity with running was all-consuming to the point that I was hurting myself.

“I solely depended on running fast for my value, worth and happiness. Recovery was an up and down struggle, with bingeing and restricting, crying, and coming to terms with who I was, where my body was at physically, and what my relationship with running would look like going forward.

“I’m fully recovered today, but forever changed by the experience.”

Running in Silence

Steil founded and now manages the Running in Silence 501c3 (www.runninginsilence.org), where she helps coaches and athletes recognize eating disorder signs, and teaches how to assist someone with getting professional help, and about recovery so they can achieve their potential in both health and athletic performance.

“This is mostly done through engaging, inspirational talks at coaching clinics, conferences, schools and universities,” said Steil, who wrote the book, Running in Silence: My Drive for Perfection and the Eating Disorder That Fed It (available on Amazon and runninginsilence.org).

“Having struggled with an eating disorder as an athlete, and as someone who now coaches (cross country and track at Grandville High School) and is very aware of how prevalent and devastating eating disorders can be, I want to make sure fewer athletes struggle with this alone and that they get the professional help they deserve. 

“I want coaches to understand the important role they have in helping to prevent eating disorders or better support someone who is struggling.”

Grand Tap Media on WKTV

Steil was recently featured on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim, who has produced shows on WKTV since 2017.

The Ford Airport will be filled with holiday music

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Area choirs will be performing that Gerald R. Ford Airport this week. (Pxhere.com)

As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Ford Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.

The 26th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place Dec. 5-9 in the airport grand hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A total of 20 West Michigan choirs from grades first through 12th are scheduled to sing 20-minute song sets throughout the day. All festival performances are free and open to the public.

Some of the local groups performing are 

Legacy Christian Honors Choir, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5

East Kentwood High School Varsity Voices, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5

Calvin Christian Chroale, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6

Lee High School School Choir, 11 a.m.. Dec. 6

Wyoming Junior High Concert Choir, 11 a.m., Dec. 7

Wyoming High School Honors Choir, 12:30 p.m, Dec. 7

Legacy Home School Alliance Choir, 2 p.m,, Dec. 7

U-Prep Choir, 10:15 a.m. Dec. 8

Potters House High School Choir, 2 p.m. Dec. 8

South Christiaan High School Madrigals, 2 p.m. Dec. 9

The full schedule of performing choirs is at FlyFord.org.

“Thank you to the many local school choirs for your preparation and participation in bringing joy to the Airport,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “We hope our passengers and guests can pause from the hustle and bustle of the season to enjoy these performances.”

Out and About: Covering the City

Citizen Journalism,
WKTV records a 1975 City of Wyoming meeting. (WKTV)

This is a blast from the WKTV past: Volunteers record a 1975 City of Wyoming Council meeting. Volunteers continue to remain a core part of the WKTV Community Media Center helping with sports programs, podcasts, and studio productions such as the WKTV Journal’s new sports program, Friday Night Highlights. Want to learn more? Give the station a call at 616-261-5700 or email WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer at greer@wktv.org.

Another successful Wyoming Gives Back is a wrap

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Holidays, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming 2022 tree lighting ceremony. (WKTV)

“It was fantastic,” said Jennifer Stowell, Wyoming’s assistant to the city manager, as she talked about the 2022 Wyoming Gives Back event.

Held at City Hall this year, the event was buzzing with residents and guests dropping off toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, listening to music provided by local students from Godwin Heights and Wyoming Public schools, and visiting with city officials. On hand was the Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Fire Chief Brian Bennett, police officers, firefighters as well as Councilor John Fitzgerald, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood, and newly elected Councilor Renee Hill.

Stowell said more than 1,200 toys were collected at the event. The event usually averages around 1,000.

“Before the event, we had a person drop off about 100 toys,” Stowell said.

The event wrapped up with the Wyoming High School Jazz Band leading participants outside for a tree lighting ceremony.

  • City Hall was busy Dec. 2 for the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • The hall of vendors at Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • The Godwin Heights High School Choir opens the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood records a Christmas greeting. (WKTV)
  • Residents who donated toys received raffle tickets for prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • A couple of students color pages during the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
  • A group of residents record a Christmas Greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt (far right) helps hand out prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Wyoming High School’s Jazz Band at Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
  • The Wyoming High School Jazz Band closes out the Wyoming Gives Out event. (WKV)
  • The Wyoming Fire Department records a Christmas greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)

Saturday is the day, for leaf pick up in Wyoming

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Saturday is the day — the day that the City of Wyoming will host its once-a-year curbside yard waste pick up.

