The City of Kentwood will host its sixth annual Valentine’s Dash 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.
The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Participants are encouraged to wear Valentine’s Day-themed costumes. While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed and awards will be given for the fastest runner overall and in each age group.
A photo from a previous Kentwood Valentine’s Dash. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
An awards ceremony will follow in the library’s community room around noon, including Valentine-themed snacks, music and a photo booth.
“It can be difficult to find opportunities to run in the winter, especially races,” said Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator. “Our Valentine’s Dash provides a fun, festive opportunity to participate in a winter race, whether you’re an avid walker, first-time runner or a seasoned racer. All are welcome to come out and join us.”
Online registration is available until Feb. 10 and includes a long-sleeved shirt and other participant-packet goodies while supplies last. Racers should register by Jan. 26 to guarantee a shirt. Registration is $30 until Jan. 29, $35 from Jan. 30 to Feb. 10 and $40 on the day of the event. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. Participants who bring a nonperishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry will be entered to win a special door prize.
Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch in 2021. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available atkentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
There also are volunteer opportunities available for this event. Volunteers will help with racer check-in and registration, keep traffic off the race route and hand out water to runners during the race.
Around 8:37 p.m on Jan. 31, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a stabbing that occurred inside Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 S. Division Ave.
The initial investigation indicates that a physical altercation occurred inside the establishment between two patrons. One of the involved individuals, a 34 year-old male, was stabbed several times and transported to a local area hospital in a private vehicle prior to police arriving on scene. The individual is currently undergoing surgery and is in critical condition.
A person of interest in the stabbing, a 54 year-old male, was located a few blocks away from the restaurant and is being detained for questioning.
It is early in the investigation and detectives are working to learn the circumstances that led to the stabbing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345
The Potter’s House Christian girls basketball team won its seventh game in a row with a 52-14 win over Muskegon Orchard View Tuesday.
Coach Jake Hoogstrate said after a slow start to the game, his team got it rolling in the second quarter and “really turned it on in the third.”
“We wanted to pressure aggressively defensively and that finally started to turn into offense as the game went on,” Hoogstrate explained. “We had a season-high 16 assists in the game and really shared the ball well. Ten players scored in the game, also a season high.”
Isabelle Baez led the Pumas in scoring, in limited minutes, with 10 points and Anyieth Nhial added eight points, seven rebounds and three assists. Jordan Clark scored 6 points in her varsity debut, while Serenity Clark and Ivy Andreas each added five points.
The Pumas are now 11-4 overall, 2-0 in the Alliance League.
“This group has been an absolute joy to coach,” Hoogstrate said. “We started the season with a challenging schedule and really learned a lot about who we were and what we were capable of. This team enjoys being around one another and isn’t afraid of a challenge.
“We brought a lot of players back from last year and have some great upperclassmen leading the team. They have bought in and established a great culture for our program. We have a lot of great opportunities ahead of us and we look forward to making the most of them the rest of the way.”
Are you looking to make positive changes in the new year? Self-care is always a great resolution. If you’re in the market for styling and pampering, Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood offers a palette of beautifying businesses within a five-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. South).
Owner Laura Signore at Lilith’s Lair (Courtesy, ArtRat)
Like the neighborhood itself, Heartside’s salons and stylists offer everything from classic elegance to the cutting edge. Since it opened 10 months ago, Lilith’s Lair (25 Division Ave. S) has set the standard for coloring outside the lines. The rainbow-colored basement salon invites you to come as you are and connect with a look that expresses your identity.
Owner Laura Signore described the underground salon as “creepy cute. It’s basically a permanent spot for my Halloween decorations.”
In addition to nine independently contracted stylists, Lilith’s Lair provides shelf space for the products of half a dozen local artists, including adorably weird stickers, prints and handmade lashes. “It’s a total sensory experience,” Laura said.
“It isn’t about reinventing yourself,” Laura told ArtRat. “It’s about being who you have always been meant to be!
“I’ve seen people walk in here with natural blonde hair and leave with a head of rainbows. It may take nine hours, but it’s always a blast.”
“It isn’t about reinventing yourself,” Laura told ArtRat. “It’s about being who you have always been meant to be! (Courtesy, ArtRat)
The rainbow walls aren’t just for show: Every stylist in the shop is part of the LGBTQ+ community. (But Laura promises they “won’t check your gay cards,” and everyone is welcome.)
The stylists at Lillith’s Lair offer options that range from natural or vivid color, voluminous layers, and short, spicy cuts; to hair and lash extensions; to tinsel and glitter spray. “There’s something for everyone!” Laura exclaimed.
The stylists at Lillith’s Lair offer options that range from natural or vivid color, voluminous layers, and short, spicy cuts; to hair and lash extensions; to tinsel and glitter spray. “There’s something for everyone!” Laura exclaimed.
Lilith’s Lair provides shelf space for the products of half a dozen local artists. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
“In 2022, we were so blessed to find stability, and in 2023 we want to do so much. We’re excited to participate in our community more and more. We want to interact with local organizations, like The Diatribe. We want to have more events, like we did on Halloween and New Year’s Eve, and to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a sex-positive, gender-affirming, safe place for the queer community.”
Whether you need a short, masculine cut; lush natural color; or a rainbow mane, you can head to Lilith’s Lair’s Instagram and Facebook to peruse the salon’s work and find the perfect artist for your needs.
Here are some more choice cuts from Heartside’s salon district:
Pure Vanity (3 Oakes St. SW) is your destination for wigs (both synthetic and human hair); tape-in extensions; and beautiful balayage. In English or Spanish, owner Paloma Maldonado offers customers an “ever-evolving” resource for hot new Heartside hair talent — whether you’re looking to bring some life back into your mane, picking out the perfect lace front,or seeking a stylist que tiene los mejores chismes, Pure Vanity has you covered. Appointments 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Blonde Theory (64 Division Ave. S) is a small, sultry and sophisticated boutique focused on creating a luxurious, individualistic salon experience. Blonde Theory can take you from a brunette bob to 12” platinum blonde. Blonde Theory is available by appointment only. Visit the salon’s website.
Avenue Barber Shop (123 Division Ave. S) is a “grassroots-as-you-get” homage to the classic barber shops of the ‘40s and ‘50s. Grand Rapids native Chris Lapham opened the shop in 2017, where he cuts hair and trims beards with a staff of three. Ask about bookings for wedding parties! Appointments11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (lunch break at 2 p.m.),11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.
Posh Nails and Spa (38 Commerce Avenue SW) After fighting tooth-and-nail through 2022, why not stop in for a mani-pedi? Posh offers both dip powder and acrylic options as well as a variety of aromas for your pedicures. Whether you prefer a Lavender Field Escape or to be Pampered by Pitaya in state-of-the-art massage chairs, Posh promises “everything it takes to restore your energy and revitalize your spirits.” Appointments 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m,. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Tommy Brann and Marge Wilson (Courtesy, Jerry DeGood)
At the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, longtime Wyoming businessman Jerry DeGood stated that he has long said that “Wyoming wouldn’t be Wyoming without Tommy Brann and Marge Wilson.” He recently was able to capture the two business leaders together at an event.
