Category Archives: 3-bottom

Johnny’s Markets unveils “The Giving Pump” to give consumers a chance to fill up for a good cause

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, Johnny’s Markets)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



Today through September 30, drivers can visit a local Shell station and fill up at the designated fueling pump to support Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank-Kids’ Backpack Program.


Marshall-based Johnny’s Markets, owned by Walters-Dimmick Petroleum, is joining with Shell USA (Shell) on The Giving Pump as part of its Force For Good initiative to drive positive change in local communities by giving back. 


A portion of the purchases made by consumers who use the designated pump at 70 Shell stations across Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo will support the charities Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank, along with local schools and hospitals.

The Giving Pump will be specially marked with colorful signage at participating Shell gas stations to inspire consumers to fuel up and support two local food organizations: South Michigan Food Bank and Kids’ Food Basket. It’s easy to participate in the program, and it costs customers nothing extra.

South Michigan Food Bank — currently serving 33,000 meals a day across eight counties — works to eliminate hunger by providing healthy and nutritious food to those in need. This year’s donations from Giving Pump will go toward the nonprofit’s BackPack Program, which sends non-perishable meal packages home with students in low-income households, giving children access to food over the weekends and during school breaks. Each package contains enough food for seven meals.

 “Many may not realize it, but folks and food banks alike are under a lot of pressure right now,” said Peter Vogel, CEO of South Michigan Food Bank. “During the pandemic, there were plenty of funds flowing to organizations tackling food insecurity. In the past year, though, many of those resources have dried up while demand — the need for affordable food — in our communities remains elevated. The Giving Pump is coming at the perfect time to help these people, and we are blessed to have Johnny’s Markets’ support.”

Kids’ Food Basket’s mission is to nourish kids to reach their full potential. They work with the community to serve 10,000 nutritious evening meals to kids in four West Michigan counties every weekday. KFB is also home to two farms that not only serve as a classroom for STEM education, but also provide fresh produce directly back to the community.



(Kids’ Food Basket)



“Right now, the reality is that most food banks, like so many of the good people we serve, are trying to do a lot more with way less,” said Ashley Diersch, Vice President of Development at Kids’ Food Basket. “By teaming up with The Giving Pump, it gives everybody an opportunity to make an impact and really shows that everything — whether it’s one penny or a million — makes a difference.”

Johnny’s Markets brand, owned by Walters-Dimmick Petroleum, is home to more than 60 convenience stores and fuel stations across Michigan and Indiana. With the purpose of being a reliable source of goodness in the community, the company supports programs and events that help pave the path for young people to be successful.



(Courtesy, Johnny’s Markets)



“As an established member of the Western Michigan community, we believe we can do more by supporting local children’s organizations so that kids may receive what is needed to help them develop and succeed,” said J.P. Walters, President and CEO of Walters-Dimmick Petroleum. “We chose these charities for The Giving Pump because we want to continue growing our relationships with great organizations who support our communities, and there are no better examples of that than Kids’ Food Basket and South Michigan Food Bank.”


In addition to The Giving Pump, Walters-Dimmick has hosted an annual charity event called the Northern Classic for over 30 years, where 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to improve the lives of many in Western Michigan. In the past decade, the Northern Classic charity event has raised more than $1 million for multiple charities including Kids’ Food Basket, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund.

This year, more than 7,500 Shell stations across the US are participating in this two-month Giving Pump initiative to support 532 local charities. Those looking to find a participating station can visit shell.us/givingpump. Since 2021, Shell wholesalers and retailers donated over $4.6M and supported over 400 children’s charities through The Giving Pump.

To learn more about how you can join South Michigan Food Bank in taking a stand against hunger, visit smfoodbank.org. Visit kidsfoodbasket.org for more on Kids’ Food Basket programs, services and how you can make a difference. Visit shell.us/givingpump to find additional program details, participating sites and content about local charities. 

Local author Carol R. Dodge publishes book that fills an important gap in Grand Rapids history

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local History, West Michigan, , , , ,
Carol R. Dodge with her book, The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion (WKTV)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion by Carol R. Dodge (Courtesy Photo)

Carol Dodge, lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, recently published a book that closes a large gap in the history of the area and its development.

The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion was published May 13, 2023 and is lauded as a “welcome addition to publications chronicling the history of Grand Rapids, Michigan,” according to the Sweet House Foundation website.

Dodge has a long history with what is now called the Sweet House, remembering how, as a young girl of 8-years-old, she would walk past the Sweet House – then called the Women’s City Club – on her way to choir practice at church.

“I was really impressed with the building and hoped that someday I could have lunch there,” said Dodge.

A dream come true

Dodge’s dream of entering the City Club came true when, as a senior in high school, she received the Daughters of the American Revolution Merit Award. Recipients of the award were honored with a tea held at the Club.

“I was able to go inside and was so impressed with the beautiful house,” said Dodge. “I always hoped that someday I would be a member of the City Club.”

Dodge’s wish became reality in 1985 when she joined the WCC. Her love of early American history and early Grand Rapids history was immediately utilized when the WCC appointed her Chairman of the History Committee.

That interest and her appointment as Chairman prompted Dodge to delve deeply into the history of the mansion that was home to the WCC.

Rare pieces of history

Dodge quickly realized there were two men who had lived at the mansion who played an integral role in the growth and development of Grand Rapids – but were rarely talked about.

Grand Rapids Mayor Martin L. Sweet built the mansion in 1860 soon after he took office. Sweet was an entrepreneur who greatly contributed to the economic and political development of the area before he died in 1905.

“He was a very prominent man,” said Dodge. “Even as far as Kansas City and Colorado, they would talk about Sweet and all that he was doing.”

Concert pianist Ottokar Malek operated the Malek School of Music from the mansion during the years 1914-1919. In 1919, St. Cecilia Music Center approached Malek about expanding their orchestra of 20 musicians.

“He accepted the position and increased the orchestra to 65 outstanding musicians,” said Dodge.

That orchestra is now called the Grand Rapids Symphony.

Carol Dodge (right) with Pamela Keim of Grand Tap Media (WKTV, Deborah Reed)

“I was just fascinated with finding out about the two men who lived there and all that they contributed to the city of Grand Rapids,” said Dodge. “And there is no book, no gathering of information about them or about the Sweet House.”

Dodge began giving presentations and writing articles so members of the WCC would know about Sweet and Malek.

“I did that for about 15 years, and then I thought: ‘What’s going to happen to the information when I’m no longer around? I think I should write a book,’” said Dodge.

Putting it all together

Dodge began by taking scripts from her oral presentations and converting them to written form. She then dove into further research, finding the majority of pertinent information at the Grand Rapids Public Library.

“I really have to credit the history section of the library,” said Dodge. “Those people were so helpful to me.”

Between verbal interviews, online research, history books and biographies of previous residents of Grand Rapids, and old newspaper articles from the 1800s, Dodge was able to create a clearer picture of Sweet, Malek, and the Sweet House.

“I just kept piecing information together until I had enough to complete [Sweet’s] story,” said Dodge. “It took two and a half years to diligently gather everything.”

A team of two editors helped Dodge, meeting weekly with her during those two and a half years.

“It was quite a journey,” said Dodge. “The book is what it is today because of their help.”

Dodge said she hopes the book will raise awareness in the community about the significance of the Sweet House and the importance of preserving it, as well as “close the gap and fill in the history so that people will recognize the impact [Sweet and Malek] had on the city, the development and the culture.”

What’s next?

Carol Dodge during interview with Pamela Keim, Grand Tap Media (WKTV, Deborah Reed)

At 88-years-old, Dodge shows no sign of slowing down. She continues in the role of historian for the WCC and the Sweet House Foundation, conducts tours of the Sweet House, writes articles, and actively promotes The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion with speaking engagements.

When asked if she was always this active and project-oriented, Dodge replied without hesitation: “Yes.”

Copies of The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion can be reserved by contacting the Sweet House at sweethousegr@gmail.com or 616-459-5484. A donation to the Sweet House Foundation is requested in exchange for the book.

Debunking myths about hospice care

3-bottom, West Michigan
Emmanuel Hospice patient James Van Nuil (front) fishing at his favorite spot on the Grand Haven State Park pier. Behind him is RN Case Manager David Stephens. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)



By Emmanuel Hospice



In today’s world, it’s tough to pin down a fact.

And for those who work in hospice especially, it’s more important than ever to keep educating an inquisitive public – and to dispel myths surrounding a viable medical option that’s been around the better part of five decades.

“I think the biggest one we still run into is, ‘Wow, I don’t want to sign my loved one up because it’s like signing a death warrant,’” says Jan Amato, business development specialist for Emmanuel Hospice. “That’s a huge misconception we deal with all the time. Hospice isn’t about giving up – it’s about living more.

“In truth, hospice is for people who may have weeks and months to live. And that’s not the only myth we are constantly debunking.”

Others, says Amato, include:

  • Hospice is only for cancer patients. Not true, as more than half of hospice patients are facing other challenges.
  • Hospice is a “place.” Again, misleading, as some 70 percent of hospice patients receive care in their own homes.
  • Its practitioners are too aggressive regarding the use of morphine. In truth, hospice workers are not interested in hastening death and are careful about morphine and all the medical options they bring to bedside. Instead, they’re focused – especially in Emmanuel’s case – on “how you want to live” during the precious time remaining.
  • That hospice is only for those in their last days and hours. Actually, many hospice patients are still engaged in day-to-day activities. They travel. They’re up and around and interacting.

Hospice, Amato stresses, is available to anyone diagnosed with life expectancy of six months or  less. But even if you defy those odds and “graduate” from hospice, you can become eligible again without prejudice.

Another misnomer is that hospice is designed for patients only. At Emmanuel, the emphasis is on treating patients and friends and loved ones, addressing not only physical concerns, but emotional, social and spiritual needs as well.

Amato says clients are often surprised to learn Emmanuel offers many complementary therapies that bring everything from massage to music to aromatherapy to pet visits to art experiences to patients. All at no extra cost.

And speaking of cost, myths abound there, too. Normally, there is no direct cost to patients and families for hospice care. Medicare and most other insurers cover all or most of hospice expenses.

Many of the myths surrounding hospice emanate from our culture’s reluctance to talk about death and dying, Amato maintains. In a word, too many of us are in denial. When we face the fact we all must succumb to something sometime, it opens the doors to communication, and the more we talk, the more we’re liable to become educated.

To do the opposite is to possibly delay calling for hospice when the time is right. While that might satisfy the desires of some family members, it might not be what the patient really desires or needs. A capable hospice worker serves as that “extra set of eyes and ears,” acting in the best interests of that patient and working alongside loved ones to counsel them as things progress.

“We’re not there to provide cures, but instead comfort and care,” says Amato. “And when people realize that and more, patients often tell us something we hear too often: ‘I should have called you sooner.’”

Kentwood Farmers Market offers exciting special events for all ages in August and September

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Food,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market has some exciting events planned throughout the rest of the summer, including the annual Charcuterie Challenge, Kids Day and more. 
 

In addition to shopping for delicious, fresh produce and local goods at the market, community members of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy during these special events. Kids Day, the Dog Days of Summer, the third annual Charcuterie Challenge and the End of Season Celebration are on deck for the remainder of the market season. 
 

“Our special events make the market a little extra fun for everyone,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you want to play with pups or show off your charcuterie skills, the Kentwood Farmers Market has an event for you.”


Upcoming August and September events at the market include: 

  • National Farmers Market Week celebration Aug. 10 featuring a food demonstration and food samples as well as food trucks: Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze.
  • Kids Day on Aug. 17 featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo as well as kids crafts and activities. There will be a bubble machine, face painting, food trucks: Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian-Ice and more.
  • Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 24 featuring a variety of dog organizations like Captivated Canine, Paws with a Cause, Dippin’ Dogs and more, along with adoption opportunities through the Humane Society of West Michigan as well as food trucks: Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo.
  • Charcuterie Challenge on Aug. 31 featuring a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients and food trucks: El Jalapeno and Dune Buggy. To enter the contest, fill out the online form at bit.ly/KentwoodCharcuterieChallenge.
  • End of Season Celebration on Sept. 7 featuring food demos and samples as well as food trucks: Patty Matters and Semifreddo.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Farmers Market runs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 7 behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. It provides a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more, and features 20-plus local vendors and special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH. 

For more information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including links to become a vendor or volunteer, visit KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

Magnus Capital Partners’ free-to-attend Summer Market set for Aug. 12 in Wyoming

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
Annual Summer Market hosted by Magnus Capital Partners (Courtesy, Magnus Capital Partners)

by Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Magnus Capital Partners (MCP) will host its third annual, free-to-attend Summer Market featuring more than 25 vendors at HōM Flats at 28 West Saturday, Aug. 12.