The City of Wyoming’s yearly curbside leaf pick-up is this Saturday, Dec. 3. (Pxhere.com)

Every year on the first Saturday in December, the City of Wyoming hosts a free curbside yard waste pick up for its residents. This year, that falls on Saturday, Dec. 3.

To participate, residents should have all yard waste out on the curb by 6 a.m. Leaves should be in paper bags. Brush should be tied in bundles and not more than four feet long.

Yard Waste site still open

The City of Wyoming’s yard waste site, located at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW., is currently open from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. Starting Dec. 12, the hours will change to 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

At the site, there is a leave and grass pile and a brush pile. Residents are asked to sort items accordingly. To use the area, residents are required to show proof of residency, such as a photo ID or a utility bill, to the guard shack. Residents should enter the site off of Burlingame Avenue.

For more information, click here.

Undocumented workers could be untapped revenue source

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Kent County,

By Liam Jackson
Capital News Service

Currently, undocumented workers cannot get a driver’s license because the State Attorney General Office has determined an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a citizen of Michigan. (Pxhere.com)

LANSING – Undocumented Michiganders are fighting for the right to obtain a driver’s license, an action supporters say could generate $100 million for the state.

An initiative called Drive SAFE could pave the way.

 

Some advocates say they hope Michigan becomes the 19th state to pass similar legislation. Supporters range from teacher and nurse associations to religious groups and business owners.

SAFE stands for Safety, Access, Freedom and Economy, all of which would be improved by the passage of the bills, said Simon Marshall-Shah, a policy analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy, a nonpartisan policy institute.

“This is a case of people being able to freely get where they need to go,” Marshall-Shah said. “This often can involve supporting their families, taking a child to school or the doctor’s office, getting other health care services for themselves or their families, going to church.”

Concerns about undocumented workers driving

A passionate supporter of the legislation is Rob Steffens, the owner of Steffens Orchards in Sparta, 15 miles north of Grand Rapids, who says he is worried about undocumented workers who have been driving to and from work in Michigan for years.

“They want to follow the law, and they can’t,” Steffens said. “And they are not going anywhere. There isn’t a plant in Michigan – and I don’t care if you are talking about turkey, chicken, apple, cherry or asparagus – that doesn’t have undocumented workers.”

The package contains two bills in the House and two in the Senate. They were all introduced in 2021.

So far the bills are stalled in committee.

“We did have a hearing that was scheduled back in 2021 that was under the (House) Rules and Competitiveness Committee,” Marshall-Shah said. “The hearing was pulled at the last minute.”

Hope for the future

But as 2022 ends and a new legislative session is set to begin, the League for Public Policy says it hopes the bills may be finally heard in committee, Marshall-Shah said. If not, momentum is building to take it up again in the new session.

 

“In terms of the Drive SAFE bills being able to move forward in both chambers, I do see a possibility for that in this upcoming session,” Marshall-Shah said. “I think that the Drive Michigan Forward Coalition overall has really built up a lot of support among legislators and among advocates.”

Drive Michigan Forward is a coalition of organizations run by immigrants and their allies who believe in the restoration of driver’s licenses for all people, according to the group’s website.

 

In 2008, the Secretary of State implemented an opinion of former Attorney Gen. Mike Cox that said an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a Michigan resident. Since then, undocumented people in Michigan have been unable to receive a driver’s license.

Not everyone in favor of the Drive SAFE legislation sounds as confident as Marshall-Shah.

“The committee process is clearly controlled by the Republicans, and they have been uninterested in moving this forward in the past,” said Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, a cosponsor of the Senate bills. “My expectation is that it is not going to be moving, especially now that it has gotten so late in the legislative calendar, but I don’t really know.”

Improved public safety and reduced insurance costs are key attributes of the legislation, Irwin said.

“Right now, we have a number of drivers who, because of the law, cannot get properly licensed,” he said. “We have a lot of drivers in Michigan who are not paying into the insurance system.”

A potential revenue source

Money is a big selling point, Marshall-Shah said. Undocumented people in Michigan in total hold almost $2.5 billion in spending power.

That money can’t be spent in areas around the state and in local economies if undocumented Michiganders are denied access to a driver’s license, said Marshall-Shah.

On top of that, Michigan would bring in over $100 million over a decade because of these laws, according to the League for Public Policy. The money would come from license fees and revenue from registering vehicles and sales and gas taxes.

Opposition to this legislation has not come from any specific person or group, said Marshall-Shah.

 

“I would say the pushback in general has come from people who are really unaware of the benefits of the bills,” he said. “Certainly we’ve seen a lot of anti-immigrant sentiment at-large over the last few years, particularly at the federal level and under the Trump administration.”

Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.

Wyoming police continue to search for missing man

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

This is the most recent picture of Raymond Tarasiewicz. The photo was provided by his family.

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues to search for missing Wyoming resident Raymond Tarasiewicz and are asking residents to continue sending tips and information.

Tarasiewicz, 69, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. The closet cross streets are Burlingame Avenue and 44th Street.

 

He is described as a white male, 6-foot, 2 inches tall and about 225 pounds. He has white hair and a white beard. He wears black prescription glasses and may be wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans.

 

Tarasiewicz has early signs of dementia. According to the Wyoming police, he has been known to wander and go into garages or outbuildings in his neighborhood. Tarasiewicz is known to frequent the 36th Street/Burlingame Avenue area. He has medical issues and requires medication regularly. He does not have known access to money and did not take his cell phone with him.

If you have seen Raymond Tarasiewciz or have information, please call police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 1-866-774-2345.

Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety have followed up on all leads that have developed since the time Tarasiewicz was reported missing. Detectives have also followed up on all tips received from citizens as they continue to actively investigate this case. Numerous resources have been used to attempt to locate Tarasiewicz and he is listed as missing in both law enforcement and other databases.

Family members have indicated that if anyone sees Tarasiewicz to call out “Hey Ray!” to try to help snap him out of his daze and call 911 to get him the medical attention he needs.

Anyone who may have seen Tarasiewicz or has information on his location that may assist in locating him is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345. 

2022 Mighty Wurlitzer series wraps with holiday concerts

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Holidays, Local Entertainment, , ,

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be concluding its 2022 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series with special themed Holiday Classics organ concerts performed by John Lauter Dec. 9, and Dec. 10.

 

John Lauter (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ and classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The First Noel, and more.

Detroit native John Lauter has been presenting theater organ concerts for more than 20 years and made his public debut at the Redford Theater at age 16. Since those early days, Lauter was a featured performer at the American Theatre Organ Society’s 2009 convention in Cleveland. Lauter spent three years playing at “Theatre Organ Pizza and Pipes” in Pontiac. At home in Detroit, Lauter has presented nine concerts at the Detroit Theater Organ Society and many concerts and silent film programs at the Redford Theater.

The Museum is offering two options for guests to experience the concerts: in-person as well as a live-streaming option for those who wish to enjoy the concert from the comfort of their home. The Holiday Classics organ concerts will be Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in the GRPM’s Meijer Theater, which is located in the Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Early ticket purchases are recommended as the holiday concerts are expected to sell out. For more information visit grpm.org/Organ.

In-person tickets are $15, with the discounted price of $10 for Museum members. Virtual tickets are $10 per household, with the discounted price of $6 for member households. Only one link is needed per household. Links to the live-streams will be sent to ticket purchasers before the concerts.

 

Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ 


The 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ is an impressive icon of Grand Rapids and an artifact preserved in the GRPM’s Collections used to entertain and educate all ages through the annual concert series and annual programming. 

The Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda, New York, manufactured and shipped Opus #1836, a “3 manual special”, to the Stanley Theater of Jersey City, New Jersey, on February 9, 1928. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ spent two decades entertaining customers at the Roaring 20’s Pizza Parlor on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, before it was moved to its current location at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Winter parking rules in Wyoming start this week

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, West Michigan, , ,

By Maggie Carey
WKTV Contributor

The City of Wyoming does blow its sidewalks after two or more inches of snow. (WKTV/Maggie Carey)

It’s that time of year again, the winter weather is back! With that, the City of Wyoming would like to remind residents of street parking rules and snowplowing guidelines to help keep the roads clear of snow in the winter time.

It is important to note that according to the city’s website, Wyoming has approximately 250 miles (or 600 lane-miles) of streets. 44th and 28th streets are the major streets with the most traffic, meaning they are prioritized and plowed first, then collector streets, and finally, residential streets and cul-de-sacs.

City of Wyoming Winter Parking

The odd-even ordinance is in effect from Dec. 1 (Thursday) to March 31. Ensuring cars are on the correct side of the street means quicker plow times and safer commutes for residents. If the ordinance is not followed, first time offenders can be warned or even given a ticket.

So, how does the ordinance work? Match the day with the street address. On odd days, park on the side of the street that contains odd addresses (those ending in 1,3,5,7,9). On even days, park on the side of the street that contains even addresses (those ending in 0,2,4,6,8). For those who live in cul-de-sacs, you may park on the street on even days.