In 1971, Tommy Brann opened Brann’s Steakhouse and Grill, 4157 Division Ave. S. Wilson opened Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, in 1975. The two have been staples in the community ever since. Both are known for their generosity to the community from helping area students with various projects to contributing to community events such as the city’s National Night Out and Wyoming Gives Back campaigns. Brann recently wrapped up service as the area’s state representative and joined the Wyoming City Council as its newest council member.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Mixing and mingling at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards Dinner. (WKTV)
Incoming Chamber Board Chair Valerie Cook (WKTV)
From left, Kentwood Commissioner Betsy Artz with Kentwood City Tresurer Laurie Sheldon (WKTV)
From left, Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, Summer Vasquez, incoming Board Chair Valerie Cook, and outgoing Board Chair Tony Marino (WKTV)
RoMan Manufacturing members take a few minutes in front of the photo screen. (WKTV)
The Santa Clause Parade Committee which was honored at the awards banquet. (WKTV)
Chamber members at the annual Chamber Meeting and Awards. (WKTV)
From left, Wyoming Councilor Renee Hill, Wyoming Deputy City Manager John McCarger, and Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan. (WKTV)
Bob O’Callaghan talks to WGVU’s Shelley Irwin (WKTV)
Marge Wilson (center) (WKTV)
It was an evening of fun and fellowship at the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Award Dinner, which was Jan. 27 at Kentwood’s Viewpond Banquet Hall.
Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan noted it has been a year of change as he took over the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce in the beginning of January 2022. New programs, such as the BIPOC committee, have been formed, along with the Chamber continuing to build relationships and connections. This has included an expanded footprint for the annual Metro Cruise which now has stages at both Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.
At the banquet, Morgan pointed out that it was another night of celebrating change as Board Chair Tony Marino was stepping down with Valerie Cook having been named the new board chair.
Hosted by WGVU’s Shelley Irwin, the Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony recognizes three chamber businesses along with presenting the volunteer of the year, distinguish service, and committee of the year awards.
Manufacturer of the Year
RoMan Manufacturing
861 47th St. SW, Wyoming
Started in 1980, RoMan Manufacturing is a producer of water coolant transformers for the resistant welding business and has sine expanded into other markets. The company made Wyoming its home because of “convenience.” According to Chief operating Officer Nelson Sanchez, many of the employees who started with the company lived in Wyoming and it was close to the highway.
Service Business of the Year
University of Michigan Health-West Main campus: 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming
University of Michigan Health-West is a progressive, innovative hospital system in Wyoming, serving all of the West Michigan with about 30 sties in four counties. University of Michigan Health-West was founding in 1942 by a group of physicians. Seeing the potential growth in the the southern area of Kent County, the main hospital was moved to the Wyoming area in 2007.
Retail Business of the Year
B2 Outlet Stores Various locations 962A 28th St. SW, Wyoming 350 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
B2 Outlet stores started with a father and son duo, Duane and Matt Smith, who were purchasing liquidation items for an online auction. The pair opened a store in Hudsonville in 2015 and from there the retail business grew to 21 stories including 1 in Illinois and 1 in California. B2 stands for benefit twice: the first benefit is for the customer who receives the great values and the second benefit is to the various local nonprofits that B2 has supported.
Other Award Recipients
Rich Wadsworth received the Distinguished Service Award. (WKTV)Amanda Villa receives the Volunteer of the Year Award. (WKTV)Jerry Good accepts the Committee of the Year Award on behalf of the Chamber’s Santa Claus parade. (WKTV)
The Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award was given to Rich Wadsworth, a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Wyoming. Wadsworth was recognized for his years of service on the Chamber board, most recently serving as the executive vice chair for community relations. He has been the lead mentor volunteer for the last few Metro Cruise events and has helped to grow the footprint of the event.
The Daniel VanDyke Volunteer of the Year Award went to Amanda Villa, from The Source. Villa found the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce through the Chamber’s Young Professionals group. When the Young Professionals group needed a committee role to be filled, she volunteered. She shared the information she had learned from the Chamber with her employer, who also became a Chamber member.
The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year was the Chamber’s Santa Parade Committee, with committee member Jerry DeGood accepting the award on the committee’s behalf. The committee was recognized for its dedication in hosting the annual event, which was cancelled in 2021 due to high winds. The committee honored all 2021 sponsorships and was able to raise additional funding to help with other costs. The committee also smashed its goal of 45 participants by having more than 60 in the 2022 parade.
For more about the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, visit its website southkent.org.
During the pandemic, Isabella Diaz-Borrello branched out starting her own jewelry business. (Courtesy, Wyoming Wolf Pack Press)
Over the past couple of years, a Wyoming high school student has worked to develop her own line of alternative jewelry, Dusk Shoppe, that is affordable to all.
In 2020, during the first quarantine, Isabella Diaz-Borrello decided to start up a business as a way to make money and express herself through jewelry. It all started when her father gave her money and told her to “make something out of this, try to double what I gave you and make more.”
While brainstorming ideas, she came across videos on TikTok of other people making handmade jewelry.
She felt inspired.
“I thought, I can do that too,” she said. Dusk Shoppe came to life at this moment. Originally, Dusk Shoppe started off as just an earring business: charms, toys, and other accessories. Eventually, Isabella expanded to wire-wrapped earrings, more intricate designs, polymer clay earrings, and resin earrings as well.
As her business evolved, Isabella started to experiment with other types of accessories. She now makes beaded necklaces with chain details and charms, bracelets, keychains, and stickers (which are her very own design). There may be more additions as well.
“I hope to make and sell ceramic at my shop sometime soon,” she said.
For handmade jewelry, her products are fairly priced. Resin earrings are $10, polymer clay earrings are $15, wire-wrapped earrings are $8, necklaces are $25, bracelets and keychains are $6, and her stickers are $3.
The challenges of having your own business
Although her business has grown, there have been struggles. Advertising has been one. She advertises on Instagram and TikTok through her business accounts.
Earrings created by Isabella Diaz-Borrello (Courtesy, Dusk Shoppe)
“I tried making a TikTok once, but it didn’t work out,” she stated.
Isabella hopes to advertise Dusk Shoppe more in the new year through Instagram and TikTok posts. She is also planning more advertisements about her Depop shop and looking at other art markets.
Advertising has not been a huge hit, but her art markets have. At art markets, her business can run itself.
“I’ve only been doing art markets for a year, I did about six last year,” she said.
She hopes to do way more art markets this year, but her real goal is to partake in a market at the yearly Pride Festival.
“There was a booth that was selling jewelry, but it looked like mass-produced jewelry,” she said. “It had a huge line.”
She believes her business needs to grow in size and get better at advertising, that’s the milestone. “It can be expensive and you need a lot of products,” she said.
Dusk Shoppe has had its ups and downs, but Isabella has succeeded in her past goals. Stay updated on new additions to her shop, and remember, if you’re wanting to start a business, think of the wise words of Isabella: “I can do that too.”
Isabelle Mosher is a senior journalism student at Wyoming High School. She plans to study biochemistry at Michigan State University.
The Wyoming Hall of Fame introduced nine new members in between the girls and boys basketball games against Zeeland East on Friday,
The new members include Pam and Jim Brower, long-time Wyoming Public Schools Boosters who volunteered at multiple athletic events.
K’Brio Kimble, one of the all-time best basketball players at Wyoming Park who finished with 1,252 career points.
Emily Holt Wallace, one of the best all-around athletes to come out of Wyoming, who lettered in five different sports.
Orlando Villarreal, A multi-sport athlete at Wyoming Park who was a standout on some of the best baseball teams in Wyoming Park history.
Whitney Hudson Sharkey, a three-sport athlete who was a two-time, all-state softball player and led the Rogers softball team to the 2005 state championship.
Shawn Veenstra, a three-sport athlete at Wyoming Park who was a member of the 1994 state semifinal basketball team and was one of the best baseball players in school history.