Open to the public and HōM Flats residents, the event will take place from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 1401 Prairie Parkway SW in the City of Wyoming. Community members are invited to enjoy live music and browse items for sale from local food trucks, artisans and other vendors.

“This is the perfect fit of bringing people out of their apartments, gathering, and building those bonds with each other and with the community,” said Jason Chronowski, Magnus Marketing Manager.

In addition to bringing community members together, the Summer Market also works to support local artists.

“Our Summer Market at HōM Flats creates an opportunity for people to strengthen their community by supporting local small businesses, gain an appreciation for the depth and breadth of emerging local artists, and engage in a positive atmosphere that recognizes our most basic need to create connections with others,” said Magnus CEO Vishal Arora.

(Courtesy, Robert Couse-Baker at pxhere.com)

Chronowski said that feedback on the Summer Market has been positive, with residents saying they enjoy the event and meeting their neighbors.

“It’s nice that this has both elements to it where it’s not only for our residents, it’s for the public too,” said Chronowski.

Attendees are encouraged to park at the south end of the 28 West Place Mall parking lot, located just east of HōM Flats at 28 West off of Prairie Parkway. Overflow parking will be available at Wyoming High School.

More than just a summer market

The event will serve as the main annual fundraiser for the Magnus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating art, culture and community-building in the areas where Magnus Capital Partners operates.

Focused on building connections with artists and local communities, the Magnus Foundation often utilizes funds to pay local artists to give HōM residents free art classes. The Foundation also commissions artwork from West Michigan artists to be used at various MCP locations.

Though the Magnus Foundation is a recent addition to MCP, Chronowski says it is off to a “really good start,” and that events like the Summer Market help “develop that momentum” in keeping the Foundation moving forward.

To learn more about the Magnus Foundation or to make a contribution to the Foundation, email info@magnuscapitalpartners.com.

Event sponsors

The sole platinum sponsor for this year’s Summer Market is Hooker DeJong, Inc. Other key sponsors include Coldbrook Insurance, Merchants Capital, Rohde Construction and Highpoint Community Bank.

Wyoming Concerts in the Park brings big sounds of Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Kent County, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,
Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps: Patty, guitarist Lucas Powell, and original drummer Alec Klinefelter. (Courtesy of the band)

By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor

Listening to Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps’ latest EP release, it is clear why they called
it Perpetual Motion Machine. The five-song release is all about power pop, with a fair
amount of rockin’ blues blasting through, and continues the band’s drive to its own
sound and popularity.

“Not slowing down in 2023, Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps are stepping hard on the
gas pedal and touring more cities and music festivals than years prior,” the band states
on its website. “The trio have plans to record their next full-length album within the year.”

So expect a fast ride on a summer night when the band hits the stage Tuesday, Aug. 8.

The Tuesday evening Concerts in the Park are free of charge and open to the public at
Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Performances start at 6 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m.

A wild ride for Patty and her music

Michigan native Patty PerShayla hit the scene as a singer, songwriter, and multi-
instrumentalist after winning the 2019 WYCE Jammie Award for Best Rock/Pop Album
for her solo EP, Oracle Bones, according to a bio on her website.

Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps’ latest EP, Perpetual Motion Machine (Courtesy)

But later in 2019, she joined forces with guitarist Lucas Powell and drummer Alec
Klinefelter to form Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps. After road-testing their music, they released their “blues-infused, riff-driven debut album,” Cheap Diction, in 2021. (Current band drummer is Chris Thomas.)

A music video from that album went on to win Best Music Video at the 2022 Grand
Rapids Film Festival, and another was featured at the 2023 Michigan Music Video
Awards.

When Patty is not touring with the Mayhaps, she plays solo gigs and even toured with the equally great local band of multi-instrumentalists, The Accidentals, in 2021. For more information on Patty’s musical journey, visit: Patty PerShayla at home in Nashville.

For more information about Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps and a video of the song “Spill” from the new EP, visit pattypershayla.com.

About the concert and venue

The Tuesday evening concerts feature a food truck with food and beverages available
for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, however alcohol is not
permitted in the park.

“Concerts in the park are a highlight of summertime in Wyoming. We hope you will grab
your blankets, chairs and friends and join us for some fun in the parks!” Krashawn
Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director, said earlier in introducing the concert
series.

For more details visit www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec


Wanderlust Acres Animal Sanctuary; home to 130 rescued ducks

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming
Tina Austin (left) and Jennifer VanderMeer. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)


By Janet Vormittag

WKTV Contributor



In 2011, Jennifer VanderMeer was working on a project in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During a walk along the James River on her day off she noticed a man with two young girls. The girls were crying because their dad was going to pitch two ducklings into the water.


VanderMeer intervened. 

“That was my first rescue,” she said. For six weeks, the ducklings lived with VanderMeer in an apartment. When the job ended she brought them home to Michigan where they lived long, spoiled lives.

VanderMeer is an ornithologist. “I love birds. It’s a passion and has been a profession for over 20 years,” she said. 

For years she volunteered for Michigan Duck Rescue. In October 2020, with the encouragement of her late husband Lenny Rockwell, she opened Wanderlust Acres Animal Sanctuary. The Rockford-based rescue specializes in ducks.

“Ducks and other domestics get overlooked,” VanderMeer said. “They need someone to be their voice. They’re sweet souls.”

Home to 130 ducks, 10 breeds

Close to 130 ducks are housed at Wanderlust with 10 breeds represented. Each duck has a name and VanderMeer can tell the story about how each one came to be a resident of the sanctuary. Most are from Michigan: Millennium Park, the Flat River in Lowell, the Muskegon Causeway, a busy intersection in Jenison, a Sand Lake park, a pond behind Home Depot in Grandville and several other recognizable locations. A few came from Indiana and Illinois. 

“They were dumped — in ponds, lakes, streams, wherever there is water,” VanderMeer said. “Don’t dump ducks. It’s illegal to abandon animals.” 

Domestic ducks can’t fly, so they can’t escape predators. They also don’t know how to forage for food. “They either fall prey to a predator or they starve to death,” VanderMeer said. 

Most of the dumped ducks are drakes; male ducks. She explained that people get ducks for their eggs. When they discover their ducks are drakes, they get rid of them. People also buy ducklings as Easter presents. When they grow up and the novelty wears off, the ducks are dumped. Ducks also come from classroom projects; eggs hatch into fluffy cute ducklings, and then what?

Ducks can live 10-20 years


Jennifer VanderMeer with Gertrude, who has a deformed leg. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)



The rescue of one duck, Gertrude, almost didn’t happen.



“Lenny said no more ducks,” VanderMeer recalled. But he agreed to go along to see the Khaki. Someone had put a zip tie on Gertrude’s leg when she was young. As the duckling grew the hard plastic didn’t budge causing deformity and infection.

Lenny’s no more ducks turned into we’re taking her after he witnessed the abuse done to the young duck. He even held her while the veterinarian examined her.

“He had the biggest heart,” VanderMeer said. Lenny died Sept.14, 2022, three months after being diagnosed with cancer. The couple had 21-1/2 years together. 

While Lenny was sick VanderMeer devoted all her time to him and relied on volunteers, especially Tina Austin, to care for the ducks.

“She’s a godsend,” VanderMeer said. 


Years ago, the two women met while working as waitresses. They reconnected through Facebook after the sanctuary was started. Tina, a vet-assistant and owner of a pet care business, has 17 chickens and seven ducks.

VanderMeer’s dad, a biologist and a lover of animals, also volunteers. He has five flocks at his Ada home that will soon be moved to the sanctuary. 

Gertrude survived and is part of the Disabled Flock; all have leg issues. They live in a fenced area in the garage where they get extra care and aren’t stressed by abled ducks.



“Her leg is permanently disabled, but that doesn’t stop her. She’s very tenacious,” VanderMeer said. 

Duck Village

The majority of the ducks live in Duck Village, a maze of dog kennels that provide homes to small flocks such as the Dirty Girls Flock, Eaters Flock and the 19-member Dutch Village Flock that came from the Dutch Village in Holland. 

Each flock has a coop where they spend nights.  The coops are latched, chained, and for extra security a cement brick is placed in front of its door. It takes close to an hour each evening to tuck all the flocks in for the night. 

Numerous predators

Domestic ducks have numerous predators including raccoons, possums, fox, hawks, coyotes and snapping turtles.



“The words ‘sitting duck’ is quite applicable,” VanderMeer said. 

Duck Village is predator-proof. The 20 enclosures have woven wire tops, chicken wire skirting, and dig guards. In addition, there is a camera surveillance system so Duck Village can be monitored at all times.

In the summer there is a pond where the ducks get supervised swim time.

Funded by donations

The sanctuary is funded through donations. It costs $300 to $500 per month for food and the wood shavings used for bedding. They go through a 40-pound bag of duck pellets every day. Ducks also eat corn, greens and mealy worms. They love fresh vegetables and fruit, but the food has to be cut into small pieces because ducks don’t have teeth. It takes close to four 5-gallon buckets of cut-up eatables to ensure enough for everyone.

Frozen peas are a favorite treat.

 

Last fall people from the Rockford area donated enough uncarved pumpkins to fill the garage.

VanderMeer sells duck eggs to help pay the bills. When egg sales and donations don’t cover expenses, VanderMeer pays the difference.

But the expense is worth it. While the ducks aren’t cuddly like a dog or cat, they can be sweet and sassy. They wiggle their tail feathers when they recognize their names and they’re trainable.

“They all have different personalities,” VanderMeer said.

When she told the usually chatty, loud flocks that Lenny had died there was silence across the sanctuary. Some ducks lowered their heads, others turned their backs to her, some went into their houses or into corners.

“Ducks understand more than people give them credit for. They’re feeling emotional creatures. They form strong bonds, not just with other ducks, but with people. A lot of people don’t see that.”

Since Lenny passed, VanderMeer has struggled with the workload of running and caring for the animals at the sanctuary. She also has three cats and four dogs.

“It hasn’t been easy.”

For more information, follow Wanderlust Acres Animal Sanctuary on Facebook and other social media sites.


How you can help

Volunteer, buy supplies through Amazon Wish List, donate through Venmo@WanderlustAcres, paypal.me/WanderlustAcres or Cash App $WanderlustAcres.

City of Wyoming celebrated National Night Out with activities at several locations

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, West Michigan, , , ,
Officer Willshire of Kentwood PD (left), Officer Klaassen of Wyoming PD (center), and Officer Quintard of Wyoming PD (right) talk with families at Celebration Cinema (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

City of Wyoming’s first responders and leaders teamed up with several departments across Kent County as they joined residents at multiple gatherings to celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 1.

Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said.

An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out began in 1984 to promote safety in communities and build relationships under positive circumstances. Participating cities encourage residents to turn on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire personnel.

Deputy Melissa Gokey with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department said a personal highlight of National Night Out is photographing all the events. “I get to go to every single location,” said Gokey. “I get to see a little piece of everything.”

Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Wyoming residents had the opportunity to explore police and fire equipment and learn about a variety of safety topics at several local locations, including Lamar Park, Celebration Cinema, Grace Christian University, Grace Christian Reformed Church, and The Door Christian Fellowship Church.

Residents were also able to see a variety of first responder vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, motorcycles, marine units, mobile command centers, and even horses.


Kent County encouraged participating local businesses to set up a booth with children’s activities.


“The whole point is to educate kids on safety and to build that partnership with them and other businesses within the community,” said Gokey. “It just helps them to feel safe and comfortable around us.”

Wyoming National Night Out 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Gokey went on to say that all first responders join in during National Night Out, including the Road Commission and Army National Guard, in order to make the event a memorable experience for the kids.

“Setting up an event like this is going to be a much different way for children to feel comfortable approaching us, talking to us, and asking questions,” said Gokey.

Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster said, “Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community. National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and meaningful way.”

Wyoming resident Megan Washburn agreed. “It’s nice to see them out, having fun, eating hot dogs, and being regular people,” said Washburn.

Grand Rapids’ Black Impact Collaborative presents three-day event designed to cultivate healing in the Black community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
The Black Experience (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The Black Experience is a family-friendly three-day event put on by the Black Impact Collaborative (BIC) that will focus on spreading Black Joy and cultivating healing in the Black community by providing influential information in several key impact areas. Taking place on the campus of Calvin University, The Black Experience runs Friday, Aug. 11 through Sunday, Aug. 13.

“We know that it is essential that we elevate Black Joy–things that inspire, support and uplift Black culture. This is an event that will do that,” said Lesa Hardiman, Program Director for BIC.

