Category Archives: 3-bottom

Kentwood Fourth of July Celebration features pancake breakfast, parade, carnival, 5K race, fireworks show and more

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



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to participate in its Fourth of July celebration on Tuesday, July 4.

The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show and more.

“Our Fourth of July Celebration is a community-favorite event and is a tradition we have enjoyed for many decades,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This is a great opportunity for community members to gather in the summer sun and connect with friends and neighbors while celebrating with food, fireworks and fun.”

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the day. Community members who are interested in volunteering can visit kentwood.us/july4 to sign up or call 616-656-5270.


Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Pancake and sausage breakfast

The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place fro 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.

5K race and fun walk

The NN Autocam 5K Race & Fun Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route will take participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal.

Parade

At 9:30 a.m., the parade will begin. This year’s parade will feature a new route that starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue, turn north at the roundabout, head east on 44th Street and end at Crestwood Middle School.

Carnival

From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival filled with rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies. Wristbands also will be available for purchase at the event and in advance for $20 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, on Friday, June 30 and Monday, July 3. City Hall is open 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday.


Spectators line up for a past Kentwood Fourth of July Parade. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Community booths, beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks

The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Bucket O Maybes, the Decades-Band and JP & The Energy. The fireworks show begins at dusk and is visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.

A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.

Community members should also note 52nd Street is under construction between Kalamazoo and Breton avenues, which may impact routes for the event. A detour map is available at kentwood.us/EventDetour.

The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Visit kentwood.us/4thofJuly to learn more and sign up.

Other Local Fireworks Celebrations

Grandville: Tuesday, July 4 at Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arts and Crafts Show

11 a.m. Parade on Wilson Ave. and Flyover along the parade route.

Noon to Dark: Food Vendors

1 to 4 p.m. Penny Carnival by the Scouts

2 to 9 p.m. Kids Zone Inflatables and Activities

2 to 4 p.m. Live Music from Ian Ormiston

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Live Music from John Rush

7 to 10:15 p.m. Live Music from After it All

At Dark: Fireworks

Grand Rapids Fireworks: Saturday, July 1 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Music starts at 6 p.m. with DJ Rob Sparks and 8 p.m. Stone Soul Rhythm Band. Fireworks are at 10:30 p.m. 

East Grand Rapids: Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks show begins at dusk over Reeds Lake.

Caledonia Township: Saturday, July 1.

Woodland Mall helps local charity with ‘dress for success’ clothing

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Recreation



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

Tatum Hawkins, director of development and communications for the Women’s Resource Center. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

The smile on Tatum Hawkins said it all when J.Jill store manager Joell Austin told her there was up to $25,000 available for her to spend on clothing for the Women’s Resource Center’s Business Boutique.

“It’s like a fairy tale,” said Hawkins, who is the director of development and communications for the Women’s Resource Center.

Half hour into the shop, she stood in disbelief when Austin told her the amount had gone up to $35,000.

“This is just so amazing,” Tatum said. “For the women who we work with, clothing is so expensive and often times they are just trying to get food on the table. Having something that is new that looks professional and they feel good in often aids in helping them in a job interview.”

Helping Women Succeed

Set to mark its 50th anniversary, the Women’s Resource Center provides programs to help women secure stable, well-paying employment and achieve financial independence.

 

Women Resource Center represn
J. Jill store manager Joell Austin with Business Boutique volunteer Teresa VanWyk. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

When a participant is job ready, she has the opportunity to shop for free at WRC’s Business Boutique, Hawkins said. Participants are able to select up to two outfits complete with accessories, under garments and make-up. Volunteers serve as their personal shoppers, helping a participant to select clothing items, Hawkins said.

All the clothing is donated and in fact, J. Jill stores at both RiverTown Mall and Woodland Mall have sent out-of-stock clothing to the boutique in the past. Austin said each of the J. Jill stores has a compassion fund that is dedicated to helping provide resources to women.

“We are thrilled that we can contribute to the Business Boutique along with helping them shop today for items that they need,” Austin said.

On Monday’s shop, Hawkins said she was looking for a range of sizes. The Business Boutique has quite a bit of winter clothes, so summer pieces and items that could be layered were a main focus.

“Sometimes a woman may have been sent to jail in the winter and comes out in the summer and they do not have anything for that season to go out on an interview or for the workplace,” Hawkins said.

New Partnership with Woodland Mall

Recognizing the importance of having the right attire for a potential job, Woodland Mall has formed a new partnership with the Business Boutique to regularly stock it with clothes and accessories from mall retailers and donation drives.

 

“Access to workplace attire can be a barrier to securing employment — and ultimately, economic independence for women,” said Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall. “We are grateful to be able to support the Women’s Resource center’s efforts to address this with a partnership that will offer women an expanded selection of workplace-ready attire from our retailers and community.”

Utilizing a “store-within-a-store” concept, the mall will have a dedicated section of workplace apparel at the Boutique, which will be kept stocked year-round with clothes and accessories through donation drives and retailer partnerships.

The Women’s Resource Center is set to celebrate its new facility at 816 Madison Ave. SE with an open house on Wednesday, June 28, from 3-6 p.m. Within the new facility will be a new and improved Business Boutique that is scheduled to open later this month.

Book focuses on grassroots efforts to clean the watersheds

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Great Lakes, Recreation

By Jada Vasser
Capital News Service

John Hartig, the retired director of the U.S.-Canada Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, North America’s only international refuge. Credit: University of Windsor.

A new book about the Great Lakes is written to reflect that their problems, solutions and champions are interrelated, much like the ecosystem it portrays.

“This whole thing of bringing stakeholders together, creating a vision, co-producing knowledge, co-innovating solutions is in the book,” author John Hartig said. “You don’t get that anywhere else.”

Hartig’s “Great Lakes Champions: Grassroots Efforts to Clean Up Polluted Watersheds” (Michigan State University Press, $24.95) highlights 14 people who created programs and solutions to help communities that depend on the lakes.

These leaders took on the goal of restoring the Great Lakes through service and guidance at such environmental hotspots as the Detroit River, River Raisin, Rouge River and Muskegon Lake.

They all are hardworking and determined and share the same love for the lakes, Hartig said.

“The pollution problems of the Great Lakes are really people problems,” he said. “People created these problems and to solve them it’s going to take people working together.”

The retired director of the U.S.-Canada Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, North America’s only international refuge, Hartig continues his lifelong Great Lakes work as a visiting scholar at the University of Windsor and member of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy board of directors.

Through research, education and advocacy, he has fought for the cleanup of the lakes, demonstrating why action is necessary and significant to the communities that benefit from them. And he’s paid attention to people who have done similar work.

Hartig profiled people he deemed as Great Lakes champions. They share the same passion and help their communities remember how important the lakes are for people.

“They’re wel- respected in the community and they have trust,” Hartig said. “It takes sometimes decades to get trust.”

Such trust comes from advocacy groups, religious organizations, governments and industry, he said.

“They were these facilitators of the process and that takes a rare person.”

The champions include a married couple working to clean up Green Bay,Wisconsin, drain commissioners who brought communities together to do group service, members of the Water-keeper Alliance that led many efforts in keeping the water clean and safe to consume, local government officials who fought to clean up industrial processes. Many of these people worked on environmental justice before it was fashionable, especially in Detroit, Hartig said.

These champions realize it is important to know that when you do not know the answer, you should create boundaries on what you are an expert on and what you need to seek more knowledge on, Hartig said. It is a strategy that creates connections. People who are okay with saying they do not know everything create a sense of modesty and open the door for collaboration, Hartig said.

John Hartig notes that new Great Lakes champions can apply lessons learned in the past to emerging problems. Image: Michigan State University Press, $24.95).

And new Great Lakes champions are emerging, he said. People strive every day to help the lakes out and to continue the work of the earlier champions.

The lessons learned by the generation of champions he wrote about should not get lost as today’s problems call for a new  mechanisms and assets to solve them, Hartig said. Each generation comes with its set of environmental issues. Thirty years ago, science was more respected than it is now.

The misinformation that is prevalent today washes away the foundations of science, he said. Years ago, everyone just believed and trusted what was said about the environment.

That erosion of trust in science complicates problems like climate change. Emerging champions will have to learn to balance work in progress while staying up to date with what climate change is doing, he said.

“I think this generation has some other challenges to deal with like misinformation and disinformation,” Hartig said. “They have to fight that battle and then now I think they have to also be always thinking about climate change.”

Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time, he said.

It leads to intense storms, higher water runoff and more erosion that can contaminate food webs and chains. The emerging champions must have the same passion as the previous ones. But they are taking on distinct challenges with a new wave of environmental problems. Good facilitators and having a passionate support system fuels the involved individuals to becoming champions, he said.

What makes it different is that it manifests “the importance and the value and benefit of the ecosystem approach,” Hartig said.

“You can see in the real world how it’s done.”

Jada Vadder writes for Great Lakes Echo.

Marking 10 years, pet rescue celebrates its past while looking ahead

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Pets/Animals

By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributor

BestPals Animal Rescue Center is having a party and you’re invited.

“We’re celebrating the past—ten years at this location—and combining it with looking forward,” said BestPals Executive Director Michelle Kenat.

The celebration is Saturday, June 25, noon to 5 p.m., at 6674 Blair Lane, Holland.

There will be games for children, tours of the facility, food trucks, a live DJ, prizes, raffles, a bouncy house and other animal rescues. There will be pets available for adoption.

“We’re going to have so much fun,” Kenat said.

BestPals is seeking more support from the community. Kenat’s goals for the future include a new furnace for the cat building, an expanded emergency fund, a generator for backup power, a sprinkler system for fire suppression and a transport van.

Rescue is in her blood

Kenat has been involved in rescue her entire life. Growing up in Chicago, she got her first dog when she was three. Her grandmother picked up stray dogs and Kenat was her helper.

 

“It’s in my blood. It’s my passion,” she said. 

One of Michelle Kenat’s favorite things to do is to cuddle with the cats. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

When Kenat was 16, she started volunteering at a shelter. She met a woman who used her home as a rescue for cats and dogs. “She was my mentor and role model.”

After Kenat married, she and her husband moved to Holland to raise their children.

When the kids were older Kenat started volunteering at Harbor Humane Society. Eventually, she was hired as the shelter’s intake coordinator. She met like-minded people, and they saw a need for another option for owner-surrendered pets.

Making the dream a reality

Kenat’s dream was to have a home where she could have a rescue. After a divorce, she looked for her dream house. She found it at 13888 Blair St. in Holland. The three-acre site had a house, a pond, and an out building that had once been used as a dog boarding facility.

“I didn’t even see the inside of the house when I said I wanted it,” she recalled.

The site was close to US 31 and the Chicago-raised woman loved the sound of the traffic. “I hear the cars and it soothes me,” Kenat said.

 

BestPals officially opened in 2013. The group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and is licensed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. They have room for 30 cats in the renovated dog-boarding building where there are large kennels with cat trees, cubbies for sleeping and plenty of toys. Each kennel has a window where outside birdfeeders attract birds to entertains the cats.

The house’s attached garage has been transformed into a dog kennel with room for 10 to 15 dogs. Kenat also fosters cats and dogs in her home.

The perfect adoption makes it worth it

BestPals takes in owner-surrendered pets and cats and dogs from overcrowded shelters. Two shifts of volunteers come each day to clean and play with the animals.

Michele Kenat with some of the dogs in the BestPals rescue. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

Kenat said the hardest thing about being in rescue is finding a balance between rescue and the rest of her life.

 

“It’s definitely 24/7,” she said.

 

Kenat manages intake, takes animals to the vet, gives medications, screens adopters, trains and oversees volunteers, and does fundraising. She spends more time on running the business end of BestPals than she would like.

“I thought there would be more time to enjoy each animal,” she said. She loves walking the dogs and cuddling with the cats.