Justin Vasquez, a three-sport athlete who was one of the best swimmers in school history and holds career records in baseball for strikeouts and wins.
Jeff Klomparens, a three-sport athlete at Rogers who stood out in football, wrestling and baseball.
Sunday Night Funnies will host shows honoring Black History Month and Women’s History Month. (Courtesy, Sunday Night Funnies)
The Sunday Night Funnies standup comedy show celebrates diversity by hosting both a special February Black History Month show and a March Women’s History Month performances.
The Black History Month show features an all-African American lineup of comedians on Sunday, Feb. 5. Besides that night the two other Sunday Night Funnies performances on Feb. 19 and 26 will feature African American comics who didn’t perform on Feb. 5. Note, there is no show on Feb. 12 because of the Super Bowl.
March 5 will be the March Women’s History Month show featuring an all women lineup of comedians for the first time in the fourteen-plus-year history of the Sunday Night Funnies.
“Both of these special shows are something that I’ve been wanting to do for a while,” said Brian B. producer and MC of the Sunday Night Funnies. “Because of Covid, we were off for close to two years and didn’t start back up again at Spectrum Entertainment Complex till late February of 2022. Now that we’ve been back a year, I felt the time was right to do them both the right way.
“Besides these two special performances I plan on doing more like these throughout the year. Those are in the planning stages right now and will be announced at a later date.”
Brian B. said since he started the Sunday Night Funnies back in the fall of 2008, one of his goals for the show was to be able to offer a stage to a diverse lineup of comedians.
“I think it’s much more interesting for the audience to hear from people of different races and ethnicity, gender, as well as age ranges,” he said.
Since the start of the Sunday Night Funnies in the fall of 2008, more than a 1,100 different comedians have performed at the show.
“We’ve had a great spectrum of comedians perform from pretty much every type of background imaginable,” Brian B. said. “Also, I’m happy to say that I’m seeing a lot more women doing standup now than we did in the past which is great. As far as age ranges go, we’ve had a wide span of performers- everything from a nine-year-old girl to man in his mid-seventies and everything in between.”
About the Sunday Night Funnies: The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. (Brian Borbot.) It’s a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from the Midwest and around the country. The Sunday Night Funnies is a weekly free admission show that starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park SW.
Looking for a new resolution for the New Year? How about a beer and free movie?
B-Movie Euphoria hosts free movies the last Sunday of every month. This Sunday, Jan 29, the featured flick will be the 1983 classic “D.C. Cab,” which starred Gary Busey, Mr. T, and Irene Cara. The film was directed by Joel Schumacher, who would go on to direct “Lost Boys” and “Batman Forever.”
Show time is at 8 p.m. at Speciation Cellars, located at 928 Wealthy St. SE.
“D.C. Cab” is a greasy classic about a bunch of street-wise loser cabbies working at a rundown Washington D.C. cab company and the madness that ensues.
In his first State of the City address, City of Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood called it a “season of change” for the city as he highlighted several successes from 2022 and looked to the future at upcoming projects.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood presented his first State of the City address on Jan. 16. (WKTV)
“Change can be scary. With change comes new opportunity. With new leadership comes fresh eyes and energy,” Vanderwood said at the Jan. 16 City Council meeting where he presented the State of the City address. “Building on the legacy of those who have come before, Wyoming is a city with a proud history and a bright future…and I say with confidence that the best days are in front of us.”
Representing that “season of change,” Vanderwood noted that three of the six current city council members are new along with a new mayor pro tem, Rob Postema, as well as himself having been seated as mayor in December. Vanderwood recognized guests State Rep. John Fitzgerald, State Majority Senate Leader Winnie Brinks, whose district includes the cities of Wyoming and Kenwood, and Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Keith Morgan. He also recognized City Manager Curtis Holt, who will be retiring in February after 23 years of service, along with all the city staff, for their dedication to the city.
Public Safety Remains a Main Priority
Safety remains the city’s top priority, Vanderwood said. Like most cities, Wyoming saw a sharp increase in crime in 2020 but has seen a reduction in violent crime over the past two years due to the leadership of Chief Kim Koster and her team, Vanderwood said.
The Wyoming Police Department hired 10 additional police officers and has been able to increase crime analysis efforts to help in preventing and solving crime. The team continues to work in removing illegal guns off the street and to help with the opioid and mental health crisis, he said.
The fire department responded to more than 7,000 calls in 2022, Vanderwood noted. To help the increase in call volume, the city has added quick response, a training captain, radio upgrades, and restructured the commend service, he said.
Vanderwood also noted that Wyoming is a growing community, with more than 2,000 building permits, adding about $108 million in construction value. The city has seen about 1,300 new housing units constructed in the past few years. To help with city development, planning, economic development and inspections were placed under one department with Nicole Hofert now serving as the director of community and economic development.
Looking to Meet the Needs of a Growing City
To continue to meet up with the growth of the city, residents will be asked in May to approved a dedicated 1.5 mill that will be used for police, fire, and first responders, Vanderwood said. The millage proposal has a five-year capped which he said would give the city time to look for other ways to fund the staffing needs.
“The reality is clear, we do not have the longterm resources to support our current staffing levels in the police or fire department and our current staffing levels are not adequate to address the current needs of the city,” Vanderwood said, adding that the city has had to rely on surrounding communities for emergency assistance.
“Our city continues to grow but our police department has shrunk nearly 45 people since 2000,” he said.
The millage, which would generate about $3.9 million annually, would allow the city to hire additional police and fire which in turn would increase public safety by decreasing response times, enhancing crime prevention efforts and traffic safety, Vanderwood said, adding that the additional funding would allow fire staff to operate out of all four of the city’s fire stations. Currently, only two stations are staffed.
The city will host three public meetings about the millage, the first on March 9 at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. More information about the millage can be found at wyomingmi.gov/future.
Other 2022 Highlights
The Parks and Recreation Department has new leadership with Krashawn Martin taking the helm. This department runs more than 250 sports and activity programs, along with 12 after school TEAM 21 sites and special events that include the summer concert series, the spring carnival, Memorial Day events, the Trunk or Treat Trail and several other programs. Along with that, the department lead the improvements at Jackson and Gezon parks, which included new playground equipment and splash pads.
Vanderwood said the City of Wyoming’s infra structure continues to grow with the city adding its third main for water service along with a new $8 million ultraviolet disinfection facility, which is a cost effective, safer way to clean water.
Looking Ahead
In economic development, residents will see the start of the City Center project this spring with the construction of a new pedestrian bridge on 28th Street and 3.1 miles of new trails that will connect to existing trails within the city. Vanderwood noted that the project was made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The city received $6 million from the county’s ARPA Funds distribution and has put $10 million of its own ARPA Fund monies toward the project.
Also breaking ground in the spring will be the public market at the former Site 36 location, Vanderwood said. The city kept the northern portion of the site with Franklin Partners purchasing about 74 acres with plans for development of the site.
Also in 2023, the city will be unveiling its branding project that involved many focus groups and community events, Vanderwood said.
“At the outset, I said we are in a season of change,” Vanderwood said. “You have the opportunity to work with us to shape the future of this city. I encourage you all to stay connect, serve on boards and commission and participate in elections.
“As I begin my time as mayor, I look forward to working with city staff, residents, community members, surrounding municipalities and organizations. I am committed to making Wyoming a better place to live, work and play.”
For the complete State of the City address, visit click here.