The Black Experience will promote intellectual, cultural, and thoughtful leadership and innovation in the areas of education, economics, health and well-being, serving elders, and ensuring protection in an environment that is empowering, entertaining, and exciting.

“We will be celebrating rich culture and wonderful things that are happening with our BIC partners in so many other ways here in the city,” said Dallas Lenear, BIC Board Chair. “We wanted to highlight and celebrate the joy of what it means to be Black in Grand Rapids and Black in America.”

Lenear also commented that The Black Experience is not just for the Black community.

“We invite any and all people who would want to attend, to do so,” said Lenear. “We believe it will be fruitful for the entire community.”

What to expect at The Black Experience

The Black Experience will kick-off with a 70s Party at Calvin University’s Prince Conference Center on Friday, Aug. 11 and will feature the live band Entyce: featuring Bedrock, activities, prizes, and more.

“[The 70s] are such a great microcosm of the Black experience in America,” said Lenear. “It was right at the height of the civil rights movement. You have all this vibrant culture and art and expression, even in the clothing, that demonstrates this new era of blossoming out of this painful past and dealing with the struggles then. There was a reclamation of identity that was eminent in the styles and in the music.”

The Black Experience keynote speakers (Courtesy, Black Impact Collaborative)

Saturday, Aug. 12 will bring workshops with keynote speakers Melody Shari, Dr. Steve Perry, Chris Sain Jr., and Dee Dee Taylor. The day will also feature local speakers, Kids’ Corner, Vendor Expo, COVID Memorial Walk, food, and more.

The event concludes Sunday, Aug. 13 with The Black Experience Jazz Brunch Invasion where people are encouraged to patronize one of three participating Black restaurants and partake in delicious food.

Evolution of the Black Impact Collaborative

The genesis of the Black Impact Collaborative stemmed from negative aspects of the Black experience in the world during the pandemic.

“We wanted to identify, to illuminate, and even to change the disparate outcomes that Black people were experiencing related to COVID-19,” said Lenear.

BIC began meeting daily in April 2020 to develop an immediate response to the pandemic.

Partnering with Cherry Health, BIC undertook several endeavors to help the Black community, including hosting multiple COVID-19 testing sites and vaccination events, and organizing a livestream interview with health professionals to discuss facts pertaining to COVID.

BIC also instigated an online tutoring program for students.

“We developed a program that continues to support students regardless of their learning format,” said Lenear.

While BIC no longer believes there is a need to meet daily, Lenear said, “We still have a vibrant board and active partners, and are still seeking to make a long-term impact in the city.”

To learn more about the Black Impact Collaborative, visit: https://bicgr.com/

To learn more about The Black Experience, visit: https://bicgr.com/the-black-experience/

Kent District Library’s low-rate millage proposal aims to save residents money

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(Courtesy, Kent District Library)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Award-winning Kent District Library (KDL) will ask Kent County voters to consider a millage renewal at a reduced rate on Nov. 7.

If approved, the lower millage rate of 1.1 mills will fund KDL’s operations for 15 years, and taxpayers will see immediate savings as the KDL Board has committed to lowering the millage rate effective Jan. 1, 2024, even though the current millage doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, 2024.

“We recognized that if we were to stay with a straight renewal, we would end up with income we don’t need,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “We feel that we should only ask for money that we need and that we can use, and let the public keep more of their own money.”

The ability to offer a lower millage is partly due to a growing community where new taxable real estate has produced more revenue.

“As good stewards of taxpayer dollars, we want to lock in savings for residents now,” said KDL Board Chair Andy Erlewein.

(Courtesy, Kent District Library)

KDL serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches with its extensive collection of more than 700,000 physical items, 15.6 digital items, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs, and a host of patron-focused services from in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access and loanable mobile hotspots, to early literacy initiatives and a large assortment of talking books and Braille resources.

These resources ensure the average KDL patron receives over $1,300 worth of service each year.

“The return on investment that we provide the public is unsurpassed,” said Werner.

Approximately 90% of KDL’s operating funds come from the millage with the remaining 10% funded through a series of Friends of the Library groups, dedicated volunteers who support their branches through book sales, and other fundraising activities.

In 2022, KDL saw an increase of more than 61% in program and outreach attendance, a 6% rise in total circulation, and a 26% rise in computer and Wi-Fi usage.

Werner attributes the increase in community use of KDL resources to dedicated staff and quality programming and outreach.

“One of the things we practice here is a constant environmental scan and a refusal to become complacent,” said Werner. “We are proud to represent everyone in the county…we are committed to helping them all. That is the spirit of what we do.”

Werner would like to remind residents that Summer Wonder is still in full swing.

“It’s not too late to sign up!” said Werner, adding that nothing makes KDL staff happier than seeing community members come in and utilize their services.

“At the end of the day, libraries are not about books, libraries are about people and transforming lives,” said Werner. “We are really excited to deliver [the millage] to Kent County residents and continue our tradition of excellence.”

Soul Syndicate will hit the stage in Wyoming’s Lamar Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,


The Soul Syndicate is coming to the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor

The on-stage lineup of local Funk/R&B+ powerhouse Soul Syndicate may change each year it makes its annual visit to Wyoming/Kentwood community concert stages, this time as part of the City of Wyoming Concerts in the Park on Aug. 1, but one thing that doesn’t change is the “heart and soul” they bring to the stage.

The Tuesday evening Concerts in the Park are free of charge and open to the public at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. Performances start at 6 p.m. and conclude around 8 p.m. Running since June 13, the remaining concert is Aug. 8 with Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps.

A cool look and masterful musicianship

On stage for Soul Syndicate are 10 or more musicians. Regulars include Colin Tobin and Katie Sarb on lead vocals, Mike Coon on guitar and vocals, Matt Fouts on bass, John Neil on keyboards, Tom Taylor on drums, Tim DenBesten on trumpet and vocals, Nate Hansen on baritone and alto saxophone, Jeff Carroll on the “bone” (trombone), and Danny Giacobassi on tenor saxophone.

The Soul Syndicate has some pretty cool swag too (Supplied)

The Soul Syndicate, according to its website, pays tribute to the most influential Funk, Soul, and R&B artists “with a sophisticated look, masterful musicianship, and a crowd-pleasing act…The group delivers an experience that will keep the audience dancing all night long, with a dedicated horn section and male/female vocalists, the group masterfully combines the best, classic dance music into multi—song medleys.”

Members of The Soul Syndicate have performed with such diverse artists as Peter Frampton, The Doobie Brothers, Hootie and the Blowfish, The Cars, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, The Spinners, Kansas, The Guess Who, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, and Rosemarie Clooney.

For more information about Soul Syndicate and a list of shows, visit www.thesoulsyndicte.com/shows.

Concert and venue features

Each Tuesday evening concert features a food truck with food and beverages available for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, but alcohol is not permitted in the park.

“Concerts in the park are a highlight of summertime in Wyoming. We hope you will grab your blankets, chairs and friends and join us for some fun in the parks!” Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director, said earlier while introducing the concert series.

For more details visit www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec.

Ford International Airport selects local artist for aerial art installation

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(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has selected West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco to install a one-of-a-kind suspended art piece in the newly expanded Concourse A.

Thanks to support from the Frey Foundation, the Ford International Airport continues its commitment to showcasing local artists through its public art program. The Concourse A extension, part of a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth, will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, an aerial art installation and murals.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jeffrey, whose unique artistic vision and expertise will undoubtedly elevate the passenger experience,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “With millions of travelers passing through our Airport each year, we are delighted that the diverse talents of our art community will be shared with visitors from all over the world.”

Songco is a multidisciplinary artist who uses installation, sculpture, photography and video to explore the intersections of his personal story with contemporary American culture.


West Michigan-based artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



Having won the prestigious ArtPrize© Nine Installation Category Juried Award, Songco’s artwork has graced renowned venues across the United States, including Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience in Seattle, SPRING/BREAK Art Show in New York City, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. He is featured in the publication Queering Contemporary Asian American Art and as a writer, his pieces have appeared in Art21 Blog, Bad at Sports, HuffPost and Hyperallergic.

“I’m truly honored to create artwork that depicts a story about West Michigan,” said Songco. “I’m grateful to the Ford International Airport Authority and the Frey Foundation for this opportunity, as well as the continued support of opportunities for regional artists. I’m passionate about the arts and culture of West Michigan, and I want this artwork to reflect that sense of pride.”


(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



The artwork, titled Facets, will consist of three large-scale, site-specific suspended sculptures, composed of hundreds of strands of colorful, multi-sided shapes.

“Like the sparkling gems of a necklace, this work is colorful and flashy,” said Songco. “I’ve had the privilege of engaging with local residents, workers, and visitors in a variety of ways, and Facets is a celebration of the different and beautiful faceted gems of our community.”

The Ford International Airport’s Concourse A expansion will transform the travel experience for passengers, featuring modern amenities, eight new gates, additional concession and retail concepts, sustainable design elements and more. With Songco’s artwork as a focal point, the Airport can further enhance the guest experience, creating a memorable journey for all travelers passing through the space.

City of Wyoming to celebrate National Night Out with community and neighborhood events

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During a summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The City of Wyoming is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1.



An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out encourages residents to turn
on their porch lights and gather with their neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire
personnel.



Wyoming police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings across
the city. Most events will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and residents will have the opportunity to
explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks and other emergency
response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can
also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.



“National Night Out is something staff and our community look forward to each year,” Mayor Pro Tem Rob Postema said. “Our team is looking forward to another fun year of building relationships with our residents and having a good time while connecting with the community we serve.”

Give me five: A resident gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)



Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen of the Wyoming Police Department agreed. “People are busier than they’ve ever been. It’s a great night for people to go outside the house, lock their doors, turn the lights on, and meet the neighbors,” Zuiderveen said.



The department will hold community events at Lamar Park, Celebration Cinema Rivertown, Grace Christian University, Grace Christian Reformed Church and The Door Church.

  • Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Celebration Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a fire truck water
    activity at 5:45 p.m.
  • Grace Christian Reformed Church, 3030 Burlingame Ave SW from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • The Door Church, 154 44th St. SW, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.


“Spending time and having fun with residents is important for all of our officers and firefighters
as we work to build and strengthen relationships in our community,” said Director of Public
Safety Kimberly Koster. “National Night Out allows us to connect with residents in a positive and
meaningful way. We are looking forward to returning to connecting with community members
across our city.”



Zuiderveen said residents benefit from knowing their neighbors. “[Neighbors] watch out for each other. They build relationships, they build trust. There is safety in numbers,” Zuiderveen continued. “If you are a victim of a crime, you are more willing to share it with your neighbors if there is trust.”



National Night Out began in the 1984 with a group of law enforcement agencies, volunteers,
neighborhood watch groups, and state and regional crime prevention associations. It grew from
porch vigils to neighborhood celebrations to promote safety in communities and build
relationships with public safety.



To learn more about the National Night Out, visit natw.org

State allocates new $5M in additional funding to support Sustainable Business Park in Kent County

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(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The state of Michigan has allocated another $5 million to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to help with the development of the Sustainable Business Park in Kent County that will create jobs and increase recycling.

The budget allocation will support site infrastructure at the Sustainable Business Park and follows an initial $4 million state investment for the project in 2022. Last month, the Michigan Public Service Commission also granted a $5 million Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure Enhancement and Development grant for the Kent County Bioenergy Facility, the anchor tenant at the Sustainable Business Park.

The Kent County Bioenergy Facility represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for West Michigan and the state to drastically increase recycling, reduce dependence on landfills, and create local jobs. The facility is a public-private partnership between the Department of Public Works and Anaergia. The Sustainable Business Park, planned for 250 acres adjacent to the South Kent Landfill in Byron Center pending approval by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, will be built on land that was initially purchased by Kent County to create a new landfill.

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“For too long, Michigan has been a dumping ground for trash and the Sustainable Business Park will help change that by increasing recycling and boosting our energy independence starting right here in Kent County,” said Dar Baas, director of the Kent County DPW. “We are thankful the state of Michigan recognizes the importance of reducing our dependence on landfilling so we can help protect our land, air and water, including our Great Lakes.”

The Kent County Bioenergy Facility is a mixed waste processing facility that will process up to 600,000 tons per year of municipal solid waste and 175,000 tons per year of organic waste to produce natural gas and fertilizer. The facility and greater Sustainable Business Park will help Kent County achieve its goal of diverting 90% of trash from landfills by 2030.