The best part of having a rescue is finding the perfect family for a cat or dog. An example is a half deaf dog who was adopted by a family that knew sign language.

Kenat works hard to match pets to families. She only does foster-to-adopt, meaning a cat or dog lives with their new family before adoption fees are paid and papers signed. BestPals has less than a one percent return rate.

“There’s nothing like a perfect adoption,” she said.

For more information on BestPals Animal Rescue Center visit www.bestpalsrecue.org or follow them on social media. Email info@bestpalsrescue.org or call/text 616-212-3368.

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.

Cabildo takes the stage at both Wyoming and Kentwood

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

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

The Latin sounds of Cabildo is the next concert in the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series.

The popular West Michigan 8-piece band will perform at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW and again at Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Kentwood City Complex, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.

Those attending either concert are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets to sit-on and food of choice.

At the Wyoming concert, food trucks also will be on site along with with a pre-show and activities for all ages.

At the Kentwood Summer Concert series, a variety of food truck fare also will be available prior and during the event. Concertgoers also are welcomed to bring their own beer or wine to the show. The city’s Farmers Market takes place before the concert, running form 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Both cities take a break from the summer concerts next week in observance of July Fourth.

The Wyoming Concerts in the Park resume on July 11 with Sarena Rae and the Kentwood Summer Concert series returns on July13 with Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes.

Ford Airport holds Full-Scale Exercise June 20 featuring 19 local and state agencies

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



Ford International Airport held a Full-Scale Exercise on June 20 featuring 19 local and state agencies and approximately 200 individuals, including volunteers and first responders. The International Airport Authority training exercises were designed to simulate an emergency event in order to evaluate emergency response plans.

The Full-Scale Exercise, mandated every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration, involved first responders extinguishing fires, supporting volunteers simulating injuries, directing responders, and more.


(WKTV/Katie Bogema)




“Simulating an emergency event is integral for our team and mutual aid partners to be equipped with the necessary protocols for an emergency response plan,” said Airport Authority Fire Chief Tony Gutierrez. “It’s important that we continuously fine-tune our emergency response plans to ensure the safety of our passengers and community.”

Agencies Involved: GFIAA Fire Department, GFIAA Police Department, GFIAA Operations, GFIAA Maintenance, GFIAA Administration, GFIAA Communications, Kentwood Fire Department, Cascade Fire Department, Kent County Emergency Management, Dutton Fire Department, Caledonia Fire Department, Life EMS, AMR Ambulance, Rockford Ambulance, Kent County Emergency Medical Services, American Red Cross, Southwest Airlines, Kentwood Police Department, Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Kent County Emergency Services Team (KEST), Medical Reserve Corp, FAA Traffic Tower Control Tower and Kent County Dispatch.

Don’t miss Judah Guerra’s latest WKTV podcast, where he jams with a former American Idol Golden Ticket winner, Nathan Walton

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, West Michigan, ,
Great Lakes Music podcast host Judah Guerra (left) and guest Nathan Walton having some fun at WKTV.




By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



You don’t want to miss local talent Judah Guerra’s latest WKTV podcast, “Great Lakes Music.”


As host and creator of the new podcast, Guerra interviews and performs original music with professionals from all corners of the music scene in Michigan.



His very inviting, warm and witty personality definitely shines through in these weekly conversations with musicians.


“This is a pursuit to learn more about what’s going on here in Michigan with music,” said Guerra, a bass and trombone player born and raised in Grand Rapids, a band leader of GR Groove and a jazz studies major at Michigan State University.



Be sure to check out his interview and jam session below with local musician Nathan Walton, of Nathan Walton and the Remedy, and a former Golden Ticket winner on Season 3 of ABC’s American Idol.



Cats and coffee: the ‘purrfect’ experience for residents

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Pets/Animals, Recreation

By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor

Fig and Friends Pet Rescue, an all-volunteer and donation funded pet rescue, believes every animal deserves a chance and strives to help cats and dogs of all ages have an amazing life.

Julie Beukema, founder of Fig and Friends, with Latte. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

Founded in March of 2022 by Julie Beukema, Fig and Friends takes on as many rescues as they can, even dogs and cats with severe medical needs.

“Not a lot of recues will take animals who need a lot of medical care,” Beukema said. “There (are) just not enough resources for people and their pets.”

The namesake of the pet rescue, Fig, was one such case of acute medical need.

A French bulldog, Fig was at a local shelter when Beukema became aware of the puppy and her medical needs. Pulling her from the shelter, Beukema fostered Fig and began the dive into her medical care.

Unable to walk due to a fused and calcified spine, Fig underwent major surgery in Detroit followed by rehab. Fig is now able to walk, is potty-trained, and dispenses joy and smiles daily.

Connecting to the Happy Cat Cafe

When Happy Cat Café (HHC) approached Beukema with an offer of partnership that would allow Fig and Friends to provide a safe environment for rescued cats to receive human interaction and love—while also providing that love and joy to the café’s visitors—Beukema agreed.

HHC owner Kati Quarto dreamed of creating a space where cat lovers in Grand Rapids could relax and enjoy delicious drinks and food while also connecting with adorable feline companions. In 2017, Quarto brought that dream to reality by opening Happy Cat Café.

Offering a warm atmosphere, a variety of drinks, and boasting visitors from as far as Italy and Chile, HHC offers visitors a tranquil setting where lasting memories can be made with feline friends, and often hosts events and workshops such as cat yoga, paint nights, and themed gatherings.

Adoption is an option for those visitors who find a special bond with a feline friend. Application forms for adoption can be found in the café’s cat room or they can call Fig and Friends directly to speak with Beukema.

Partnership with HCC has gone well, with the café running the business side—events, coffee and food, building maintenance, etc.—and Fig and Friends providing feline friends, volunteers for the cat room, food, litter, medical care, and facilitation of adoptions.

  • The Happy Cat Cafe has a variety of cat-themed products. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Happy Cat Cafe customers relax and unwind by visiting with the Fig and Friends cats. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • There is a lot of fun toys for both cats and adults. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
  • Volunteers take care of the area where the cats stay. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

Filling a need

Though Beukema is a librarian at Grand Rapids Public Library, she has been involved in pet rescue for approximately ten years, volunteering at local shelters and fostering animals in need.

Beukema started her own rescue after finding her viewpoint on how to do things differed from many of the local rescues. “I had my own philosophy on how to do things,” said Beukema. “And there is a huge need.”

Exhibiting compassion rather than judgement when animals are abandoned, Beukema understands that not every situation is black and white.

“There can be a lot of different circumstances why someone does something like that,” Beukema said. “I’m not excusing what they did but somebody must be pretty desperate to do something like that. The world is filled with a lot of grays, and nothing is black and white.”

Beukema admits that being a director of a pet rescue is not always easy.

“Rescue is hard,” said Beukema. “There’s a lot of stress, there’s a lot of high emotions.” Seeing animals hurt and sometimes beyond rescue is especially hard for Beukema. “It wears on me…but I have a really good support system of volunteers.”

The story of Ray

One difficult yet rewarding story came with Ray, an 8-month-old black and white cat who came to Beukema at at 6-weeks-old with ruptured eyes and in need of surgery to have his eyes removed.

Julie Beukema with Ray. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

Though completely blind, Ray is extremely social with the other cats and loves interacting with human visitors. “He is thriving here,” Beukema said with a smile.

Aware that times are difficult for everyone financially, Beukema offers information on affordable care for pets, one of them being CSNIP, a well-pet clinic that offers high-quality, reduced-cost veterinary care.

Beukema also urges community members to reach out and ask for help with their pets when they need it. “It never hurts to reach out and ask for help. We will do our best to help if we can.”

To learn more about Fig and Friends and/or donate, click here: Fig and Friends Pet Rescue

To learn more about Happy Cat Café and reserve time with feline friends, click here: Happy Cat Café

Financial Perspectives: How does long term care insurance work?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Finances, Health, Local Business, Senior Living

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

(Courtesy, Pxhere.com)

Understanding insurance can sometimes feel like you’re trying to decode a foreign language. But don’t worry! I’m here to help break down one type of insurance that’s important as we or our loved ones age – long term care insurance.

Starting with the basics, long term care insurance is designed to help cover the cost of services that assist with activities of daily living. These activities can include things like bathing, dressing, eating, or even moving around. The need for assistance with these activities could be due to aging, an illness, an accident, or a chronic condition.

It’s important to remember that long term care isn’t just provided in nursing homes. It can also be provided in your own home, in community centers, or assisted living facilities. In fact, a lot of folks prefer to receive care at home or in more home-like settings whenever possible.

Now, let’s get into how the insurance part works. When you purchase a long-term care insurance policy, you’ll pay a premium to the insurance company. This is usually a monthly or annual fee, just like with other types of insurance.

In return, if you need long term care services, the insurance company will pay a set amount towards your care. The amount they’ll pay and the types of services they’ll cover are outlined in your policy. Make sure you understand these details when you buy your policy!

One thing to note is that there is often an “elimination period,” or waiting period, before the insurance company starts to pay for your care. This could be anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on your policy. Think of it as a deductible, but instead of a dollar amount, it’s a period of time.

Also, just like most things in life, long term care insurance comes with limits. There might be a limit on how much the policy will pay per day, or there might be a total limit that the policy will pay over your lifetime. If the cost of your care goes over these limits, you’ll be responsible for paying the difference.

Here are a few tips about finding the right type of policy for your needs. 
Finding the right long-term care insurance policy is a very personal process that depends on many factors, such as your health, age, financial situation, and personal preferences.

  

Begin by evaluating your potential need for long-term care. Consider your current health status and family history. Do chronic or debilitating health conditions run in your family? What is your current lifestyle like? Are you physically active or do you have any habits that could affect your future health, like smoking or excessive drinking?

Next, consider your financial situation. The cost of long-term care insurance can be quite high, especially if you wait until you’re older to purchase a policy. Can you afford the premiums now, and will you be able to afford them in the future if they increase? Also, consider the other resources you might have to pay for long-term care, such as savings, investments, or family support. You may want to consult with a financial advisor to help you evaluate your situation.

Then, think about what kind of care you might want. Would you prefer to receive care at home for as long as possible, or are you open to receiving care in a facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility? The type of care you prefer can affect the kind of policy you should look for.

When comparing policies, pay close attention to the policy’s benefit triggers, which are the conditions that must be met for you to receive benefits. Most policies use a certain number of activities of daily living (ADLs) as a benefit trigger. The six ADLs are eating, bathing, getting dressed, toileting, transferring, and continence. Typically, if you need help with at least two ADLs, you qualify for benefits.

  

Finally, don’t rush your decision. Take your time to understand all the details of the policies you’re considering. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. A good insurance agent or broker who specializes in long-term care insurance can be a valuable resource in finding the right policy for you.

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.

250 Project: helping small business with passion to grow, support community

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business

By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor

The stated requirements to apply for admission to local small business incubator SpringGR’s 250 Project are deceptively simple: “entrepreneurs who are grossing annual sales of at least $100,000, have an additional employee besides themselves, and have been in business for two years.”

Jermale Eddie, Director of Business Growth at SpringGR and a local business owner of Malamiah Juice Bar in downtown Grand Rapids. (Supplied)

The program’s goals, however, are much deeper than simply helping small businesses grow from that $100,000 annual sales to $250,000. The goals are to lessen business inequity for owner/operators of color, to share successful business IQ and best practices with wider audiences, and to support the general community through the success of small businesses.

“The 250 Project was specifically designed for business owners of color,” said Jermale Eddie, director of business growth at SpringGR. “Several years ago, research was done around two questions: How many small businesses are there in the greater Grand Rapids Area grossing at least $250,000 annually? (And) How many of those are owned by people of color?

“The answer to that first question was over 11,000 small business. The answer to the second question was 70 or less than one percent. SpringGR decided to create a program to address the second question, so to walk alongside business owners of color who desire to grow their business to the $250,000 mark and beyond.”

