Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

Beacon Hill at Eastgate annual summer celebration moved to Aug. 24

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Beacon Hill Residents at Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is inviting members of the community to enjoy live music and curated food during its Summer Celebration, an annual culinary showcase and appreciation event featuring hand-held bites prepared by the retirement community’s award-winning chefs.

The annual event, which has been a tradition for more than 50 years, will take place 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 on the front lawn at Beacon Hill at Eastgate, 1919 Boston St. SE. Booths will line the parking lot, inviting foodies to enjoy cuisine from the retirement community’s kitchens and gardens that includes everything from global fusion and plant-based delights to bold flavors and gourmet comfort food.

The Moonrays, a Grand Rapids-based band that has opened for B.B. King and other prominent artists, will play a blend of instrumental surf, rock and blues with incredible vintage tone.

Beacon Hill’s food truck, The Traveling Plate, will also be on-site serving dishes from its rotating menu as a part of several dining stations. The Traveling Plate is serving up a culinary adventure this summer 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday outside Beacon Hill.

“The Summer Celebration is one of our favorite ways of thanking our residents, their loved ones and the surrounding community for their support,” Beacon Hill at Eastgate Marketing Director Ashley Edwards said. “Our culinary team has prepared an incredible selection of dishes for this year’s event – and what better way to come together with our neighbors than through carefully curated dishes made using ingredients grown in our own backyard.”

Beacon Hill Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

Last year’s event welcomed over 800 attendees. The event is open to the community, and food and beverages are free. Limited on-site parking is available; street parking is available and carpooling is encouraged.

This year’s showcase will feature over a dozen handpicked dishes made from scratch by Beacon Hill’s award-winning chefs and will include a variety of flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Menu items will include homemade mac and cheese bites, freshly prepared smoked sausages, Thai noodle salad, panzanella salad, meatballs, watermelon and berries, a full dessert station and much more.



Beacon Hill has a strong commitment to local ingredients, relying on its half-acre community garden to supply produce for its imaginative and appetizing meals that are acclaimed by guests and visitors alike. When the Beacon Hill chefs can’t produce ingredients themselves, they source from local purveyors, such as AP Baked Goods, Field and Fire, Louise Earl Butcher and Rowsters.

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Eastgate neighborhood, Beacon Hill at Eastgate is home to four restaurants, which include an upscale Dining Room, Club Room, Garden Café and Bistro – all featuring world-class cuisine made using ingredients grown on-site. Each one has favorite dishes that are always available, as well as ever-changing daily and seasonal specials. Beacon Hill’s Garden Café and Bistro are open to the public.

Beacon Hill Residents at Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

Beacon Hill’s Summer Celebration started in the 1970s as the Strawberry Festival, a fundraising event organized by the Women’s Auxiliary of Michigan Christian Home, the name under which Beacon Hill at Eastgate was originally established. The Strawberry Festival raised thousands of dollars for the retirement community through the sale of homemade strawberry shortcake, sundaes and other treats. Since then, the Strawberry Festival has shifted to a culinary showcase paid for by Beacon Hill to thank its residents, their loved ones and the community for their support.

“What started as a fundraiser organized by a small group of volunteers has blossomed into a community-favorite tradition that has brought together thousands of new and old friends for evenings full of great food and entertainment,” Edwards said. “Decades later, the Summer Celebration upholds the original event’s mission of using exceptional, homemade food to build community and enrich the lives of our residents and neighbors.”

To learn more about Beacon Hill’s Summer Celebration, click here.

About Beacon Hill at Eastgate

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is home, family and security, dedicated to engaging seniors in an active and fulfilling retirement. Its state-of-the-art campus is a life plan retirement community that offers the complete continuum of care on one campus, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Beacon Hill integrates a more highly defined service model characterized by best practices in the areas of social and clinical services with excellence in hospitality.

For more information, visit beaconhillgr.org. 

South Christian football looks ahead after state title run in 2022

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, ,
WKTV was out at South Christian’s football practice last week. Take a look. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)



By Zach Fanko

WKTV Contributor



Complacency was the key word that South Christian Coach Danny Brown and several players used during the first week of practice of the 2023 season. Something that this team is aiming to avoid after a perfect season ending in a 28-0 Division 4 state title win over Goodrich, the program’s fourth state championship and first since 2014.



Last year’s team had 22 seniors, including All-State QB Jake DeHaan, WR Seth Ritsma, OL Cam Post, and RB/K Nate Brinks. This year’s team has plenty of seniors as well, including WR/DB Jake Vermaas, who missed the majority of the regular season due to a broken collarbone, but came back during the playoff run. Vermaas capped off the year with a stellar game at Ford Field with over 150 receiving yards and a Pick-6.


Senior WR/DB Jake Vermaas looks to take a new role as a leader. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)



Vermaas talked about his new role as a senior leader on this team.



“The biggest difference for me and some of my teammates has been stepping into that leadership role,” Vermaas said. “That has been an adjustment for some guys and it is going well.



“For us we don’t really want to change a whole lot because we were pretty successful last year.”