The new lounger’s area features a commercial-grade espresso machine. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
Since it opened in November 2021 at 317 Division Ave. S, OTONO hasn’t stopped innovating. The second-hand store doubled its floor space in August when it expanded into a neighboring storefront; now owners Emmanuel Ibarra and Alana Sawicki have carved out a space for visitors to gather for conversation and caffeine.
OTONO’s new lounge area features a commercial-grade espresso machine and comfortable seating.
Drinks are on the house (although the team gratefully accepts tips). According to Emmanuel, the space creates a much-needed hangout for visitors to OTONO and the other SoDiv businesses near Wealthy Street.
“I wanted to share something that I love, as well as add to the experience of OTONO,” he said. “We love selling clothes, but we also want to offer something more. Being associated with coffee helps us build up our reputation. People can get to know us and grow with us as we work to become a full-fledged, licensed cafe.
What Started as Pop-Up Grew Into Something More
The new lounge space at OTONO is a much-needed hangout for visitors. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
“OTONO started as my pop-up project,” Emmanuel continued. He started hosting pop-ups in 2019 at a variety of spaces, including Heartside’s own Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, 100 Commerce Ave. SW. In the process, he crossed paths with Alana, whose handmade spoon rings are featured at their shop. “She has amazing taste and style,” Emmanuel said.
Alana told ArtRat she looks to another Heartside merchant for business advice: Her older sister, Melissa Looman, owns Echo Salon at 24 Sheldon Ave. SE. “I’m inspired to push further than expectations, and to take risks.”
OTONO prides itself on fitting all sizes and budgets — with clothing that ranges from XXS to 4X, frequent sales and a $5 rack. Its curated second-hand clothing includes tons of basics, neutrals and unique finds as well as name-brand activewear and home goods. “We do our best to keep our prices affordable,” Alana told ArtRat. The shop also hosts free events such as mending workshops with Betel Box Design.
The Power Duo of Alana and Emmanuel
Alana said the new coffee area helps promote OTONO’s mission to create community. “When we opened OTONO, it was partially because we wanted to be interconnected, to meet the cool young people of Grand Rapids,” she said. “After the pandemic, we felt our sense of community had suffered. And I missed talking to people!”
Alana and Emmanuel in the new OTONO lounger. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
With Alana and Emmanuel working side by side, OTONO has grown “faster than expected,” Emmanuel told ArtRat.
“We had to work hard, to learn how to communicate with each other, how to work together, ” Alana said. “There were a lot of growing pains — but it worked out.
“We both have our roles that we play, our responsibilities, our strengths. Emmanuel does all the paperwork and the hard stuff, and I do the social media and keep positive relations with our sellers, always making sure we have stock,” Alana said. “We can’t believe we get to do this,” Emmanuel exclaimed. “This would not be possible without both of us.”
Future Plans Include Growth
Looking ahead, OTONO’s plans include additional seating and a possible new business venture.
“We’re excited to grow into a more formal cafe, and to spark more conversations and create new experiences.” Emmanuel said.
OTONO is open Thursday 4-8pm, Friday and Saturday 12-6pm, and Sunday 12-4pm. It shares SoDiv’s vintage district with Zabház (222 Division Ave. S), Decaydence Vintage (71 Division Ave. S) and Second Vibess (13 Division Ave. S). OTONO is on the same block as Cocoon Art Space (327 Division Ave. S) and a 5-minute walk from ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. S).
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Digital rendering of residents of Veridian at County Farm near the Honey Locust Farm Shop in the neighborhood. (Courtesy, THRIVE Collaborative)
LANSING – A new way of exploring the universe has been under our noses for years.
Scientists are only now discovering this by looking at the sky from a different perspective. A recent study shows how we can use existing technology to better understand distant objects with strange, previously unseen behavior.
It’s a two-for-one: Technology that detects heat in the sky can also find supernovae and other cosmic explosions.
“There are many explosive events occurring in the cosmos,” said Brian Metzger, an astrophysical theorist at Columbia University, who contributed to the study in the Astrophysical Journal. “These events appear bright but then fade away quickly.”
These blasts of material from star collisions and explosions happen so fast that they’re hard to study, he said. That makes them a mystery to astronomers.
The behavior of these objects – called transients – is largely unknown. They last only days to weeks. That makes them hard to find.
Telescopes would need to look at the whole sky constantly to observe more transients, Metzger said.
Think of finding transients like a kid looking through an “I Spy” book. Radio telescope surveys search the sky, sorting through stars, galaxies, dust, planets, and other celestial objects.
All of that is to find one specific type of object.
But scanning the sky isn’t as easy as finding a marble on a page of random objects.
Instead, it’s akin to being put into a library of “I Spy” books and told to find one object, in one specific book, on one specific page. The only problem? You aren’t told where it is.
The sky is huge, and according to Nathan Whitehorn, a Michigan State University astrophysicist, it’s crucial to know what you’re looking for and where you can find it.
The good news is that there already is technology that examines the whole sky – it’s just being used for something else.
Cosmic microwave background surveys use telescopes and other scientific instruments to scan the sky for heat. They usually focus on leftover heat from the Big Bang, the explosion theorized to bring the whole universe into existence in one quick burst.
But if scientists know where to look, they can use this technology to uncover more transient data.
“One of the things we realized a few years ago was that [these] telescopes can detect more [than just] cosmic microwave background,” Whitehorn said.
That’s where the new study comes in.
Astronomers took what little data there is about these mystery explosions and created a simulation.
Through their results, they were able to predict where transients might be, how long they’ll last and how many we can expect to find.
Until now, these surveys haven’t been used for finding transients, Whitehorn said.
The information from the study gives an idea of what transient data the surveys could gather if they looked at more than just the distributed heat leftover from the Big Bang.
“Although these surveys are designed for cosmic microwave background science, we can use them to get this transient science return for free,” the study’s lead author, Tarraneh Eftekhari, wrote in an email.
Eftekhari, a radio astronomer at Northwestern, emphasized that using these surveys can give unexpected free data.
As surveys monitor large parts of the sky at a time, they’re more likely to observe short-lived events. And based on the simulation by Eftekhari and her team, there will be many events to observe.
Metzger said using cosmic microwave background surveys differently helps an understanding of a part of the universe we don’t know much about, Metzger said.
The popular Wednesday Night Cruse-In events will return, running from May to September. (WKTV)
The Gilmore Car Museum today unveiled its 2023 car show and event season schedule, providing dates for its “summer season” shows scheduled to take place on the Gilmore’s historic 90-acre campus from May through October. Additional details and registration information for individual events will be posted at a later date on www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org.
Notable newer events and changes for the 2023 schedule include:
Winter Motoring Meet on Feb 4: for winter fun and vintage snowmobiles
Pint With The Past on Feb 11: for a Roaring Twenties inspired craft beer tasting event
Vintage Boat Show & Travel Trailer Rally on May 13: for a combined show featuring classic boats, travel trailers, and RVs
Corks & Crafts Wine and Beer Festival on May 13: for beer and wine enthusiasts, held in tandem with the Vintage Boat Show & Travel Trailer Rally
Congress of Motorcars, Family Day, and Dollar Hot Dogs now held on May 20: for pre-1942 gas, steam, and electric cars, with rides, period dress, fun, and games
MCACNMuscle CarMeet-Up returns for its second year on Jun 24: for the best Detroit Muscle, from the 1960s to today
Tractor Show returns on July 28-29: for vintage tractors, displays, and demonstrations
Deutsche Marques Oktoberfest on Oct 15: for fall colors, German cars, food, beer and music
As usual, the Gilmore’s popular Wednesday Night Cruise-In events with live music, food, and beverage will run every Wednesday night from 5 to 8 p.m. from May through end of September. Gilmore Car Museum members will receive early access through a separate member gate and preferred parking.