The next 250 Project program, schedule for July, is currently accepting applications, with a deadline of June 23 and with a cost of participation of $250. Interested entrepreneurs can apply here.

Brian Chandler, CEO of Chandler Inspections in Rockford, and 250 Project alumni. (Supplied)

Passion for business, community

While there are some “business” requirements to fully utilize the 250 Project, a “passion” for their business and their community is also important.

“Of course, passion for their business product and/or service is a must,” Eddie said. But “one of the many attributes of many small businesses is that they tend to hire local, purchase products and ingredients locally and know many of their customers/clients on a first name basis. … Overall, I believe that entrepreneurship is very good for our community.”

Brian Chandler, CEO of Chandler Inspections and a 250 Project alumni, knows community interaction is key to his business.

“Chandler Inspections slogan is ‘preparing home buyers to become better home owners,’ in saying that we ensure all home buyers of the communities we service do exactly that,” Chandler said. “If it wasn’t for the realtors, lenders and most importantly the home buyers of the community there simply wouldn’t be a Chandler Inspections.”

Learning, mentoring for success

Eddie is not only focused on helping other small businesses through his work at SpringGR, he is also a local small business owner of Malamiah Juice Bar.

Raquel Lindsay, owner of Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Services in Grand Rapids, and 250 Project alumni. (Supplied)

“Being in business for almost 10 years has been a great vehicle for me to learn and experienced business ownership,” Eddie said. “When I started my business, I had to fend for myself as it applied to the ‘How To’s’ of starting a food/beverage business.

“SpringGR, as an organization, started shortly after I launched my business and over the years, they (now I can say WE) continue to evolve the various levels of programming to stay relevant with the needs of each entrepreneur who comes through the doors.”

Participants in 250 Project’s 6-month program will walk away with a three-year growth plan designed exclusively for their business. And for many, their business is impacted immediately.

“As a new business owner, SpringGR provided a foundation for me to build my business,” said Raquel Lindsay, owner of Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Services. “I learned a lot of basics, such as my ideal client, how to pitch, how to figure out my break even point, who my competitors are and my competitive edge.

“The 250 Project provided me the opportunity to meet with and network with businesses owners who are scaling their businesses and to participate in a CEO group that met regularly to hold one another accountable to the things we were learning.”

Chandler echos Lindsay’s assessment.

“The 250 project challenged and allowed myself and Chandler Inspections to truly think outside of the box and to fully maximize our services,” Chandler said. “If it weren’t for SpringGR, I would not have left my nine-to-five job as quickly and efficiently as I did.”

About SpringGR

Launched in 2014, SpringGR is an “entrepreneurial training program” in Grand Rapids which provides training, mentoring, and networking opportunities for “aspiring entrepreneurs from neighborhoods with few entrepreneurial opportunities to develop a thriving business,” according to supplied material. Since its launch in 2014, almost 900 participants have completed the program.

While the cost of participating in the 250 Project program is $250, SpringGR states that the program cost represents “only a portion” of the program’s tuition cost. The rest is subsidized by Spring GR and the DeVos Family Foundations, founded by members of the DeVos family. For more information on SpringGR visit here.

Good night for concerts in the park at Lamar

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation

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

Michael Hulett performs tonight’s Concerts in the Park. (Courtesy, Michael Hulett)

It will be the sweet sounds of jazz, pop and rock as Michael Hulett takes to the stage tonight for the City of Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park.

It will be the first concert of the season as last week’s performance, with Reverend Jesse Ray, was cancelled due to rain. That concert has been rescheduled for Aug. 15.

Hulett, who is considered one of the top solo performers in the country, is accomplished on 10 instruments including soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, oboe, flute, trumpet and even tuba. While the sounds from his instrumental renditions are rich, Hulett is also know for his voice which according to his site “reminds people of the stars from the past century of classic sounds.”

Having attended Georgia Southern University, where he studied music performance with an emphasis on jazz, Hulett also attended the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. While he does perform the classics of Louis Armstrong, he also is known for his interpretations of other performers who also served as his inspirations — Johnny Hartman, Marvin Gaye, and Billy Eckstine.

Heading to the show

Concerts in the Park starts at 6 p.m. with a pre-show and activities for all ages. Food trucks also will be on site. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

2023 Concerts of the Park schedule

June 27: Cabildo is a West Michigan-based alternative Latin rock collective that brings a unique blend of cambia, ska, folk, and other genres of music from Latin America.

July 11: Sarena Rae is a Grand Rapids based vocalist covering a variety of musical genres.

July 18: Klay N’ The Mud is a West Michigan-based cover band.

July 25: La Furia Del Ritmo will perform Latin music.

Aug. 1: The Soul Syndicate offers up classic soul, R&B and funk.

Aug. 8: Patty Pershayla & The Mayhaps features a former small-town pageant queen who has turned into a rock ’n’ roll powerhouse. 

Kentwood Welcomes Keyla Garcia as Finance Director

3-bottom, City of Kentwood
Keyla Garcia. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood has announced Keyla Garcia as its new finance director. 

In this role, Garcia will serve as the city’s chief financial officer and lead all aspects of the Finance Department’s functions and staff. This will include developing and administering budgets, overseeing all accounting work, managing audits and financial reporting, and overseeing purchasing, accounts payable and payroll functions. She also will lead employee retirement benefits administration, investing, risk management, debt administration, and financial planning and forecasting for the city.

Garcia began her new role with the city this week.

“We are delighted to welcome Keyla to the City of Kentwood,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “She brings a strong background in municipal finance to our organization that will greatly benefit our employees and community members. I look forward to working alongside Keyla as we continue our efforts to maintain our status as a fiscally responsible city.”

Extensive experience in municipal accounting

Garcia brings extensive experience in municipal accounting to the City of Kentwood. She has eight years of finance experience in municipalities, most recently as finance director and treasurer for the City of Hudsonville. As Hudsonville’s CFO and treasurer, she oversaw all aspects of finance and accounting for the city.

She worked collaboratively across departments on all budgeting, auditing and financial reporting projects and was actively involved in risk management for the city. She also briefly served as interim city manager during the City of Hudsonville’s search for a new city manager, managing the organization’s day-to-day operations.

Prior to her role as Hudsonville’s finance director, Garcia served as the city’s deputy finance director. Earlier in her career, she served the City of East Grand Rapids as deputy treasurer and accounting clerk. In these roles, she assisted with payroll, utility billing and rate analysis, tax and special assessment billings and other finance projects and reports.

“I’m honored to join the City of Kentwood as its finance director,” Garcia said. “I have long admired the City of Kentwood and its reputation as a fiscally responsible municipality and am excited to begin collaborating with all departments and elected officials to continue that legacy.”

  

Garcia holds a Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer distinction from the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association and a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager credential from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada.

She is active in the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada, Ottawa County Treasurers Association and Michigan Government Finance Officers Association.

She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ferris State University.

Succeeds Tom Chase, finance director for nearly 30 years

Garcia succeeds Tom Chase, who has served as the City of Kentwood’s finance director for nearly 30 years. Chase will stay on full time to assist with the transition through the beginning of September. At that time, he will move into a part-time role as pension plan administrator.

Guest column: Celebrating racial justice and equality on Juneteenth

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism

By Alaysia Hackett
U.S. Department of Labor

(Courtesy, U.S. Department of Labor)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas – home, at the time, to 250,000 enslaved Black people – and announced that the Civil War was over, slavery had ended, and Black people everywhere were free.

The raising of the Juneteenth flag is a symbol of solidarity and pride among Black Americans. The flag consists of a star representing freedom; a burst representing a “new beginning;” an arc representing a “new horizon;” and set in the colors of red, white and blue noting that enslaved people and their descendants were and are Americans. By celebrating Juneteenth and raising the flag, we honor the history, culture and achievements of Black Americans and their contributions to this country.

 

We honor Juneteenth as a day to celebrate the freedom and dignity of Black Americans who were enslaved for generations. It is also a day to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in our nation.

 

After the Union army captured New Orleans in 1862, slave owners in Confederate states moved to Texas with more than 150,000 enslaved Black people. For three years, even after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Black Americans in Texas remained in harsh bondage, unjustly and illegally denied their freedom and basic rights. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Lincoln declared all enslaved people free, Major General Gordon Granger and Union army troops marched to Galveston to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas.

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth as our newest federal holiday, thanks to bipartisan legislation signed by President Biden in 2021. We celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans who have fought for liberty and democracy throughout our history. We also recognize the work that remains to be done to fulfill our nation’s promise of equal rights for all.

 

At the Department of Labor, we are passionate about empowering the Black community. And we are helping to close the Black wealth gap by fostering a culture of inclusion, enhancing career opportunities, identifying and reducing race-based barriers to department services, and enforcing nondiscrimination policies.

The department also has three affinity groups focused on supporting Black employees: Black Attorney Advisory Council, Blacks In Government Department of Labor Chapter, and the Divine 9. In collaboration with the department’s diversity and inclusion branch, these employee resource groups work to create a sense of belonging for employees of color at the department and raise awareness to the entire department about the issues and concerns facing the Black community. Over the past year, these affinity groups launched a youth outreach and mentoring program and co-produced the department’s Job Shadow Day in February, specifically geared toward students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Our nation cannot ignore its most painful history. By acknowledging and understanding the more troubling aspects of our past, we can begin to forge a path toward a more just future. Juneteenth is an opportunity to learn from our history, celebrate our progress, and engage in the work that continues. We pledge to uphold the values of democracy and equality that our nation was founded upon and to ensure that every American can enjoy the full measure of freedom that Juneteenth represents.

To commemorate Juneteenth, several of our affinity groups, including those mentioned above, are organizing events and leading the charge to bring awareness to important issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

The importance of Juneteenth does not only impact the Black community. It is a day for all Americans to reflect on how far we have come as a nation. And it is also a day for us to look at the work we still must do to achieve true freedom and equality for all.

 

Please join me in observing this essential day of national commemoration and have a joyful Juneteenth.

Alaysia Black Hackett is the chief diversity and equity officer for the U.S. Department of Labor.

An orphaned chick leads to a story about acceptance

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Pets/Animals, Recreation

By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributor

Author Jean Davis with Kay-Kay and the book she wrote about Kay-Kay. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

Jean Davis is an author of science fiction, fantasy, horror and a children’s picture book about a chicken.

Davis’s passions for writing and raising chickens and ducks collided last year. The Holland resident had signed up to attend a festival to sell books, but one of her chickens wasn’t feeling well. She didn’t want to leave Millie alone so she packed up the ailing chicken, along with her books, and took her to the festival where she could keep an eye on her.

“I was surprised at people’s excitement at seeing a chicken,” Davis said. She added that one person told her it made their day to pet a chicken.

Before the book, you need a chicken with a good story

Davis realized having a chicken drew people to her booth and gave her an opportunity to talk about her books. Book sales increased.

Millie’s health improved but she wasn’t happy going to shows. Another chicken, Laya, was more social and Davis trained her to wear a harness and walk on a leash. She regularly accompanied Davis to her weekend gigs.

Several people asked Davis if Laya was a character in one her books.

“No, but it’s a good idea,” she would tell them.

But Laya didn’t have a story. “A good story needs conflict and Laya had a happy life. There was nothing to write about,” Davis explained.

The chick that needed a home

Kay-Kay is a Silkie, a breed of chicken named after its fluffy plumage that feels like silk. (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

The two-month-old chick had been hatched in an incubator. She was smaller than the other chicks and had a leg that didn’t develop properly. The healthy chickens in the flock picked on her, which is what chickens do.

But fate soon brought Davis a chicken with a story. Her niece saw a post on Craigslist regarding a disabled chicken who needed a home with someone experienced with handicapped chickens.