South Christian poses with the MHSAA Division 4 state championship trophy last year at Ford Field, where they finished a perfect 14-0 season. (WKTV/Zach Fanko)



Three-way competition under center

DeHaan, who committed to the University of Toledo as a walk-on, utilized both his arm and legs on his way to a Division 4 All-State selection. The Sailors have three potential quarterbacks competing for the starting gig with senior Noah Funk (transfer from Grand Rapids Christian), junior Carson Vis (played WR last season), and sophomore Kayd Coffman who started on the JV team as a freshman last year.



“The goal is to get through these first two weeks of camp and then we have a scrimmage, and then hopefully someone has created some separation,” said Brown, whose Sailors were undefeated at 14-0 last season.



“If no one has then we reevaluate, but that is the goal.”



Passing the torch up front

Another senior looking to pick up where last year’s seniors left off is OL/DL Camren VanSolkema, who was an All-Region selection in Division 4 last season. VanSolkema is one of the players up front hoping to fill the void left by current Ferris State lineman Cam Post.



“This is my fourth year on varsity and I’ve always been an underclassmen,” VanSolkema said. “But now I can follow in the older guys’ footsteps and take care of the younger guys.”



South Christian opens the season August 25 on the road against Grand Rapids Christian.


WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back next week!

Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’ll bring you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute program.

As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well. 

You won’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!

Woodland Mall to collect food donations for students at back-to-school event Aug. 19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Education, Food, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall, , , ,
Families are getting ready for the start of a new school year (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Woodland Mall and The Salvation Army in Kent County are helping local students get ready to go back to school with a fun event and food drive 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19.

The event will serve as a fundraiser for The Salvation Army’s emergency food pantry. It will also feature a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy in Woodland Mall’s Macy’s Court.

On a monthly basis, The Salvation Army feeds 550 people, including 145 children, and that number is increasing daily.

“We used to provide people with enough food to last three to five days,” said Victoria Arnold, director of Kent County Social Services. “Due to increased demand, we now provide enough food for six days. And we predict we will need another $10,000 alone to stay at that level, just for the next year.”

An increasing number of families are in need food during the school year (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

Attendees are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food donations to the event or make a monetary donation online to support Salvation Army Kent County Social Services, which provides food pantries, warm meals and sack lunches for community members in need. Personal care items, household products, clothing and baby essentials are also accepted.

“Countless families struggle to access nutritious food, and most affected are children,” said Mikia Ross, interim Senior Marketing Director for Woodland Mall. “To help address this issue, we’re focusing on promoting nutrition for children and families during this year’s back-to-school season and encouraging the community to participate by donating to our charitable partner, Salvation Army. Together, we can help students get the fuel they need to start their academic year out strong!”

Suggested items for donation include:

  • Canned goods, including meats, fruits and vegetables, with a pop top.
  • Pasta and pasta sauces.
  • Ramen noodles.
  • Macaroni and cheese.

While supporting the nonprofit, event attendees will be able to meet special characters like Princess Tiana and Captain America, enjoy DJ music and games, get their faces painted, make friendship bracelets, view back-to-school fashion displays and get makeover consultations. Those who make a monetary or food donation will also be able to capture memories with a photo booth.

More information is available at ShopWoodlandMall.com/events.

Photo of the Week

Citizen Journalism, , , , ,
WKTV News Station Manager Tom Norton checks and adjusts cameras and video equipment in preparation for the upcoming WKTV Friday Night Highlights show (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org

The WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is coming soon, along with our in-depth Journal website coverage of the Wyoming and Kentwood area football teams. Our FNH host will walk you through highlights from most of the local games every Friday night throughout the season and into the playoffs.

We plan to bring you another great season of local high school football, covering your favorite teams from Wyoming and Kentwood, including East Kentwood, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Godfrey-Lee, Kelloggsville, South Christian and Tri-unity.

Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. Watch at home on your Smart TV in brilliant HD. Broadcasts also are available on Video on Demand at a later date.

WKTV Friday Night Highlights will bring you some great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings.

As a bonus, we will have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.

Tune in to show support and cheer for your teams!

Old World Christmas searching for family in need of holiday cheer

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, Kent County, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Old World Christmas has over 1,500 ornament designs, and adds more each year (Courtesy, Old World Christmas)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Old World Christmas is the country’s premier ornament brand (Courtesy, Old World Christmas)

As Christmas in July ends and the countdown to Christmas begins, premier ornament brand Old World Christmas® is looking to give back – with help from communities nationwide.

“Old World is looking for a family or an individual who needs a little extra cheer this holiday season,” said Sarah Dyne, Master Decorator for Old World Christmas and owner of Sarah Dyne Creates. “By giving somebody a tree that brings them joy, looks beautiful, and is something that they can hold on to for years to come is one way to do that.”

Old World Christmas is asking for nominations of families or individuals in need of holiday cheer to receive the ultimate in-home Christmas tree treatment, where Dyne will “deck” the halls of their home in Christmas cheer.