Even more, the Gilmore Car Museum plans to announce its Summer Concert Series schedule of outdoor, open-air musical performances later this year.
“We’re excited about the upcoming season of car shows, new events, and concerts at the Gilmore Car Museum,” said Executive Director Josh Russell. “It’s a calendar full of things for our members, partners, guests, and first-time visitors to be able see, hear, and experience on our campus.”
As we anxiously await spring and the start of “car show season,” all are invited to visit the museum’s indoor exhibits throughout the winter months, as the museum remains open every day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Haven’s 29th Icebreaker Festival returns Feb. 3-5 with new locations for children’s activities designed to enhance existing family-friendly along with ice sculptures, a Chili Cook-off, Cardboard Sled Race, Pub Slide, outdoor ice skating, Disc Golf Tournament S’mores Roasting, Snowsuit Fashion Competition, Frozen Fish Fling and many more exciting activities through downtown South Haven.
The ice sculptures take center stage at the South Haven Icebreaker Festival. (Courtesy, South Haven)
Activities start on Friday, Feb. 3, with a winter disc gold, ice skating, and a snowsuit fashion contest.
The popular ice carving competition kicks off on Saturday morning, Feb. 4. There will be more than 40 blocks of ice, weighing 300-600 pounds each that will be carved into works of frozen art. While admiring the ice displays, be sure to enjoy the Pub Slide, with food, drink and entertainment specials offered at participating bars and restaurants all weekend long.
Also the streets of South Have will be blazing on Saturday as “Heat the Streets,” offers three fire pits open for s’more roasting. The Professional Chili Cook-Off provides downtown South Haven restaurants and bars the opportunity to vie for the coveted chili trophy and bragging rights. Also taking place on Saturday is the 4th Annual Frozen Fish Fling at the South Marina and the 5th annual Cardboard Sled Race.
Participate in beginner curling lessons or take the family ice skating at the covered rink in downtown South Haven. Proceeds from Ice Breaker help many local non-profit organizations to generate needed revenue to support local programming.
For more information about the activities contact the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 269-637-5171 or visit www.southhavenmi.com.
Business cards features Kent County’s new branding. (Courtesy, Kent County)
Kent County has revealed a new brand, including a primary logo, sub-brand logos for several departments and offices, and a tagline—Your Partner, Your Place—that will serve as a short-hand vision statement for Michigan’s second fastest growing County.
“We set out to align the Kent County brand with the County’s vision, mission and the work we do in and for the communities we serve,” said Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg. “A brand is really a communications tool. With this new brand, we aim to help residents better understand what County services are available to them and, more importantly, help them take full advantage of the services they pay for with their tax dollars. With one of the fastest growing economies in the United States, nearly eight percent population growth in under 10 years, and the youngest, most diverse and most highly educated population in its history, we wanted to develop a brand as dynamic as the community it represents.”
A Window Into County Life
The new logo features a rectangular frame that reflects the County’s shape and serves as a window into life within the County—a place where people live, work, and visit and the entity that serves those people. The organic wave element is representative of the county’s rivers, streams, rolling agricultural land and green spaces that are so important to the region.
The updated brand also features a fresh, vibrant color palette to allow greater versatility in designing signage, collateral and other branded materials.
While the primary logo will be used organization-wide, several departments and offices with a high level of public engagement—including the Health Department, Animal Shelter, Community Action, Veteran’s Services, Prosecutor’s Office and others—will use unique logos that will serve as important tools to help increase awareness of the vital services they provide. The organization will continue to use the County seal on official documents.
“We’re excited to provide residents a clearer picture of the breadth of services we offer,” said Vanderberg. “This brand is foundational to that understanding.”
Your Partner, Your Place
The new tagline—Your Partner, Your Place—reflects what the branding team learned in the research and serves as an aspirational statement about what Kent County strives to be.
Advertising featuring the country’s new branding. (Courtesy, Kent County)
“First and foremost, people think of—and love—Kent County as a place. It’s home. It’s a place for economic opportunity. And it’s a great place to visit and explore,” said Vanderberg. “But research also told us that when people think of Kent County government, they think of vital services, a responsive staff and a ready partner that both leads and collaborates on transformational change.”
The brand was approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 27, 2022, following a comprehensive brand development process led by Well Design Studio and Truscott Rossman in collaboration with the County Administration communications team. The process included 17 county department, office and agency meetings; a community survey that drew nearly 4,700 responses; multiple meetings with an internal branding committee and members of the Board of Commissioners; and resident focus group sessions in five communities throughout the County.
“We’re very proud of the process,” said Vanderberg. “It was thorough, thoughtful, professional, and inclusive of staff, elected officials and the community.”
The branding project was initiated in 2019 but was put on hold in early 2020 to allow the County to focus on its pandemic response. It restarted in May 2021. With this launch, branded assets will be rolled out gradually with respect for budget to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
From the Sookie Slackhouse series.From the Aurora Teagarden series. From the Midnight, Texas series
You might not know the name Charlaine Harris but you have probably ran across one of the several made for TV series that were based off her books.
NBC’s short-lived “Midnight, Texas,” based off Harris’ “Midnight, Texas” series, followed the mysterious people of Midnight, Texas, as psychic Manfred Bernardo is busy solving the mysteries.
Or how about Hallmark Movies and Mysteries’ “Aurora Teagarden Movies,” which are based on Harris’ Aurora Teagarden series. The story follows librarian Aurora Teagarden as she solves murders in her town of Lawrenceton, in the state of Washington.
Finally, there is HBO’s “True Blood,” which ran for five years from 2009-2014 and was based off of Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series. The mystery series features small-town waitress-turned-paranormal sleuth Sookie Stackhouse as she works with a variety of paranormal characters from vampires to werewolves in solving a series of murders.
Harris’ books are just some of the many you can find on the Kent District Library’s Books to Film selection for the KDL Let It Snow Adult Reading Club.
Adults and teens (11+) who participate in the Let It Snow and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes.
You are likely to be retired much longer than you think.
For how long do you think you will live? Do you believe you’ll live into your late 70s? Are you confident you’ll follow in the path of your parents, who were alive and well into their mid to late 80s?
The average joint life expectancy (men and women together) is approximately 90 years for over 49% of the population. A full 20% of Americans live to age 95!
Depending on your unique perspective, that’s either good or bad. It’s good because many people want to live for as long as possible, provided they are in decent physical and mental health. However, a long life can be bad news when it puts you at risk of outliving your money in retirement.
Something else to consider is that these numbers are AVERAGES. More people are hitting triple digits, and you could very well be one of them. There are tons of exceptions to the rule, especially if you are the beneficiary of excellent genes, have made an effort to stay fit and healthy, and have managed stress properly.
Longevity is a possibility. This is why creating a portfolio to help you maintain your current standard of living in 30-plus years of retirement is challenging. Having less money in retirement is a concern for retirees and pre-retirees. Nearly all seniors know someone who has beaten the odds and lived longer than they planned.
Many retirees and pre-retirees had had someone in their own families who went through hardship and deprivation because they ran out of many at a time when they needed it the most.
The logical solution to not having enough money for retirement is to start earlier and save more. That’s not always easy to do, however. Many people are barely making ends meet and don’t have much discretionary money to create retirement income. You may fall into that category and worry that you don’t have any money to build a retirement account.