After a lengthy discussion with the owner, Davis agreed to give the chick a home. She was surprised at her size. “She fit in my hand. She was the same size as a one-day-old duck.”

She named the new family member Kay-Kay after her niece, Kaylee, who had brought the homeless chicken to her attention.

Kay-Kay is a Silkie, which is a breed of chicken named after its fluffy plumage that feels like silk. Silkie’s feathers don’t have “teeth” so they don’t weave together. Instead they are fluffy.

“It looks like a feather explosion on their head,” Davis said. She has to give Kay-Kay a haircut so people can see her eyes.

Silkies are cuddly, calm and love sitting on laps. They also interact well with people, which make Kay-Kay the perfect companion at shows.

A chicken who needed a chick

Kay-Kay arrival coincided with a chicken raising a duckling.

Davis lives in a residential area where roosters are not allowed due to their crowing. Therefore, she never has baby chicks. But it is okay to have male ducks since they aren’t noisy like a rooster.

One of her Silkies, Henifer, often gets “broody” meaning she wants to sit on eggs. When that happens, Davis puts duck eggs under her.

All is well until mama Henifer tries to teach her young hatchlings how to be chickens.

“Henifer gets frustrated raising ducks—they can’t jump or roost,” Davis said. They also won’t scratch in the dirt looking for food.

Henifer just happened to be raising a duckling when Kay-Kay arrived.  Davis put the chick under Henifer.

 

“She took her over like one of her own,” she said. “Henifer had a chick to raise and I finally had a chicken with a story.”

A story is hatched

Davis wrote a children’s book about how Kay-Kay found a new family that accepted her with her disability. Davis revived her watercolor skills, which had been shelved for 30 years, to illustrate the story.

(Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

Kay-Kay, The Littlest Chicken was released May 6 and is Davis’s 14th book.

Kay-Kay, who now weighs one pound, two ounces, accompanies Davis to her book events.

“It’s amazing how many people love chickens,” Davis said.

Kay-Kay, The Littlest Chicken can be bought on Amazon and other online retailers. In addition, it can be purchased at jeandavisauthor.com. Davis’s schedule is also on her website if you are interested in meeting her and Kay-Kay.

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.

Ford International Airport unveils newly expanded Concourse A

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, West Michigan,
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)
  • (© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone)

Phase 1 expansion features eight new gates to accommodate larger aircraft, new concession and retail concepts, a greater variety of seating options, and more.



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority announced the completion of Phase 1 of its newly expanded Concourse A, part of a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth.

Concourse A Phase I, which will open to the public June 16 and primarily serve guests flying American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, added:

  • Eight new gates for a total of 14
  • Expanded gate space areas to accommodate larger size aircraft
  • New concession and retail concepts
  • A greater variety of seating options
  • A new companion care restroom which includes an adult changing table

The expansion is part of the ELEVATE program, which is designating more than $500 million in critical infrastructure investments to improve the guest experience while positioning the Airport for continued growth. The Concourse A project created more than 125 new construction jobs and added more than 155,000 square feet of space to Michigan’s second largest airport.

“We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone in the monumental transformation of our state-of-the-art Concourse A,” said Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson. “This investment positions us for our anticipated passenger growth trajectory for the next two decades – and ensures we continue to deliver a world-class experience as West Michigan’s gateway to the world.”

Business partnerships

The Airport has partnered with several businesses on the expansion as part of its efforts for the concourse to reflect the look, feel and culture of West Michigan.

The Airport selected Paradies Lagardère as its partner to oversee the new concession and retail concepts in the new Concourse A extension that features many local businesses. New concession concepts include a beer garden known as Aletitude, Freddy’s, Uccello’s Ristorante, Blue Bridge Market space, which will feature local cuisine from Madcap Coffee Company and Nantucket Bakery, and a news and gifts stand called Thornapple Essentials.

To furnish the space, Haworth, MillerKnoll and Steelcase all supplied contemporary pieces to provide travelers with a greater variety of seating options.




Transitioning to Phase 2

The Airport will now transition to Phase 2 of the project, which will close the gates of the existing portion of Concourse A to undergo widening and renovations, add a second-level executive lounge and additional amenities for passengers. It is expected Phase 2 will be completed in 2024.

The new executive lounge on an elevated level overlooking Concourse A will cater to the needs of business travelers, putting the Airport on par with larger airports, including Chicago, Boston and Atlanta.

The Christman Company serves as general contractor for Concourse A, while Mead & Hunt is the design project manager and HKS is the architect of record. More than 30 West Michigan subcontractors brought their expertise and local suppliers to the project.

As it prepared to design the expansion, HKS led a visioning session with Airport stakeholders to ensure the principal concepts of community and the physical attributes of West Michigan were brought into the space. Architect Jorge Barrero likened the journey of walking the length of the new concourse to exploring West Michigan and its many offerings. 

Local artists played a key role in Concourse A’s design providing a sense of place and showcasing the strong regional talent. The extension will feature three art mediums, including custom terrazzo flooring, a suspended art installation and wall art. The four artists selected to feature permanent terrazzo designs include:

  • George Eberhardt III
  • Kim Nguyen
  • Maureen Nollette
  • Michael Pfleghaar


The suspended art installation and multiple wall art locations will be added to Concourse A during Phase 2.

“The Airport is the first view guests see when they come into town and the last moment they’ll remember when they leave so we worked hard to create a concourse that reflects the spirit of our community coupled with the hospitality we’re known for,” Richardson said. 

Plans for additional infrastructure improvements under the ELEVATE program also are underway, including:

  • The addition of a federal inspection station, or FIS, which will enable the Airport to offer nonstop international commercial passenger flights. This project was announced in August 2019, and the first phase – the addition of a new baggage claim area, restrooms and operations infrastructure – has been completed. These enhancements are being used for domestic flights until the full FIS project is complete.
  • The relocation of the current air traffic control tower, or ATCT, to make way for diverse terminal-area developments such as additional tenant hangars and more parking. The Airport selected a new site, which was reviewed and approved virtually by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2021 – the first-ever such virtual sighting of an ATCT. With the site plan complete, efforts now transition to the design phase in 2023.
  • A consolidated rental car facility, or CONRAC, with an enclosed walkway from the terminal that will offer additional transportation accommodations to travelers visiting West Michigan. This project broke ground in May 2023 with an expected completion date in 2025.
  • Additional parking capacity to accommodate increased guest traffic.
  • Proposed plans to expand the terminal to accommodate a new checked baggage inspection system, or CBIS, which will streamline the post-ticket counter journey for baggage, decrease processing time and increase capacity.

Thanks to support from U.S. DOT’s Airport Terminal Grant Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Airport received more than $8.6 million for the integration of eight new passenger boarding bridges on the newly designated gate spaces.

“This project would not have been made possible without the support of local, state and national leadership, as well as our airline partners,” Richardson said. “This is an exciting day for our community as we unveil the next generation of air travel in West Michigan.”

No local taxpayer dollars are being used to finance any of the projects included in the ELEVATE program, which will be paid for with a combination of federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the Airport and user fees.

Check out local talent Judah Guerra’s first WKTV podcast called Great Lakes Music

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, West Michigan, ,
Michigan State University percussion instructor Kevin Jones, left, and MSU jazz studies major Judah Guerra in the podcast room at WKTV. (WKTV/Cris Greer)



By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



Take a look at Michigan State University junior Judah Guerra’s first podcast he recently created at WKTV, “Great Lakes Music.”


As host of the new podcast, Guerra is interviewing and performing with professionals from all angles of the music scene in Michigan.


“This is a pursuit to learn more about what’s going on here in Michigan with music,” said Guerra, a bass and trombone player born and raised in Grand Rapids, a band leader of GR Groove and a jazz studies major at MSU.



Guerra studies under Michael Dease and Rodney Whitaker, “two of the most highly-regarded musicians in their fields today,” he said.


His first guest was MSU percussion instructor Kevin Jones, who has shared the stage or recorded with many musicians, including The Isley Brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bebe and Cece Winans, Walter Bishop Jr., Tommy Turentine, Joey DeFrancesco, Melvin Sparks, Art Blakey, and a whole bunch more.



For Debra, Care Resources has been a life-changer

3-bottom, Community Health, Health, Senior Living,

By Care Resources

As a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, Care Resources provides wraparound support services funded by Medicare and Medicaid to help people like Debra live a healthier and more independent life. (Courtesy, Care Resources)

Care Resources, a community-based program for people 55 years or older, enjoys being a lot of things to a lot of people, but for Debra, it transformed her life.

“I am,” she says with a hearty laugh, “a different person.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Debra, age 72, never knew her mother, who died while giving birth to her. She was raised by her father and a grandmother, staying in Illinois until she was about 20, working after graduating high school as a cashier in a grocery store.

She attended college for a couple of years, while simultaneously raising three children as a single mother. Her son and both daughters served in the United States armed services – the Army, Navy and Air Force, to be precise.

A self-described “people person,” Debra loved the give-and-take that came with working in retail jobs, and later, as a maid in hotels.

“I got to meet people from all over the world,” she recalls. “I so enjoyed listening to different languages being spoken.”

She moved to Michigan when her father purchased property here, moving to a small town outside of South Haven, where her children attended school and later launched their military careers.

After retiring and moving to Grand Rapids in 2019, she became ill with disorders she says were never properly diagnosed.

“I couldn’t really move hardly at all,” she says. “I couldn’t do anything for myself, and relied on my two daughters to wash me, to feed me.”

She suffered a bad fall from her bed, prompting her son-in-law – an employee at Care Resources – to insist she be seen by the organization’s medical team.

It was a transforming decision, giving her access to comprehensive health care services funded by Medicare and Medicaid.

“They came right to my house and did everything they had to do to assess me,” she said. “They got me a wheelchair. They got me a special bed.”

With these support services, Debra’s health improved markedly, to a point where she became able care for herself and control her daily affairs of living.

“I went from not walking, to a wheelchair, to a walker, to walking on my own,” she says proudly. “I did the therapy, the exercises – everything they told me to do.”

Today, she’s a regular at Care Resources’ headquarters on 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE in Grand Rapids, which features a day center, clinic and pharmacy. She boards the organization’s transportation bus to get there, and spends her time connecting with friends, playing Bingo, crafting and enjoying meals, among other activities.

Looking back, Debra credits Care Resources with putting her on the road to independence and keeping her in her own home rather than a nursing facility. That’s a hallmark of Care Resources, which provides medical care and a wide array of home health services to more than 300 participants in Kent County and portions of Allegan, Barry, Ionia and Ottawa counties.

“Did they change my life?” asks Debra. “They surely did! I was down and out and didn’t want to go anywhere or see anyone or do anything. But they wouldn’t let me stay down. They helped and encouraged me, cheered me up and never gave up on me.

“If it weren’t for them, I would not be walking today.”

Debra is still reeling from her first visit ever to Michigan’s Capitol building in Lansing, where she helped raise awareness of Care Resources as a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, organization. Debra was one of several participants who shared personal stories with legislators about the impact of PACE on their lives.

To other older adults in West Michigan seeking ways to improve their lives, she suggests they visit Care Resources and “just come watch what they do; they’re like little bees buzzing around because everyone is just so eager to help others.”

To learn more about Care Resources and PACE services, visit CareResources.org.

Harriet Stanaback celebrates 99th birthday at park she helped establish in Kentwood

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Recreation, West Michigan,
Harriet Stanaback (center) and two of her granddaughters look at the tree planted in her honor at a birthday celebration for Harriet Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr, Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



By Greg Chrapek

WKTV Contributor



Stanaback Park in Kentwood has been enjoyed by the community since officially opening in 2008 and it recently hosted a special 99th birthday party for Harriet Stanaback, who played a big role in the park becoming a reality for Kentwood residents.