Something for everyone

With over 1,500 different ornament designs bearing Old World Christmas’ signature colorful blown glass and glitter accents, there is something for everyone.

“It is a stunning array you can choose from,” said Dyne. “You can find something for anybody. Truly unexpected and interesting things.”

Dyne went on to say that even though each ornament is uniquely different, together they all create a cohesive look.

“Even with a wide variety of interests and objects and colors, it all somehow works together because it’s a similar style throughout,” said Dyne.

Giving back and making memories

A lifelong personal fan of Old World Christmas ornaments, Dyne is excited to work with the company to provide this special experience for a deserving family or individual.

Travel tree design with Old World Christmas ornaments by Sarah Dyne Creates (Courtesy, Sarah Dyne)

“I’ve been involved with lots of different volunteer work over the years, and this combines two of my favorite things – giving back and decorating for the holidays,” said Dyne.

President and CEO of Old World Christmas, Neal Applefeld, said that the company’s ornaments are all about making memories and putting smiles on people’s faces.

“No matter what is going on in the world or in someone’s personal life, we truly believe that everyone deserves a little Christmas cheer,” said Applefeld.

How to nominate someone you know

Nominations are open through Aug. 20. Upload a video, photo or written entry about why you think a family in your life is in need of some holiday cheer. Old World Christmas will select one family to receive the ultimate Christmas tree treatment from Dyne, and five lucky finalists will receive a $100 Old World Christmas prize package.

To nominate a family, visit https://gleam.io/GJhOy/old-world-christmas-gives-back. Winners will be announced in September.

To buy an Old World Christmas ornament today, visit local West Michigan retail stores, Fruitbasket Flowerland in Wyoming, Frederik Meijer Gardens Gift Shop and Gallery 154 in Grand Rapids, or visit www.oldworldchristmas.com.

The Reverend Jesse Ray takes the stage at Lamar Park with his Americana Rock N Roots experience on Aug. 15

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , ,
The Reverend Jesse Ray sings with soul at Ramshackle Brewing in Jonesville (Courtesy, Paul Jensen)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The Reverend Jesse Ray will wrap up the Concerts in the Park summer series with an Americana Rock N Roots experience at Lamar Park in Wyoming on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m.

Patty Matters – Food Truck will have gourmet burgers available to purchase during the concert, and attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the summer evening and live music.

The beginning of it all

The Reverend Jesse Ray has always enjoyed music, singing with his mom and grandparents as a child and learning to play the ukulele under the tutelage of his paternal grandfather (who Ray called “Gumpy”) at 8 years old.

“It’s the ultimate form of self-expression,” said Ray about music.

Ray moved on to guitar at age 12, when “Gumpy” showed him that guitar chords were quite similar to ukulele chords.

The Reverend Jesse Ray performs in Grand Haven (Courtesy, Jeff Brinn)

Ray went on to say that his mother accompanied him to bars in the evenings that same year so he could participate in open mic nights.

His music repertoire moved on to include playing trumpet in high school jazz band, marching band, and concert band. For his senior year of high school, however, Ray decided to join choir and play guitar in the jazz band instead.

“That was a riot,” said Ray. “I really liked trumpet, but I really wanted to keep singing.”

“I would do open mics as a senior three or four days a week, and then go sleep in my car during lunch period,” said Ray.

College brought experiences in street performance and an interest in rockabilly blues and roots music, leading Ray to start the high-energy band, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, in 2013.

A life pivot

When asked if he pursued a degree in music, Jesse responded, “I was a music major for one whole day. The next day I skipped all of my classes, went to the counselor, and said no, we’re going to focus on history.”

Ray said that he felt unable to focus on what he wanted to do musically while being a music major. With a love of history as well, Ray pursued that interest during his college tenure instead.

“I really like American History,” said Ray. “I’ve been fascinated by it since I was a kid, how things got to be the way that they are. You can understand a lot if you look into the past.”

However, “I kept music as my love, my passion,” said Ray.

Lyrics and secrets

Ray said that a lot of his music stems from personal experiences, and that he tends to hide things in his song lyrics, some of them personal.

The Reverend Jesse Ray performs at outdoor venue in Grand Haven (Courtesy, Jeff Brinn)

“Some people get it, some people don’t,” said Ray. “Sometimes it’s a joke, and sometimes it’s something really deep and personal.”

Ray went on to say that music helped him process events and experiences in his life when he was younger.

“I write a song and put it out there, and then I feel a lot better when I walk away,” said Ray.

The Reverend: master of his own destiny

Always looking for new and creative musical opportunities, Jesse Ray brought forth The Reverend Jesse Ray, an Americana Rock N Roots experience.

But the moniker did not feel natural at first.

Coined “The Reverend” by a studio producer and then by band drummer Dingo, Ray said he didn’t care for the nickname. However, the nickname stuck as a way to set his music apart from other musicians bearing the name Jesse Ray.

“There were lots of Jesse Rays, but no Reverend Jesse Ray,” said Ray.

