The U.S. Air Force investigated unidentified flying objects from 1947 to 1969 through the Project Blue Book. (Pxhere.com)
In March of 1966, the Air Force dismissed a wave of UFO sightings in southern Michigan as nothing more than “swamp gas.”
At the time, a then Michigan Representative and future U.S. President Gerald R. Ford called these reports and the people making them “flippant.” Ford had the foresight to call for a “congressional inquiry” into the growing number of reported unidentified flying objects and asked for government transparency. Ford proposed that either the Science and Astronautics Committee or the Armed Services Committee of the House should schedule UFO hearings and invite testimony from both the executive branch of government and some of the UFO witnesses.
Unfortunately, there was never a formal congressional hearing and the Air Force dismissed and discredited these reports by 40-60 extremely credible witnesses, including as many as a dozen police officers.
Project Blue Book
The U.S. Air Force had been investigating unidentified flying objects since 1947 under Project Blue Book out of Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Ohio but the project was terminated in 1969. Of the 12,618 sightings reported, 701 remain “unidentified.”
Project Blue Book concluded that no UFO reported presented a threat to national security or indicated technologies beyond our own scientific knowledge, nor was there evidence to categorize these sightings as extraterrestrial. Other sources suggested that the best cases were never part of Blue Book, especially those of national security over military installations and power plants.
According to the National UFO Reporting Center, Michigan ranks in the “Top 10” of states with the most UFO sightings since the 1950s with more than 2,400.
The Lakeshore Event
The 1994 Lakeshore UFO siting was reported on my various media outlets.
On March 8, 1994, more than 300 witnesses, including police and a National Weather Service radar operator at Muskegon County Airport, reported multiple UFO sightings in at least 42 counties across Michigan.
Jack Bushong, Jr. was the “radar guy” on duty when Ottawa County emergency dispatch called the National Weather Service office after receiving multiple reports with more than 100 people reporting “strange lights in the sky.”
“I either saw them hovering or they were jumping at a high rate of speed over to the next spot,”he said. The lights would jump 20 miles at a time at an estimated speed of 72,000 MPH. The fastest any human has traveled is 24,816 MPH on the Apollo command module. The police officer was seeing the same thing with the same object. This historic radar and ground verified UFO sighting has been labeled the “Lakeshore Event.”
Bushong said he had “never seen anything like it,” it was as if they “wanted to be seen,” and they were “putting on an air show.”
Being transparent about what is in the skies
UFOs have demonstrated “unusual flight characteristics” remaining stationary in winds, moving against the wind, maneuvering abruptly at very high speeds without a source of propulsion, no air intake, no sound, and no exhaust.
Bushong quickly ruled out “ground clutter,” weather balloons, commercial drones, “swamp gas,” or any type of hoax. Bushong received ridicule at the time and through the years but since the U.S. Department of Defense released videos confirming “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAP) he’s felt more comfortable talking about it. Because of the stigma attached to reporting sightings, commercial and military pilots were reluctant to come forward fearing they might be putting their careers at risk and called a “kook.” As the Pentagon releases more UFO/UAP videos, more pilots, intelligent officers, and radar operators are reporting events.
The big question that remains is transparency or secrecy. Can the government and military maintain the U.S. national security and be up front with the public at the same time? According to a massive database of U.S. reports, encounters with UFO/UAPs have left people with radiation burns, brain and nervous system damage, and even “unaccounted for pregnancy.” The truth is out there and we have had our fill of “flippant” reports and reporters. Keep your eye to the sky.
Check out Jack Bushong, Jr. and Bill Konkolesky, Michigan Mutual UFO Network director and author of two books “Experiencer” 1 and 2 on Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast episode # 72.
As we approach holiday travel, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is expecting a busy week and is reminding guests to pack their patience.
The Ford Airport is expecting travel levels similar to 2019. While they are ready for guests, they are reminding travelers of the importance of patience and planning ahead.
“We are eager and ready to help guests connect with their family and friends over the holidays as West Michigan’s gateway to the world,” said COO Alex Peric. “We encourage guests to pack their patience while fellow community members work diligently to ensure a smooth travel experience for everyone.”
Travel Stats
Expected Holiday Travel: 165,000-plus passengers from December 19 through January 2. This includes both departing and arriving passengers.
Traffic: Guest traffic is currently at 98 percent of 2019, which was a record-breaking year for the Airport. Ford Airport expects to be at or near 2019 levels by end of 2022. Currently, they are seeing an average of a 22 percent increase in guest numbers from 2021.
Peak Holiday Travel Dates: December 19 through January 2. The busiest departure day is expected to be December 22.
Top Destinations: Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Punta Gorda and Orlando.
Airline Contacts
For questions about specific flights, baggage handling, and more, reach out directly to the airline.
Allegiant (702-505-8888)
Delta Air Lines (800-221-1212)
Southwest Airlines (800-435-9792)
American Airlines (800-433-7300)
Frontier Airlines (801-401-9000)
United Airlines (800-241-6522)
TSA Inquiries: TSA.gov
Weather and Staffing
As a reminder, the Ford International Airport never closes. Inclement weather can cause delays and cancellations. The Airport manages clearing runways and other infrastructure while individual airlines are responsible for plane de-icing. Individual airlines also are responsible for check-ins and all matters related to gates, including departures and deplanings.
Vertigo Music (129 Division Ave. S) crackles with energy all year ‘round — but the holiday season gives our neighborhood record curators a special opportunity to hook you up with Christmas classics and unforgettable gifts for the audiophile on your list.
This year, Vertigo owner Herm Baker has stocked brand-new copies of 20 different holiday albums, such as The Temptations’ Christmas Card, Sufjan Stevens’ Songs For Christmas and the Home Alone soundtrack, as well as the albums Herm told ArtRat are his best seasonal sellers: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash’s The Christmas Spirit, Elvis’ Christmas Album and Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas.
Other seasonal collections feature Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones and the Beach Boys. And if you need your holiday Mariah Carey fix, Vertigo stocks two different albums to choose from: the 1994 Merry Christmas album, which features Carey’s original rendition of “All I Want For Christmas is You,” and the 2010 follow-up, Merry Christmas II You, which features an “Extra Festive” version.
New adventures in hi-fi
Vertigo’s staff of four is always ready to hook you up with music you’ll love. For this occasion, Ethan and Logan stepped up enthusiastically to help ArtRat explore Vertigo’s holiday collection.
“David Bowie and Bing Crosby!” exclaimed Logan, rifling through the racks. “This one just released this Black Friday on its 45th anniversary. How could you go wrong with Bowie?”
“And A Charlie Brown Christmas! This one is selling fast. It’s my favorite holiday album to listen to — you don’t normally get to hear it on the radio. We also have the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. I love a good movie score.”
“This one is like, post-rock Christmas, and probably the coolest seasonal record we have.” Ethan said, picking up a copy of Scarlet Holliday, a three-song EP the band MONO created with producer Steve Albini in 2021 as a “special little gift” to bring hope to listeners feeling isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Who wants to listen to the same music over and over again?” Ethan asked. “This one still feels festive, but it’s different.”
Vertigo has also stocked Canned Heat’s Christmas Album and Blondie’s Yuletide Throwdown, as well as No Presents on Christmas by King Diamond for those who really want to take the holiday season to the next sonic level.
If none of these picks jingle your bells, Vertigo has three crates of used holiday records priced at $1 each.
“I recently had a customer come in looking for a specific singer-songwriter Christmas album for a gift,” Logan said.
“I wasn’t sure we’d find it, but we flipped the first record and there it was. So, even if we all think we might not have it, we probably do!”
Vertigo’s crates contain yuletide music created with organs, music boxes, gospel choirs or guitars. One record in the store’s used Christmas section reads, “Obenkirchen Children’s Choir: a musical experience of unusual charm and merit, so appealing they make you want to cry.”
Unknown pleasures
And if you want to find a gift for the discerning music fan, Vertigo probably has it. “This isn’t your average shop,” Ethan told ArtRat. “This is a real-deal, old-fashioned record store.”
Whether your tastes run to an instructional Jazz Dancing vinyl that guarantees to “prepare you for any current dance craze,” or John F. Kennedy: The Presidential Years, which offers “some of the key words uttered by President John F. Kennedy, humbly presented as a perpetual record,” you can find it at Vertigo.
Vertigo’s shelves are stocked with B-side compilations and rarities, special-edition releases, and more, perfect for gifting to the music lover or trivia buff in your life.
Vertigo Music is open Monday through Friday 12-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. (Pxhere.com)
Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. Cases of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are rising to an extent of overwhelming hospital emergency departments, creating a ‘tripledemic’ for the community.
The flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all respiratory viruses but they differ in how they spread. The flu can be spread by respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing) and on surfaces. COVID-19 can also spread by respiratory droplets and aerosols but does not spread on surfaces. RSV spreads heavily through contaminated surfaces, so washing your hands and surface cleaning is very important to mitigate the spread of RSV.
While symptoms may indicate what you have, it is hard to make an official diagnosis without being tested for RSV, flu, or COVID.
RSV is one of the more unknown viruses that can spread during the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported high levels of RSV related emergency room visits in Michigan. This has prompted the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Kent County Health Department to advise residents to take action to prevent the spread and protect your loved ones as we approach the holiday season.
What is RSV?
RSV is a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection with mild or no symptoms for adults and older children, but can be very harmful to small children and the elderly who do not have a built up or strong immune system. There is also no vaccine for RSV at this time. Early symptoms of RSV can include runny nose, decrease in appetite, and cough that can progress into wheezing or difficulty breathing.
What is the flu?
Influenza or the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lung. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8% on average of the United States population get sick from the flu. The CDC reports that children are most likely to get sick from the flu with those over the age of 65, less likely.
What is COVID?
COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus that was identified in 2019. It causes a respiratory illness. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
How to prevent the spread:
The spread of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV could get worse as people begin to travel more for the holidays to see family, especially if they are seeing very young children or elderly family members. One of the simplest tricks to protect very young children from RSV is to not kiss them or be in close contact with their faces. According to the Kent County Health Department, hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection.