Harriet’s late husband Kenneth purchased that land in 1958 and 10 years after his passing in 1988 Harriet donated the land to the city. After that donation Harriet continued working with the city staff to create park plans that would be an asset to the community and in 2008 that vision came to fruition as Kenneth Stanaback Park opened.





A jewel in the middle of Kentwood, Stanaback Park is a 33-acre park that includes open land, two playgrounds, a basketball court, pavilion, picnic tables and paved walking trails.

Since then, countless local residents have enjoyed the park as has Harriet who enjoys seeing the park grow and become a treasure for the community.

“It’s really grown,” Harriet said. “I like it because it’s absolutely free. Anybody can come over here and have a dinner if they want to. Bring your lunch and eat it in the cabin. I’ve done it myself.”


Harriet Stanaback and family members look at the plaque and tree planted in her honor while celebrating her 99th birthday Saturday at Stanaback Park in Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



Family and friends gathered Saturday afternoon at the park to celebrate Harriet’s 99th birthday. Harriet and her family also were able to see the tree that was planted along with a dedication plaque from the city of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department recognizing her and her late husband’s donation to the city.

My grandmother used to live over there two houses away,” said Harriet’s granddaughter Kelly Martinez. “They had 50 something acres. She decided she wanted to donate this part of the land from their property so that everybody could enjoy the woods. She used to walk through the woods every day after work. That was her favorite thing to do.



“She just wanted everybody to be able to enjoy nature the way that we grew up running through the woods as kids. The way that she walked and enjoyed the woods and she taught us so many things about the trees and the bugs and the plants and the flowers and everything. It was her desire that everybody could have that same type of experience that she gave to us her grandkids and that she’s also enjoyed all these years.”

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley also dropped in on the festivities to wish Harriet a happy birthday and thank her again on behalf of the city and the residents for her generous gift that has brought so much joy to others.

“This is a beautiful, beautiful park and we are so thankful for the family for donating this land back in 1998,” said Mayor Kepley. “It’s a beautiful sight. I was just talking to some of the family members that have memories of growing up here and enjoying the woods, enjoying the creeks, making mud pies. The blessing is so many more people can enjoy this land because of their gift.”

Harriet’s younger brother, Ron VanDam, 86, of Cutlerville, also was on hand to share the day with his older sister and has plenty of fond memories of the land.


Harriet Stanaback (middle) and her brother Ron VanDam and his wife Mary pose for a photo at Harriet’s 99th birthday party Saturday at Stanaback Park, 3717 Whitebud Dr., Kentwood. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)



“I love it,” VanDam said. “We come here just to walk around and that’s what it’s for. It’s neat to have a greenspace where the deer can live and all the other wild animals.”  

Kentwood residents who were visiting the park Saturday took time out to share their appreciation with Harriet as well including Kyle White who was at the park to get some basketball in on the basketball court.


“It’s been more of a comfort zone for us,” White said. “We kind of just come here to meet up with friends. We’ve played here for the past 15 years so it’s been kind of a consistent thing. This park has just been home for us. Miss Stanaback, her life means so much to us, we meet here to have get togethers. This park is home to us. It’s a great appreciation. It’s one of the underlying things that we have in Kentwood. The parks make a big difference in how our community interacts and basketball has been one of them.”





Kentwood has some 16 parks and nature trails and Stanaback Park has taken its place as a special park in the city since opening in 2008 with its heavily wooded acres along with rolling hills and ravines. The park has over 5,000 feet of paved trails that wind through the hills and trees. 

Financial Perspective: What is assisted living

3-bottom, Community Health, Finances, Kent County, Local Business, Senior Living, ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

(Courtesy, Pxhere.com)

Assisted living is a type of housing option for seniors or disabled individuals who need help with daily activities but still want to maintain some level of independence. It’s a middle ground between independent living (such as in a private home or senior apartments) and more intensive care services like those found in a nursing home.

Assisted living facilities typically offer a range of services to support residents, including:

  1. Personal Care: Staff members are available to help with personal needs like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
  2. Medication Management: Assistance with taking the correct medications at the right times.
  3. Meals: Facilities typically provide three meals a day tailored to the dietary needs of their residents.
  4. Housekeeping and Laundry: Regular cleaning and laundry services are often included.
  5. Social Activities and Recreation: Assisted living facilities often have a full schedule of activities and events to keep residents active and engaged. These might include fitness classes, arts and crafts, games, movie nights, and outings.
  6. Transportation: Scheduled transportation services may be provided for shopping, appointments, and outings.
  7. Healthcare Services: While not a replacement for a full-time medical facility, assisted living communities often have healthcare professionals on-site or on-call.
  8. Security: To ensure residents’ safety, assisted living facilities typically have security features such as 24-hour staff, emergency call systems, and safe, walkable areas.

In an assisted living facility, each resident typically has their own apartment or room, and common areas are shared. The goal of assisted living is to provide a supportive living environment where seniors can maintain a level of independence, while also receiving the personal care and support they need.

Please note that rules, regulations, and services provided can vary widely from one facility to another and from state to state. Some facilities may offer more advanced medical care, while others may focus more on providing a social and community environment. It’s important to research and visit facilities in person to determine the best fit for individual needs and preferences. 

Finding the right assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one involves careful research and planning. Here are some steps to guide you through the process.

First, evaluate the level of care that you or your loved one requires. This could be based on a variety of needs such as medical conditions, mobility, dietary needs, and personal care needs.

Next, begin doing online research to find assisted living facilities in the desired location. There are many websites and online directories where you can find information about different facilities. You can usually filter by location, services provided, cost, and more.

In addition to online research, contacting local health departments or agencies on aging could prove useful. These organizations often have resources that can help you navigate the process of finding an assisted living facility. They may also have knowledge of financial assistance programs.

After you have identified potential facilities, the next step is to schedule a visit. During your visit, pay attention to the environment, the staff, and the residents. This can give you an idea of what daily life is like at the facility.

Checking the facility’s safety and quality standards is another important step. This might involve looking into state inspection records, any violation histories, or any complaints made against the facility.

Lastly, cost is a significant consideration when choosing an assisted living facility. Make sure to understand what is included in the cost, and if there might be any additional charges for specific services.

Remember, choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision. Take your time to research and visit multiple facilities, and always ask any questions you may have to make sure you’re making the best choice for you or your loved one’s needs.

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.

Kentwood free summer concerts begin with Azz-Izz Band Thursday, June 15 and Wity Sound Band, June 22

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Entertainment, West Michigan, ,
The Azz-Izz Band has been playing local gigs for more than three decades, and still brings it. (Courtesy, Azz-Izz Band)



By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor



Kentwood prides itself on being a city of energetic, multi-cultural residents and visitors, so what would you expect from the Kentwood Summer Concert Series but a kickoff month with bands bringing some savory rhythm and blues, and a taste of Latin love.

The Azz-Izz Band, led by vocalist Darrick Pearson, but including a stage load of local R&B+ talent, will open the free admission outdoor series on Thursday, June 15, starting at 7 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.


Then get your Latin dance party pants on Thursday, June 22, when the Wity Sound Band hits the stage to continue a series running almost every Thursday evening through Aug. 10.


The Wity Sound Band includes as many as eight musicians and singers, and plays a wide range of Latin, Cuban and American music with Latin beats. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)



The remaining lineup includes Cabildo on June 29, Chicago Farmer and the Fieldnotes, July 13, Good Morning Bedlam, July 20, Big Band Nouveau, July 27, Brena, Aug. 3, and RocknSoul in the series finale on Aug. 10.


More details on the entire lineup are available on a City of Kentwood webpage here. WKTV Community Media will again partner with the City to bring the concert series to the public, with details on live community cable and on-demand replays also available on the city’s webpage.



The public is invited to bring their blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to the concerts, which run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and a variety of food truck fare is available prior and during. Concertgoers also are welcomed to bring their own beer or wine to the show.

Check out the Kentwood Farmers Market beforehand

Come early and visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday in the parking lot behind Kentwood City Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.



Bringing local talent to local audiences

The Azz-Izz Band is a “6-piece, energetic dance band performing top hits from R&B, funk, MoTown and pop music,” according to a band spokesperson. The group, which plays throughout West Michigan, has been under the leadership of Pearson for more than 35 years. Featured performers include Pearson on percussion and vocals, James Bates on vocals, Kevin Gillespie on bass, Will McNeil on guitar, Billy Gregory on keyboards and Mark Barnes on saxophone.

For more information on the band, visit their Facebook page here.

Wity Sound Band

While the Azz-Izz band has a long history of bringing their sounds to local audiences, the Wity Sound Band is fairly new to the area, but delivering their hot Latin sounds in a big way.

“The Wity Sound Band is me and my band, eight musicians from Cuba and Mexico,” band leader and keyboardist Wity Zaldívar said to WKTV. “We will be playing Latin music, like Salsa, merengue, bachata, Cuban traditional music and a mix of American music with Latin sounds.



The Wity Sound Band is led by keyboardist Wity Zaldívar. (Courtesy, Wity Sound Band)



“This is a new concept in Grand Rapids, and we hope the audience will enjoy our performance. This will be our first time playing at this summer concerts and hope not the last.”

The Wity Sound Band is already well known on the local Latin dance and club scene. For more information on the band, visit Wity’s Facebook page here.


Faith Hospice opens new healing pavilion

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Kent County, Senior Living

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

In May, Faith Hospice, Holland Home’s hospice division, opened the doors to the Van Andel Hope & Healing Pavilion, which is located in the lower lever of Trillium Woods, in Byron Center.

The Van Andel Hope & Healing Pavilion opened in May. (Courtesy, Faith Hospice)

The project was completed due to the support of the Van Andel family with leadership of Amy Van Andel, a former Faith Hospice nurse.

The project allows all Faith Hospice staff and volunteers to work together under one roof and meets the growing needs for bereavement services for the families Faith Hospice serves across West Michigan.

Key features of the new facility include:

Grief Support Center

This new center will provide private and individual grief counseling as well as comfortable group and family counseling and gatherings. The center will allow space for comforting those struggling with the trauma of loss as well as space for community seminars and education.

Hospice Training & Education Lab

This training facility will create a Hospice Patient Care space to train staff and volunteers through role playing and skills testing, allowing for an enhanced care experience for patients and their loved ones.

Consolidated Office Space & Staff Renewal Area

Bringing all Faith Hospice staff under one roof will allow for better collaboration when caring for patients, whether they are inpatient at Trillium Woods or living in the community. The space includes an area for staff and volunteer respite and renewal.

“The Van Andel family are great friends of the organization, starting with Jay and Betty,” said Holland Home President and Chief Executive Officer Troy Vugteveen. “The Van Andel Hope and Healing Pavilion will continue to honor their parents and carry on the tradition to provide shelter to the hearts of those grieving. We are so grateful for Steve and Amy Van Andel and the blessing they continue to be.”

Built in 2006, Trillium Woods, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive S.W, offers 20 private rooms and a peaceful, family-centered atmosphere with 24/7 medical care. The organization had only utilized the upper floor of the two-level walkout building for its inpatient care with the intent of using the lower level for additional education and administrative use. 

The Inspiration

The inspiration for the center came from Faith Hospice Bereavement Manager Janet Jaymin and NFL official and West Michigan resident Carl Paganelli. After Janet walked with Carl on his grief journey following the death of his wife, Cathy, in 2016. Carl’s and Janet’s mission was to create a peaceful, private environment for those grieving as they seek grief counseling. Amy Van Andel, Nancy Erhardt and the late Dan Pfeiffer joined as campaign co-chairs and successfully completed a $2 million fundraising campaign to create this much-needed grief support and bereavement center.

A counseling room in the new Van Andel Hope & Healing (Courtesy, Faith Hospice)

“Walking alongside loved ones after they’ve experienced loss is such an important part of the hospice experience,” said Amy Van Andel. “We hope that having a facility dedicated to those who are grieving that offers resources to guide them on their journey will help families begin to heal and feel hope for the future.”