The Reverend Jesse Ray was born, and performs at venues all across Michigan.

Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish are also going strong with plans to release a new album Sept. 29th, and with at least 30 tour dates already in place across the United States.

To find out more about The Reverend Jesse Ray, visit: Facebook – The Reverend Jesse Ray and JRCC Band – The Reverend Jesse Ray.

To find out more about Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, visit: JRCC Band.

West Michigan economy flattens in July, GVSU researcher says

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Kent County, West Michigan, , ,
(Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Brian Long is a local business forecaster. (Courtesy, GVSU)

Local manufacturers are seeing the West Michigan economy flatten as sales across some industries have slowed and market demand has stabilized, according to a monthly survey conducted by Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research at Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business.

Long said his August report shows several key indicators from July have flattened after fluctuating from the previous few months.

“Our most important index in our survey of purchasing managers is new orders,” Long said. “When new orders are coming in strong to just about any firm, they start buying more materials, more equipment, more industrial services and eventually of course, hiring more people, but the impact on the financial and employment statistics may not show up for weeks or even months.

“So right now, with most of our recent orders indexes turning in flat or stable, we have to declare that the West Michigan economy is stable, neither expanding or contracting.”

While the strong demand for cars and light trucks is helping the automotive industry prosper, suppliers in the office furniture sector are seeing their segment soften, Long said.

“Statistically, this month’s survey of purchasing managers in West Michigan is about as flat as it can possibly be,” Long said. “However, it is our automotive parts producers that are holding us up. Other industries like office furniture are softening, but again, I say softening and not collapsing like we would expect in a recession.”

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

  • New orders index (business improvement): 0 versus +9 in June
  • Production index (output): -3 versus +6 in June
  • Employment index: +7 versus +14 in June
  • Lead times index: -7 versus -17 in June

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

City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department seeks residents’ input on park facilities

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation, West Michigan, , ,
The City of Wyoming Marquette Park playground. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

With 700 acres of park property distributed among 21 parks within the City of Wyoming, developing and maintaining facilities and programs has always been a high priority for the Parks and Recreation Department.

As they look to update their five-year master plan, the Parks and Recreation Department is inviting residents, business owners and community members to provide input on the vision of its future.

Sunshine peeks through the trees at a City of Wyoming park

The master plan, which will be used to guide growth and development in the park system will be shaped by community input. The feedback received will help the department prioritize where and how to make investments in parks, facilities and programs.


Residents and business owners are being encouraged to share their thoughts through an online survey, in English and Spanish, designed to allow users to share areas where they feel there are opportunities for growth, improvement or areas that they enjoy within the City.

“We are excited to hear from the community as they help us shape the future of our parks and programs,” Director of Parks & Recreation Krashawn Martin said. “The plan will consider long-range goals for our community as well as recommended actions to guide updates and land use for the future.”


Residents interested in participating in the survey may do so online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WyomingParks or in person at Wyoming City Hall and the Wyoming
Branch of Kent District Library. The survey closes on Aug. 31.

Wyoming Parks & Recreation will soon announce community meetings as part of the process of updating
its master plan. Visit www.wyomingmi.gov for more information.

To learn more about the City of Wyoming parks, visit: City of Wyoming Parks.

Great Start Collaborative of Kent County giving away free child development goodie bags on Aug. 12

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Kent County, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
(Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Family resource organization Great Start Collaborative of Kent County is hosting a free in-person event to help parents learn more about the importance of play and developmental screening in children.

Taking place Saturday, Aug. 12 at Alger Head Start in Grand Rapids, the 4th annual “Books, Blocks and Balls” event will offer fun activities for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..

Participants will receive a goodie bag filled with items proven to help with child development. Every child that attends, regardless of age, will receive a free book.

Families will also have the opportunity to complete a developmental screening onsite, which can help parents know what to look for at certain ages and stages in their children.

(Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)

There will be a variety of activities, food options and family fun onsite, including: raffles for free prizes every 30 minutes, food trucks offering free food to participants, games and movement activities with The Zumba Lady, face painting and balloon twisting, interactive activities at each vendor table, and more.

Participating alongside Great Start Collaborative will be dozens of community organizations providing additional giveaways and resources to families in attendance.

One such organization is First Steps Kent, an independent non-profit that works to strengthen and coordinate the system of early childhood services through research and innovation.

First Steps Kent is leading a community-wide effort to develop a system of support for children ages 0-5 (and their families) that ensures every young child in Kent County will enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life.

This event was made possible because of the generosity of Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage that provides dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five in Kent County.

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

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



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



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


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


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

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

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

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

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



(Kids’ Food Basket)



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

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



(Courtesy, Johnny’s Markets)



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


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

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

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

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

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

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

A dream come true

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

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

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

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

Rare pieces of history

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

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

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

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

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

That orchestra is now called the Grand Rapids Symphony.

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

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

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

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

Putting it all together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s next?