Other strategies to mitigate the spread include:
Staying home when you are sick
Avoid close contact with others if you have cold or flu like symptoms
Always cough/sneeze into your arm, never your bare hands
Frequently clean your phone when you get home from a long day as well as surfaces heavily touched like door knobs and countertops
While there is no vaccine for RSV, there are flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available. There are no costs for most vaccines. To learn more about vaccines, check with your local pharmacy or doctor’s office about what vaccines you may need this winter.
By Matthew Stinson Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington
Nathan Johnson, NAVFAC Washington design project manager at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis (Photo by Regina Adams)
A former Grand Rapids resident was named the first-ever project manager of the year by the Navy.
Nathan Johnson, was announced by Capt. Eric J. Hawn, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington commanding officer, as having been selected for this honor on Nov. 28. Johnson, design project manager at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis, as the Project Manager of the Year. Johnson is the inaugural selection of this new annual award and was chosen from a competitive field of NAVFAC Washington project managers.
“Nathan is currently managing more than 20 active pre-award projects valued over $220 million, including multiple waterfront/recapitalization program projects at the U.S. Naval Academy,” Hawn said. “He is a key member coordinating anticipated sea level rise requirements in each of these waterfront projects and is an exceptional project manager. He has my strongest personal endorsement as the 2023 NAVFAC Washington Project Manager of the Year.”
Johnson has served with NAVFAC Washington for 12 years at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and now Naval Support Activity Annapolis.
“I’m somebody who prefers to keep my head down and get the job du jour done and being recognized with this award is an unexpected honor,” Johnson said. “I’m well aware that there are many talented project managers in this organization, so the pressure to live up to this title is on.”
Over the past three years, Johnson has successfully executed and completed more than 20 projects valued at more than $45 million at multiple installations with multiple customers. These projects included shoreline restoration, multiple sports field lighting projects at the U.S. Naval Academy, and upgrades to wastewater treatment plant at NSA Annapolis.
“The wastewater treatment plant denitrification project was particularly interesting due to the fact that retrofitting an existing wastewater treatment facility with a new and relatively high-tech treatment process required us to become conversationally fluent with some chemistry that I hadn’t encountered since college,” Johnson said. “That project succeeded due to collaborative support of a quality A&E, highly engaged Utilities and Energy Management staff and field operators who were able to quickly learn and help troubleshoot the system.”
Johnson notes that success in the project management arena is the result of team effort. Consistently showing up prepared and willing to support your teammates is how one demonstrates value to the team. Throughout his career, he has found that reputations are built by demonstrating consistency. Strong and consistent efforts and abilities show up in the results of the work and are clearly recognizable over time.
“I feel strongly that any of the successes with which I am associated here at Public Works Department Annapolis are due to the team efforts of a group of dedicated individuals,” Johnson said. “Design Chief Joe Zurzolo’s encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the U.S. Naval Academy is only rivaled by his extraordinary understanding of NAVFAC design and construction processes.
“Bert Taylor’s recent promotion to our A&E supervisory general engineer position from the seat I currently occupy has meant that he remains within shouting distance whenever I have a question he can answer. The major waterfront projects I manage are tenaciously design-managed by John Jones, a fellow civil engineer and fellow Hokie. Finally, my counterpart design-side project manager Aaron Kramer carries the other half of this office’s workload with ease.”
Johnson grew up in Grand Rapids and Northern Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in civil and environmental engineering in 2009 and is a proud dog-dad to a handsome boxer-pit mix named Chili.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg administers the oath of office to Kent Vanderwood, who is the city’s newest mayor. (WKTV)
Kent Vanderwood admitted that the most challenging thing over the past four months has been reminding people that he was the mayor elect — not the mayor.
That all changed at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting when Vanderwood took the oath office, officially becoming the city’s mayor.
“It is with thankfulness and humility that I accept this gavel tonight and with it the privilege of serving this community and leading the council for the next four years,” Vanderwood said in a prepared statement he read. “It was not something that I anticipated happening but when the circumstances made it abundantly clear that I should run, I accepted the challenge and have not looked back.”
Dignities, such as Kentwood City Commissioner Betsy Artz and Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Keith Morgan, along with friends, family, residents and city staff watched as Vanderwood along with Renne Hill and Sheldon DeKryger took the oath of office to serving on the city council.
Hill was one of two candidates elected to the councilor-at-large seats. Rob Annoys, the other candidate, was not able to attend Monday night due to a work conflict and will be sworn in later, according Vanderwood. Both Hill and Arnoys are new to the council.
DeKryger was elected to his second term to the first ward council seat. He ran unopposed in the November election.
Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg shakes hands with the city’s newest council member, Renee Hill. (WKTV)First Ward Council member Sheldon DeKryger takes the oath of office. (WKTV)
Vanderwood’s first action as mayor was to recognize the contributions of former Mayor Jack Poll and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for their years of service to the city. Both Poll and Bolt retired from the council. Vanderwood then lead the council through the process of electing Third Ward Council member Rob Postema as mayor pro tem.
Another of the council’s first actions will be to appoint a resident to fill John Fitzgerald’s councilor-at-large seat, Vanderwood said. Fitzgerald will be serving the City of Wyoming as one of the newest member of the state’s House of Representatives.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood with newly elected (by the city council) Mayor Pro Tem Robert Postema. (WKTV)
The appointment will be until 2024 when the seat is up for election. Applicants for Fitzgerald’s council seat must have lived in the city for two years. Those interested in applying to fill the seat may pick up an application from the clerk’s office, which is located at city hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Applications for filling the seat will be accepted through Dec. 21. Council will review all applications and interview candidates before making an appointment in January.
In his speech, Vanderwood stated when he campaigned he promised to focus on three main areas: maintaining the city’s financial stability which means maintaining a healthy fund balance and preserving the city’s high bond ratings while keeping citizens’ taxes as low as possible. He also would make public safety a top priority by funding the police, fire and first responders, and continue to support the economic growth of the city.
“I intend to follow through on these goals starting tonight but I will need the support of the council, the city staff, and all of our great citizens,” he said. “My promise to you tonight is that I will serve honorably and my very, very best to both fulfill the oath I took early tonight and work with you to meet these goals.”
Mayor Kent Vanderwood thanks former Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for his years of service to the city. (WKTV)
New Councilor Renee Hill talks to re-elected First Ward Councilor Sheldon DeKryger during a break at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood (third from right) with his family. (WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood looks his new seat on the Wyoming City Council Monday, Dec. 5. (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
South Godwin Elementary School opened Jan. 3, 1956. On June 16, 1938, Wyoming High School first senior graduation ceremony. The Wyoming Township Police was established in 1941.
This and other fun facts about the City of Wyoming can be found in the Wyoming Historical Commission’s 2023 calendar, which was released earlier this month.
The calendar features 12 photos of the city along with signs from businesses that at onetime were part of the Wyoming community. Along with listing holidays, sprinkled throughout the calendar are special dates related to the city such as when former President Bill Clinton visited Rogers High School (March 13, 1992).
The calendar is available at the Wyoming Library History Room, which is open Tuesday evenings and Saturdays form 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The calendars are also available at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.
The calendars are $10 each with the money raised going back to commission projects.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)
Santa is coming to town this Saturday for the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Santa Parade.
The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. starting near Division Avenue and 32nd Street and heads south, ending just before 44th Street.
“This is one of my favorite projects,“ said Bob O’Callaghan, former president of the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber and committee chair for this year’s Santa Parade. “Celebrating our businesses along Division Avenue is a great way to provide holiday cheer for the businesses and for the community. Our sponsors want to give back to the community and this is a perfect way to do that.“
This year’s sponsors are 105.3 HOT FM, 97 WLAV-FM, Arrowaste Inc., Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille, Car City, Catherine’s Health Services, Consumers Energy, Diversified Protection and Investigations, Godwin Hardware & Plumbing, Hobart Sales & Service, Kellogg Community Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Credit Union, Stassen Electric, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, VanDyke Mortgage, WKTV, Wyoming Moose Lodge, YoChef Catering & Cafe, and Honor Credit Union.
WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for Saturday at around 12:30 p.m. (immediately after basketball programming) and again at 7:30 p.m. Check wktv.org for other air times.
“To see the looks on the children’s faces is a wonderful experience which is why I have been on the planning committee for years with the Chamber,” said Mike Zomerlei of Diversified Protection and Investigation Services. “With more than 50 participants it takes a great deal of logistical planning and a lot of hours but it’s worth it!.”
This year’s parade will include marching bands from four local high schools, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, and Grand Rapids. There also will be several local officials such as Mayor Stephen Kepley as well as police officers and fire fighters from both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The grand marshal is Jackie Green, former 2021 Mrs. American and co-host for 105.3 HOT FM.
Of course this is all in celebration of the arrival of the most famous elf in the world: Santa Claus.
WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.
On Sunday, Dec. 11, WKTV 26 Government Channel and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99 will be featuring live coverage of the Orion spacecraft’s entry back to earth and the splashdown in the Pacific Ocean to complete the Artemis 1 Mission.
Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. with the splashdown scheduled at 12:40pm. Live coverage will continue through Orion’s handover from Mission Control in Houston to the Exploration Ground Systems recovery teams in the Pacific.
Afterwards, there will be an Artemis 1 Orion post-splashdown news conference at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Artemis 1 is the first integrated flight test of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, an un-crewed Orion spacecraft, and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that is paving the way for a crewed test flight and future human lunar exploration.
For more information on NASA TV or the Artemis 1 Mission, log on to www.nasa.gov.
Kentwood Police Captain Ryan VanderVeen said the Department’s October recruit open house was very successful and they hope to at least hire 10-15 officers per year through this program.
“We were able to meet with several dozen potential recruit officer candidates that night,” explained VanderVeen, of their Oct. 13 event. “Those selected will attend the 15-week Grand Valley State University Police Academy beginning in May of 2023. In addition, we will soon begin another hiring process in which those selected will attend the GVSU Police Academy beginning in August of 2023.