“Sustainable materials management is essential to Michigan growing a vibrant circular economy that puts Michiganders to work making new products from the materials residents take to their curb each week,” said EGLE Public Information Officer Jeff Johnston. “EGLE is eager to support projects that align with the State of Michigan’s new materials management plan to increase recycling, conserve natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) said, “Kent County’s Sustainable Business Park will define the future for waste management in Michigan and boost the viability of circular economy concepts.”

The new facility will also reduce Kent County’s reliance on landfilling municipal solid waste, meaning resources will not be spent constructing, maintaining, and monitoring additional landfills.

“Building the facility in Kent County will put West Michigan on the map as a national leader in recycling and reducing waste, as well as create jobs and investment from companies that can join the Sustainable Business Park and convert waste into usable products,” Bass said.

The Kent County Development of Public Works provides municipal solid waste disposal services to ensure the effective removal, storage and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste through various facilities and programs, including Waste-to-Energy, the Recycling and Education Center, North Kent Transfer Station, and South Kent Landfill.

A tale of Ireland: One-time WKTV editor publishes debut fiction novel

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Author K.D. Norris with novel “The View from Gleninagh North” at Schuler Books. (Courtesy, Ken Norris)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

After a vacation trip to Ireland in the early 2000s, and while working at WKTV Community Media and Mlive, local writer K.D. Norris wrote and recently published his debut fiction novel, “The View from Gleninagh North,” through Schuler Books Chapbook Press.

The novel is a personal look at Ireland — its landscape, people and recent history — wrapped around a human story of personal exploration and romance.

“I have described it as ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ meets ‘Bicycle Diaries.’ At its heart it is a romance novel, but there is a fair amount of travelogue as well,” Norris said. “Much of it was written in a coffee shop in Cedar Springs, and later at a local Starbucks before work.”

“The View from Gleninagh North” is available at Schuler Books Grand Rapids at 2660 28th Street SE, schulerbooks.com, and Amazon.

An outsider’s view

The View from Gleninagh North by K.D. Norris. (Courtesy, Ken Norris)

The novel’s narrator is Matthew Maybourn — “Ah, Matty, a good Irish name, that!” — a lifelong writer and recent widower who has left his middle-class, mid-life comfort zone. As an unplanned favor to a Hollywood friend and filmmaker, he is immersed in modern Ireland’s cultural landscape to write the impossible book: a sequel to “The Quiet Man.” 

An outsider in a small, rural village on Galway Bay, Matty explores his new world and other people’s life stories in search of not only a novel idea, but possibly a new meaning to his own life. All with a view from Gleninagh North.

“There is a fair amount of history and culture in the book as well, mostly true, as I could not write about my Irish characters without giving a glimpse of why I think they are who they are,” Norris said.

“And I have to thank members of my local writers group and the team at Schuler Books Chapbook Press for their support, advice and work in helping me get this book into print and available to readers,” Norris said.

About the author

K.D. Norris lives in Cedar Springs with wife TJ. He has published short stories in several regional anthologies, including “An Affair of the Mind,” published in 2021 by the Grand Rapids Region Writers Group (GRRWG) of which he is a member. He also had an essay selected for publication in “The Mailer Review” national publication, and has written numerous award-winning journalistic stories over his 30-plus year career in journalism and mass media.

For more on his professional and literary background, visit kdnorris.com.

Kentwood to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 1. 

An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out seeks to promote community-police partnerships and encourage residents to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire personnel.


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings throughout the city. Most events will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and enable residents to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles while learning about important safety topics.

Mayor Kepley

“National Night Out is an opportunity for us to continue to build and foster relationships between our residents and City leaders and police and fire personnel,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We’re looking forward to spending an evening out and about in our city celebrating the community effort that makes Kentwood such a wonderful place to call home.”


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Food, fun and games

Multiple community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including food, games and appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. These include events at the following locations:

  • Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, will offer food and activities 5-8 p.m.
  • Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party 6-8 p.m.

“Community outreach”

Kentwood Police Sargeant Tim Wierenga said community outreach is one of the main reasons for this event.

“Allowing our community members to engage with officers and elected officials near their homes, asking questions about current or ongoing issues that they may have not asked if this was not available and seeking input on how to handle disputes or just simply saying ‘Hi,’ and sharing a pop or snack,” Wierenga said.

“Our department truly enjoys getting out and talking with the community in this very casual manner. I know that several party planners will reach out many months ahead of time due to the positive reactions they receive from their residents.”


Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin said the Department works hard every day to build strong community relationships.


“National Night Out gives us a chance to engage with community members in a more relaxed, casual setting so we can focus on that,” Litwin explained. “This event is a favorite for our department, and we look forward to spending time connecting with the residents we serve.”  









National Night Out was started in the 1980s by an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. The observance seeks to promote community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO. Groups who are interested in hosting an event can reach out to Kentwood Police Officer Derrick Wolterink at wolterinkd@kentwood.us or 616-656-6569.

Kidney transplant patient celebrates 50 years of kidney health

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Guadalupe Alejos (Courtesy, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)



By Trinity Health


In 1973, Guadalupe Alejos was one of the first to undergo a kidney transplant at what is now known as Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Fifty years later, that kidney is still functioning and has allowed him to lead a full, happy and productive life. He raised his family and now enjoys his retirement years.

Today, doctors tell their patients a kidney from a living donor lasts an average of 15 to 20 years, and from a deceased donor, 10 to 15 years. The longevity of Alejos’ kidney is miraculous.

The future didn’t look that bright back in the mid-1960s when he was diagnosed with a degenerative kidney disease called glomerularnephritis, which affected both of his kidneys. For several years, Alejos held the disease at bay with medication. In 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Lupe.

Lupe (left) and Guadalupe Alejos. (Courtesy, Trinity Health of Grand Rapids)

“When I married him, I knew he was sick,” Lupe said. “I knew what I was getting into. Your heart rules.”


Both Alejos and his wife have a great faith in God, which permeates their daily living.

By 1973 at the age of 27, Alejos’ kidneys were barely functioning, and he was so ill that Lupe found him collapsed, unable to walk. He began dialysis, and Dr. William Bouman (now retired) told him his only hope was a kidney transplant.

The hospital was just starting a transplant program, and Dr. Bouman – one of its founders – cautioned Alejos that the transplant procedure was still unproven.

“I was so sick, that even if my chances [of survival] were 10 percent, I’d have taken it,” he said.

His six brothers were tested as potential donors, and his oldest brother, Vincente, agreed to give Alejos one of his kidneys. Following the transplant, Vincente has had no issues living with just one kidney.

On July 23, 1973, Dr. Robert Levine (now deceased) – another of the program’s founders – performed what then was a new and rare procedure in Grand Rapids, transplanting the kidney into Alejos’ abdomen. The diseased kidneys were not removed, so he actually has three kidneys.

Every six months, Alejos visits the Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center, and follows a healthy lifestyle to keep his kidney functioning. For 25 years, he worked in social services for the State of Michigan, retiring in 2001.

“Without the transplant, I would have been gone long ago,” Alejos said.

Lupe said, “I thank God every day. Thank you for giving us every day to enjoy life.”



The Alejos family also have a devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and proudly display her statue at their home. They attribute Alejos’ transplant success to Our Lady’s intervention.

Our Lady of Guadalupe statue. (Courtesy, Trinity Health of Grand Rapids)

Because of his transplant, Alejos and his wife have been able to travel to Mexico and California to visit family members during these past five decades. The couple has also enjoyed raising their three children, who have given them seven grandchildren. “Now we are waiting for great grandchildren,” Lupe said with a smile.

As they reflected on the care they received at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Alejos and Lupe shared their thoughts.


“Trinity Health Grand Rapids is a hospital you can trust for a kidney transplant and other health issues. I was so lucky to have dedicated doctors who took care of all my needs. The hospital has caring and attentive people. I would recommend them by all means,” Alejos said. “God works in mysterious ways. I think He chose those doctors to help me and others, and to use them for His purpose.”

Lupe added her thoughts as well: “I am so grateful to God, Vincente and the doctors for the years we have had together. I’ve had my share of illness too. And Guadalupe was able to be there for me because of his transplant.”

The couple’s gratitude also extends to organ donors, especially living kidney donors.

If you decide to do it,” Lupe said. “May God bless you. That is a big gift. I can’t say enough to those who decide to do it.”

Since 1973, The Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center has performed close to 3,000 kidney transplants. It is the first and only kidney transplant center in Michigan to partner with the National Kidney Registry, an extra avenue of hope for hard-to-match patients.

One of the latest technological innovations, robotic live donor nephrectomy, has created even more opportunities for live kidney donations for our patients. Transplantation services are provided by the most experienced multidisciplinary kidney transplant team – composed of nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, referral coordinators, financial coordinators, and medical assistants – in West Michigan.

To learn more about the Trinity Health Kidney Transplant Center, visit https://www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/find-a-service-or-specialty/kidney-transplants/

How This Hospice Provider is Building, Retaining Team Members Amid a Critical Labor Shortage

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Hospice care team members who feel well-taken care of are better equipped to take care of patients. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)

By Emmanuel Hospice

It’s no secret the health care industry is experiencing a critical staffing shortage – and hospice is not immune from the trend.

According to a 2022-23 Hospice Salary & Benefits Report, turnover rates for registered hospice nurses reached 25.15% last year. Nurses also accounted for 16.97% of vacancies. Hospice aides and certified nurse aides, or CNAs, also represented a large percentage of job vacancies and saw high turnover rates, 19.05% and 29.84%, respectively. Providers have also reported shortages among social workers and nonclinical staff.

Overcoming this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach to recruit and retain team members. Candidates are seeking a better work culture that is supportive and collaborative, better compensation and benefits and a better organizational focus on patient care – not the bottom line.

Since its inception, Emmanuel Hospice has been working to differentiate itself in these areas. In addition to providing competitive pay, great mileage reimbursement, paid self-care days and holidays, among other benefits, the nonprofit leans on a thoughtful culture.

“We’re unique,” says Katie Joseph, Emmanuel’s Human Relations generalist. “Number one, we’re independent, so we’re not tied into a larger system where you can get bogged down in red tape.

“We’re very nimble, which makes us able to try new things easily. All of us are under one roof, so if someone has an idea, we’re apt to try it, especially if it shows promise of helping those we serve.”

Another way Emmanuel sets itself apart is by offering a wide array of complementary therapies – everything from essential oils to its Art Legacy program.

“Because of that spirit, we find ourselves with more tools in our tool kit,” Joseph says. “And that translates to more creativity and more opportunities to reach out to our patients and their families.”

Joseph emphasizes a third hallmark: The way Emmanuel’s leadership team cares for its staff members.

“We really do care for our employees,” she says. “We can’t take care of our patients if we aren’t also taking care of ourselves. When someone on our team says ‘What can I do for you today?’ they’re really asking that in a genuine way. Because we know if you’re feeling well-taken care of, you’re better equipped to do that for others.”

According to Joseph, the Emmanuel Hospice culture – its beliefs and values – is imbedded into every aspect of the organization, and to a newcomer, it’s evident from the first interview.

“We are intentionally thoughtful,” she says, “and from feedback we receive, we’re known for our transparency and supportive nature. We want our people to succeed, and in expressing that, nobody is ever treated like a number, like just another worker. In short, we care.”

Something called “vital behaviors” are also baked into everyday life at Emmanuel. Those are statements and affirmations that help all employees understand expectations, codes of conduct and the importance of consistent messaging.

“We start by assuming good intentions of one another,” says Joseph. “We believe in doing what we do and doing it well. And we’re life-long learners.

“Not only do we incorporate these behaviors into everything we do, but we are constantly reminding our staff of them through emails and other updates that stress respect and open communication. We want the best out of ourselves and one another.”

Emmanuel is also very thorough about its onboarding process for new employees, which involves careful transitioning and plenty of room for questions and feedback.

“We want someone to know ahead of time what a situation might require. It’s not unusual for a nurse to spend a half day with a massage or music therapist. That helps each team member realize what another does, and how it all fits together.

“How we all fit together.”

To learn more, visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

KDL Kelloggsville branch hosts Birthday Bash

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KDL Kelloggsville Branch Library Cameron Holmes hopes area residents will stop by to check out the branch during its Birthday Bash on Aug. 2. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

This Aug. 2, Kent District Library hopes area residents will swing by to check out the books and materials at its KDL Kelloggsville branch as the branch marks its fifth anniversary.

Located in the Kelloggsville High School, 4787 Division Ave. S., the branch was opened in 2018 with a state-of-the-art media center at the high school was transformed into a community library. KDL manages the two-story facility, which is open to the community members after school hours and during the summer.

Even through the facility has been open for five years, there are still people in the community who are not aware of it, said KDL Kelloggsville Branch Librarian Cameron Holmes.