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

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

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

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

Beacon Hill at Eastgate to thank residents and community at annual summer celebration on Aug.17

Citizen Journalism, , , ,
Beacon Hill Residents at Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is inviting members of the community to enjoy live music and curated food during its Summer Celebration, an annual culinary showcase and appreciation event featuring hand-held bites prepared by the retirement community’s award-winning chefs.

The annual event, which has been a tradition for more than 50 years, will take place 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 on the front lawn at Beacon Hill at Eastgate, 1919 Boston St. SE. Booths will line the parking lot, inviting foodies to enjoy cuisine from the retirement community’s kitchens and gardens that includes everything from global fusion and plant-based delights to bold flavors and gourmet comfort food.

The Moonrays, a Grand Rapids-based band that has opened for B.B. King and other prominent artists, will play a blend of instrumental surf, rock and blues with incredible vintage tone.

Beacon Hill’s food truck, The Traveling Plate, will also be on-site serving dishes from its rotating menu as a part of several dining stations. The Traveling Plate is serving up a culinary adventure this summer 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday outside Beacon Hill.

“The Summer Celebration is one of our favorite ways of thanking our residents, their loved ones and the surrounding community for their support,” Beacon Hill at Eastgate Marketing Director Ashley Edwards said. “Our culinary team has prepared an incredible selection of dishes for this year’s event – and what better way to come together with our neighbors than through carefully curated dishes made using ingredients grown in our own backyard.”

Beacon Hill Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

Last year’s event welcomed over 800 attendees. The event is open to the community, and food and beverages are free. Limited on-site parking is available; street parking is available and carpooling is encouraged.

This year’s showcase will feature over a dozen handpicked dishes made from scratch by Beacon Hill’s award-winning chefs and will include a variety of flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Menu items will include homemade mac and cheese bites, freshly prepared smoked sausages, Thai noodle salad, panzanella salad, meatballs, watermelon and berries, a full dessert station and much more.



Beacon Hill has a strong commitment to local ingredients, relying on its half-acre community garden to supply produce for its imaginative and appetizing meals that are acclaimed by guests and visitors alike. When the Beacon Hill chefs can’t produce ingredients themselves, they source from local purveyors, such as AP Baked Goods, Field and Fire, Louise Earl Butcher and Rowsters.

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Eastgate neighborhood, Beacon Hill at Eastgate is home to four restaurants, which include an upscale Dining Room, Club Room, Garden Café and Bistro – all featuring world-class cuisine made using ingredients grown on-site. Each one has favorite dishes that are always available, as well as ever-changing daily and seasonal specials. Beacon Hill’s Garden Café and Bistro are open to the public.

Beacon Hill Residents at Summer Celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)

Beacon Hill’s Summer Celebration started in the 1970s as the Strawberry Festival, a fundraising event organized by the Women’s Auxiliary of Michigan Christian Home, the name under which Beacon Hill at Eastgate was originally established. The Strawberry Festival raised thousands of dollars for the retirement community through the sale of homemade strawberry shortcake, sundaes and other treats. Since then, the Strawberry Festival has shifted to a culinary showcase paid for by Beacon Hill to thank its residents, their loved ones and the community for their support.

“What started as a fundraiser organized by a small group of volunteers has blossomed into a community-favorite tradition that has brought together thousands of new and old friends for evenings full of great food and entertainment,” Edwards said. “Decades later, the Summer Celebration upholds the original event’s mission of using exceptional, homemade food to build community and enrich the lives of our residents and neighbors.”

To learn more about Beacon Hill’s Summer Celebration, click here.

About Beacon Hill at Eastgate

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is home, family and security, dedicated to engaging seniors in an active and fulfilling retirement. Its state-of-the-art campus is a life plan retirement community that offers the complete continuum of care on one campus, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Beacon Hill integrates a more highly defined service model characterized by best practices in the areas of social and clinical services with excellence in hospitality.

For more information, visit beaconhillgr.org. 

Volunteers will gather at Lemery Park in Wyoming on Aug. 19 for annual Buck Creek Clean Up

2-row, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Environment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Volunteers with trash pulled from Buck Creek 2021 (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to meet at Lemery Park in Wyoming at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 to help remove trash from Buck Creek during the family-friendly 10th Annual Buck Creek Clean Up event.

Event team leaders will assist in finding sites that meet volunteer needs and will provide necessary information.

Breakfast will be provided for volunteers by Marge’s Donut Den and Steenstra’s Royal Dutch Bakery, along with Littlefoot Coffee Roasters. Volunteers are also invited to a post-clean up lunch at Wedgewood Park, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas.

“It has been said that an individual’s effort is a single drop, but when a community gives effort, it is a tsunami,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, Founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC).

Trash lines a portion of Buck Creek near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)

FOBC began as a grassroots group of concerned citizens that has evolved into a nonprofit watershed organization with hundreds of followers on Facebook and Instagram. FOBC’s focus is to inspire, initiate, promote, and engage in activities that improve and enhance both the environmental quality and the beauty of Buck Creek.