VanderVeen said they hope to continue this program in the future so they can “recruit great candidates of all backgrounds, who have a passion to serve the citizens of Kentwood as a police officer.”
“Our department officer staffing is down right now,” VanderVeen said. “Even if we were not down, we would still be pursuing the recruit officer position.”
VanderVeen said the recruitment events explain the hiring process and requirements of becoming a police recruit.
“We had many police staff on hand and were able to meet one-on-one with applicants to answer their questions. Those that attended were given the opportunity to tour the Kentwood Police Department and see what we have to offer.”
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Applicant requirements
High school diploma
Michigan driver’s license
No felony criminal convictions
No prior law enforcement experience necessary
The recruit officer position is considered a “sponsored” position, meaning that once selected and hired, Kentwood pays all costs for the employee to attend the GVSU Police Academy, according to VanderVeen.
Recruits receive wages during academy
Also, because the recruit is an employee, they will be paid wages and receive benefits while attending the police academy. Upon successful completion of the academy and passing the State of Michigan licensing exam, the employee will be promoted to the position of police officer with the Kentwood Police Department.
“This is an excellent way for someone to enter the field of law enforcement in a non-traditional manner,” VanderVeen explained. “We’ve had engineers, accountants, military veterans and others in the business field join the Kentwood Police Department through this program.
“Previously, those that wished to become a police officer likely needed to quit their current employment, foregoing wages, to attend a police academy. This program removes that roadblock because the academy costs will be covered, and the recruit will receive a wage during the academy.”
To find current job openings at the Kentwood Police Department and apply, visit kentwood.us/employment.
The East Kentwood team that competed in the We the People District Finals last week. (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)
East Kentwood’s American Political Thought students brought home top honors from the We the People District Finals which were hosted at Kent ISD last week.
The school’s team, which includes 21 seniors, finished second overall with several groups within the team also receiving first and second place awards.
Lucy Fornetti, Mary Johnakech, and Owen Lawrence received first place for their analysis of the American version of the rule of law and international perceptions of the system.
Taking second place were Bianca Bancifra, Maggie Fisher, Keaton Nguyen, and Sarah Chapin for their explanations of the philosophical underpinnings of American constitutionalism. Also taking second place are Andrew Dame, Rebecca Moore and Mike Nguyen for their understanding of the evolution of Congress’ powers and limitations on them.
To prepare, the East Kentwood team accumulated 55 hours of practice time with coaches outside of the school day in addition to time spent preparing for those sessions on their own. Coaches volunteered their time to help prepare the team for the variety of aspects of the competition — which includes presentation and public speaking skills along with an incredible depth of knowledge in constitutional law, philosophy, politics, American history and current events.
The team is currently working on new content in preparation for Jan. 6 when they will travel to Michigan State University’s College of Law for the State Finals. The first place team at the State Finals will earn an invitation to represent the state of Michigan in the National Finals in late April. For the 2021-2022 school year, the East Kentwood team took second at the State Finals with East Grand Rapids taking the top spot.
“A few years ago, I had a realization when taking a look at coffee shops all over the United States: We’re all doing the same thing — serving high-quality coffee,” Jon told ArtRat. “At The Lantern, it’s different. We focus on the environment, our service and your experience.“
That commitment to Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood guided The Lantern through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and still shapes the way the popular coffee spot treats customers, other local businesses and the community at large.
Steve Wiltjer and Kevin Wallace opened The Lantern in April 2013, in the old Grand Central Engineering Building — a site that had stood gutted and empty for 15 years. The space is much bigger on the inside than it seems when you pass by; the spacious downstairs area still features the Grand Central’s original wood and is filled with tables and desks for people to socialize or work.
“I have all of my meetings at Lantern,” Rock Dandeneau, owner of Taste Buds-Kitchen Connects, a catering business just around the corner at 122 Division Ave S, told ArtRat.
Down in the vault
The historic building holds some surprises. John led me down to a former bank vault that’s now The Lantern’s dry-goods storage. “This door is the original one,” he said, spinning the combination lock. “It’s supposedly worth a lot, too … But it’s so heavy, no one has moved it!”
Inside, there’s not much space. “It forces us to work a little differently, more intentionally. For example, instead of ordering 10,000 to-go cups, we order 1,000.” He pointed out ingredients that go into The Lantern’s latest offering: homemade oat milk. Though the ingredients are Michigan-made, the recipe required a lot of tweaks and a journey to New Orleans where Jon met a master oat-milker to learn his ways. After Jon added his own personal touches, the cafe added it to the menu on Monday.
The coffee bar is intentional with its waste, too. Just outside the vault, the space also holds The Lantern’s compost bins: All coffee, filters, and tea scraps are composted for distribution to local farms.
Navigating a pandemic
Jon started at The Lantern as a barista, but his role grew over time. In 2020, he was already on track to take over ownership responsibilities from The Lantern’s founders when COVID-19 hit.
For a gathering spot like The Lantern, social-distancing requirements were a critical hit, and the cafe shut down entirely for several months. “I didn’t want to reopen without indoor seating,” Jon explained. “It’s such an integral part of what we are.”
Jon remained committed to operating The Lantern while keeping customers safe. “I didn’t really have experience doing that kind of thing,” he said, “but I saw it as an opportunity to save something that was important to me, to not just watch it die in front of me. While there are trials and tribulations, I always [work] to pull myself up.”
The Lantern team shares Jon’s focus on the cafe’s role as stewards of the community. Savannah Jeanelle took a moment to talk with us. Between brewing my Malabar Tea and packing a shot of espresso, our local barista filled ArtRat in about what Lantern does best.
“Engrained within us, we are a part of — and take part in — this community,” Savannah said. “All are welcome. This community is so full of vibrant people: artists, musicians, people with stories to tell.
“No matter who you are, we’ll always be happy to make you a drink and have a conversation.”
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and essay contest winner Clara Wells pose for photos after the Tree Lighting on Dec. 1. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
It was a chilly, festive and activity-filled event at Kentwood’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade last Thursday at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The festivities included carriage rides, children’s crafts, food trucks, live music, a visit from Santa, a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and the main events: the parade and tree lighting, of course.
One of the highlights of the night was grand marshal Clara Wells, a fifth grader at Brookwood Elementary, who was in the same float in the parade with Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and later helped him light the Christmas tree in front of the library.
Wells achieved the honor by winning a new student essay competition among Kentwood students/residents from ages 5-18. Participants were asked to write a 1,000 word essay entitled, “Why do you love living in Kentwood?”
“It really was a good essay about what makes Kentwood so special,” said Mayor Kepley of Wells’ composition. “She talked about our parks and trails, and the schools.”
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (left), Deputy Chief Stephanie Morningstar at the Kentwood Tree Lighting, 2022. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff pose with Santa. Bottom row, from left: Spencer McKellar and Shelby Henshaw. Top row, from left: Ann Przybysz, Laura Barbrick and Lori Gresnick. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
When asked what he loves about Kentwood, Kepley said he loves it “because it’s a taste of heaven … because the world has come to Kentwood.”
A city of diversity
“It has such diversity, and to be able to have such diversity and live in peace and love with one another is just a wonderful thing,” Kepley continued. “I live in a neighborhood with 13 homes, and those 13 homes represent the world. We just feel blessed because we have relationships with our neighbors. You see how it can work with different backgrounds.
“A lot of people living in Kentwood weren’t born and raised in the United States, including my lovely wife Susan, who was born and raised in Kenya.”
All in one
Kepley talked about the unity of having all the City’s events in one area, compared to having them spread around in years past.
“We have really focused on bringing everything here (around the library), centralizing things, whether it’s the tree lighting, July Fourth, all our events like the concert series, food truck rallies, the parade, the farmers market.
“We really don’t have a downtown, but we’re trying to create this place around the library and City Hall where people can create traditions and memories.”
Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry
Tree Lighting attendees also had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. For more info, check out this site: kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Area choirs will be performing that Gerald R. Ford Airport this week. (Pxhere.com)
As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Ford Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.
The 26th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place Dec. 5-9 in the airport grand hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
A total of 20 West Michigan choirs from grades first through 12th are scheduled to sing 20-minute song sets throughout the day. All festival performances are free and open to the public.
Some of the local groups performing are
Legacy Christian Honors Choir, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 5
East Kentwood High School Varsity Voices, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Calvin Christian Chroale, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6
Lee High School School Choir, 11 a.m.. Dec. 6
Wyoming Junior High Concert Choir, 11 a.m., Dec. 7
Wyoming High School Honors Choir, 12:30 p.m, Dec. 7
Legacy Home School Alliance Choir, 2 p.m,, Dec. 7
U-Prep Choir, 10:15 a.m. Dec. 8
Potters House High School Choir, 2 p.m. Dec. 8
South Christiaan High School Madrigals, 2 p.m. Dec. 9
The full schedule of performing choirs is at FlyFord.org.
“Thank you to the many local school choirs for your preparation and participation in bringing joy to the Airport,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority president and CEO. “We hope our passengers and guests can pause from the hustle and bustle of the season to enjoy these performances.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming 2022 tree lighting ceremony. (WKTV)
“It was fantastic,” said Jennifer Stowell, Wyoming’s assistant to the city manager, as she talked about the 2022 Wyoming Gives Back event.
Held at City Hall this year, the event was buzzing with residents and guests dropping off toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, listening to music provided by local students from Godwin Heights and Wyoming Public schools, and visiting with city officials. On hand was the Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Fire Chief Brian Bennett, police officers, firefighters as well as Councilor John Fitzgerald, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood, and newly elected Councilor Renee Hill.
Stowell said more than 1,200 toys were collected at the event. The event usually averages around 1,000.
“Before the event, we had a person drop off about 100 toys,” Stowell said.
The event wrapped up with the Wyoming High School Jazz Band leading participants outside for a tree lighting ceremony.