How do you find money to finance a retirement plan?
Developing a saving and income-planning mindset is valuable at any age.
Understandably, you might have a tight budget due to where you are in your career track. Or, you might have family, medical, or debt issues that make saving a tough proposition.
Fortunately, there are some ways you can free up cash or find the money you never knew you had to fund a retirement plan. Here are three things you can do right now to free up money for retirement.
1. Debt restructuring. Look at all your debt, including student loans and consumer debt. Perhaps you can negotiate lower rates or pay the debt off more slowly.
2. IRA or 401(k) Ask your financial expert and tax advisor to see if you might qualify to pull money out of your qualified plan without a penalty. If you qualify, you can use that cash to purchase investments that give you higher interest rates. This option is available under rule 72(t) for certain individuals who are younger than 59½.
3. Live a simpler lifestyle. Making your car, major appliances, and other big-ticket items last longer can add up to thousands of dollars you can use to fund your post-career life.
No matter your current financial situation, you can and should set aside money for a time when you will no longer get a paycheck. Starting early and being consistent, along with small lifestyle changes, will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a better retirement lifestyle.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
The Kent County Health Department has rung in the New Year with a partnership with the Grand Rapids Red Project to provide free access to life-saving Narcan in a vending machine at its main clinic in Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Red Project is a nonprofit that provides health resources to prevent the spread of disease and save lives. They have partnered with the Kent County Health Department and Cherry Health to provide Narcan vending machines in four locations around Kent County.
What is Narcan and how does it work?
Naloxone, sold and marketed under the brand name Narcan, is a life-saving medication that reverses or reduces the effects of opioids. When a drug overdose occurs, Narcan can be given to reverse the effects of decreased breathing and help the patient regain consciousness. For a more scientific explanation from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Narcan is an opioid receptor antagonist which means it binds to opioid receptors and reverses or blocks the effects of other opioids.
Why is Narcan needed?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 92,000 people in the United States died from a drug-involved overdose in 2020. The State of Michigan reported in 2018, there were 2,809 deaths from drug overdoses in Michigan alone.
In Kent County, Rachel Jantz from the Kent County Opioid Task Force, said there is an increased need for Narcan due to the synthetic opioid Fentanyl becoming more pervasive in the community.
The opioid epidemic is one of the largest public health crises in United States history and Narcan is an available resource to help mitigate drug overdose deaths.
How do you administer Narcan?
The vending machines available in Kent County are stocked with intranasal Narcan, a spray that can only be applied into the nose to produce its desired effect. The Nasal Spray contains only 1 dose of medicine and cannot be reused. The steps of Narcan administration are as follows and cited by the official Narcan website:
Narcan vending machine located at Kent County Health Department, 700 Fuller Ave NE (WKTV/Maggie Carey)
Step 1: Lay the person on their back and support their neck.
Step 2: Remove Narcan Nasal Spray from the box. Peel back the tab with the circle to open the Narcan Nasal Spray.
Step 3: Hold the Narcan Nasal Spray with your thumb on the bottom of the red plunger and your first and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
Step 4: Tilt the person’s head back and provide support under the neck with your hand. Gently insert the tip of the nozzle into one nostril until your fingers on either side of the nozzle are against the bottom of the person’s nose.
Step 5: Press the red plunger firmly to give the dose of Narcan Nasal Spray. Remove from the nostril after giving the dose.
Step 6: Call 911 for emergency medical help.
Where can Narcan be found?
Narcan is now available for free to residents of Kent County at four locations thanks to the Grand Rapids Red Project and its partnership with the Kent County Health Department and Cherry Health. These machines have 24-hour access and to use them, just type in the slot that has an available pack and the vending machine will distribute the pack cost-free.
Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights, January 20!
Every Friday, we’ll bring you an abundance of great local high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, as well as highlighting some top performers and giving a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.
No one really knows how the Wyoming Rodeo started, but the idea came to fruition in 1963. For almost 25 years, the rodeo was a major part of the City of Wyoming attracting big stars such as Reba McEntire, Bob Hope, Tanya Tucker, and Ken Curtis who played Fetus Haggens in “Gunsmoke.” During the event’s heydays in the 1970s, people from all over the country would come to attend the event, which took place in a rodeo-style stadium at Wyoming’s Lamar Park.
The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, is the second oldest U.S. service academy. (Courtesy, U.S. Library of Congress)
A Kentwood resident is one of six people who were nominated by Senator Debbie Stabenow for admission into four of the five United States service academies.
Addison Turk is a senior at West Michigan Aviation Academy. She is currently on the school’s girls varsity basketball team. Addison is seeking to entering the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
The United States Naval Academy is the second oldest of the five U.S. service academies, established Oct. 10, 1845. The Naval Academy educates midshipmen for service in the office corps of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Notable graduates include 39th President Jimmy Carter, business magnate Henry Ross Perot, former Senator John McCain, and several NASA astronauts including Wendy B. Lawrence and Sunita Lyn Williams.
“Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,” Stabenow said in a released statement. “Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represented Michigan and our country well.”
Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the current U.S. Vice President. Students nominated by Stabenow’s office went though a highly competitive application process that included interviews by veteran, military and community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must wait acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.
All of Stabenow’s nominations came from the West Michigan area. The other nominations are:
Anna Dinsmore, from Kalamazoo, seeking to enter into the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
William Gryzen, from Hudsonville, seeking to enter the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
Bradley Lowe, from North Muskegon, seeking to enter the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY
Nathan Onderlinde, from Dorr, seeking to enter the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY
Chase Williams, from Allegan, seeking to enter the United Site Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD
“I’ll be honest, when someone suggested ‘The Silent Patient’ to me, I thought it sounded pretty routine and so I passed,” said WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma. “Then my daughter, a registered nurse, mentioned how her co-workers told her she needed to read the book.
“She got it. Read it in two days and then gave it to me. I couldn’t put it down and then, it was the twist that I never expected.”
“The Silent Patient,” by Alex Michaelides, is just one of many possible options under the KDL Let It Snow Mystery and Thriller book selections which also includes “Run Rose Run,” by James Patterson and Dolly Parton, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None.”
Based on a Greek myth, “The Silent Patient” centers around the story of famous painter Alicia Berenson who has killed her husband and stops speaking and Theo, a therapist determined to unlock her secrets.
Adults and teens (11+) who participate in the Let It Snow and read a minimum of six books in different categories between Jan. 3 and March 31 will receive a collectible Let It Snow 2023 ceramic mug. Participants who finish an additional four titles will be entered into a Power Reader drawing to win an Amazon Kindle Scribe with stylus pen or other prizes.
Earth Radio will be kicking of the Concerts Under the Stars series on Jan. 26 and 27. (Courtesy, Public Museum)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum popular series: Concerts Under the Stars, returns this January with performances set for Jan. 26 and 27 at the museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, located at 272 Pearl St. NW.
The immersive full-dome concert experience highlights local musicians and visual artists. Concerts Under the Stars has quickly become a staple of the underground West Michigan music scene. This year, it kicks off with two shows with Earth Radio.
The Grand Rapids-based Earth Radio has a sound that invokes elements of funk, rock, soul, and progressive jazz, reminiscent of Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu, Radiohead, and Knower, melded together into a sound that is uniquely Earth Radio.
Video artist Nate Eizenga will be accompanying Earth Radio for the Jan. 26 and 27 performances. (Courtesy, Public Museum)
Local video artist Nate Eizenga will accompany Earth Radio on Jan. 26 and 27. Eizenga is a Grand Rapids native who moonlights as a video artist, focusing on accompaniment for live musical performances.