Over the past decade, Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC) and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited (SWMTU) have partnered to remove trash from the Buck Creek watershed in Grandville by organizing the annual Buck Creek Clean Up. On Aug. 19, current FOBC President Becky Dykhuis will extend the clean up into Kentwood and Byron Township.

Volunteer numbers have grown steadily since the event’s inception, with several tons of trash removed from the rare urban trout stream’s waters. Tires, shopping carts, microwaves, 55 gallon drums, and scary-looking dolls are only a few items removed from the creek.

The most frequent, and toxic, trash recovered is plastic and styrofoam.

A portion of Buck Creek after clean up near an EJ manufacturing facility (Courtesy, Martha Stout Vermeulen)

Vermeulen says she has observed several benefits resulting from the annual clean up, and a definite reduction in trash in areas that have been frequently cleaned.

“Getting citizens up close and personal with Buck Creek reveals problems that a disposable society creates, and increases awareness to reduce and reuse,” said Vermeulen. “Indeed, it takes a community to love a creek!”

Volunteers can register at: Volunteer – Buck Creek Clean Up.

A full schedule of the event can be found at: Facebook Buck Creek Clean Up.

If you are interested in being a sponsor of this year’s clean up, email mibuckcreek@gmail.com.

More information can be found at: mibuckcreek.org.

Photo of the Week

Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Recreation, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
Sheri Toth, Stacy Potter, and Amy Stiles enjoy a round of golf at Maple Hill Golf Course (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV)

League golfers Sheri Toth, Stacy Potter and Amy Stiles enjoy an evening out at Maple Hill Golf.

Located at 5555 Ivanrest Ave. SW in Grandville, Maple Hill Golf has a variety of options for golfers of all experience levels. An 18-hole course, driving range, simulators, fitting center, and golf repair are all amenities to be found at this local venue.

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

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Annual Summer Market hosted by Magnus Capital Partners (Courtesy, Magnus Capital Partners)

by Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More than just a summer market

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

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

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

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

Event sponsors

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

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

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

By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor

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

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

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

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

A wild ride for Patty and her music

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the concert and venue

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

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

For more details visit www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec


Wyoming Police Department investigates fatal crash

1-featured, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Kent County, West Michigan, , ,
Wyoming Police Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV Staff)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

One person is dead after a crash in the 2500 block of South Division Avenue.

At approximately 12:55 a.m. on August 4, 2023, officers from the Wyoming Police Department
responded to the 2500 block of South Division Avenue SW on a report of a crash involving a
vehicle and a bicyclist.

The bicyclist, a 39-year-old female resident of Grand Rapids, was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The female later died at the hospital.

Initial investigation indicates the bicyclist was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver remained at the scene to speak with investigators. Speed and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in this incident.

The Wyoming Police Accident Investigation and Forensic Science Units are continuing to
investigate this crash. Wyoming Police were assisted by officers from the Grand Rapids Police
Department.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-
7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.

Grand Rapids Ballet to perform outdoors at Millennium Park Aug. 5

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Kent County, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
Nigel Tau (left) and Rowan Allegra of the Grand Rapids Ballet (Courtesy, Ray Nard Imagemaker)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB), Michigan’s only classical ballet company, announces their first partnership event with Trail.Club, a nonprofit focused on propelling fun on West Michigan trails through grants that support unexpected events and experiences on community assets.

See Grand Rapids Ballet in a new light as it presents a unique outdoor performance at Millennium Park in Walker, Michigan, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The performances will be held on one of West Michigan’s most pristine walking trails – the Hansen Nature Trail – and will feature three different duets ranging in length from three to five minutes. The entire outdoor experience will last for just under an hour.

GRB dancers will move through the trails and trees, giving the audience the feeling of being part of the performance.

James Sofranko, Artistic Director of GRB, said that he crafted the event in such a way that each duet is a progression to the next.

“You’re going on a journey down this path, but you’re going on a journey with the man and woman who are dancing the duets as well,” said Sofranko. “The dancers are different for each duet, but they represent the same couple at a different point in their relationship and their journey together.”


With the beauty of nature surrounding them, audience members can walk alongside the dancers and experience the ballet up close from a perspective like never before.

A new experience for everyone

While audience members will be gaining a new experience and perspective, so will GRB dancers.

“Usually we have a stage, and usually we are in ballet shoes or pointe shoes or jazz shoes, but we are going to be in sneakers now,” said Sofranko. “That will be a different challenge for us.”

Sofranko said that dealing with the limited space has been fun for him as a choreographer.

Rowan Allegra and Nigel Tau of the Grand Rapids Ballet (Courtesy, Ray Nard Imagemaker)

“It’s unusual and different,” said Sofranko. “In some ways, it’s fun for us as choreographers to try to fit an idea to a limitation. When you have a blank slate, you can do anything you want. That’s almost harder because there are so many ideas. But when you’re forced into a specific boundary like the trail itself or the terrain, you can’t do certain things. It gives you problems to solve which sometimes makes it easier in the creative process.”

Sofranko engaged two other GRB dancers to choreograph the other two pieces, something he does regularly so they can become attuned to what it means to be a choreographer.