City Hall was busy Dec. 2 for the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
The hall of vendors at Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
The Godwin Heights High School Choir opens the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood records a Christmas greeting. (WKTV)
Residents who donated toys received raffle tickets for prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
A couple of students color pages during the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
A group of residents record a Christmas Greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt (far right) helps hand out prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Wyoming High School’s Jazz Band at Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
The Wyoming High School Jazz Band closes out the Wyoming Gives Out event. (WKV)
The Wyoming Fire Department records a Christmas greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
Twins Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Keepsake Photos)
By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor
Despite a turbulent start in life and the odds stacked against them, local twins Monica Sparks and Jessica Ann Tyson didn’t let any roadblocks get in their way.
“People look at us and don’t realize everything we’ve been through,” said Monica Sparks, local business owner and Kent County Commissioner covering a portion of Wyoming and Kentwood. “You look at someone and think that they have it all together or have everything, but we had a very rough start.”
Born to a young heroin addict
Sparks and her twin sister, Jessica Ann Tyson, were born to a young girl addicted to heroin. At 16 years old, their mother already had two children and was in the foster care system when she gave birth to them.
Though they recall a few good memories of their birth mother, most memories involve having to care for themselves as far back as preschool.
“We pretty much had to fend for ourselves all the time,” Sparks said. “I never remember her fixing a dinner, ever, except for one time having fried shrimp from takeout.
“We couldn’t get the cereal because the cereal is on top of the refrigerator, and (their mother and guests) are passed out and we are too small to get it,” Sparks continued. “We tried many things to get that cereal down, but it never worked.”
Many, many days of hunger
At times, the sisters would resort to eating out of dumpsters, but Sparks said they remember “going to bed hungry many, many nights.”
Birth mother viewed with compassion
Despite their harsh childhood experiences, Sparks and Tyson view their mother with compassion.
“Neither of us fault her for that,” Sparks said.
Tyson agreed.
“We’re grateful, if anything else,” Tyson added. “She could have made alternative choices and she really loved us as babies. I believe she was just a product of her environment and her generation.”
Twins Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Monica Sparks)
Misguided help, that led to a kidnapping
Upset by the lack of care she witnessed from the twins’ mother, their preschool and daycare provider kidnapped Sparks and Tyson in a misguided attempt to help.
“I remember being in the trunk (of her car),” Tyson said. “She was hiding us.”
The police found the twins at their provider’s house and returned the girls to their mother despite the provider explaining about the neglect at home. It was only a few days later, however, when a state worker came to visit them.
“I remember that day like it was today,” Sparks said.
The state worker told the girls that they would need to leave for a time while their mother got some help.
Separated, and lots of tears
“We didn’t know it was going to be forever,” Sparks continued. “They separated us. They put us in two different places.”
Sparks described being separated from her sister as “Sick. Sick. All I did was cry and call my sister’s name.”
After a short time, the twins were brought back together and placed in the foster care system. Unfortunately, it was not a good placement. Once again facing neglect and abuse, Sparks and Tyson found themselves approaching strangers on the street to get food.
“We were little kids, just three or four, on the street, on a corner, hoping that this group of men would feed us,” Sparks said.
Food and safety at school
Tyson remembers loving school because, “school was warm, school let you stay inside, you got free lunch, you could eat.”
Even through these difficulties, compassion flows from both women.
“(Our foster mom) was just a hurting person who hurt other people,” Tyson said. “She was very abusive and was in foster care for the wrong reasons.”
Advocates and angels
Through it all, Sparks and Tyson remember small acts of kindness.
“We had advocates,” Sparks said. “Little angels around that would really take care of us.”
A Muslim family down the street from the twins’ foster home would often give the girls food if they joined the family in evening prayer.
They recalled a lady down the street who left her apartment door open and placed snacks – Sparks remembers raisins and nuts, Tyson remembers Jolly Ranchers – inside the door for them to take at any time.
Finally, a loving, stable home
Sparks and Tyson were seven years old when a school teacher named Joyce Ann Richardson, recently divorced and unable to have children of her own, came to the adoption agency in the hopes of adopting a young child. She found Sparks and Tyson.
The twins’ parents, Joyce and Alonzo Sparks. (Courtesy, Monica Sparks)
Sparks and Tyson both remember Joyce traveling every weekend to come visit the girls no matter the weather. When the abuse at the twins’ foster home was discovered, Sparks and Tyson were allowed to live with Joyce full-time. For the first time, the girls had their own room and a caring provider.
Encountering difficulties with the state allowing her to adopt the twins, Joyce took them to church for prayer. The minister, also a Purple Heart Korean war veteran, fell in love with the girls — and with Joyce.
Alonzo Edward Sparks and Joyce began dating, were married four months later, and have been married for 41 years. Together, they adopted the twins at 8 years old.
Due to lack of structure and socialization in the twins’ lives, Alonzo and Joyce were intentional in their parenting. Sparks openly calls it “damage control.” Both girls were enrolled in private schools, etiquette training, modeling training, public speaking, Girl Scouts, and more.
“There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for us,” Tyson said. She admitted that Alonzo and Joyce were strict in their parenting, but, “What did it hurt?” Tyson said with a shrug.
Local business and political leaders
Both Sparks and Tyson are leaders in their community, both as business owners and politicians, and are dedicated to serving others.
Jessica Ann Tyson and Monica Sparks. (Courtesy, Douglas Johnson, Keepsake Photos)
“We have very big hearts and it’s because we want other people to have opportunities,” Tyson said. “We don’t rest on our laurels, and we don’t take excuses. You always continue to strive to do more, to be more, to go further – and take others with you. We are always looking to take others with us.”
“As a person, you want to do your part in society,” Sparks said. She believes that, whether or not you have a hard life, “it’s the choices you make after that” that matter.
“I can rest on my past and blame, blame, blame, but it’s not going to do anything for me. It’s not going to do anything for the area I’m in, the society I’m in, and I have to make the choice to say, ‘How do I do better?’”
Sparks and Tyson both attribute their current success to “good and solid parenting.”
“Parents who were invested and parents who actually cared,” Tyson explained.
Alonzo and Joyce raised the twins to have awareness for “understanding purpose, understanding … that we are in control of our destiny. We are in control of our own fate.”
That awareness instilled a desire to help others in their community.
“Monica and I see more for other people because we are not supposed to be here, statistically,” Tyson said.
Extremely close, but opposing political parties
Sparks and Tyson entered the political realm in an effort to extend that help, but as members of different political parties.
When first running for office, Sparks declared her political affiliation to be with the Democratic party, Tyson, the Republican Party. Both decisions were products of research and personal preferences.
Tyson grew up believing Alonzo and Joyce were Republicans. When Tyson ran for office and had to declare a party, she was surprised to find out they were not. She then asked the question of herself, “What am I?”
“I didn’t want to just check a box, to just assume that I was one thing or another,” Tyson said, “but once I started researching the platforms of the parties, then I tried to see how it aligned with my ‘everyday.’ Once I saw how the Republican party aligned with my ‘everyday,’ and then once I saw how I voted (in the past), I typically voted Republican.”
The reason for voting Republican was not a conscious choice. Tyson said she listened to the message each candidate brought to the table, not their political party affiliation.
“I wish that was something most people would do, but unfortunately we get caught in the cog of being one thing or another,” Tyson said.
Politics don’t drive a wedge between them
Sparks and Tyson believe the political parties are merged in many ways.
“We all say the same thing,” Tyson said. “We want the pursuit of happiness, life, liberty, justice … we want healthy families, healthy schools. Most of the time I find that people are talking about issues and how to solve them.”
However, Sparks and Tyson are not immune to how polarizing politics can be. In an effort to help create hope and understanding between people, Sparks said they are currently working together on publishing a book about “the polarization of America … and how to bridge that gap.”
“There are a lot of gray areas,” Sparks said. “People want you to say something is black or white, yes or no, but there are many different pockets or issues that spawn off one main issue.”
Both sisters recognize a direct correlation between their political and business lives with how they were raised. An example: “Being responsible, making sure we took care of our business financially, things of that nature,” Sparks said.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t have fun.
“We are very close,” Sparks said. “We do a lot of things together. And, we do things that we love to do, so it propels us forward. We don’t feel like we work. We know we work; we don’t feel like we work.”
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
Saturday is the day — the day that the City of Wyoming will host its once-a-year curbside yard waste pick up.
The City of Wyoming’s yearly curbside leaf pick-up is this Saturday, Dec. 3. (Pxhere.com)
Every year on the first Saturday in December, the City of Wyoming hosts a free curbside yard waste pick up for its residents. This year, that falls on Saturday, Dec. 3.
To participate, residents should have all yard waste out on the curb by 6 a.m. Leaves should be in paper bags. Brush should be tied in bundles and not more than four feet long.
Yard Waste site still open
The City of Wyoming’s yard waste site, located at 2600 Burlingame Ave. SW., is currently open from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. Starting Dec. 12, the hours will change to 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
At the site, there is a leave and grass pile and a brush pile. Residents are asked to sort items accordingly. To use the area, residents are required to show proof of residency, such as a photo ID or a utility bill, to the guard shack. Residents should enter the site off of Burlingame Avenue.
Currently, undocumented workers cannot get a driver’s license because the State Attorney General Office has determined an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a citizen of Michigan. (Pxhere.com)
LANSING – Undocumented Michiganders are fighting for the right to obtain a driver’s license, an action supporters say could generate $100 million for the state.
An initiative called Drive SAFE could pave the way.
Some advocates say they hope Michigan becomes the 19th state to pass similar legislation. Supporters range from teacher and nurse associations to religious groups and business owners.
SAFE stands for Safety, Access, Freedom and Economy, all of which would be improved by the passage of the bills, said Simon Marshall-Shah, a policy analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy, a nonpartisan policy institute.
“This is a case of people being able to freely get where they need to go,” Marshall-Shah said. “This often can involve supporting their families, taking a child to school or the doctor’s office, getting other health care services for themselves or their families, going to church.”