The KDL Kelloggsville branch’s entrance is located on the north side of the Kelloggsville High School. (Courtesy, KDL)

“The event is designed to provide a service to the community but also to help create awareness about the facility and that it is open to the public,” Holmes said, adding that the library entrance is tucked into the north side of the school and is not easily visible from the road.

 

The Birthday Bash, which starts at 1 p.m., will be outside, which Holmes said he hopes will attract people to come in and check out the event. The event will include a foam party, take and make crafts for adults, goodie bags for children, tours of the branch and, of course, ice cream. The KDL Bookmobile also will be there.

The branch is full service, providing an arrange of materials for children to adults along with the Beyond Books program and other KDL services.

For the summer, the KDL Kelloggsville branch is open 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.Mondays and Wednesdays and noon-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. During the school year, the branch is open from 3-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

For more about the KDL Kelloggsville branch or KDL offerings, visit kdl.org.

Wyoming police announce the passing of retired K9 Dutch

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Crime Prevention, ,
Video from Dutch’s retirement in 2020. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety announced the death of its former K9 dog, Dutch, today.

“It is with profound sadness that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety announces the death of retired police K9 Dutch,” the department stated in a prepared press release. “Dutch served with the Wyoming Police Department for approximately nine years before retiring in 2020.

Retired K9 Dutch

“Dutch was a lot and beloved member of the Wyoming Police family and will be greatly missed.”

Dutch served the department for nine years, retiring in 2020. After his retirement, he went on to live with his handler, Officer Kelsey Eisen.

“I don’t know what I would do if someone said I couldn’t keep Dutch after working all those many training hours and working the road ,” Eisen said during Dutch’s retirement celebration in 2020. “You literally spend more time with the dog than you do with your family. So if someone was to tell me that I couldn’t take him afterwards it would be devastating and I would be heartbroken that I couldn’t give him that special treat afterwards for how much work he has done in the city and couldn’t spoil him in retirement.”

For past three years, Dutch’s only job was finding the couch and getting all the attention from Eisen’s family.

New organizers kick off Metro Cruise with pin up competition this Saturday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin at the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

Saturday is the kick off for the 2023 Metro Cruise kicks — which is under new organizers — with the annual Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW.

The Miss Metro Cruise event is set to start at 11 a.m., according to Walter T. Pyper. Along with Paper, Bebe Von Schweetz, a top ten Metro Cruise finalist in 2021 and 2022 and Victoria Jean, Miss Metro Cruise 2022, make up the Boss Pin-Up Babes, which is the organizer of this year’s Miss Metro Cruise. 

Pyper said there is not a lot of changes to the event with the car show running fro 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Top Ten Finalists from the preliminary round will compete for the title of Miss Metro Cruise 2023 on Saturday, Aug. 26.

A new twist to a familiar event

“We are so excited to be taking over the event,” said Molly Sheehan, aka Bebe Von Schweetz. “We are looking forward to bring new life to the program itself and to shake things up a little.”

Wyoming Kent Chamber of Commerce has handled over the reigns of
Miss Metro Cruise contestants strike up a pose. (WKTV)

Sheehan and her partners have a lot of experience in participating in pin up events like Miss Metro Cruise. Sheehan was a Top Ten finalist in 2021 and 2022 for Miss Metro Cruise and has travelled and competed in other events. She also has encouraged a number of ladies to join “the sisterhood of pin up” and participate.

“Pin up competitions are traditionally the same, but there are things you can do to spice it up a little,” Sheehan said. “We really want to think outside of the box for ideas to take Miss Metro Cruise into a different direction  and keep it fresh as we are going forward.

“We just can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s event.”

Because the group took over the event in May, Sheehan said there won’t be a lot of changes to this year’s program. Participants will be at the preliminary, posing with cars and talking to fans. Past winners might be there as well.

GReater Level takes over Metro Cruise

The Boss Pin-Up Babes are not the only new addition to the Metro Cruise, but the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce has turned over the entire Metro Cruise event, scheduled for Aug. 25 and 26, to the production company GReater Level.

Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, who took over as head of the Chamber last year, said he started looking at the purpose of how each chamber event supports and fits into the overall Chamber mission.

“For the past several years, Chambers, especially the ones that are our size, have really moved away from solely providing events and have increased supporting local businesses by uncovering ways we can offer more on programs for its businesses,” Morgan said, adding the programs center on workforce development, leadership training, being at the table supporting our businesses, diversity and inclusion, and other business services.

 

In fact, the Chamber recently received about $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Kent County for workforce development support and training to local businesses in the South Kent County area.

 

“This support and training will allow us to help local business access needed information, connectivity, and business education,” Morgan said. “These resources will go toward providing several services at no or low cost to local businesses that are staples in our communities. Funding will serve as a support for new businesses created because of being displaced, those diversity affected by the pandemic, as well as businesses that are striving to expand their services in a struggling market.”

The Chamber also recently developed the new initiative Diversity Business Council designed to serve business owners in underserved and underrepresented communities.

An 18-year tradition

Started in 2005, Metro Cruise, which his centered around the love of classic cars, was created as a result of M-6 being built and opened. The concern was that traffic would dissipate from 28th Street and turn a street that was once the second busiest in Michigan into an afterthought.

28th Street did struggle and iconic businesses, such as Studio 28, closed. However, in recent years, there has been development such as the city’s 28 West project and the apartment complex HOM Flats. Lindo Mexico opened a new location and longtime places, such as Marge’s Donuts, have renovated and/or expanded in the past 18 years since Metro Cruise started.

Over those 18 years, Metro Cruise has grown as well. Last year, the event had two locations in Wyoming and Kentwood. As the 2022 event closed, the remaining key Chamber members involved with Metro Cruise announced they were retiring. Morgan said he looked around the Chamber and realized they did not have the skill set to maintain the operation on a volunteer basis.

Handing over the reigns

“Financially, it is quite a big undertaking,” Morgan said. “As the Chamber Board looked at the direction the Chamber was going, the vibrancy of 28th Street, and the need for the Metro Cruise to be staged on a more professional level, it became obvious that it was time for us to hand the reigns over.”

Brandon Simmons, owner of GReater Level and who has served as the Metro Cruise project manager for the past several years, stepped up to continue the Metro Cruise legacy.

“GReater Level has served as the project manager for several years and we believed they are positioned for success with this event,” Morgan said. “We look forward to seeing how the Metro Cruise grows in its benefit to the local business along the 28th Street corridor.”

According to the 28th Street Metro Cruise, the event will again have two locations. Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.

For more information on the event, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.org

Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan promotes Little Free Pantry at WKTV

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Local Food, West Michigan,
Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan (right) joined WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer in the studio to discuss the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



The first Kentwood Commissioner I met after taking the job as managing editor at WKTV was Clarkston Morgan. On that day we talked about the Kentwood Little Free Pantry, and most memorably, he said it was “very near and dear to his heart.”

That meeting eventually culminated into Morgan coming into our studio to tape a WKTV Journal show on the Little Free Pantry.




“I have a passion for people,” said Morgan, founder and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC and an executive pastor and a city commissioner. “When you are always working with those that are in need and asking for help, you’re always connecting them to the resources that can help them. I can send anyone to the pantry without them worrying about checking IDs or their backgrounds; individuals can go right in, get what they need and come right out.



“It’s simple. There are no questions with the Little Free Pantry. There’s no embarrassment; all you do is get what you need and then you go home and bless your family. You’re our family and that’s why we do this.”

No questions asked

Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.


Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.


The Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (WKTV)


At the time it opened, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said, “This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood. Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”

During the taping of the WKTV Journal show, Morgan continued along those lines and added, “You look at Kentwood as a community of 80 nations and 90 different languages. Dr. King’s message was his dream of all the cultures coming together and supporting one another. We are living out King’s dream of what it means to have unity. And unity comes around food, breaking bread at the table together.”

The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:

  • Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
  • Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. 
  • Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
  • Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
  • Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE
  • Sparks Belting Company, 5005 Kraft Ave, Suite A
     

Suggested food donations include:

  • Meats, canned, tuna and chicken preferred
  • Vegetables, canned
  • Fruits, canned
  • Shelf stable milk
  • Non-stick spray
  • Peanut butter
  • Pasta sauce
  • Cooking oil
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Cereals
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Soup

* Please be sure to check the expiration date on food items before bringing them in for donation.

Personal care item suggestions:

  • Soap of all kinds
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Disposable razors
  • Feminine products
  • Laundry detergent
  • Toilet paper
  • Deodorant
  • Diapers

Some other ideas include:

  • Kid-friendly non-perishables
  • Crayons, small toys, games
  • School supplies

To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

Wyoming celebrates its parks, people during National Parks and Rec Month

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, ,
Gezon Park was the most recent park to receive updates and improvements including a new splash pad. The park was completed last summer. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

Residents playing coed softball as there are concerts going on at Lamar Park. Children playing in the splash pads while a family is having a birthday party in one of the shelters.

Krashawn Martin was named Parks and Recreation director in October. (WKTV)

These are just a few of things that warms Wyoming Parks and Recreation Director Krashawn Martin’s heart as she travels around the City of Wyoming visiting its 21 parks, which total about 700 acres of park property.

The parks are a mix of developed with a few that are not. The parks are scattered throughout the city with the most northern being the almost 14-acre Marquette Park, 1251 Marquette SW; and southern are the 94-acre Gezon Park, 5651 Gezon Court; and the 2.2-acre Frog Hollow, 2050 Metro Court. Just to note, Gezon is the city’s largest park.

July is Parks and Rec Month

“My office is the overflow area,” Martin said with a laugh as we walked into her office, which among the items has a few boxes with prizes and games.

Those items are for the department’s July Pop-Up in the Park events in celebration of the national Parks and Recreation Month, an annual event since 1985 that promotes building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recognizes the staff and volunteers who maintain the parks.

Wyoming’s Pop-Up in the Park is every Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. with the park location announced Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. on the Park and Recreation Department’s Facebook page.

A Look Back and Ahead

“This year we are more into a planning year,” she said, adding that the department is kind of “exhaling” after all of the projects that have been completed over the past several years.

Several of the City of Wyoming Park’s have had new playgrounds installed in the past couple of years. This one is located at Ideal Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

The flurry of activity started with Ferrand Park in 2018 followed by Ideal, Jackson and last year, Gezon. All the parks received new play equipment and shelters with Ideal, Jackson, and Gezon also adding splash pads and restroom facilities.

Martin said restrooms have been a priority this year with work being down on such facilities at various parks. The department also is looking at renovating the pickle ball courts located at Pinery Park.

But this year’s biggest focus has been on the department’s five-year master plan. Parks are being reviewed for possible projects along with evaluating the department’s other assets, such as the Wyoming Senior Center, to make certain that the Parks and Recreation Department is meeting residents’ interests and needs.

“We are surveying residents and talking to users about what type of recreational programs they want to see and what activities they would like to have at the parks,” Martin said, adding the goal is to meet current interests but also that those programs have longevity with resources being used many years down the road.

Some Other Changes

The Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation oversee the city’s Concerts in the Park series. (WKTV)

Along with the construction work, the department has added special events now overseeing the annual Concerts in the Park series and the holiday celebration, Wyoming Gives Back. The Parks and Recreation Department also will be managing the 36th Street Market located on the northern section of the former 36th Street site, next to the Godwin football stadium. Opening date for the market is spring 2024 with construction set to start this summer, Martin said.

The past year also included Martin being selected as director for the Parks and Recreation Department. She started with the city six years ago, first serving as the the special events and marketing programmer. She then was the recreational supervisor followed by serving as an analyst in the city manager’s office before returning to Parks and Recreation as its director.

“I feel like I am doing what I have always been doing, only we a really cool team,” Martin said.

Just a Few More Things

Martin and her team currently are planning and preparing for the upcoming fall months, which will include a new Youth Flag Football program with Godwin Public Schools (register soon if you want to get in as the deadline is July 30) along with popular favorites, such as the Trick-n-Treat Trail.

Martin also points out that there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy the splash pads. The city has five, one at Gezon, Lamar, Jackson, Ideal, and Oriole, along with a dog park (membership required) at Marquette Park. The splash pads are open through Labor Day.

Other park amenities include playgrounds; basketball, pickle ball, and tennis courts; softball fields and walking trails. For activities, events or more information about the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation and the city’s 21 parks, visit wyomingmi.gov/city-departments/parks-and-recreation.

East Kentwood grad Judah Guerra a definite melomaniac

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, West Michigan, , ,
East Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra hosts a podcast at WKTV called Great Lakes Music. Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University. (WKTV)



By Colleen Pierson

WKTV Contributor



A melomaniac is defined as a person who absolutely and enthusiastically loves music. Kentwood graduate Judah Guerra fits that definition wholeheartedly.