“We need the next generation of artists to experience and to practice,” said Sofranko. “I try to give opportunities throughout the year for them to choreograph. I feel really proud of the talent that has been cultivated throughout the ranks of our dancers.”

Family-friendly and free

This event is great for adults and children alike. Attendees can plan to bring family and friends along to enjoy this free performance, sponsored by Trail.Club. The three performances will take place at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday morning.

“We are excited to bring this unique, one-of-a-kind performance to Millennium Park and the people of West Michigan,” said Sofranko. “Ballet is a living and breathing art form, which this community event aims to capture. We hope those who are able will come out to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in a new and engaging way.”

For more information, please visit GRBALLET.COM/TRAILCLUB

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

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

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to expect at The Black Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Evolution of the Black Impact Collaborative

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

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

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

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

BIC also instigated an online tutoring program for students.

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

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

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

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

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

3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, Kent County, West Michigan, ,

(Courtesy, Kent District Library)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

(Courtesy, Kent District Library)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

By K.D. Norris

WKTV Contributor

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

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

A cool look and masterful musicianship

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

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

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

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

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

Concert and venue features

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

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

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

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

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , ,
During a summer market, a Wyoming firefighter sends a message about safety. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


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



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



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



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

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



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



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

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


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



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



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



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

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

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Environment, Kent County, West Michigan, , , ,
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

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

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

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

(Courtesy, pxhere.com)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

An outsider’s view

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

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

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

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

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

About the author

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

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

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

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



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



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

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


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


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

Mayor Kepley

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


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


Food, fun and games

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

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

“Community outreach”

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

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

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


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



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


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









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

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

Kidney transplant patient celebrates 50 years of kidney health

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Guadalupe Alejos (Courtesy, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)



By Trinity Health


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Rapids Ballet gets ready for upcoming 2023-24 season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation,

By WKTV Staff

Grand Rapids Ballet brings back its popular “The Nutcracker” production. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB), Michigan’s only classical ballet company, officially kicks off its 2023-24 season as tickets go on sale for all their upcoming productions.

The season is packed full of dynamic pieces in Contemporary Visions, Jumpstart 2024, and In The Upper Room, in the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. These unique ballets show a range of diverse styles and themes the professional company can offer.

Throughout their 23-24 season Grand Rapids Ballet continues to present beloved classical family-friendly ballets such as The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty on a grand scale at DeVos Performance Hall with accompaniment from the Grand Rapids Symphony.

The Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company is pleased to present two spectacular productions, Carnival of the Animals and Snow White, at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

“In the 23-24 season, our audience will be able to experience a full range of what makes ballet so exciting. From the classical tradition of Sleeping Beauty to the contemporary thrill of In The Upper Room to our free Summer Dance Festival that celebrates the diversity of dance in our community, I am confident that this season will amaze, inspire, and perhaps most of all, connect us through the arts,” Artistic Director James Sofranko said.

The company continues to take artistic risks and bring new styles of ballet to the stage for its audience to enjoy. With this new season, Grand Rapids Ballet will welcome seven new company dancers from all across the United States and even from Japan. As the dancers have a month more of summer break, the ballet eagerly awaits their company dancers’ return, veteran and new, to start working on an incredible season lineup.

 

“Our 23-24 Season continues to uphold the reputation of Grand Rapids Ballet as a leader in the arts community, presenting the best of classical and contemporary ballet as well as commissioning new and exciting works by in-demand choreographers,” James Sofranko, Artistic Director at Grand Rapids Ballet says.

Individual tickets and season subscriptions are on sale during the duration of the season. By becoming a season subscriber, patrons can take advantage of many benefits, including the best seats for the best price, discounts on additional tickets, ticket flexibility with worry-free exchanges, exclusive invites to special GRB events, and so much more. Patrons also can participate in the Sizzling Summer Sale, where they can purchase tickets to The Nutcracker for 50% off for performances Dec. 8-18. The sale is going on through July 26 and patrons can use the promo code: SIZZLE.

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

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

By Emmanuel Hospice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“How we all fit together.”

To learn more, visit EmmanuelHospice.org.

Local rescue focuses on helping ‘community’ cats

2-row, Citizen Journalism, Pets/Animals, ,
From the left, Lynnette Wieck and Maureen Herendeen, the founder of Feral Cat Solutions (Courtesy, Janet Vormittag)

By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributing Writer

Most retirees enjoy traveling, grandkids and sunny days in southern states during the winter months. Not Maureen Herendeen. When the Grand Rapids woman retired from nursing in 2020, she decided to advocate for community cats in Kent County.

“I like the challenge of it,” she said.

Herendeen has a passion for cats, especially outside cats. She believes in trap-neuter-return (TNR) and in July 2022 she turned her passion into Feral Cat Solutions, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

The importance of getting feral cats fixed

 “Community cats” is a term used to describe outdoor, unowned free-roaming cats who may or may not have a caretaker. Caretakers, who provide food and shelter, are not the legal owners of the cats.