Concerns about undocumented workers driving
A passionate supporter of the legislation is Rob Steffens, the owner of Steffens Orchards in Sparta, 15 miles north of Grand Rapids, who says he is worried about undocumented workers who have been driving to and from work in Michigan for years.
“They want to follow the law, and they can’t,” Steffens said. “And they are not going anywhere. There isn’t a plant in Michigan – and I don’t care if you are talking about turkey, chicken, apple, cherry or asparagus – that doesn’t have undocumented workers.”
The package contains two bills in the House and two in the Senate. They were all introduced in 2021.
So far the bills are stalled in committee.
“We did have a hearing that was scheduled back in 2021 that was under the (House) Rules and Competitiveness Committee,” Marshall-Shah said. “The hearing was pulled at the last minute.”
Hope for the future
But as 2022 ends and a new legislative session is set to begin, the League for Public Policy says it hopes the bills may be finally heard in committee, Marshall-Shah said. If not, momentum is building to take it up again in the new session.
“In terms of the Drive SAFE bills being able to move forward in both chambers, I do see a possibility for that in this upcoming session,” Marshall-Shah said. “I think that the Drive Michigan Forward Coalition overall has really built up a lot of support among legislators and among advocates.”
Drive Michigan Forward is a coalition of organizations run by immigrants and their allies who believe in the restoration of driver’s licenses for all people, according to the group’s website.
In 2008, the Secretary of State implemented an opinion of former Attorney Gen. Mike Cox that said an unauthorized immigrant cannot be a Michigan resident. Since then, undocumented people in Michigan have been unable to receive a driver’s license.
Not everyone in favor of the Drive SAFE legislation sounds as confident as Marshall-Shah.
“The committee process is clearly controlled by the Republicans, and they have been uninterested in moving this forward in the past,” said Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, a cosponsor of the Senate bills. “My expectation is that it is not going to be moving, especially now that it has gotten so late in the legislative calendar, but I don’t really know.”
Improved public safety and reduced insurance costs are key attributes of the legislation, Irwin said.
“Right now, we have a number of drivers who, because of the law, cannot get properly licensed,” he said. “We have a lot of drivers in Michigan who are not paying into the insurance system.”
A potential revenue source
Money is a big selling point, Marshall-Shah said. Undocumented people in Michigan in total hold almost $2.5 billion in spending power.
That money can’t be spent in areas around the state and in local economies if undocumented Michiganders are denied access to a driver’s license, said Marshall-Shah.
On top of that, Michigan would bring in over $100 million over a decade because of these laws, according to the League for Public Policy. The money would come from license fees and revenue from registering vehicles and sales and gas taxes.
Opposition to this legislation has not come from any specific person or group, said Marshall-Shah.
“I would say the pushback in general has come from people who are really unaware of the benefits of the bills,” he said. “Certainly we’ve seen a lot of anti-immigrant sentiment at-large over the last few years, particularly at the federal level and under the Trump administration.”
Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.
As part of its preliminary investigation into a Nov. 28 house fire that claimed the lives of two people, the Kentwood Fire Department believes the cause was accidental.
KFD, in partnership with the Kentwood Police Department and Michigan State Police, continues to investigate the fire in the 400 block of 48th Street SE. Fire investigators are looking into possible electrical issues after finding a space heater near the fire’s origin.
At 3:23 a.m. on Nov. 28, the Kentwood Fire and Police departments were dispatched to the 400 block of 48th Street SE in response to a residential house fire. A KFD medic unit was the first to arrive and initiated rescue attempts, followed quickly by additional Kentwood and Cutlerville firefighters, who joined efforts to rescue individuals in the home and put out the fire.
The home was occupied by 11 individuals at the time of the fire. Nine of the residents made it out of the home safely. Medical assistance was provided to a 12-year-old female and a 19-year-old female, who were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death for both individuals was smoke inhalation. Their names are being withheld pending notification of loved ones.
Kentwood Police Department seeking info on recent homicide
The Kentwood Police Department is asking anyone with information on a homicide that occurred Friday, Nov. 25 at the 5100 block of Wichita Dr SE to call 616-656-6604.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Officers arrived on the scene and located a 30-year-old male with multiple gunshot wounds in the hallway of one of the apartment buildings. The subject was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
This is the most recent picture of Raymond Tarasiewicz. The photo was provided by his family.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues to search for missing Wyoming resident Raymond Tarasiewicz and are asking residents to continue sending tips and information.
Tarasiewicz, 69, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. The closet cross streets are Burlingame Avenue and 44th Street.
He is described as a white male, 6-foot, 2 inches tall and about 225 pounds. He has white hair and a white beard. He wears black prescription glasses and may be wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans.
Tarasiewicz has early signs of dementia. According to the Wyoming police, he has been known to wander and go into garages or outbuildings in his neighborhood. Tarasiewicz is known to frequent the 36th Street/Burlingame Avenue area. He has medical issues and requires medication regularly. He does not have known access to money and did not take his cell phone with him.
If you have seen Raymond Tarasiewciz or have information, please call police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 1-866-774-2345.
Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety have followed up on all leads that have developed since the time Tarasiewicz was reported missing. Detectives have also followed up on all tips received from citizens as they continue to actively investigate this case. Numerous resources have been used to attempt to locate Tarasiewicz and he is listed as missing in both law enforcement and other databases.
Family members have indicated that if anyone sees Tarasiewicz to call out “Hey Ray!” to try to help snap him out of his daze and call 911 to get him the medical attention he needs.
Anyone who may have seen Tarasiewicz or has information on his location that may assist in locating him is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
The City of Wyoming does blow its sidewalks after two or more inches of snow. (WKTV/Maggie Carey)
It’s that time of year again, the winter weather is back! With that, the City of Wyoming would like to remind residents of street parking rules and snowplowing guidelines to help keep the roads clear of snow in the winter time.
It is important to note that according to the city’s website, Wyoming has approximately 250 miles (or 600 lane-miles) of streets. 44th and 28th streets are the major streets with the most traffic, meaning they are prioritized and plowed first, then collector streets, and finally, residential streets and cul-de-sacs.
City of Wyoming Winter Parking
The odd-even ordinance is in effect from Dec. 1 (Thursday) to March 31. Ensuring cars are on the correct side of the street means quicker plow times and safer commutes for residents. If the ordinance is not followed, first time offenders can be warned or even given a ticket.
So, how does the ordinance work? Match the day with the street address. On odd days, park on the side of the street that contains odd addresses (those ending in 1,3,5,7,9). On even days, park on the side of the street that contains even addresses (those ending in 0,2,4,6,8). For those who live in cul-de-sacs, you may park on the street on even days.
Cars must be on the correct side of the street from midnight to 7 p.m. and residents are encouraged to move their cars to the correct side of the street between 7 p.m. and midnight.
Sidewalks and fire hydrants
Residents are asked to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow by their homes/businesses. Local fire department officials say that having hydrants clear of snow and ice saves firefighters time when dealing with a fire. It is recommended to keep three feet of area on all sides of the fire hydrant clear of snow and ice.
The city plows sidewalks at night after there has been two or more inches of snow. Residents are asked to keep the sidewalks clear of obstructions and items (trash cans, cars, signs, etc.) to help the City of Wyoming when plowing the sidewalks.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Kentwood’s Challenger Elementary School (Courtesy, Kentwood Public Schools)
Kentwood’s Challenger Elementary School was one out of five schools in the state of Michigan to receive the 2022 Building the Hope Schools award from the Education Trust-Midwest.
Challenger received the award for consistently demonstrating exceptional progress for traditionally underserved students.
Schools receiving this award are in the top 25 percent for academic proficiency or above average student growth, according to analyses by researchers from the nonpartisan Education Trust-Midwest. The Education Trust-Midwest is a data-driven education policy, research and advocacy organization, works for the high academic achievement of all Michigan students in pre-kindergarten through college.
To determine recipients of this award, researchers from The Education Trust-Midwest examined data for the 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19 school years. Analysts and team members also visiting schools and conducted interviews to get a firsthand look of schools’ learning environments as part of the process to select the award winners. Challenger impressed the team by showing excellence in, not just one, but in three areas that included excellence in learning for students of color, English Learners, and students who come from low income backgrounds.
“I want to recognize our students and their efforts in helping our school receive this honor,” said Challenger Principal Teressa Gatza in a letter to families. “We set high expectations for each of our students in many areas, and year after year, our students strive to meet those expectations.”
Gatza also thanks parents and families for their support and Challenger’s staff for their hard work, dedication and genuine care for the students.
When it comes to house repairs, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to help. (Pxhere.com)
Fall is in full swing and with that comes cooler weather. As the seasons change, you are more inclined to stay indoors and pass on events you used to enjoy in the warmer months–it happens to the best of us. Yet this lack of socialization, movement, and engagement in the winter can have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Winter can be an especially difficult season for older adults. You may not have the means to drive or keep up with home maintenance and repairs, and you could start feeling a bit defeated during this time. Trying to combat these things can be overwhelming, but just because you aren’t able to get out as much doesn’t mean there aren’t a variety of things you can do to have a winter of wellness.
Here are just a few tips:
Take advantage of open enrollment. Now is a good time to review your healthcare needs. Medicare/Medicaid Open Enrollment is underway, and you can make changes to your plan through Dec. 7. The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program can be a great support in navigating this, offering unbiased help at 1-800-803-7174.
Catch a ride. Several transportation resources are available specifically for older adults, and it is great to be able to take advantage of these in winter months when there is inclement weather. In Kent County, RideLink provides seniors 60+ with affordable rides throughout the county.
You can learn more about RideLink at https://www.aaawm.org/ridelink, or feel free to call 616-774-1288 to schedule a ride. If you are outside Kent County, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan can connect you to other transportation resources in our nine-county region.