The Van Andel name is a continuation of the family’s involvement with Holland Home, which dates back to 1998 when the Van Andel Pavilion was constructed at Holland Home’s former Fulton Manor location. Funds for that facility were donated in honor of the late Betty Van Andel. Transferring the name from the former Fulton location was a natural fit for the family, allowing them to continue to honor their parents’ legacy.
  

UM Health-West expands two programs

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

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

UMH-West staff, Wayland City officials and Kasco Construction Services representatives at the site of the new Wayland Center. (Courtesy, UMH-West)
UMH-West staff and city officials signed the beam before it was placed. (Courtesy, UMH-West)

University of Michigan Health-West has had two landmark events happen in the last past couple of weeks — the nonprofit health system hosted a beam-topping celebration for is new Wayland Health Center and received about $3.1 million in gifts for its cardiovascular care and advanced open-heart surgery program.

On June 5, University of Michigan Health-West staff, Wayland city leaders and Kasco Construction Services representatives participated in a final beam-topping celebration for the new UM Health-West Wayland Health Center, located at 1113 West Superior St., Wayland.

The center, which is scheduled to open in May of 2024, will be more than 75 percent larger than the current office, encompassing 17,300 square feet. The new building also includes future expansion capabilities of 5,230 square feet.

The second building to be designed and constructed in UMH-West’s new image, closely following the Allendale Health Center, the Wayland center will have 39 exam/procedure rooms, which is 20 more than the current facility and 115 parking spaces, which is 42 more than the current facility. The expansion will allow UM Health-West to add primary care and specialty providers to meet the needs of the region’s growing population.

Gift to Cardiovascular Care

At the end of May, UMH-West officials announced a group of community leaders has invested in the health of West Michigan with gifts totaling $3.1 million, opening a new era of cardiovascular care and advanced open-heart surgery.

Peter Hahn, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Metro Health – University of Michigan Health (Supplied)

The gifts collectively are among the largest the nonprofit health system has ever received. Contributions have come from a group of West Michigan leaders, including UM Health-West Foundation emeritus board member Stephen Klotz and family, and a transformational gift from the Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation.

“This is a landmark moment in the lives of heart patients for generations to come,” said Dr. Peter Hahn, UMH-West president and CEO. “A new era of cardiovascular care begins today, thanks to a group of people who have invested in making West Michigan a vibrant and thriving community.”

UM Health-West launched the state’s newest open-heart surgery program in 2022 at its hospital in Wyoming through the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan. That joint operating agreement forms a regionwide clinical team with Trinity Health in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, while also drawing on more than 125 years of cardiovascular leadership at UM’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor.

“West Michigan patients now have even greater local access to leading heart experts, researchers and surgeons – and that’s just the beginning. We know that there are more exciting advancements ahead,” said Steve Van Andel, who also serves as chairman of the UM Health-West board of directors. “Amy and I are so proud to support UM Health-West’s mission to provide innovative treatment options and excellent care right here in our hometown.”

Hahn noted the launch of the open-heart surgery program opens the door to even more advanced cardiovascular care and paves the way for future breakthroughs.

“We are building a region-leading cardiovascular program, a destination for people seeking the best options in their fight against heart disease,” Hahn said. “This gift brings that better future within reach.”

“Before open-heart surgery began at UM Health-West, Grand Rapids was the state’s largest market limited to a single option for open-heart surgery,” said UM Health-West Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Grifka.

“Thanks to the support of the Van Andels and other forward-thinking donors, the people of Grand Rapids now have choice,” Grifka said. “That’s important, because not only is heart disease the No. 1 cause of death, it’s also a leading driver of healthcare cost. With choice and increased local access to world-class care, we help keep care local and expenses down. That’s good for everyone.”

The gifts were announced at the UM Health-West Foundation’s annual fundraising gala, Vitality, which this year emphasized support for the system’s growing cardiovascular programs.

Walk, bike, or share rides during Active Commute Week

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Kent County,

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

Area residents are encouraged to bike, walk or share rides ruing Active Commute Week. (Pxhere.com)

Active Commute Week is underway in the Grand Rapids area with commuters having the opportunity to set up an account to log all “green” trips for a chance to win prizes.

Running through Thursday, June 15, Active Commute Week is hosted by The Rapid’s West Michigan Rideshare in partnership with the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. The week-long event aims to promote positive changes in individual commuting habits within the community. Through friendly competition, participants are encouraged to embrace greener methods of transportation, such as taking the bus, walking, running and cycling to improve the environment and support a healthy lifestyle.

Commuters may set up an account with the option to join a team or register as an individual to log all “green” trips throughout the week for a chance to win prizes. These trips can be anything from biking to work, riding the bus to the grocery store, or carpooling to lunch. From the account portal, commuters will be able to monitor their reduction in carbon footprint to watch their real-time environmental impact.

The Rapid will host a variety of events from food trucks to free bike repairs with it all culminating in a community celebration set for Friday, June 16 from 4 – 4 p.m. The community celebration will be on the second floor of the Rapid Central Station and include a reward ceremony for the top commuters. There also will be a chance to win raffle prizes, enjoy beer from Brewery Vivant, pizza from Peppino’s, mingle with the active commuters, and enjoy artwork from students around the community.

All activities will be held around the Rapid Central station, 250 Ceasar E. Chavez Ave. SW.

June 12

8 a.m. – 7 p.m El Jalapeño food truck

4 – 7 p.m. Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition

June 13

8 a.m. – 7 p.m El Jalapeño food truck

4 – 7 p.m. Upcycle Bikes (free bike repairs)

June 14

4 – 7 p.m. Upcycle Bikes (free bike repairs)

June 15

8 a.m. – 7 p.m. El Jalapeño food truck 

8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Pedego Electric Bikes

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tony’s Taco Mobile 

2 – 6 p.m. King Possum (live band) 

4 – 7 p.m. Upcycle Bikes (free bike repairs) 

4 – 7 p.m. Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition 

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks 


Cancelled: It will be a rockin’ start to the Wyoming Concerts in the Park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation, , ,

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

EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to rain, the Concerts in the Park with Reverend Jesse Ray has been rescheduled for Aug. 15.

Jesse Ray Cahue, a.k.a. Reverend Jesse Ray, performs Tuesday, June 13, at Lamar Park. (Courtesy, Reverend Jesse Ray)

“Prepare to rock ’n’ roll’ said Jesse Ray Cahue of Wyoming’s first Concerts in the Park for the 2023 summer season.

Set for Tuesday, June 13, Cahue will take the stage as Reverend Jesse Ray at the free event at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

“It’s all about having a good time,” said Cahue, who makes his debut at the Concerts in the Park on Tuesday. “I grab that electric guitar, tap out on my foot drums and perform a lot of danceable music. It features blues, swing, and rockabiliy. It’s about having fun and bringing the rock ’n’ roll.”

Cahue picked up a guitar at the age of 12 when his “Gumpy” bought his first six-string. Cahue then began playing open mic nights with his mama at his side to gain him entry into the bars. In 2013, Cahue formed Jesse Ray and The Carolina Catfish, which received a nomination for Best Roots/Americana Album at the 23rd Jammie Awards, presented by Grand Rapids radio station WYCE.

Expanding and growing

Looking for new and creative musical opportunities, Cahue developed Reverend Jesse Ray as a one-band blues and rock act. He is equipped with guitar, amplified harmonica, foot drums, and a voice that takes the audience back to the golden age of recorded music.

“Reverend Jesse first appeared as the opener for Rachael Brook at a Grand Rapids Art Museum outdoor concert,” Jesse said. “My band, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, was supposed to be my creative outlet but it has morphed into its own thing which is great.

“Through the Reverend Jesse act, I am able to do more things, such as original songs as well as pieces that may not quite have fit with the band, and pursue more performing opportunities.”

Some might be familiar with the Reverend Jesse Ray as he is a regular performer at the Tip Top Bar, located in downtown Grand Rapids.

Cahue said he looks forward to checking out the City of Wyoming and rocking out with attendees at Lamar Park.

Heading to the show

Concerts in the Park starts at 6 p.m. with a pre-show and activities for all ages. Food trucks also will be on site. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

All of the Concerts in the Park are recorded by WKTV Community Media and aired on Comcast 24 and streamed at wktv.org. Air times are 5 p.m. Wednesdays, and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturdays.

2023 Concerts of the Park schedule

June 20: Michael Hulett is a musician and vocalist who performs a variety of music such as jazz, R&B, pop, rock, and a sprinkling of country music.

June 27: Cabildo is a West Michigan-based alternative Latin rock collective that brings a unique blend of cambia, ska, folk, and other genres of music from Latin America.

July 11: Sarena Rae is a Grand Rapids based vocalist covering a variety of musical genres.

July 18: Klay N’ The Mud is a West Michigan-based cover band.

July 25: La Furia Del Ritmo will perform Latin music.

Aug. 1: The Soul Syndicate offers up classic soul, R&B and funk.

Aug. 8: Patty Pershayla & The Mayhaps features a former small-town pageant queen who has turned into a rock ’n’ roll powerhouse. 

Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series kick off on June 15

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



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series will return for the 2023 season on June 15.

The Farmers Market will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from June 15 through Sept. 7 behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The Summer Concert Series takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on select Thursdays on the lawn behind City Hall.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“We’re looking forward to connecting with community members as they join us to shop local goods and enjoy the sounds of local music,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you’re looking to find fresh produce or your new favorite band, the Kentwood Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series have something for everyone to enjoy.”

The Farmers Market will provide a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more. It will feature 20+ local vendors and include special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

Community members will have the opportunity to enjoy this year’s Summer Concert Series featuring eight local music groups on the following dates:

  • June 15
  • June 22
  • June 29
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • July 27
  • Aug. 3
  • Aug. 10



Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring their own food, beer and wine to enjoy during the show. Food trucks also will be on-site each week with food and drinks available for purchase.

Here’s the full lineup of the free activities, food trucks and concerts:

  • June 15: Opening day celebration featuring Patty Matters, Street Chef Shaw, Kool Breeze and Kona Ice food trucks as well as the Azz-Izz Band concert at 7 p.m., playing old-school, new pop, Motown and funk.
  • June 22: El Jalapeño, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Taste of Toya’s World and Dolce Maria food trucks and Wity Sound Band concert at 7 p.m., performing a fusion of salsa, Cuban timba, rock ’n’ roll and American music.
  • June 29: Around Baking Company, Let’z Taco Bout It, Street Frites and Semifreddo food trucks; Cabildo concert at 7 p.m., playing a blend of cumbia, Ska, folk and other genres of music from Latin and South America.
  • July 6: Bike Day featuring bike vendors and a group bike ride to Railtown Brewing. Food trucks include Street Chef Shaw and Semifreddo.
  • July 13: El Jalapeño, Taste of Toya’s World, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze food trucks and Chicago Farmer and the Field Notesconcert at 7 p.m., performing gritty country rock and folk.
  • July 20: Falafel Truck, Let’z Taco Bout It, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Skinny Kenny’s BBQ and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks and Good Morning Bedlam concert at 7 p.m., playing high-energy folk music.
  • July 27: Around Baking Company, El Jalapeno, Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks and Big Band Nouveau concert at 7 p.m., performing modern jazz in a full big band orchestra.
  • Aug. 3: Patty Matters, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Falafel Truck, Street Chef Shaw and Kona Ice food trucks andBrena concert at 7 p.m., playing oldies, Top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
  • Aug. 10: National Farmers Market Week celebration featuring a food demonstration and food samples, Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck, Kool Breeze and Dolce Maria food trucks and RocknSoulconcert at 7 p.m. performing a mix of songs from the 60’s to current hits.
  • Aug. 17: Kids Day featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo, kids crafts and activities and Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian Ice food trucks.
  • Aug. 24: Dog Days of Summer featuring dog vendors and adoptions and Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo food trucks.
  • Aug. 31: Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients, and El Jalapeño and Dune Buggy food trucks.
  • Sept. 7: End of season celebration with food demos and samples and Patty Matters and Semifreddo food trucks.