 

Cars must be on the correct side of the street from midnight to 7 p.m. and residents are encouraged to move their cars to the correct side of the street between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Sidewalks and fire hydrants

Residents are asked to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow by their homes/businesses. Local fire department officials say that having hydrants clear of snow and ice saves firefighters time when dealing with a fire. It is recommended to keep three feet of area on all sides of the fire hydrant clear of snow and ice.

The city plows sidewalks at night after there has been two or more inches of snow. Residents are asked to keep the sidewalks clear of obstructions and items (trash cans, cars, signs, etc.) to help the City of Wyoming when plowing the sidewalks.  

Kentwood school recognized for student achievement

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Education, Hard News,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

Kentwood’s Challenger Elementary School (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)

Kentwood’s Challenger Elementary School was one out of five schools in the state of Michigan to receive the 2022 Building the Hope Schools award from the Education Trust-Midwest.

Challenger received the award for consistently demonstrating exceptional progress for traditionally underserved students.

Schools receiving this award are in the top 25 percent for academic proficiency or above average student growth, according to analyses by researchers from the nonpartisan Education Trust-Midwest. The Education Trust-Midwest is a data-driven education policy, research and advocacy organization, works for the high academic achievement of all Michigan students in pre-kindergarten through college.

To determine recipients of this award, researchers from The Education Trust-Midwest examined data for the 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19 school years. Analysts and team members also visiting schools and conducted interviews to get a firsthand look of schools’ learning environments as part of the process to select the award winners. Challenger impressed the team by showing excellence in, not just one, but in three areas that included excellence in learning for students of color, English Learners, and students who come from low income backgrounds.

“I want to recognize our students and their efforts in helping our school receive this honor,” said Challenger Principal Teressa Gatza in a letter to families. “We set high expectations for each of our students in many areas, and year after year, our students strive to meet those expectations.”

Gatza also thanks parents and families for their support and Challenger’s staff for their hard work, dedication and genuine care for the students. 

Narrative justice focus of upcoming GRAM event

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

GR-MiFi and Grand Stand Pictures will be presenting at the Grand Rapids Art Museum Thursday, Dec. 1. (Courtesy, GRAM)

Grand Rapids Media Initiative and Film Incubator (GR-MiFi) together with Grand Stand Pictures is presenting stories about their upcoming documentary film and other projects centered on Narrative Justice Thursday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Art Museum at 101 Monroe Center St. (Breonna Taylor Way)

The group is currently in the process of producing a full-length documentary film based upon the book, “A City Within A City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids, Michigan” by Dr. Todd E. Robinson. The film project has enabled the producers to uplift and engage local BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) content creators by establishing apprenticeships directly related to the film and has blossomed into various creative endeavors. The work of GR-MiFi, Grand Stand Pictures and the “Creators” have attracted the attention of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, who will be showcasing this dynamic group as part of the museum’s Visionnaires Series, which attracts creative young adults into lifelong engagement with the arts.

The evening’s activities

The evening’s program will include a panel discussion with the film’s producers and key Creators.

“Over the last year, this initiative has grown into an ecosystem that is vibrant, diverse, and innovative,” said Shayna Haynes Heard, GR-MiFi project manager/Creator. “Our work uplifting Narrative Justice and equipping local talent with opportunities for growth and development is transformative, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for us.”

Following a Mashup Video highlighting the many projects the Creators have initiated and undertaken together, Creators will share their stories and what inspires them as they hone each other’s skills at the Incubator headquarters every week. Also featured will be their community partner projects such as the Black History Cemetery Tours and the South High School Oral History Project and digital history mapping with HistoryPin.org.

The event concludes with some power networking, podcast interviews and photo booth opportunities. This Visionnaire’s event at the GRAM is free and includes a cash bar.

Creating a hub

Building a community-driven creative media hub is a priority focus area for GR-MiFi, where local talent can pool resources and networks, learn the process of producing media, and shore up their demo reels and skills to develop a viable client base. Industry leaders across the spectrum of entertainment businesses and movie making are exploring how to create sustainable incubator programs for marginalized groups. The Grand Rapids Media Initiative and Film Incubator (GR-MiFi) is on the front end of these developments and looks forward to providing ground-breaking strategy, design, programs and efforts in the media and film incubation space.

“We are building a very supportive ecosystem for BIPOC creators and videographers and are helping them to build their capacity to tell their own stories and to grow their skillsets and gain valuable resources and networks. When businesses, organizations and institutions are looking for quality work done in anything art or film related, from perspectives and individuals that may have been set aside before, GRMiFi is the place to come and ideate and let us create something for you,” says GR-MiFi President Rodney Brown.