Move your body. An important aspect of aging well is prioritizing both your physical and emotional health. Many community options are available to meet individuals where they are, including the newly renamed Engaging Wellness. All Engaging Wellness programs are designed specifically for older adults, offering evidence-based classes that are safe and effective. Community partners within the nine-county network are dedicated to helping seniors stay active and independent, bringing a holistic, full-circle approach to aging with education on nutrition, diabetes prevention, and fitness classes.
Use your resources. It can be tough to keep up with the maintenance of your home in the winter. When this happens, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A family member or friend was probably always willing but perhaps unsure of what help you need. Or if this isn’t an option, through the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, a number of home chores and repair services are available from yard cleanup, snow removal, lawn mowing, and minor home maintenance.
Connect to your community. Whether it is joining a senior center, a book club at your local library or volunteering for a cause that matters, being involved can help your mood immensely. You get a healthy dose of regular socialization with others, and when you join a group initiative, you are more likely to stick to it as other people can help keep you accountable.
So, what’s your next step? Reach out to us at the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan; it is a knowledge hub for services available to seniors. Often we will offer information on local senior centers to join, available exercise programming, and home and transportation resources to help you maintain your independence over the more challenging winter months and throughout the year. Visit www.aaawm.org/services or call 616-456-5664 to get started.
Emmanuel Hospice’s grief support services are open to anyone in the community on a grief journey regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit organization or hospice care. (Emmanuel Hospice/Adobe Stock)
It can be hard handling the holidays – especially if you’re trying to process grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one.
But there are ways to make it through this season.
That’s not to say there’s a magic wand available to make your sadness vanish. But strategies and coping mechanisms do exist that can be put into place to make the holidays a little less stressful, even though you’re recovering from a loss.
“One of the first things to realize is that grief is a continuum,” says Ashley Huisman, bereavement coordinator for Emmanuel Hospice. “So, while one person might react very stoically and without a lot of tears, another might be extremely emotional.
“The important thing is not to judge; we don’t know what anyone is dealing with internally in that moment.”
Another thing to consider, says Huisman, is that not everyone processes grief according to the so-called five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, despair and acceptance.
“Grief isn’t a standard, cookie-cutter type of thing,” she says, noting it’s just as common to bounce between these stages or even skip one as it is to follow them in a linear way.
Huisman offers the following tips on how to cope with grief at the holidays:
Manage expectations. Just because you’ve always been relied upon to bake that fancy dessert, the grief you’re feeling might compel you to pass this year. Even at the risk of thinking you’re letting someone down, take care of yourself first. “Pick out the tasks or customs,” says Huisman, “that have the most meaning for you.”
Make time for yourself. “Take a nap,” says Huisman. “Listen to music. Try to be reflective. Or even try to not remember for a while what you’re dealing with. The important thing is to check in with yourself and be sure you’re getting what you need.”
Give to get. When grief overwhelms, make a conscious effort to support others. It can help you create perspective and focus on another’s needs. Says Huisman, “It’s giving your heart a break.”
Memorialize your loss. Create a special ornament that honors the person gone. Continue to hang a stocking in their name, and slip a note inside telling them the ways they’re missed. Light a candle. Write a poem. Buy a gift they would have loved and donate it in their name to a cause.
Reach out for help. Emmanuel Hospice, for example, offers workshops and support groups to help anyone in the community manage grief, regardless of whether they have a prior connection with the nonprofit organization or hospice care.
The nonprofit is offering free “Handling the Holidays” grief support sessions at various locations in the greater Grand Rapids area:
Monday, Dec. 5 from 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 2-3 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 19 from 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 10-11 a.m.
Those interested in joining are asked to contact Emmanuel Hospice if they plan to attend and get more information at 616-719-0919 or EHBereavement@emmanuelhospice.org. RSVPs are welcome up until the day of the event.
In addition to leading support groups, Emmanuel Hospice provides support through counseling, education and referrals to community resources to help individuals cope with all stages of grief before, during and even after the holidays. More information is available at EmmanuelHospice.org/grief-support.
Though it sounds simplistic, Huisman encourages people grieving through the holidays to “take them one day at a time. Try not to be anxious.
“Most of all,” she says, “look for things that will give you comfort. And let the rest be.”
The City of Kentwood is inviting residents to get in the holiday spirit by participating in the second annual holiday light display contest.
Community members interested in participating are asked to first register online at bit.ly/HolidayLightContest. They can then submit photos of their outdoor holiday light display to eRecreation@kentwood.us or on social media using the hashtag #KentwoodLightContest from Dec. 1-14.
First Place: Kentwood’s Clark Griswold Trophy and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Entries must be located within Kentwood city limits or within the Kentwood Public School district. The photos will be posted to the City’s social media platforms, where community members can vote for their favorite display. The three displays with the most votes will earn prizes and bragging rights for a year.
“After a successful inaugural year, we’re excited to host this friendly, festive competition again,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “This is a fun opportunity for our community to get into the holiday spirit and tap into their creative side.”
Winning prizes
First place: Kentwood’s Clark Griswold Trophy, and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag.
Second place: A second place trophy and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag.
Third place: A third place trophy and a Kentwood Parks and Recreation goody bag.
If you are like many pre-retirees or retirees, you may be hesitant to purchase annuities because you worry you will enter the market at the wrong time and won’t maximize your returns. An increasingly popular technique known as “annuity laddering” may help guard against this situation and make the transition to annuities much easier and less stressful for you.
Building an annuity ladder means that you purchase a series of annuities over time instead of dumping a lump sum into one annuity that locks you into one rate. With a ladder, you split your premium across multiple smaller annuities. For instance, maybe you decide to buy one annuity every two years for the next ten years. Or you buy one annuity per year for the next five years.
The annuity ladder strategy has several advantages
The first advantage is that you don’t have all your eggs in one basket. By diversifying your annuities, you are less susceptible to the fluctuations of the market.
The second advantage is that you can take advantage of changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, you can purchase annuities that have not yet been affected by the market change.
The third advantage is that you can ladder annuities with different payouts. For example, you could buy an annuity with a term period of 5 years, the next year buy another 5-year term period, and up the ladder, you go. When you use the annuity as income, when one matures, simply start converting them to an income stream. Income periods can be any length you wish, even a lifetime. This way, you would have a stream of income that would last for the rest of your life.
Diversifying to reduce risk
Laddering annuities can be a great way to secure your financial future. By diversifying your annuities, you can protect yourself from market fluctuations and take advantage of changes in interest rates. By laddering annuities with different payouts, you can ensure that you have a stream of income that lasts for the rest of your life.
Annuity laddering can help you manage risk. By laddering annuities with different maturity dates, you create a “spread” that can protect you against interest rate risk.
Since predictions of whether interest rates will go up or down are, at best-educated guesses, an annuity ladder lets you bet on both scenarios. A ladder may increase your chances of earning more when rates go up or smooth out losses if rates go down.
Always review to see what’s right for you
There are many different ways to build annuity ladders for yield, including fixed-rate ladders using multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs). You can also use a “mixed-fix” approach combining MYGAs and fixed–index annuities. Deferred multi-year ladders work in a somewhat similar fashion to certificates of deposit (CDs).
Another approach is the deferred multi-year annuity ladder. You take a lump sum to purchase several small annuities in a deferred multi-year annuity ladder, each with a different maturity date. As each annuity matures, you either roll it over into a new annuity or convert it to income.
Creating an annuity ladder may not work for everyone. Still, it is worth bringing up with your retirement advisor, especially if you find yourself considering adding Safe Money products to your portfolio.
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.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma with GRAM Director of Art Chris Bruce. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
It was by chance that Chris Bruce was introduced to the world of Jim Henson.
“As a family, we would go to these auctions,” Bruce said. “At one, there was a box of kids toys that we got. At the bottom of the box, there was a VHS (tape) which was the ‘Dark Crystal.’”
It was love at first viewing.
“I just love how he understood the need for kids to face fear,” Bruce said. “That they needed to be able to recognize it and know what it is.”
Fast forward several years and Bruce, who is now working for the Grand Rapids Art Museum, is in New York. A friend tells him about an exhibit of Jim Henson’s work at the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI).
Bruce arrived at the MoMI, only to find it closed. But all was not lost as he managed to convince someone to let him in to see “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited.”
“After seeing it, I knew immediately that the Museum needed to bring this exhibit in,” Brue said, adding that staff had been considering it. “It has everything that we were seeking for an installation. It is entertaining. It is diverse. It is vibrant and it is relatable.
“I saw it as something that would speak to everyone.”
It would take a few more years for the Museum to get the exhibit on its schedule and during that time Bruce was named the GRAM’s director of art and is the curator for the exhibit.
And as Bruce moves a small group through the exhibit, you can quickly tell that the GRAM picked the best person to curate this particular exhibit.
Life’s like a movie
Opened at the beginning of October, the exhibit features a broad range of artifacts related to Henson’s career. This includes more than 20 puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photographs, film and television clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and iconic costumes. There are also interactive experiences that allow visitors to try their hand at puppeteering on camera and designing a puppet character.
As the group moves through the exhibit, Bruce tells of of the layout and story behind the exhibit.
Visitors travel through a timeline of Henson’s career with the different sections color-coated. Greeted by a 1978 Kermit the Frog, the exhibit starts with Henson’s early life when he was first introduced to television and puppetry. It weaves through his first television show, “Sam and Friends” leading into his years with “Sesame Street.”
Characters from “Fraggle Rock”The stuff animals from “The “Labyrinth”
“The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976-1981, is featured prominently with all the episodes being run at the sametime on a screen. Continue to follow the path through the hall to discover such iconic shows “Muppet Babies” and “Fraggle Rock” which leads to Henson’s groundbreaking “Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” which starred David Bowie. The exhibit ends looking at some of the projects Henson was working on before his untimely death in 1990.
“And if you watch the closing monitor, you can even see Jim Henson saying ‘good-bye,” Bruce said.
Joining Kermit are such familiar characters as Grover, Ernie, Bert, and Count von Count from “Sesame Street”; Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and Scooter from “The Muppets”; and Jen and Kira puppets from “The Dark Crystal.” Also on display are the costumes from “The Labyrinth.”