Attendees will sit back and experience the wonders of the cosmos alongside captivating music with Concerts Under the Stars. This winter, three West Michigan bands will perform their music, enhanced by the unique environment created by the dome and seating of the Chaffee Planetarium. Completing the immersive experience will be area visual artists weaving their digital art to the music being performed.
“We’re excited for the return of Concerts Under the Stars at the Chaffee Planetarium,” said Jack Daleske, the GRPM’s Planetarium and Theater Manager. “This year will feature a broad range of musical talent from local musicians in combination with local digital artists for an incredible full-sensory experience unique only to our location.”
Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., including access to the Museum’s first two floors of exhibits. Performers will play two sets with a short intermission in between. Refreshments, beer, and other beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20, with discounted pricing of $16 for GRPM members. To learn more about this series or to purchase tickets, visit grpm.org/concerts-under-the-stars.
Additional Concerts
The 2023 Concerts Under the Stars series will continue on Feb. 23 and 24 with a set of shows performed by the DIY group, Phabies featuring KB Brown, and will conclude on March 23 and 24 with a unique blend of folk-soul music performed by Jordan Hamilton featuring visual artist Emily Hromi.
As more and more seniors look for ways to lower their taxes in retirement, Qualified Longevity Annuity Contractsor QLACs are stepping into the spotlight.
Many seniors in the early phases of their retirement don’t need to tap into their traditional retirement accounts. (IRAs/401ks). Unfortunately, they are forced to do so because of IRS Requirement Minimum Distributions (RMD) rules.
Note: The RMD age recently changed from 70&1/2 to 72. When you reach your RMD age, you must take money out of your qualified plan each year. Be sure to clarify with your CPA or tax planner to which group you belong.
If you are in a similar situation and don’t need to take distributions, you may want to consider setting up a QLAC. The “qualified” part of the QLAC refers to the fact that this kind of annuity is purchased with “qualified” funds as defined by the IRS.
A QLAC uses a portion of a person’s RMD distributions to grow deferred until a certain age (85 maximum) QLACs are a type of longevity annuity.
A QLAC, which has the insurer taking on market and interest rate risk, is set up by transferring money from an existing IRA or 401(k) account to an insurance company annuity. A QLAC contract pays you a steady stream of income later in life.
The longevity annuity “chassis” of a QLAC has been around for years. But what has changed is how the IRS treats longevity annuities within tax-deferred accounts. Current rules allow individuals to spend 25% of their retirement savings account or $135,000 (whichever is less) to purchase a QLAC.
In 2014, the Treasury Department relaxed RMD rules a bit to encourage Americans to prepare for retirement. These new rules let you buy a QLAC with your IRA and not include the value of the QLAC when you calculate your RMD.
How does a Qualified Longevity Annuity Work?
A Qualified Longevity Annuity is an annuity into which you pay a lump sum of money. At a future date specified on your contract, you begin receiving guaranteed monthly income for as long as you live.
A longevity annuity appeals to many because the stock market and interest rate risk transfers to the insurance company. The insurance company tells you exactly how much Income you will get in the future when you purchase the annuity. This future income amount is guaranteed.
With a QLAC, you get tax-advantaged income security that starts in your old age for an attractive price.
By owning a QLAC, you may be able to increase the amount withdrawn from your savings in the early retirement phase by as much as 30% because the annuity will give you predictable, guaranteed Income later.
Many retirees purchase QLACs because of their tax advantages. However, they have other benefits, too. QLACs require only one upfront payment and don’t have annual fees. They are one of the easier-to-understand, straightforward, and transparent financial products.
How can a QLAC help reduce taxes?
A QLAC can help you retain more of your money in retirement by reducing your tax burden. Let’s say you had a traditional IRA and invested the maximum allowable $135,000 into a QLAC with a payment start date of age 80. If you had not purchased a QLAC, your $135,000 would grow in value. When you reached your RMD age, you would have to withdraw your first RMD, which is fully taxable as income. Having a QLAC, you are permitted to omit that $135,000 from your RMD calculations. The tax savings from not having to take your RMDs for nearly ten years could add up to huge savings. To understand how this might help your unique situation, you will need to consult a tax expert who understands the inner workings of QLAC products.
What are some pros and cons of QLACs?
QLACs, as mentioned before, allow you to defer mandatory distributions up to age 85, which could add up to significant tax savings. Also, you can retain tax advantages because you purchase a QLAC with qualified funds.
A QLAC can provide an increase in your financial security and well-being. You will have the kind of contractually guaranteed, predictable stream of income that you only get with annuity products.
Properly designed QLACs can also help you cover long-term care expenses and provide protection for your spouse so that if you die before they do, they will continue to receive Income.
Converting as little as 15% of your 401(k) balance to a QLAC when you retire can boost your retirement readiness in a meaningful way.
The downsides of QLACs
QLACs have many positive benefits, but they are not for everyone. If you enjoy a lot of hands-on control over your money, having a QLAC might not work well for you. That’s because you relinquish short-term control over your money to get guaranteed lifetime income with an annuity.
Like many other financial products, QLACs require a degree of trust in the company providing the product. After all, payouts for annuities are contingent upon the claims-paying ability of the annuity company who issues them. You must do your research and only select companies with strong ratings and positive client feedback.
You should only purchase a QLAC after consulting a safe money and income specialist. Even if you currently have a financial advisor, he or she may not understand the nuances of a QLAC, especially if you choose to use a QLAC in more complicated financial planning strategies, such as “laddering.” If your current advisor cannot explain QLACs to you, seek advice from a qualified expert.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management.
The need for homes has become a pressing issue in West Michigan, especially affordable homes.
A need that the Wyoming Community Foundation recognized in its 2022 grant awards, giving two local organizations about a third of its annual grant moneys. ICCF Community Homes, a nonprofit community developer that serves the Grand Rapids area including Wyoming, received $1,500, and The Source, a nonprofit based in the City of Wyoming and works with about 25 employers to help employees overcome barriers to work, received the largest grant, $5,000.
“In 2008, we had the great recession and we stopped building homes for about 10 years,” said Chris Hall, who works with ICCF Community Homes and is also a Wyoming Community Foundation board member. Hall noted that he excused himself on the discussion for the grant for ICCF Community Homes. “At the same time, the area is on all these lists, Great Place to Raise a Family, Hottest Zip Code…evidence of the fact that this is a great place to be and [people] want to be here.
“Over the last 10 years, people have been coming and staying, but we haven’t been building and now we are at a basic point of supply is low and demand is high.”
The housing need
The kitchen and dining room of ICCF Community Homes’ homeless family housing unit suitable for a small family. (Supplied)
According to a Grand Rapids Chamber housing study for Kent Country, it is estimated that the county needs about 22,139 new housing units to keep up with demand. The same study also showed that 63,000 or 27% of homeowners are cost-overburnened with more that 30% of household income dedicated to housing costs.
Because of the demand, it has raised housing prices, changing the face of the homeless to working class people, Hall said.
“It’s hard to thrive if you don’t know where you are going to sleep at night or next week or are they going to let me have my kids with me?” he said. “How are you going to thrive as an employee when that type of thing is going on?”
The Wyoming Community Foundation grant for ICCF Community Homes will be used to help replace a roof on a home on 30th Street in Wyoming. By being able to partner with the Foundation for the roof, it helps to keep rents low giving access to housing to more people, Hall said.