“Music is something I have been surrounded by for as long as I can remember,” he explained.

His Mom is a director of music, his father is a Latin percussionist and his siblings all have college music degrees. His grandmother is a talented singer and pianist.

“Currently, music has brought me connections to understanding the world and to people in a way that I plan on pursuing as far as I can,” he said emotionally.



Great Lakes Music host Judah Guerra (right) and guest Kevin Jones, a Michigan State University percussion instructor who has shared the stage or recorded with many musicians, including The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bebe and Cece Winans, Joey DeFrancesco, and many more. (WKTV/Cris Greer)



His music history started with flute lessons at the age of six. And then he joined the Grand Rapids Men and Boys Choir that year. Trombone came next in middle school followed by remarkable experiences at music camps. Thus began his love for jazz.

“I started playing electric bass in 8th grade because my dad had one and always to wanted me to play it. My junior year of high school I bought an upright bass because at that point I was coming to the point of my gigs where bass players weren’t handy,” he said of his love of the instrument.

In high school, Guerra participated in as many musical ensembles as possible. At Grand River Prep he was in the band, choir, jazz band, pep band, pit, and also had lead roles in musicals he participated in.  He also played in college bands in the area, honor bands, Grand Youth Symphony, the St. Cecilia Jazz Orchestra and a band he started out of that orchestra called GR Groove. To say the least, he was very busy with music in high school. 

During Guerra’s senior year he transferred to East Kentwood in order to be in-person during the pandemic. 



Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra (left) and Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol. (WKTV)



“East Kentwood was extremely helpful in getting me to play at a higher level, and it was very inspiring to see my peers play because of the level they were at.“

Currently, Guerra is a jazz studies major at Michigan State University on a full scholarship. He studies bass and trombone with a world class faculty there, he noted. 

“Michigan State has been an inspiring institution for me to continue my musical path.”

Great Lakes Music podcast at WKTV

Judah credits WKTV for giving him the opportunity to start a podcast named Great Lakes Music.  He has always wanted to have a podcast ever since he started watching his heroes from far and wide talk when the world went online during the pandemic.

“I want Great Lakes Music to be able to highlight the musicians in Michigan at a high level, and to give people a sense of what talent is,” he enthused.



Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews and jams with local musician Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol.

 

The podcast itself highlights a new artist every episode.

“It is a chance for the guests to tell their story, give advice, and comment on the music scene as it is,” he explained.

“WKTV has been extremely helpful with the podcast and getting my name out there. The whole staff is out of this world in terms of their talent and kindness; two traits that are very rare to find,” he concluded. 



Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra interviews Joel Ferguson, former Verve Pipe band member.

Housing care options for older adults avoiding nursing facility placement

3-bottom, Community Health, Recreation
Edna (from left without masks), Verna and Ellie, residents in adult foster care, tackle a holiday craft project with help from Fran, one of the residence aides who provide wrap-around services. (Photo courtesy, Care Resources)

By Care Resources

West Michigan offers a wide range of housing and care options for older adults. Determining the best fit can be difficult decision.

Year after year, surveys show the majority of adults prefer to remain in their own home and in their community as long as possible, rather than in a nursing facility. These wishes are in line with the goals of Care Resources, a community-based program that promotes healthy and independent living for people 55 years and older in West Michigan.

As a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, Care Resources provides services tailored specifically to the needs of individual participants to help them avoid hospital or nursing home placement to the greatest extent possible.

While the organization’s ultimate goal is to keep participants living independently, there are circumstances where other options must be considered. That’s where housing alternatives like adult foster care and assisted living come in. These residential settings can provide an enhanced level of care for individuals who cannot live alone but want to avoid nursing facility placement.

To help meet the needs of participants in these situations, Care Resources partnered with Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) to open adult foster care homes in 2022 for qualifying participants. The three homes on Kalamazoo Avenue, all adjacent to Care Resources, can house a total of 30 residents with staff working three shifts to provide support at all hours.

Annie, a resident in adult foster care, celebrates her birthday with Priscilla, one of the Care Resources residence aides who provide wrap-around support services. (Photo courtesy, Care Resources)

“Residence aides are on-site around-the-clock to help serve meals, monitor medications and provide any other one-on-one attention that may be needed,” Care Resources Social Services Manager Paula Lett said. “Our wraparound support services – doctors, therapists and social workers – also come directly to participants in the homes to provide specialized care.”

The homes are designed just like a regular house with bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and common area where the residents can socialize. There’s also a small gym area for physical therapy and exercise.

“It’s an intimate setting with a personal home-life touch,” Lett said. “The participants enjoy meals together and really get to know the staff there – it becomes like a small family.”

While residents can live in the homes permanently, short-term respite stays of one to two weeks are more common.

“I like to explain it as a little bit of tune-up for those going in for respite,” said Kelly Malski, a social worker at Care Resources. “Participants get extra TLC, start taking their meds properly and get stronger while also giving their caregivers a break. It’s amazing what getting a temporary amount of this level of care can do for caregivers and participants alike. It can have an all-around positive impact.”

Lett and Malski shared other common scenarios for utilization of the housing:

  • Hospital discharge: Participants coming out of a hospital stay who need a higher level of care or closer medication monitoring in order to transition from hospital to home.
  • Unplanned, immediate need for support: Caregivers who are experiencing an emergency and have a sudden need for a safe place their loved one can go for proper supervision and care. 
  • Families going on vacation: Families who are unable to take their loved one with them on a trip and cannot find coverage for in-home support while they’re away.

So, how do caregivers know which housing alternative is right for their loved one? Participants of Care Resources can simply connect with their care team to start the conversation. For those not in the program, Malski recommends examining the situation from a few angles.

“If you’re at the point where you think your loved one should be placed into a nursing facility, it may be time to find out whether a program like Care Resources can help provide other solutions for keeping them in the home longer,” Malski said. “That could be a matter of increasing in-home care, visiting a day center more often, providing therapies or accessing other services.

“If you’ve felt you’ve exhausted all those options, then a housing alternative may be the best choice to avoid needing permanent placement in a nursing facility.”

To find the right fit, individuals can start with a call to Care Resources at 616-913-2006 or find more information online at CareResources.org.

Wyoming resident ‘hops’ up to help unwanted bunnies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Pets/Animals, Recreation, ,
Wyoming resident Diane Dykema learned about how many unwanted bunnies there were, she started Bunnies-R-Us rescue. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributing Writer

Wyoming resident Diane Dykema has a passion for rabbits and thought breeding and selling bunnies would be a fun hobby. She changed her mind when people started asking her to take rabbits they no longer wanted.

“I didn’t realize how many unwanted bunnies there were,” Dykema said.

That realization compelled Dykema to transition from breeding to rescue. In July 2019, she started Bunnies–R–Us and began taking in unwanted rabbits and finding them new homes.

In 2022, Dykema adopted out 92 rabbits. She has a 100% rate of finding new homes for rabbits in less than two months.

Education the key

Dykema thinks most people get rid of rabbits because they aren’t educated on what is involved in caring for their new pet.

“You can’t put a rabbit in a cage and leave it there,” she said. “Having a rabbit is a big responsibility.”

Sp,e buddies bond with each other and become best buddies. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

Before taking home one of Dykema’s rabbits, tentative adopters are required to sit through a one-on-one, hour-long educational session. Using handouts and videos, Dykema teaches them what rabbits should and shouldn’t be fed. She shows how to hold a rabbit and explains why exercise is important. 

Rabbits in Dykema’s care get out of their cages at least once a day to play with toys in an exercise pen.

People learn rabbits never look sick, have a high tolerance for pain, and can die from stress. Rabbits can also be trained to use a litter box.

Adopters leave with a folder full of information, a starter kit with litter, hay and bunny food, and Dykema’s telephone number.

“They know everything they need to know before they leave,” Dykema said. “They can also call me anytime.”

If people are hesitant about adopting, they can foster to adopt.

Some of the bunnies available for adoption at Bunnies-R-Us rescue. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

Working to make an adoption a success

Besides owner-surrendered rabbits, Dykema gets rabbits from people who find domesticated bunnies roaming outside. “People think they can live like a wild bunny. They can’t.” She added that rabbits shouldn’t be released outside—they lack survival skills and are vulnerable to predators.

Recently Dykema took in seven bunnies from Traverse City Animal Control who got them from a rescue that had closed.

Adoption fees range from $30 to $100 and depends on age, breed and if the rabbit is spayed/neutered. Dykema doesn’t routinely spay/neuter rabbits but won’t adopt a male and female together unless one of them is fixed.

Dykema said adoption fees keep people from taking rabbits for snake food or meat.

Some rabbits bond with each other and become best buddies. Dykema won’t breakup a bonded pair or trio, but if the pair consists of a male and female, one must be spayed/neutered.

“I don’t adopt a male and female together. I learned that the hard way,” Dykema said. She also won’t adopt to someone who has a rabbit of the opposite sex at home. She explained that one gentleman adopted two females and neglected to tell her he had a male at home. He soon brought her a dozen young rabbits and the male rabbit.

Dykema is learning as she goes and now charges an intake fee and asks that a rabbit’s cage be included in the surrender to reduce the stress on the rabbit.

A family affair

When full, Dykema asks people to foster the rabbit they want to surrender until a new home can be found. She has room for about two dozen rabbits and she does most of the work of feeding and cleaning by herself. Recently, a 13-year-old girl started volunteering to help care for the bunnies.

Diane Dykema checks on the bunnies. (Photo courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

Dykema’s family is supportive of her rescue. Her husband, Russ, helps where he can and her daughter works on the website and makes bunny videos.

Dykema said rabbits are often a neglected animal and are usually looked at like a farm animal. She sees them differently and hopes to educate people about their true nature.

“They’re smart and clean,” she said. “They can be silly and are easy to care for. They each have their own personality. Each one is different and unique.” 

For more information visit www.bunniesrusrabbitry.com.

Janet Vormittag started Cats and Dogs, a Magazine Devoted to Companion Animals in 2006 as a monthly publication. It’s geared towards West Michigan readers and features pet-related advertisers, animals available for adoption, and articles about animal rescues and pets. In 2018, Cats and Dogs transitioned to a quarterly publication. The print edition is free and can be found at local libraries and businesses.

A ghost hunt leads to a revelation about unclaimed urns

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation, ,
A final resting place is important in allowing a spirit to move on. (Pexels.com)

By Wayne Thomas
WKTV Contributing Writer

When Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters were asked to investigate at one of our areas largest local cemeteries it didn’t seem special. Now consider the unique coincidence that my mother, father, grandmother and cousin are all buried in this particular cemetery. Due to a signed confidentiality agreement the name of this location must remain anonymous but here are the fun facts of the case.

 

The key word in this paranormal investigation was “creepy”: creepy stuff, creepy feelings in both the office located in the middle of the cemetery and the Mausoleum located near this office. The manager had been mysteriously scratched on her arm while at her desk in the office and saw a dark humanoid figure out of the corner of her eye while looking toward the hallway. She also heard ghost voices on multiple occasions.

Another employee reported seeing dark figures sitting in the break room and in the office hallway where he also heard footsteps and different unexplained voices several times. A disembodied male voice was heard saying “Hey” and a woman’s voice was heard saying, “Hello.” A younger woman and an older woman’s voice were heard, apparently the older woman wanting “Help.” Other unexplained noises were heard by both employees in the office area along with ghostly voices and apparitions seen in the hallway.

During the original investigation things got interesting later in the night between 12:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. as our K-2 EMF detectors started lighting up indicating increased electromagnetic fields. At the same time, we were hearing what sounded like responses to our questions known as EVP’s or Electronic Voice Phenomena heard through our P-SB7 paranormal Spirit Box. Spirits answering our questions and interacting with the living indicates what Ghost Hunters call an intelligent haunting where ghosts typically have some sort of unfinished business.

 

Through examination of evidence and a preponderance of the clues we noticed certain patterns and were able to draw several intriguing parallels to the original client testimony. We concluded in our report that, “We believe the spirits are drawing us to the north end of the office hallway. Our EMF detectors were pointing us in that same direction and on the next visit we need to take a better look at the north end of the office hallway.”

We returned about a month later and a clue was revealed. Located at the very north end of the hallway was a locked door to a closet, a sort of vault that held the cremated remains of deceased individuals. We learned the deceased were all in limbo, waiting to either be buried in the cemetery or for interment in the mausoleum. At this time we were also informed that behind this locked door were several sets of cremated ashes being stored because they remained unclaimed. Additionally we were told of funeral homes in our area with the same predicament and those claims were confirmed.