Making a connection
Grand Rapids Art Museum Director of Art Chris Bruce in front of the Jen and Kira puppets from “The Dark Crystal.” (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“It has been an incredible opportunity to be the curator while this exhibit is here,” Bruce said.
As for a favorite section, Bruce said he couldn’t pick one. Each has its place and, while all were made for children, there meanings and theme reach out to what is going on today.
“‘Fraggle Rock’ was about race relations and how people need to work together,” Bruce said, adding that making connections was another them that ran through Henson’s work.
“I think the takeaway from all of this is being together,” Bruce said. “We are all different but we are all in this together.”
The “Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” runs through Jan. 14 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW. Throughout the months of December and January, there are several drop-in and adult workshops centered around puppetry in celebration of the exhibit. For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org.
Journeè Evans’ passion for Grand Rapids art, poetry and community gained new perspective in January 2022, when she relocated downtown from the city’s southeast side.
“I wanted to know my surroundings more, to expand,” she told ArtRat. “That’s why I love living in Grand Rapids: You’re always going to run into a different crowd and new culture that you can explore and bring in knowledge and connections. We have something special, something a lot of people are searching for.”
At ArtRat, she has sourced West Michigan artists and artisans for ArtRat’s Holiday ArtMart, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Also during ArtRat’s Third Thursday event Dec. 15, she will host a poetry paint-and-pour as part of her new Sol’s Sessions performance series.
“I met some of the most loving, caring and amazing people” at Pass the Mic, Journeè said. “It was one of those opportunities that you don’t get unless you know that this is something you’re supposed to bring to the world. There’s so many amazing things that come through Grand Rapids, and a lot of people don’t get to see them.”
Journeè has also become an ambassador for C4 (the Community Collaboration on Climate Change),a grassroots organization that is working to make Grand Rapids a model city for climate-change mitigation, adaptation and climate justice for its residents.
In her role with C4, Journeè will work closely with the residents of Grand Rapids to learn the specifics of what our community needs to move forward. (You can download more information on C4 here and here.)
Sol’s Sessions
Her experience at Grand Rapids’ art venues inspired Journeè’s latest project: Sol’s Sessions, a collaborative forum for the city’s emerging artists, poets, singers and dancers that she plans to host throughout the city. “The idea was actually born out of the idea for a dance group,” she said, “but I fell back in love with writing poetry. So it became a space for everything: You can come and speak, listen, cry, dance, even paint or sketch!
“Creativity doesn’t take from anything, or anyone — it simply gives. When you gain creativity, you gain freedom and independence. It gives you the courage to live on without fear.”
Mama Sol’Ja will host a “Sunflower World” edition of Sol’s Sessions on Nov. 18 at the Wealthy Theatre Community Media Center. The event begins at 6pm with performances by six West Michigan poets, leading into an open mic. “I want anybody who has a talent to come and show it so they can get their flowers and that love,” she said. “That’s what the Sunflower World is about.” To keep the flame lit as we head into dark winter months, you’re invited to dress in yellow and join the celebration.
Bringing it all to ArtRat
In December, Journeè will apply her community-building talents to ArtRat, introducing new vendors to the gallery at the Holiday ArtMart, then hosting a Sol’s Session that features poetry alongside participatory painting. “I get to bring in this great community of people who became entrepreneurs in their own right,” she said. “They went out and they actually did something! It’s so amazing to me to see that grit.
“COVID really just stopped a lot of things. Now that people are up and running, I want to really encourage us to gain as much as we can gain because we all went through so much. I was thrilled to be able to give people that opportunity, whether it’s local artists, or younger people who want to pursue creative endeavors.
“I’m thrilled that I get to be able to bring people a new, positive way,” Journeè said, “just to show themselves and be able to express whatever thoughts they have on their mind. We’re definitely going to change it over here. It’s important to give voice to change — and that’s what we’re doing here.”
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
The Silverline will now include on-board payments. (WKTV)
The Rapid is reintroducing the Silver Line to new and returning customers with on-board fare payments to prepare for contactless payments coming in 2023. The change improves customer experience, avoids expensive equipment replacements, and aligns with how people pay fares on other buses in the system.
As the original ticket vending machines reach their end of life, The Rapid is preparing for convenient payment options onboard the Silver Line buses rather than replacing the expensive equipment. Transactions for fare will look just like the rest of The Rapid’s routes other than the Laker Line. These changes include installing Wave card readers and cash fareboxes onboard. These changes will prepare The Rapid for the contactless fare payment options, including Apple Pay and Google Pay coming in Spring 2023.
“We’re continually reviewing our system and our performance and taking the steps we need to, focusing on how The Rapid can improve mobility and access for all,” said Deb Prato, chief executive officer for The Rapid. “We look at how can we make it easier for our customers to get from point A to point B, how to choose the best route or combination of transportation options, and how to pay for their fares in the most convenient way possible.”
The Rapid launched the Silver Line, Michigan’s first Bus Rapid Transit service in 2014. The Silver Line provided an express route for customers in the Division Avenue corridor and was equipped with the best technology available at the time.
The Silver Line blurs the lines between buses and trains by offering customers more amenities than a typical bus service. Customers have access to the park and ride options and convenient fare vending. The Silver Line stations offer sheltered, accessible platform boarding and real-time arrival information. Traffic signal prioritization, hybrid diesel-electric buses, and high-frequency service are also features of this bus rapid transit service.
Customers will use the same payment methods on Silver Line buses as the rest of the fixed-route bus system. Adult customers pay $1.75 per ride with exact cash or can receive the best value by purchasing a $47 monthly Wave card, The Rapid’s smart transit pass, that launched in 2018 to make fare payments easier. With the Wave card, receive the highest value for the amount with fare-capping and free transfers within one hour and 45 minutes. Specialty Wave cards, like youth and reduced fare, require picture identification and can be purchased at The Rapid’s Information Center within Central Station. Adult Wave cards can be purchased online at wave.ridetherapid.org.
LANSING – A chalk mural by Grand Valley State University student Jacob Yingling depicts what he studies: yellow perch in drowned river mouth systems.
Jacob Yingling’s chalk mural took him two hours to create and many more hours to plan. It reads, “Yellow Perch Condition in Drowned Rivermouth System.” Credit: Jacob Yingling
Through the data Yingling collected for the university’s Annis Water Resources Institute, he discovered that the average weight and health of fish captured at Lake Macatawa is significantly below standard levels.
His artwork was part of a recent Grand Valley Chalk Art Symposium, where dozens of students showcased their work on the Pew Library plaza.
“This was my first time doing something like this,” Yingling said. He said he loves drawing landscapes in his free time and was excited to be a part of the event.
Combining science with artwork allowed people who wouldn’t have otherwise seen his research to see it, said Yingling. “I believe science is really for everyone.”
Attendees approached Yingling throughout the day to find out more about his research.
“A lot of people thought it was cool, and they stopped to ask what it meant and how it was impacting them,” he said.
Great Lakes river mouths are home to ports and cities that have lots of human interaction, according to a 2013 article in the Journal of Great Lakes Research.
The activity can harm marine health through factors such as runoff and improper waste disposal.
Sharing scientific research through artwork is a growing trend, said Michigan State University Museum Creative Director Mark Sullivan.
“Science gives artists opportunities for an approach they have never taken before,” he said. Artistic expression and interpretation can improve the observational skills of scientists, too.
Science and art have come together all over the scientific community, according to another Annis researcher, Michael Hassett.
Institutions nationwide promote seminars through colorful posters, feature artwork in their studies and have even spread water awareness through interpretive dance.
You don’t have to be an activist to take action.
According to Yingling, the people viewing his mural often asked how they could help preserve yellow trout along Michigan’s west coast.
“The best way for us to generate funding is to get the public interested in what we’re doing,” he said.
Just like Yingling, Sullivan’s team gets out into the community with artistic exhibits and performances based on research subjects like climate change, immigration and technology.
“We’re not about sitting on the shelf, but taking action,” Sullivan said.
Sounds of music, song, and poetry rang out for close to three hours in the cozy, art-filled space known as ArtRat.
The event, known as “Saturday Musicians Co-op,” showcased local artists, giving them a chance to practice their craft in front of a live audience and on this fall day, about two dozen people came out to watch singers, musicians and poets all take their turn at the mic.
It is only a sample of the array of activities that has been taking place at Division Avenue’s newest tenant, all of which are designed to highlight just what a hidden gem the Heartside District is.
Heartside’s Renaissance
The Heartside neighborhood has gone through a transformation in recent years. Prices for retail space is very reasonable making it attractive for unique specialty shops and eateries that now dot the landscape of the Division corridor. Once such place is ArtRat.
ArtRat owners Nancy Tobin and Matthew Rothenberg. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
Owned by Matthew Rothenberg and his wife, Nancy Tobin, ArtRat, 46 Division Ave., opened up to the public a little over a year ago. Rothenberg said Tobin, a painter, had already been using the space when the couple saw its potential to build community.
“So Nancy first started using this as her studio in 2018,” Rothernberg said. “And then we realized what a beautiful space this would be to have a gallery. So last year, we renovated the space and opened just before ArtPrize 2021.”
Tobin is a Grand Rapids native and graduated from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design in 1981. She eventually made her way out West, where she met Rothenberg. Years later, the couple moved back to be closer to Tobin’s family.
Having spent several years living in bigger cities, like New York and San Francisco, Rothenberg said Grand Rapids has its own unique vibe. One he digs.
“It’s got the kind of intensity and vibrancy that we look for in cities,” Rothenberg said. “Nancy and I are city people. Our kids are too. This feels like that.”
Building the Community
But it’s not just art and artists’ performances taking center stage at ArtRat. To get people more engaged in the community, ArtRat is hosting more civic minded events. The gallery held a voter registration event in the fall and partnered up with PROACTIVE Project to try to get more citizens registered for the recent midterm election.