Often Herendeen finds people willing to feed community cats and even provide them shelter, but they don’t get the cats fixed.

“Spay/neuter costs money,” she said.

In TNR, the cats are live-trapped, spayed or neutered, ear tipped and returned to where they were caught. A tipped ear is the universal sign of a spayed/neutered cat. One centimeter is removed from the tip of the left ear while the cat is anesthetized for spay/neuter surgery. Ear tips are readily visible from a distance, making it easy for caretakers, trappers and animal control personnel to immediately identify a cat as spayed or neutered.

Herendeen’s goal is to get community cats spayed/neutered to prevent unwanted litters from being born. The mortality rate of kittens born outside can be as high as 75 percent. Survival often depends on the mother’s access to food and shelter. Feral kittens can starve to death or fall victim to diseases. If they are born when it’s cold, hypothermia can take their lives. Raccoons and other predators also kill kittens.

Herendeen’s also wants to get friendly cats off the streets.

The elaborate dance

Over the years, Herendeen has volunteered for numerous cat rescues including Carol’s Ferals. When Carol’s closed, she continued TNR on her own. She approached staff at the Kent County Animal Shelter and asked if they could help with the spay/neuter surgeries of cats she trapped.

“I couldn’t ask for more cooperation from them,” she said. The shelter has a staff veterinarian and a grant to help cover surgery costs. They’re able to give Feral Cat Solutions 16 surgical appointments each week.

People with outside cats who need to be fixed contact Herendeen. She loans traps and expects people to do their own trapping. She will help trap for seniors and disabled people.

Trapping is scheduled for five days each week. When the cats are caught, they’re taken to Herendeen’s home in northeast Grand Rapid and she transports them for surgery. She has ten cages in her garage where cats stay before and after surgery.

“It’s an elaborate dance of a schedule,” she said.

Utilizing community resources

When there is a need, Herendeen also uses local veterinarians who offer discounted spay/neuter services.

If there are kittens who can be socialized and adopted, Herendeen finds them a foster home. The same goes for adult cats who appear to be friendly.

In 2022, Herendeen had 534 cats and kittens spayed/neutered. Of those, 329 were placed in local adoption programs including those at Second Chance Cats, Crash’s Landing, Kent County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of West Michigan.

A co-hort in rescuing

Herendeen gets a lot of help from fellow cat advocate Lynnette Wieck who has also volunteered for numerous rescues over the years.

The women’s personalities complement one another. Herendeen is an action person. “I move at warped speed,” she said. “I do all the interacting with trappers, planning, collecting the cats, caring for the cats and transporting.”

Wieck is laid-back, detail oriented and spends a ton of time doing behind-the-scenes work. She also feeds feral cat colonies several days a week.

The rescue community

Herendeen has a network of rescues and fosters who help as needed. “I love all the people I meet in animal welfare. There are so many awesome generous people. It’s so satisfying.”

When she can’t find fosters for adult cats, Herendeen puts the cat in her Socialization Boot Camp, which means she lets the cats loose in her house and gives them time to become friendly. “It can take a long time, but it’s so rewarding. I feel like I won the lottery when they let me pet them.”

Besides being a lot of work, helping the cats is a big expense. There are intake fees for cats accepted into adoption programs, veterinarian expenses, and the cost of supplies including live traps. Occasionally, Herendeen will do a fundraiser on Facebook, but when donations don’t cover the expenses she opens her own wallet.

Feral Cat Solutions has a waitlist of people needing help.

A choice to help

“It’s astonishing how many starving cats there are—in parking lots, abandoned buildings, yards,” Herendeen said, adding she’s more than willing to help but no longer has the heart to hear depressing stories involving cats.“

“It hurts my soul,” she said. Some of things she has witnessed haunt her.

“Hearing a tragic story doesn’t compel me anymore,” she said.

Wieck agreed. “It’s not fun. It’s a need. It’s our choice to help animals.”

As much as Herendeen, Wieck and other rescues have done, the calls for help doesn’t slow down.

“It’s discouraging not to see an end in sight,” Herendeen said.

If you need help with outside cats contact Feral Cats Solutions through their Facebook page or you can text your first name, address and a brief description to 951-852-7063 to get scheduled or to ask questions. Feral Cat Solutions is a TNR organization. They do not rescue and do not have an adoption program.

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

KDL Kelloggsville branch hosts Birthday Bash

3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
KDL Kelloggsville Branch Library Cameron Holmes hopes area residents will stop by to check out the branch during its Birthday Bash on Aug. 2. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Wyoming police announce the passing of retired K9 Dutch

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

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

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

Retired K9 Dutch

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

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

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

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

Wyoming resident ‘hops’ up to help unwanted bunnies

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

By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

Education the key

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Working to make an adoption a success

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A family affair

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.bunniesrusrabbitry.com.

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

A ghost hunt leads to a revelation about unclaimed urns

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

By Wayne Thomas
WKTV Contributing Writer

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wyoming police searching for endangered missing children

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

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pictures courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

The children were identified as:

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



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

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