Ashes can be buried at a cemetery, placed in a mausoleum or a columbarium. (Pxhere.com)

So how much of a wide spread problem had we uncovered? More than two million urns in funeral homes across North America are waiting to be collected. Thirty-one countries around the world practice cremation with 99% in Japan, 77% in the United Kingdom, as the United States approaches 60% with 1% unclaimed. (Michigan has about a 55 percent cremation rate.) The general consensus being, it’s important to find a final resting place for the deceased, not a funeral home. Different states have different rules as to how long they will store ashes before acting on them, sometimes burying them in mass graves.

Historically, with the exception of Buddhists favoring cremation, many religions were against cremation and regarded it as a less respectful way to deal with death. Obviously, a growing number of people now accept the process as a personal choice. Most agree that the cremains should be treated with the same dignity and respect as a traditional religious funeral or memorial service and placed in a permanent location for remembrance, like a columbaria in a church.

Ashes may be scattered with permission of a land owner, buried underground in a cemetery or even at sea. A modern choice is to plant a tree with the ashes and it’s relatively inexpensive. Have you inherited the cremated remains of a family member or someone you didn’t really know and have been storing them in the basement or a closet? Don’t underestimate the significance of the dignity and respect in the rituals and ceremonies surrounding the dead that all cultures and religions practice. To those spirits waiting in limbo for their final disposition, “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering, seek out the light.”      

Wyoming police searching for endangered missing children

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Crime Prevention, , ,

UPDATE: From Wyoming Department of Public Safety “We are grateful to report that Amir and Adonis Ezell have been located and are unharmed. Early this afternoon a family member of Mr. Ezell dropped the children off at their mother’s residence, and they are now safe. Mr. Ezell has not been located by officers at this time. This case will be reviewed by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges.”

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

Suspect Jacobus Lamont Ezell, 25. (Courtesy, Wyoming Department of Public Safety.)

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety are searching for Jacobus Lamont Ezell who after a domestic dispute with his girlfriend took their two children, 18-month-old Amir Ezell and 4-year-old Adonis Ezell.

At approximately 5:23 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW on a report of a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they learned that after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, the suspect, Jacobus Lamont Ezel left with the two children. The suspect is the biological, non-custodial father of both children. Officers are concerned for the welfare of the children given the circumstances of this incident as well as the fact that the suspect is reported to have a mental disorder.

The suspect was last seen with the children in the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW. It is believed that he left the area on foot with the children as well as a baby stroller.

The suspect has been identified as Jacobus Lamont Ezell a 25-year-old black male. He has black hair, brown eyes, is 6 feet tall, and weighs 180 pounds. His hair was described as being styled in “half-afro and half- twists.” He was last seen wearing black pants, white shoes, and no shirt.

Amir Ezell, 18 months.
Adonis Ezell, 4 (older picture)

Pictures courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

The children were identified as:

  • Amir Ezell, an 18-month-old black male, approximately two feet tall, weighing 30 pounds, andwearing a green onesie and red and white socks.
  • Adonis Ezell a four-year-old black male, approximately three feet tall, weighing 40 pounds, andwearing spider-man shoes and red and white socks.
  • The stroller was described as being a Graco brand, black and white in color.



Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety are giving this their full attention and are seeking the public’s help in locating the children. The children have been entered into the National Crime Information Center, an Endangered Missing Person Advisory has been submitted to the Michigan State Police, and a Child is Missing Alert has been activated.

Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Jacobus Ezell is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.

Michigan native one of the stars in traveling ‘Frozen’ production

3-bottom, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Recreation, ,
Dominic Dorset as Kristoff and Collin Baja as Sven in the “Frozen” North American Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy (Disney)

By John Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

If you call him “Kristoff,” Michigan native Dominic Dorset won’t mind.

“Yes, this is,” he said when we called him “Kristoff” answering the phone in a recent WKTV interview.

Is he tired of people calling him his character name?

“No, that’s alright,” he said. “I’m used to it by now, if anything.”

Dorset, a native of Saline, and 2022 graduate of the University of Michigan theater program, is excited to be on his first major tour in Disney’s “Frozen,” which plays this week (July 11-16) at DeVos Performance Hall, presented by Broadway Grand Rapids.

Bringing to life a familiar story to life

He’s learned a lot about the show, and being on the road, since the tour kicked off last September.

“I’ve gotten more comfortable with the part, having done the show eight times a week,” he said with a laugh.

Dominic Dorset (Courtesy)

“We have new cast members who come and go, so it changes, and the show has to adjust if the theater is bigger or the crowds livelier.”

The goal, he said, is to have consistent performances.

“But the reality is, we, as actors, have good days, and we have bad days,” he said. “We have days where we’re more energetic, and we have days where we’re a little slow. You’re never going to see the same show twice. But, overall, it’s always going to be ‘Frozen.’”

From the producers of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” The Tony-nominated “Frozen” brings back the familiar story – and songs – that fans of all ages know and love.

Something familiar

Wth music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and book by Jennifer Lee, “Frozen” the musical is based on the 2013 film of the same name and centers on the relationship between two sisters – Elsa and Anna – who are princesses.

As fans know, Elsa has magical powers to freeze objects, and people, which she has difficulty controlling. She inadvertently causes the kingdom to become frozen in an eternal winter, and nearly kills her sister.

Kristoff and his trusty reindeer companion, Sven, play a key role in the storyline.

Dorset said fans of the “Frozen” movies will love the musical because of the familiar songs, “but it’s going to be more than that, too.”

“It’s a Broadway production, which means it’s going to have the highest quality of dancing, singing, acting, set design, costume design, puppetry – EVERYTHING!” he said. “It’s top-notch quality. It’s amazing.”

Something new

Fans will also get to hear a lot of new songs not in the films.

“The writers wrote about a dozen new songs…so if you come see the show, you’re going to see the movie you know, but you’re going to see a lot more than that…You won’t hear these songs anywhere else except for on this stage.”

Dorset said he’s been a fan of the film from the time it came out, “along with the rest of the world.”

“I guess I consider myself to be a pretty big Disney fan,” he said, growing up on the Disney Channel.

He said his parents recount how, as a kid, he was “obsessed with Cinderella and Snow White.”

“Which is kind of funny,” he said. “I was really into Disney from the time I could walk.”

A love for theater

He started in local theater in fourth grade, then at Saline High School. A summer camp between his junior and senior year in high school on the campus of UM introduced him to theater students all across the country.

Lauren Nicole Chapman as Anna and Dominic Dorset as Kristoff in the “Frozen” North American Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy (Disney)

“I got to see kids who were really, really good. Some who had already been on Broadway. That was eye-opening to me and showed me what was possible.”

He applied to several colleges, but was excited to land at the University of Michigan because it was so close to home.

He said the thrill of creating shared experiences on stage is the magic that has him hooked every night.

“I just love stepping into somebody else’s shoes,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s telling somebody else’s story, finding the similarities and differences between you and the character that you’re playing, and bringing the words to life for a live audience.

Whole different experience

“There is something about everybody going through the experience of that story in the same room together is really addicting to me.”

That’s why fans should come see “Frozen,” he said. It’s the familiar story of Elsa and Anna, but in a live setting.

“It’s their journey of finding love and acceptance with one another, and other people, but it definitely has some updates, some new interpretations and just things you won’t get from seeing the original movie.” Dorset said. “So you have to come see the stage production.” 

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Free swim lessons part of larger effort to reduce drownings

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Great Lakes

By Ashley Zhou
Capital News Service

Children take turns falling off the edge of the pool with Mia Dodd’s support, teaching them how to safely enter the pool. Credit: Ashley Zhou

LANSING — Strapped with goggles and neon-colored pool noodles tucked under their bodies, three young students paddle towards coach Mia Dodd as she walks backward, looping around the shallow end of the pool.

Fearlessly kicking their feet and blowing bubbles, they make their way past the pool dividers, where the pool floor begins to dip down. Dodd holds their hands one by one as they learn to safely sit on the edge of the pool and jump in.

Every Tuesday through Thursday morning, Laurie Jonckheere watches her two granddaughters receive free swim lessons at this pool in Howell.

“They’ve always both liked the water,” Jonckheere said. “It’s good for people to know how to swim. You never know when you’re going to need to do it on an emergency basis.”

Teaching youngsters swimming skills is part of a larger effort to reduce drownings in Michigan, particularly on the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes can be dangerous for swimmers when the weather changes. Drowning deaths have gradually increased across the Great Lakes from 74 in 2010 to 108 last year, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue.

According to the rescue project, there have been 15 drowning deaths so far this year.

Dodd leads lessons at the Highlander Aquatic and Fitness Center, part of a collaboration between Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Southeast Michigan swim facilities aimed at closing the poverty gap in communities where many families can’t afford swim lessons. The effort taught more than 1,000 children to swim last summer and has grown to 1,300 students this summer.

Through feedback from park visitors and surveys, Huron-Clinton Metroparks officials say there is broad interest in swimming and water facilities, but the cost of lessons can be a barrier for many Detroiters and children of color.

Danielle Mauter, the agency’s chief of marketing and communications, said a staggering 70% of children in Detroit have little to no swimming experience.

“Our ultimate goal is to be for every single person in Southeast Michigan to know how to swim,” Mauter said. “Each year, the metroparks are interested in growing the number of lessons served year over year, and that was our big focus this summer.”

Summer is also when swimmers hit the beaches across Michigan.

 

In recent years, the state has taken more steps to protect their safety, including fining swimmers who go into the water despite double red flag warnings at designated state park beaches.

The “double red flag” was introduced last summer to indicate where people are prohibited from going into the water, with exceptions for “board sport recreational individuals”  such as  surfers and kiteboarders.

Although the park flags run consistently on state beaches, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has no control over how a city or township beach flag system is run, said Pat Whalen, the district supervisor for DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. State and city beaches have different meanings for the red flag, he said.

For example, in South Haven, a red flag signals the water is closed and swimmers  can be fined $1,000 if they ignore the warning. But a 10-minute drive away, Van Buren State Park follows DNR’s flag system where a  red flag is merely a recommendation to stay out of water, not an order, with no fine for doing so, said Dave Benjamin, a co-founder and an executive director of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

  

Michigan’s beach flags are “consistently inconsistent,” Benjamin said, which leads to some drownings being attributed to a lack of awareness of water conditions. He said 66% of drownings involve people who know how to swim.

Not understanding the meaning of safety flags can leave even competent swimmers vulnerable.

“There’s no education and enforcement there, so it dilutes the meaning of the flag,” Benjamin said. “We do want everyone to learn how to swim, but we also want them to understand that knowing how to swim isn’t water safety.”

Even good swimmers can drown if they’re not taught how to handle a rip current, a common challenge on the Great Lakes.

DNR’s Mauter said rip currents—sometimes called riptides — are less of a focus in swim classes as most lessons take place in pools, although some lessons take place on open water beaches, touching on lake safety.

Last year, Illinois passed  a law requiring water rescue equipment on all private and public Lake Michigan waterfronts. Bob Pratt, also a co-founder and an executive director of the rescue project, said he wants similar legislation in Michigan.

Ashley Zhou has an environmental reporting internship under the MSU Knight Center for Environmental Journalism’s diversity reporting partnership with the Mott News Collaborative. This story was produced for Bridge Michigan.

Nature can nurture: Gardens help heal students

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,

By Anna Lionas
Capital News Service

LANSING – Tucked away in the center of Michigan State University’s campus is the nation’s oldest university botanical garden – and a site of the emerging practice of horticulture therapy.

Tucked away in the center of Michigan State’s campus is the nation’s oldest university botanical garden – and a site of the emerging practice of horticulture therapy. The 150-year-old Beal Botanical Garden is a “healing space” where “pretty much everything we do is horticulture therapy.” By Anna Lionas.

“We have people laying in the garden, popup Pilates classes, tours, anything you can imagine,” said Maeve Bassett, the education program director at the 150-year-old Beal Botanical Garden. “In a very general sense, pretty much everything we do is horticulture therapy.”

The practice engages people in gardening and plant-based activities, according to the American Horticultural Therapy Association. It is facilitated by a trained therapist with specific treatment goals.

Encouraging people to use nature as a healing space is a growing discipline, Basset said. Whether they are mathematicians, musicians or veterinarians, her specialty is to find ways to connect the Beal Botanical Garden to what people are interested in.

“The garden has always been made primarily by and for botanists,” Bassett said. “My aim is to show every single person on campus how they can engage with it and get something out of it.”