ArtRat audience enjoys an evening of music and poetry during the Saturday Musicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
ArtRat was also one of four sites picked to host a voting event for Participatory Budgeting GR. Participatory Budgeting GR was an initiative that allowed citizens to vote on proposals created by residents in order to spend the $2 million that the City was allocated to get because of the American Rescue Plan Act. Residents were asked to come up with ideas on how to spend the federal funds and then they got to vote on their favorites.
ArtRat has also been mixing art with song, music, poetry, and other live performances in an effort to bring in patrons and local artists alike. They’ve hosted ‘The Hai-Cuu Experience’ at the gallery about once a month. The Hip-Hop poetry experience is a collaboration with Cuu JoSama and Kenneth Cortez Productions.
It’s just the cool place to be
Starting in November, a new monthly event, ‘Americana Sundays’ will showcase individual singer-songwriters and bands performing in American roots music styles.
Rothenberg said he hopes events like this will help make people aware that this hip, cool scene is happening in the Heartside neighborhood. A vibrant and diverse area that’s starting to attract younger artists and people who enjoy the arts. Rothenberg said he’s confident once people see the potential this neighborhood has, they’ll be back.
“People may not be aware that it has a thriving retail scene with lots of unique things for people to do,” said Rothenberg. “There’s plenty of parking, cool businesses, cool people. Just a cool community to be a part of.”
Building a community through the Arts
Madyson Visscher, a local artist, works for the gallery as its social media manager. The 22-year-old moved to the neighborhood a year ago and like the owners she works for, she fell in love with the area and what it has to offer. She said Heartside has seen an explosion in the art scene, making the gallery a perfect hub for the community and herself.
ArtRat is located at 46 S. Division Ave. in the hear to the Heartside District. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
“I feel at home here for sure,” said Visscher. “There’s even this strip now. With all of the new retail and like resources that are here. Whether it’s a little space, so someone like me, an artist, I can go work in there. It’s a co-working space, plenty of cafés. We got the new vintage stores that are up and I’ve been spending way too much money in those.”
Visscher has been writing features on behalf of the ArtRat gallery showcasing some of the businesses in the area. The stories are published via email once or twice a week. She’s also been talking and getting feedback from residents in the neighborhood. Visscher said the gallery hopes it can break the stereotype that it only caters to people of a certain status.
“I think some art galleries can be a little uppity or sophisticated,” said Visscher. “But we’re definitely trying to change that narrative and be a space not only for artists, but just for the community too.”
Open Mic Night a Success
Rothenberg, a musician, said he wanted to give artists a place to hone their skills thus that is how the “Saturday Musicians Co-op” came to be.
Eli Winkelman, on drums, was excited to showcase his talent during a recent SaturdayMusicians Co-op. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
That opportunity to showcase his craft is why 18-year-old drummer Eli Winkelman came. The recent high school graduate of Grand Rapids has played a few times in front of people but mainly for school related events. He said the owners are a friend of his dad’s. He said he was happy for the opportunity to jam.
“It was actually really fun,” Winkelman said. “Because like, we actually got like, a lot of people, and it was pretty cool. Made me feel good.”
Some more seasoned performers took part as well. Journeé Evans, 23, is no stranger to performing. Evans is an artist and poet. The audience sat in silence, drinking in the words falling from her lips. She was met with the roar of applause afterwards. Evans said she was happy to be a part of the experiment.
“I feel like it is very unique”, Evans said. “And it’s very innovative, bringing in two genres that aren’t usually together, and then making an experience that everybody can enjoy. I feel like that’s a very balanced and awesome way of bringing attraction to any place.”
Journeé Evans, receives around of applause after her poetry reading. (WKTV/Jodi Miesen)
And that for Rothenberg was the whole point.
“Something I can do is create opportunities for people to come here”, Rothenberg said. “And perform here and interact here. You know, just get them down here and they can see the opportunities for themselves.”
The return of the annual Wyoming Gives Back event will include a new venue and a tree lighting ceremony.
Every year, the City of Wyoming has been able to collect more than a 1,000 toys at its annual Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
City organizers recently announced that this year’s event, which is from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1, will be at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. The reason for the move, according to Jennifer Stowell, assistant to the city manager, is for the tree lighting ceremony, which will close out the event.
“Our City Manager, Curtis Holt, wanted to have the tree lighting ceremony,” Stowell said, adding that it has been about 10 years since the city has such an event.
“So none of the city lights will come on until after the tree lighting ceremony,” she said.
It will be the first in-person Wyoming Gives Back in two years. Last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID and in 2020, it was a virtual program that was filmed and produced at the WKTV Community Center.
Wyoming Gives Back is Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
“It’s the season for joy as our community comes together once again to celebrate the holidays,” Wyoming Mayor Elect Kent Vanderwood said. “We encourage Wyoming residents and community members to join the festivities, which will include a great lineup of local school choirs and bands, gift giving, a tree lighting and more.”
The Wyoming Gives Back will be similar to those in the past. Residents will bring toys to the Wyoming City Hall. The toys are donated to the Salvation Army Angel Tree. For each toy donated, a resident receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.
The jazz band from the Wyoming High School will perform at this year’s Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
There will be additional prizes this year as several businesses who donated to last year’s event had the city keep their donation for this year, Stowell said.
During the two-hour event, there will be music from the Salvation Army Band, Godwin Heights High School Choir, Lee Varsity Voices Choir, and Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band. All the groups will be performing in the Council Chambers. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be there checking in with area children on their Christmas wishes. Also members of the Wyoming Police and Fire departments will be there as well. WKTV also will be there recording holiday greetings.
The City of Wyoming has been hosting the annual Wyoming Gives Back event for 12 years, partnering with local businesses and the community to celebrate the holiday season by helping those in need. For more information about Wyoming Gives Back, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/givesback or call 616-530-7372.
Snowy weather is here which means making sure you have checked that your car has all your survival essentials. (WKTV/Maggie Carey)
With the colder months approaching quickly, it is important to stock your car with items that will help you through the winter. Winter weather can leave you stranded and having a kit of essentials can get you back on the road faster or make your time waiting for assistance more comfortable in the frigid temperatures.
Winter essentials for the car can include:
Ice scraper. This is an essential that can be found almost everywhere. Car scrapers with a brush end and scraper end are best (see image right) as they help remove both snow and ice from your car. Not only is it safe for you to clear your car of snow, it is also safe for those around you as snow falling off your car can impair their vision while driving.
A car scraper with a brush and scraper end is recommended.
Portable Shovel. Small portable shovels can be helpful when digging a car out from snow or when trying to leave a snowy street in the morning. If you have a big enough trunk, consider keeping a full-sized shovel on hand to make the process smoother.
Cat litter or salt. Did you know that cat litter can help budge a stuck car more than salt? Cat litter absorbs all the moisture around the tire and makes the surface dry to drive on. If you are stuck in snow or ice, pour small amounts around your wheels and slowly accelerate to dislodge your car. This can also be an affordable alternative to keeping salt in your car. Or if you want to keep it classic, salt does the job too. Be sure to have one on hand though as we enter the Michigan winter.
Extra warm clothes. Having extra clothes on hand can be helpful if your car has died and you are waiting for assistance on the side of the road. Put together a tote with a coat, gloves, hat, scarf, socks and if you have the room, a blanket. These items can help regulate your temperature while waiting for assistance and could potentially save your life.
Food and water. Some types of food, like non-perishables, can stay in your car for the winter months and come in handy for those unpredictable winter weather emergencies. Trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and canned foods can be kept in cold temperatures in your car. You should also keep water in your car. Stainless steel bottles are the best method of storing water, just remember to only fill them ¾ of the way as the colder temperatures can make the bottle burst if too full.
Take the time now to think about what you need and stock up your car essentials to keep you and your family safe during your winter travels.
Albert Einstein was ahead of his time. He revolutionized physics thinking, and his theory beginning with the breakout year of 1905, is still the basics of quantum physics today, more than 100 years later. When Einstein is remembered for his work, it is almost always E = mc², the theory of relativity. However, I think a more interesting part of Einstein’s life was his view on compound interest.
Albert Einstein called compound interest “the greatest mathematical discovery of all time.”
The power of tax deferral
Compound interest allows the account to grow by earning interest on the original investment and any accumulated interest. Here is a generally accepted definition of compound interest.
The interest is calculated on the initial principal and the accumulated interest of prior periods. Compound interest differs from simple interest in that simple interest is calculated solely as a percentage of the principal sum.
Compound interest is offered by banks and savings institutions and is also referred to as “double compounding.” The interest is credited, but it is taxable. The downside is when the interest is credited to your account and comes with tax liability.
Insurance companies offer products that allow for tax deferral and compounding but, under certain situations, can also defer the tax liability. These products are called annuities and life insurance. If the accumulated funds are left untouched, the tax liability is deferred.
This concept is referred to as “triple compounding.”
If some of your savings are placed in an annuity, the benefit of tax deferral provides for:
Interest on your principal
Interest on your interest and
Interest on your tax saving, because your interest is free from current income tax in an annuity, can all continue to compound instead of being withdrawn for tax payments.
And there is more
Is that all there is? No! There is also “quantum compounding.”
Quantum Compounding is building on Triple Compounding by adding features only found on certain insurance company annuities.
· A bonus of 5% to 10% may be available on funds deposited immediately and guaranteed
· Long-term care benefit riders may be available
· Lifetime income provisions
· Annual moveable minimum guarantees
· Full guarantees against loss and risk based on the insurance company’s ability to pay.
· Probate avoidance using a named beneficiary
Consider the use of quantum annuities for added benefits and added value for yourself and your heirs.
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.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
Our WKTV truck has been busy all season long covering exciting high school football Games of the Week in the Wyoming/Kentwood viewing area.
If you missed a GOTW, or would like to watch one for a second time, be sure to see our 22nd Annual Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving Day.
The 15-Hour Special, which starts at 9 a.m. Nov. 24, highlights most of our high school football Games of the Week. The Turkey Bowl is streamed live on the WKTV website at wktv.org or using this link: https://www.wktv.org/live25.html