Parking will be limited at both City Hall and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. Residents can find additional parking options at the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma SE; Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Road SE; and street parking in nearby neighborhoods. 



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



The Kentwood Farmers Market still has a few openings for vendors and volunteers. Individuals who are interested can learn more and apply at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.

There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the events. A  detour map is available at kentwood.us/52ndStDetour.

Additional information about the Kentwood Farmers Market can be found at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com. To learn more about the Summer Concert Series, visit kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

West Michigan manufacturing indicators swing positive in May

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business

By Chris Knape
Grand Valley State University

Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU

May’s survey of purchasing managers shows the West Michigan economy continuing to slow at a measured pace as key indices continued a month-to-month yo-yo pattern signaling uncertainty – and reason for optimism.

The Current Business Trends Report, authored by Brian Long, director of supply management research for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University, included upticks in areas like sales, output, employment and purchases in May after flat or lower results in April.

“Since we instituted this survey many years ago we’ve seen our numbers bounce around, and this month our bounce was to the upside,” Long said. “Our index of new orders came in much stronger than expected. But of course, one month does not make a trend. So when we add up June at the end of the month, the numbers we get may be a little bit less robust.”

Office furniture makers continue to report soft market conditions – though no major layoff announcements have been made. Meanwhile, automotive parts suppliers remain steady with backlogs and upside potential thanks to “reshoring” – or bringing manufacturing of certain parts that had been made overseas back to U.S.-based suppliers.

“This is where I think West Michigan is well positioned to pick up some additional business.” Long said. “The problem is, of course, reshoring in the industrial market takes time to identify and qualify new sources so it won’t happen overnight.”

Here’s a look at the key index results from May’s survey of West Michigan manufacturers:

  • New orders index (business improvement): +19  versus +0 in April
  • Production index (output): +13 versus +5 in April
  • Employment index: +13 versus +3 in April
  • Lead times index: +2 versus +3 in April



More information about the survey and an archive of past surveys are available on Seidman’s website.

Sounds of Summer expands to include July and August

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation

By Adam Brown
WKTV Contributor

Sounds of Summer will expand its offerings, providing music in July at Cutler Park and in August at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park. (Courtesy, Patty Williams)

With increased attendance, this summer the Sounds of Summer will be expanding and returning to where it all started.

The free community concert series, sponsored by Byron Township and presented by P. Williams Productions and LW Studios, will expand into August from its traditional July schedule. All the July performances will be at Cutler Park, in Cutlerville, with the August performances at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park, which is where the series started in 2008.

 

Patty Williams, from P. Williams Production, said the expansion is a result of the event being hit with the public. The 2022 series drew more than 2,000 visitors to listen to a wide variety of bands.

“They know how to put on a very entertaining show,” Williams added, speaking of the bands performing and the production team behind them.

What music will I hear at Sounds of Summer?

Every Thursday at 7 p.m., listeners can gather in Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW, in July and Bicentennial Park in August to enjoy a night of music, games, and refreshments. Aiming to be inclusive for all crowds, the series features trivia games, CD giveaways, and catering by local vendors in addition to the bands.

The 2023 Series opens on July 6 at Cutler Park with a wide array of musical talent. This year’s Cutler Park lineup includes:

The Soul Syndicate will perform July 27 at Cutler Park. (Supplied by the band)

July 6: Azz Izz Band – With decades of experience, this group takes on blues, country, soul, and rock hits.

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.

What Else is a Part of Sounds of Summer?

Sounds of Summer aims to provide a rewarding recreational experience in addition to the concerts, Williams said.

Cutler Park features a playground to keep the younger crowd entertained, as well as a walking path for exercise or dancing along to the music. The only things listeners need to bring are blankets, lawn chairs, and a listening ear. Hungry? Pick up a hot dog from the cart operated by Juicy Wieners. If Juicy Wieners aren’t your style, pork sandwiches also will be provided at this year’s event.

More information

P. Williams Productions tapes each concert, which are rebroadcasted on WKTV throughout the summer. This year’s series incorporates a new and expanded sound system.

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

How does an insurance company invest your premiums?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Local Business, ,

By Dave Stanley
Integrity Financial Service, LLC

(Courtesy, Pxhere.com)

Insurance companies play a crucial role in our society, providing individuals and businesses with financial protection against unexpected losses. To do this, insurance companies collect premiums from policyholders. But what happens to your premium once it is paid to the insurance company?

Insurance companies don’t just store your premiums in a giant safe until they’re needed to pay claims. Instead, they put these funds to work by investing them. This practice is vital to insurance companies for several reasons.

Let’s break it down. When you pay a premium for an insurance policy, the insurance company pools your premium together with those paid by other policyholders. The pooling of premiums is the first step that allows the insurance company to spread out the risk of potential claims among many policyholders.

Now, these pooled premiums form a large amount of money known as a reserve. This reserve is there to ensure that the insurance company has enough money to pay out if a policyholder files a claim. But while this money is sitting in the reserve, the insurance company doesn’t just let it idle. They invest this money to generate income and to increase the value of the reserve.

Investment income helps to keep the insurance premiums lower than they would be otherwise. Without the income from investments, insurance companies would need to charge much higher premiums to maintain their financial stability and be able to pay claims.

So, how does an insurance company invest your premiums? They typically follow a conservative investment strategy because it’s essential to maintain the ability to pay claims even in unfavorable market conditions.

The investments of insurance companies are usually in the form of bonds, especially government and high-quality corporate bonds. Bonds are chosen because they are relatively safe compared to other types of investments and provide a steady income in the form of interest. Some part of their investments might also be in real estate, mortgages, and stocks, but these usually represent a smaller portion of the investment portfolio because they come with higher risk.

The specific rules and regulations about how insurance companies can invest their funds vary from state to state and are overseen by the state’s department of insurance in which the company is domiciled. These regulations are in place to ensure that insurance companies are not taking excessive risks with the premiums they have collected.

Insurance premiums are not just used to pay claims. Instead, they are carefully invested to earn income, helping the insurance company to remain financially stable and to keep premiums affordable. This prudent financial management is essential to ensure that the insurance company can honor its commitment to policyholders even in the face of large or unexpected claims.

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.

Support, strategies for a ‘good death’

3-bottom, Senior Living, ,

By Emmanuel Hospice

At Emmanuel Hospice, helping someone have a “good death” is about delivering comfort and care that aligns with the unique needs and wishes expressed by each patient and their loved ones at the end of life. (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice/iStock)

Not everyone is comfortable with the term, but at Emmanuel Hospice, professional caregivers are increasingly leaning on the concept of a “good death,” and gently sharing with their patients how embracing it can help them transition from this world to the next.

“There’s no one definition for it, but in virtually every case, it has to do with paying attention to a person’s goals at the end of life,” says Eleazar “Ellie” Lopez, a spiritual caregiver at Emmanuel Hospice. “What do you want and how can we help? How can we deliver that comfort and care?”

Relatively speaking, a “good death” is a fairly new term that is understood in different ways across various places and cultures. Some experts tend to agree it should focus on a death free from avoidable distress and suffering, a hallmark of hospice care in general. There also is consensus a good death aligns with needs and wishes expressed by patients and their loved ones.

“It can be different, though, for each person,” Lopez points out. “For me, I would make sure I’d apologize to people I may have hurt during my life. And I’d want to make sure my family was with me. So, it would be about reconciliation and relationships.”

Lopez recalls that just last month, he counseled a woman who was having issues with her children, and asked, “How can we make the most of this Mother’s Day?” because it was possible she would not be alive to celebrate another.

Lopez believes one of the best ways to dignify people and help them have a good death is to listen to their stories – and be aware of how those stories connect us to one another and celebrate both our differences and commonalities.

“Each life is a story worth telling,” he says, “and each experience helps make that story special to that individual. So, you listen, and I believe listening is what I’m good at. When a person passes, their stories are now my stories, and I have them in me.”

Lopez brings a unique perspective to his job. He labored for many years in the restaurant industry, as well as in a heat-treatment facility. He’s been employed at Emmanuel for just under two years.

He’s generous with his time and gifts, aware that when he visits a hospital or retirement community, a complete stranger might summon him to their bedside upon discovering the role he plays: “I might pray with several people in a day whom I wasn’t there to visit.”

In taking time for patients, Lopez believes he’s helping people create that good death because someone is acknowledging thoughts and feelings that can assist them in moving forward in a positive way on what is arguably a difficult journey.

“Their goals become my goals,” he says. “I support them in the moment, and where they are in that moment. I want to offer quality over quantity of life. At Emmanuel, it’s what we do. It’s who we are.”

For more information, visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

Kentwood kicks off Summer this Saturday, June 10, with Food Truck Festival: live music, food trucks and beer tent

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Food, Local Food, West Michigan,
Photo from a previous Food Truck Festival. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org


The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will once again celebrate the start of summer with the annual Food Truck Festival.

The Kentwood Food Truck Festival is set for Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The popular community event offers free admission and features more than 25 food trucks, live music, beer and community booths for attendees to explore. Another food truck festival will celebrate the end of the summer season on Sept. 9.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



A wide variety of cuisines will be available at the June event, with trucks offering barbecue, burritos, baked goods and more. Whether you’re searching for a savory snack, satisfying meal or sweet treat, the festival has options for every appetite. Entry to the festival is free, and cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with this community-favorite event,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “The City of Kentwood, GR8 Food Trucks and our vendors and musicians are looking forward to sharing local flavors and sounds with the community.”

Food trucks participating in this year’s event include:

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with Kathleen and the Bridge Street Band, followed by DJ Snax, Kitten and the Tonics and One World Island Band. A beer tent featuring local craft beer favorites will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



“Food trucks enable community members to spend time outside while supporting talented local food vendors,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival gives residents an opportunity to build connections while enjoying delicious food.”

This year’s diamond sponsors are NN Mobile Solutions and Macatawa Bank.

There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the event. A  detour map and  parking map are available on the City of Kentwood’s website.

Volunteers are needed for the event. Find more information about the Kentwood Food Truck Festival and sign up to volunteer at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival.



(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

Groundbreaking ceremony held for new behavioral hospital in Byron Center

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Kent County, Local Business, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Members of Trinity Health Michigan and Universal Health Services along with community leaders helped to break ground on the new Southridge Behavioral Hospital. (courtesy, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)

On Monday, Trinity Health Michigan and University Health Services (Ny’SE: UHS) broke ground for a new behavioral health hospital that will be located just south of the City of Wyoming in Byron Center.

Southridge Behavioral Hospital, which a joint venture partnership between NYSE: UHS and Trinity Health, will be located right near the Trinity Health Medical Center at 2145 64th St. SW in Byron Center. 

“Southridge Behavioral Hospital, which will open in 2025, will help address the growing need for high quality mental and behavioral health care services for people struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use and other issues, and who need hospitalization and intensive individualized care,” said Dr. Matt Biersack, president of Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “Southridge represents a sustainable, long-term solution and it will be a key piece of the behavioral health care continuum in West Michigan.”

Kelly Smith, chief strategy officer for Trinity Health Michigan, said the new behavioral hospital will accommodate up to 96 beds, serving adult and geriatric patients. The facility is estimated to employ approximately 170 full-time and part-time staff including physicians, nurses, therapists, mental health technicians, administration, dietary and housekeeping personnel. Programming will be tailored to individual patient needs, with core psychiatric services and counseling supplemented with art therapy, music therapy and outdoor activities.