Following the Feb. 13 shooting that killed three students and seriously injured five others on Michigan State’s campus, the Beal Garden team decided to launch a program already in the works called Nurture Your Roots. The idea was to provide some guidance to the grieving campus.

“It was intentionally designed to be acted out within the garden space because being outdoors and surrounded by nature is an added element of wellness.” Said Angelica Bajos, a Beal Scholar and a garden staff member who studies the environment and sustainability.

Nurture Your Roots focuses on individuals and their wellness and mindfulness.

Locations throughout the garden have a scannable QR code that provides a wellness experience unique to that site. Users are guided through practices like exercise, meditation, writing poetry and listening to music.

“We want to help people develop habits to feel better and healthier about themselves,” Bajos said.

Beal isn’t the only place on campus where students and other people connect with the environment.

“Nature is a great place to reconnect and separate from all the terrible things that have been happening,” said Jessica Wright, the education coordinator at the university’s Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden.

Horticulture has been part of Michigan State since the university opened in 1857. The university was founded in 1855 as an agricultural school and designed to host an abundance of green space. University officials describe the campus as “a key component of a sustainable university, enhancing biodiversity and providing habitat for pollinators.”

Take a stroll south of Beal Botanical Garden and end up in the MSU Horticulture Gardens featuring 14 acres of themed gardens that bloom all summer.

Visiting the Horticulture Gardens means stepping into a different world. A large set of greenhouses at the entrance holds plants, students studying horticulture and, in the springtime, butterflies.

School groups ranging from kindergarteners to graduate students tour them.

“The gardens are a healing and restorative space at MSU,” said Stefon Funderburke, an instructor of a university class that visits sites around campus for its curriculum and that recently toured them. “I will definitely be coming back.”

Wide-eyed students captured colorful flying insects with cell phones. One trio huddled around a butterfly that was laying unmoving in another student’s palm. The group listen intently as Wright from the 4H garden explained that this butterfly was at the end of its life cycle.

“Often students will tell me coming to the gardens brings them back to their childhood and reminds them of fond memories in nature,” Wright said.

The garden is a great way for students to reconnect with nature and an invaluable landscape laboratory for horticulture students, she said.

It also welcomes people with a general passion for nature, said Kollin Bartz, a computer science major who began working at the gardens because of his love of plants.

“I’ve always had a membership to my community garden in my hometown,” Bartz said. “I think being around plants has a positive impact on mental health.”

4-H Butterfly Garden on the MSU campus. Credit: Anna Lionas

While a valuable resource, many students are unaware of the gardens, according to those who tend them.

This summer is a good time to get to know them as there are many programs happening at the MSU Horticulture Gardens and for the 150th anniversary of the Beal Botanical Garden.

Bajos said, “It’s really important that we have a lot of greenspaces on campus. Everyone is coming from different backgrounds, so you never know what people had access to or didn’t before coming to MSU.”

Anna Lionas writes for Great Lakes Echo.

Wyoming’s City Center project gets boost with $20 million state grant

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Kent County, ,

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

The City Center project includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge over 28th Street. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

The City of Wyoming’s City Center project got a boost this week with a $20 million public infrastructure grant from the state of Michigan that will accelerate the project to be completed in two years.

The public infrastructure grants are part of the state’s “Make It In Michigan” $82 billion budget, which was recently passed by the state House and Senate and expected to be signed by the governor soon.

“The investment from the state allows us to expedite the City Center project and complete most of the phased project immediately,” said City Manager John Shay. “Watching this project come to fruition is a success for our entire community and we are deeply thankful to Senator Winnie Brinks and State Representative John Fitzgerald for putting a spotlight on our community infrastructure project.”

In January, the city received $6 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) contribution from Kent County. That coupled with the city’s investment of $10 million of its own ARPA funds allowed the for the completion of the first phase of the City Center project, which includes a pedestrian bridge across 28th street and 3.1 miles of non-motorized trails.

The City Center project is located near the 28 West site and adjacent to Hom Flats. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

The additional $20 million from the state will allow the city to complete the second phase which is an additional 1.5 miles of non-motorized trails, with a total of 4.6 new non-motorized trails that will connect the City Center to the trails in Pinery Park and the Kent Trails system in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Walker, and Byron Township.

 

The second phase also included the burying of overhead power lines along 28th Street between Burlingame and Clyde Park avenues. The lines needed to be buried to prevent them from having contact with the bridge, said Nicole Hofert, the city’s community and economic development director. Burying the lines also accommodates the city’s form-based code, which designs a more walkable experience within the city, and it improves the aesthetics along the corridor with less visual clutter, Hofert said.

Construction on the pedestrian bridge is expected to kick off at the end of July. The bridge, which will provide a safe crossing for 28th Street, also referred to as M-11, will be located near Hook Avenue on the north side of 28th Street and will serve as the entryway to the city’s future downtown center and provide a direct connection to the city’s park system. The bridge is estimated to be completed in spring of 2024, Hofert said.

On the south side, the bridge, will anchor on to the city’s 28 West project and the future City Center site. Adjacent to the City Center site, Magnus Capital has invested $62.9 million into Hom Flats, a mixed-income housing project that incudes class A commercial space and office space.

 

The burying of the utility lines will improve aesthetics along the corridor by reducing visual clutter. (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)

This summer, residents also will begin to see work done on burying the utility lines underground, Hofert said. Work on the non-motorized trail project will begin in the spring of 2024 and continue through the spring of 2025, she said, adding that the original 3.1 miles is about 90% completed in the design phase with the other 1.5 miles scheduled to be prioritized over the next month for design.

“For months, my colleagues and I listened to our constituents about their priorities, and this budget reflects those priorities and works for all people across Michigan,” said State Representative John Fitzgerald. “I am grateful to have brought home more than $30 million to the 83rd House District. Notably, $20 million has been awarded to the City of Wyoming for a transformational infrastructure project that will create economic opportunity for the people of this community and put Wyoming on the map as the preeminent suburb in metro Grand Rapids.“

The City of Wyoming’s master plan, which was adopted in 2021, includes an updated 28th Street sub area plan with recommendations for the City Center project. In September, the city will host an open house for residents and community members to learn more about Wyoming’s City Center. 

Financial Perspectives: 5 Key Questions About Retirement

3-bottom, Finances, Local Business, Senior Living

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

(Courtesy, Pxhere.com)

Retirement. Ah, that golden period of life we all look forward to. You’ve worked hard over the years and it’s finally time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. But before you sail off into the sunset, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place. There are some crucial questions to answer, so let’s dig in.

1. When do I want to retire? The “when” is more significant than you might think. Retiring too early might mean you’ll need to stretch your savings for a longer period. Wait too long, and you might not have as many healthy years to enjoy it. The age at which you retire can also affect your Social Security benefits. It’s a complex puzzle, and it’s worth spending time to piece it together.

2. How much money will I need in retirement?  This is a biggie. You need to estimate your living costs in retirement. Will you travel? Do you plan to spoil the grandkids? Maybe you want to pick up some new hobbies? All of this will cost money. And don’t forget about healthcare – a significant expense for many retirees. You’ll also need to consider inflation; it can significantly erode your purchasing power over time.

3. Where will my income come from? Your days of drawing a regular paycheck are ending, so where will your money come from? Consider all sources of income: Social Security, pensions, retirement savings like 401(k)s and IRAs, annuities, and any other investments. Maybe you plan to work part-time? It all adds up. Just remember, some sources of income may be taxable, so make sure to account for that.

4. How will I spend my time? This might seem trivial compared to the financial questions, but it’s equally crucial. Staying mentally and physically active in retirement is essential for your health. Do you plan to travel, volunteer, go back to school, start a business, or spend more time with family? Maybe it’s a mix. Either way, it’s your time now. Make sure to spend it in ways that bring you joy and fulfillment.

5. What kind of legacy do I want to leave? Not everyone likes to talk about this, but it’s an essential part of retirement planning. Do you wish to leave something for your loved ones or a cause close to your heart? This could affect how you save and invest during retirement. Estate planning, including creating or updating your will and setting up any necessary trusts, is key here. It can ensure your wishes are followed and could help your heirs avoid unnecessary taxes and legal complications.

So, there you have it. Five vital questions to help you navigate your retirement journey. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to any of these, and your answers might change over time. That’s okay. The important thing is to start thinking about these questions and making a plan. And don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like financial advisors or estate attorneys. They can provide valuable guidance tailored to your specific situation. Here’s to a happy and fulfilling retirement!

Bonus Tip: The most important thing about retirement is having a comprehensive plan that includes a foundation of safe money which covers financial stability, healthcare needs, and personal fulfillment. This ensures that you have the resources to support your lifestyle and take care of any unexpected challenges, while also making the most of this new stage of life. Planning for retirement is an ongoing process and should be regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.

Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or  Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463  or click this link:  Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.com  Dave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.

West Michigan under Air Quality Alert due to Canadian wildfires; air labeled “unhealthy”

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Environment, , ,
(Courtesy, IQAir)



By D.A. Reed

WKTV Contributor


An Air Quality Alert has been issued across Michigan due to wildfire smoke from Quebec, Canada that has blanketed West Michigan, creating a haze that has drastically reduced visibility and air quality throughout the state.

With 483 active fires across Canada and that smoke infiltrating the United States, an Air Quality Alert has been issued for all of Michigan through June 28.

Earlier this week saw the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Grand Rapids well over 200, firmly in the “very unhealthy” category. As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the AQI is classified as “unhealthy” with AirNow placing Grand Rapids at 195 and IQAir at 192.

While these numbers fluctuate and are projected to drop over the next few days, the current air quality has prompted health advisories that remain in effect.

Recommendations:

*Avoid strenuous outdoor activities

*Shorten the length of outdoor activities

*Move physical activities indoors or reschedule them

Wyoming concert and Whitecaps canceled Tuesday night events

Several West Michigan activities were canceled or postponed, including the West Michigan Whitecaps game scheduled for Tuesday evening and the Wyoming Concerts in the Park performance by Cabildo. The Whitecaps game has been rescheduled to Friday, June 30 as the first game of a doubleheader.

“Having to reschedule activities due to poor air quality was new terrain for us,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation director. “While it was disappointing to postpone the concert, we are looking forward to rescheduling and hosting this community event. Public safety is of the utmost importance and that guides the decision to cancel or postpone programs.

“Stay tuned for Concert in the Parks updates by following us on social media.” 

The Whitecaps posted a statement on Twitter stating, “In consultation with local weather and health officials, and for the safety of fans and players and in accordance with MLB safety guidelines, tonight’s game has been postponed due to poor air quality.”

While many outdoor events were canceled or postponed and others moved indoors, some events like the Michigan National Guard Air flyover on Tuesday still occurred, though those lining the Grand River were disappointed, unable to see the aircraft due to the smoke covering the sky.

West Michigan residents are urged to continue precautions and limit outdoor activities through Wednesday, June 28th.



(Courtesy, IQAir)

 

You can find air quality information at: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), AirNow, and IQAir

For more information on the Canadian wildfires, visit the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc website.

D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author

Sounds of Summer kicks off July 6

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation,
Azz Izz Band has decades of experience performing a range of genres such as blues, country, soul, and rock. (Courtesy, Azz Izz Band)

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

Next week, the Sounds of Summer kicks off at Cutler Park with local favorite Azz Izz Band.

The concert is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at the park, located at 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW with the series set to run every Thursday through July at Cutler Park and then switching over to Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park, 8085 Byron Center Ave. SW, in August.

 

Sponsored by Byron Township and presented by P. Williams Productions and LW Studios, the community concert series is free. Residents are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. The Juicy Wieners will be selling hot dogs and pork sandwiches also will be available.

P. Williams Productions tapes each concert, which are rebroadcasted on WKTV throughout the summer.

 

Visit the Sounds of Summer Facebook page for updates, weather information, and more.  

The line up is:

July 13: That Beatles Thing – A local cover band transports you back in time to hear the hits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

July 20: Ryan Curtis Band – This Michigan-born, Idaho-based artist covers anything from folk to bluegrass to rock to blues through personal stories and life lessons.

July 27: The Soul Syndicate – This party band tributes iconic funk, soul, and R&B artists with electric, high-energy performances.

The August series at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park, 8085 Byron Center Ave. SW, includes:

Aug. 3: Great Scott! – This Grand Rapids-based party band has something for everyone, playing hits from the fifties through today.

Aug. 10: Carson Peters and Iron Mountain – Traveling all the way from East Tennessee, this award-winning bluegrass group has played at the Grand Ole Opry and around the world.

Aug. 17: The Soul Syndicate – A familiar group in Grand Rapids, the band performs funk, soul and R&B.