“Right here, where we gather today, you will see a new beautiful state-of-the-art facility,” said Sheila Adams, vice president of corporate development for Universal Health Services. “It will feature design elements that will create an optimal therapeutic environment with serene decor and furnished with warm and inviting finishes. We will create a space that enhances safety and promotes healing resembling a hospitality environment rather than an institutional type setting.”

The Southridge Behavioral Hospital is designed to tie into the growing network of behavioral health services in the area, including UHS-operated Forest View Hospital and Trinity Health Michigan’s new partnership with Network 180 to open a Behavioral Health Crisis Center for the rapid availability of assessment services on a walk-in basis.

 

For more about Southridge Behavioral Hospital, including what the hospital’s interior will look like, visit www.southridgebh.com. 

Organic tart cherry juice imports to be tracked

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Michigan grows more than 755 of the nation’s tart cherries with an annual crop valued at $280 million. (Pxhere.com)

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) recently announced that the U.S. International Trade Commission will begin tracking foreign imports of certified organic and conventionally produced tart cherry juice and tart cherry juice concentrate, and all other varieties of cherry juice, in order to more accurately measure the impact of trade on Michigan’s tart cherry industry. 

In March, Stabenow and Peters urged the Commission to track this information in the wake of unfair and rising import competition of tart cherry juice harming Michigan producers. Michigan grows more than 75% of the nation’s tart cherries with an annual crop valued at $280 million, supporting hundreds of processing and retail jobs and a vibrant tourism industry in Northwest Michigan.

“Michigan’s world-famous tart cherries are a central piece of our ag economy,” Stabenow said. “But this industry cannot continue to flourish in the face of unfair and unaccountable competition from foreign producers. Today’s announcement is a welcome step toward ensuring an even playing field for our Michigan growers.”

In 2020, Stabenow and Peters similarly urged the U.S. International Trade Commission to collect statistical information on dried cherry imports after Turkish exporters continued to dump low-quality dried cherries into U.S. markets, creating a trade imbalance that hurt Michigan growers. The Senators’ request was approved and went into effect in July 2020.

“For years, Michigan cherry growers have been harmed by unfair trade practices that threaten their livelihoods and hurt workers. They deserve a level playing field. After pushing for this needed change, I’m pleased the ITC will now collect all available information on these imports so that our growers have a fair shot at competing on the world stage,” Peters said.

“The new categories for tracking imported cherry juice/concentrate are very important for the U.S. tart cherry industry,” said Julie gordon, president and managing director of the Cherry Marketing Institute. The new reporting will provide us specific information that was not previously available and will help us develop strategies for dealing with the influx of imports. We are grateful that the 484(f) Committee granted our request for the new codes and for the continued support from Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters.”

A link to the March letter can be found here. 

Two Grand Rapids businesses recognized for ‘Making it in Michigan’

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Local Business

By Adam Brown
WKTV Contributor

At a recent Michigan State University-hosted food trade show and networking conference, two Grand Rapids-based vendors were recognized for their food and beverage industry achievements.

The annual Make It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show, which takes places in April in Lansing, presented Fat Baby Hot Sauce, LLC, co-owned by Nate Mehren and Terry Wolter, with the Value-Added Agricultural Product Award and its Young Innovator Award was presented to Grand Rapids’ Last Mile Cafe, co-founded by Arick Davis and Sarah Laman.

Value-Added Agricultural Product Award

Image 1: Dr. Tim Boring presents the “Value-Added Agricultural Product Award” to Nate Mehren and Terry Wolter, Co-Founders of Fat Baby Hot Sauce, based in Ada, MI. (source: Kendra Wills)

“Fat Baby Hot Sauce is a great example of what happens when entrepreneurship and Michigan diverse agriculture options combine,” said Dr. Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and who presented Fat Baby its award. “Expanding opportunities for value-added products like Fat Baby Hot Sauce to get on store shelves helps make Michigan food and ag companies become a household name both here and around the nation.”

The Agricultural Product Award is presented to a product produced in Michigan using ingredients grown and sourced in the state. Launching in January 2022, Fat Baby Hot Sauce is made with peppers grown on Mehren’s family farm. For those who may be shy about anything too hot, Mehren and Wolter offer their hot sauce in various heat levels.

Those wishing to learn more about Fat Baby’s products and services may visit their website.

Young Innovator Award

Recently established “young” businesses with an owner or founder under the age of 45 are eligible for the Young Innovator Award.

Natalie Chmiko presents the “Young Innovator Award” to Sarah Laman, Co-Founder and Chief Impact & Sustainability Officer for Last Mile Cafe based in Grand Rapids, MI. (source: Kendra Wills)

Davis and Laman founded Last Mile Cafe in December 2022. Their black-owned and woman-owned business seeks to redefine how coffee can be inclusive of marginalized communities.

Located in Grand Rapids’ 49507 zip code, a historically underserved business district, Last Mile is unique with its charitable giving model. The cafe donates 10% of the revenue from every purchase to one of four philanthropic causes, with the customer selecting to which of the four they wish to donate. The charitable causes include advocacy for environmental justice, criminal justice reform, at-risk youth, and clean drinking water. In 2023, Last Mile hopes to obtain its B Corporation certification, which recognizes for-profit companies that give back to society and the environment.

“Arick and Sarah’s team at Last Mile Café exemplify the innovative spirit that defines us all as Michiganders by seeing challenges as opportunities and turning their passion into positive impact,” said Natalie Chmiko, senior vice president of small business solutions for Michigan Economic development Corporation and who awarded Last Mile its award. Chmiko underscored how important Last Mile’s mission is by adding, “We’re proud to celebrate Last Mile Café’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility, while demonstrating what it means to be the change they want to see in their own community. We look forward to supporting their future success and impact in the Grand Rapids community and throughout the entire region over the years to come.”

What is The Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show?

The 14th Annual Making It in Michigan event was hosted by the Michigan State University Product Center and Michigan State University Extension in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Featuring booths from 165 food and beverage vendors across the state, the show offered a chance for businesses to expand their customer base and pick up tricks of the trade. In addition, retailers from prominent Michigan industries such as Meijer, Kroger, Busch’s Market, and Westborn Market were on hand to connect with distributors amid the shared goal of expanding Michigan’s food supply chain.

MSU Product Center Innovation Counselor Kendra Wills said the Making It In Michigan event is unique because it is believed to be the only event of its type with exclusively Michigan-made products. The conference and trade show features several distinct events designed to cater to a variety of producers and developers.

If a vendor is new to the world of trade shows, Making It In Michigan assists with setting up booths, staffing logistics, how to best offer samples, etc. For those vendors with ideas still in the development phase, the event’s conference portion provides guidance from various industry professionals. These include co-packers/co-manufacturers, entrepreneurs, distributors, and banking and finance industry members. 

How to stay cool on these warm summer days

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

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

Looking to cool off from a very hot, hot, hot weekend? Well the splash pads for the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood. are open.

City of Wyoming

The City of Wyoming has four splash pads located at:

Gezon Park, 5651 Gezon Court

Jackson Park, 3235 Robin SW

Lamar Park, 2561 Porter

Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St.SW

Wyoming’s splash pads, which are free, run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday through Labor Day.

City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood has two splash pads which are located at:

Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Dr. SE

Veterans Memorial Park, 355 48th St. SE

Kentwood’s splash pads, which are also free, are open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. everyday through Labor Day.

Other communities

Millennium Park’s beach and splash pad is open until the fourth Sunday in August. Both are open at 10 a.m. daily with the beach closing at 7 p.m. for early and late summer and 8 p.m. mid-summer and the splash pad closing at 6 p.m. early and late summer and 7 p.m. mid-summer. The is a fee, $4 adults, $3 seniors 63 and older, $2 children ages 3-15, and free children 2 & under. For more, click here.

The City of Grand Rapids has splash pads which are free, and pools, which has a fe, of youth $1 for GR residents and $3 for non-residents; and adults $3 for GR residents and $5 for non-residents. Punchcards and season passes are available. For more on Grand Rapids pools and splash pads, click here.

 

Caledonia opened its Community Green Park Splash Pad and Spray Park on Friday, June 2. The Caledonia Community Green Space is located 9309 Dobber Wenger Memorial Drive.

Museum’s traveling exhibit of racist imagery comes to Grand Rapids

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Our Cities, Recreation

By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor

Left, Cyndi Tied, GRPM collections manager with Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) has partnered with the Jim Crow Museum (JCM) at Ferris State University to host the premiere of the JCM’s traveling exhibit, Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery, beginning June 3.

“We recognized that not everyone was going to come to the metropolis of Big Rapids, so we began creating traveling exhibits,” said Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum. “This is a taste of the stories we are trying to tell.”

Pilgrim hopes GRPM visitors will acquire an intelligent understanding of what the Jim Crow period was. He also hopes the exhibit will stimulate conversations. “This is one of the most successful ways that I have found to lead people to have meaningful, insightful discussions about race,” Pilgrim said.

When Pilgrim arrived at FSU in 1990, he brought approximately 3,200 Jim Crow pieces from his own private collection and donated them to the university with the understanding that they would be preserved and displayed. FSU agreed and now hosts the permanent JCM exhibit that has grown to more than 20,000 pieces.

Pilgrim went on to say that while many people believe the JCM is simply a large collection of racially insensitive objects, it is his intent to place those objects in their proper historical context in order to show people how they were created, why they were created, and what the consequences were of that creation.

“It is an opportunity to show people how you can use contemptible objects as teaching tools and how you can use them to facilitate intelligent discussions about race, race relations, and racism,” said Pilgrim. “We believe in the triumph of dialogue.”

What GRPM visitors can expect

Visitors to the JCM exhibit at GRPM will experience a variety of objects, pictures, and informational articles in both tangible and digital form.

A five-minute Roots of Racism film orients visitors to the content they will see at the Overcoming Hateful Things exhibit, and interactive tablets are available with video and audio content about the Jim Crow period.

An interactive Map of Terror allows visitors to see where Jim Crow violence occurred throughout the United States, while another multimedia piece displays portraits of African Americans living their daily lives.

An interactive station allows visitors to listen to Coon Song, a genre of music that presents a derogatory stereotype of African Americans, while reading along with the lyrics via sheet music. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

“We see all these negative caricatures and imagery and stereotypes, (but) African Americans didn’t see themselves that way,” said Franklin Hughes, multimedia specialist of the JCM. “We want to show the pushback of regular, everyday people.”

Another interactive station allows visitors to listen to Coon Song, a genre of music that presents a derogatory stereotype of African Americans, while reading along with the lyrics via sheet music.

“It gives people an opportunity to see the songs in their full context,” Hughes said. “People still have those thoughts and ideas because it’s ingrained and embedded into our culture.”

Pilgrim believes that part of education is about history. “A mature nation will look at its past and be objective,” said the JCM director. “The purpose of the past is not to feel good or bad, it’s to have a better, deeper, more nuanced understanding of the past with the hope that we are better in the present and the future.”

Moving Forward

Left, Franklin Hughes talks with David Pilgrim, the founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)

The JCM is currently in the early stages of a campaign to move into a two-story standalone facility that will allow them to contextualize the museum’s pieces.

“Each one of those 20,000 pieces,” said Pilgrim, “is currently being made, sometimes as reproductions, but sometimes the image has morphed into a modern manifestation. I believe that one of the most powerful parts of the new museum we are going to build will be a section of objects made in the last five to ten years.”

Pilgrim urges people to take a critical look at things currently produced in popular and in material culture and to remain vigilant.

“We are all on a racial journey in this country, whether we know it or not,” said Pilgrim. “(The museum) allows us to tell the story of how to make the world better as individuals, as communities, as states, and as a nation.”

To learn more about GRPM’s Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery, visit Grand Rapids Public Museum.

To learn more about the JCM, visit The Jim Crow Museum

To learn more about the JCM Expansion and/or to donate toward the expansion, visit JCM Expansion

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