Rent assistance
“There use to be a lot of funding in the state for rent assistance but a lot of that funding has disappeared so this grant is going to help us with Wyoming residents,” said Sarah Westoby, a resource navigator for The Source. Westoby said most of the past rent assistance programs were COVID specific and have since ended. The Source recognizes that people are going to continue to have housing instabilities.
The Source works with a number of different organizations to help with food, child care, housing and other needs. Sometimes there are gaps in what can be provided and the Wyoming Community Foundation grant will help with those gaps, especially in rent, Westoby said.
Making Wyoming a better place
Every year, the Wyoming Community Foundation awards around $15,000 to about eight different organizations serving the population of the City of Wyoming.
“It’s not a whole lot of money but it is enough to make a difference,” Hall said, adding that the goal is to help make the Wyoming community a better place to live.
The other Wyoming Community Foundation grant recipients are:
Affinity Mentoring received $1,500 to continue to support the Mentoring Center sites at Godfrey Early Childhood Center, Godfrey Elementary and the Godfrey-Lee Middle School campus.
Hope Gardens received $2,700 to install garden infrastructure at four Godwin Heights and Wyoming Public Schools and expand hand-ons garden programming into daytime STEM lessons at three Wyoming schools.
Remembrance Ranch received $1,800 to provide teens with the backpacking equipment needed for participation at camps.
Senior Sing Along received $1,000 to provide music-based programming to seniors in Wyoming care facilities.
Strategic Workforce Solutions received $1,000 to offer MiCareerQuest to local students so they can explore careers in five high-demand industries: advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, construction, health sciences, and technology information.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids received $1,000 for an after school program for youth from low-income and at-risk background and scholarships for a statewide youth in government conference.
Take a look at our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights!
Every Friday, we’ll bring you an abundance of great local high school boys and girls basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, as well as highlighting some top performers and giving a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Coming soon, we’ll have coaches and players stop by our studio after their games to chat on the show.
The Kentwood Police is asking anyone with information on a Jan. 13 shooting in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue to contact the department or Silent Observer.
The Kentwood Police was dispatched to an apartment in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue for a subject who had been shot in the leg. Officers arrived on the scene and provided medical treatment for the victim along with the Kentwood Fire Department. The victim was transported to the hospital and the injury is not believed to be life threatening. The suspect is known to the victim and is not in custody.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-771-2345 or online at SilentObserver.org.
From left, Puma team members: Joy McClendon, 5, and Ivy Andreas, 2. (WKTV)
Defense was the name of the game as Potter’s House Christian defeated West Michigan Aviation 54-23 in an Alliance League girls basketball game.
The Pumas took command of the game with their lock-down defense right from the opening tip allowing just a single point in the first quarter and a single field goal in the second period enroute to taking a commanding 25-3 halftime lead.
“We got our full-court press working pretty well,” said Potter’s House Christian coach Jake Hoogstrate. “Our pressure forced a lot of turnovers.”
Ivy Andreas was one of the ringleaders of the Puma defense.
“Ivy was all over the place defensively,” Hoogstrate said. “She was a big key in limiting them to three points in the first half. She also had a lot of assists on offense and played a great game.”
Playing strong defense is a point of pride for the Pumas who improved to 8-4 overall for the season and 2-0 in the Alliance League.
“We pride ourselves in how we play defense,” Hoogstrate said. “Playing strong defense is definitely a focus of our team over the years. We definitely didn’t play great defense on Tuesday at Saugatuck so we wanted to come out tonight and play great defense.”
Potter’s House’s Emmonne Craig helped with the Puma’s defense. (WKTV)
Potter’s House extended the lead to 37-10 at the end of the third quarter and outscored West Michigan Aviation 17-13 in the final quarter.
“We got off to a hot start which was fun,” Hoogstrate said. “It’s always good to see the ball go in the basket early.”
Anyieth Nhial led the way on offense for the Pumas with 23 points. Joy McClendon added eight points while Annie Winkle, Emily Baez and Emonne Craig added six points apiece.
Potter’s House Christian returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Muskegon Oakridge.
West Michigan Aviation was led on offense by Ava Bazuin who scored 13 of the Aviators 23 points. West Michigan Aviation fell to 5-7 overall for the season and 1-1 in the conference. The Aviators are off until Jan. 25 when they travel to Grand Rapids Sacred Heart.
First chronicled in Europe during the 15th century, tarot cards are an important tool for divination. If you want cartomantic insights into your past, future and present selves, you can choose from a deck of options within a 5-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery: The 12th House (8 Jefferson Ave. SE); DreamPirate Gallery (136 Division Ave. S); and The Mortals Cafe (111 Division Ave. S).
Card readers use numerology, archetypes, Zodiac signs and elements to create connections among the cards. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
How does tarot work — and what do the cards have to say about opportunities and challenges for Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood in the year ahead? ArtRat went to the source for some divine guidance.
A beautiful broom stands by the open door of The 12th House, its handle a gnarled branch. Inside are tables of crystals, handmade jewelry and whimsical clothing, shelves of colorful cards and books about candle magic, sustainability, and the histories of Hindu deities and Irish faeries.
Behind the register, Carmen Kempen, the store’s in-house tarot reader, is shaping wire around a sparkling hunk of white quartz to create a necklace. She introduces herself as the Maiden of the Vale, who serves the valley of the Grand River.
A space for insight
Carmen Kempen does a reading at The 12th House. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
Carmen opened a moving wall to reveal an intimate space: a large round table adorned with candles, crystals — and rubber ducks. She apologized for the clutter, but pointed out she is a chaos witch,after all.
Card readers use numerology, archetypes, Zodiac signs and elements to create connections among the cards, then follow their intuition to channel hidden knowledge. Carmen’s deck mirrors her values, featuring diverse human subjects, including people of color and gender-nonconforming individuals. “We see ourselves in the cards we read,” she remarked.
“Tarot for me is all about healing,” Carmen told ArtRat. “It’s reaching into the deep, dark places to pull forward things in a gentle manner, in a safe space.”
Cards on the table
The 12th House shelves feature colorful cards and books about candle magic, sustainability, and the histories of Hindu deities and Irish faeries. (Courtesy, ArtRat)
So what did the Maiden of the Vale see on behalf of Heartside?
Five cards fall from her hands — the nine of wands, seven of wands, four of pentacles, queen of pentacles and knight of pentacles — and we sit in silence as Carmen examines them.
She says Heartside is full of promise that can only be realized by aligning the initiatives of different individuals and groups involved with the neighborhood.
“These cards are showing us a deep, energetic passion for the work being done,” she says, “but there needs to be more communication between all the branches and more stability within the roots. Otherwise, the whole thing will fall over.
“Heartside can be at its absolute best, but only if we strengthen our connections to each other.” Carmen continues. “There’s something big coming, and together we can embrace it.
“The air is changing, the witches are waking up, and we’ll be right here when you’re ready.”
The 12th House is open 11am-7pm Tuesday through Friday, 11am-8pm Saturday, and 11am-4pm Sunday. Contact the Maiden of the Vale to schedule a tarot reading.
DreamPirate Gallery offers tarot, read by Kylie Hailstone, as well as a slew of other metaphysical services all by appointment.
The Mortals Cafe is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Resident cartomancer Katrina Peshka offers sessions every Friday from 3-6 p.m.
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Wyoming City Council will be interviewing four candidates Monday night to fill a vacant council seat. (WKTV)
The Wyoming City Council will be interviewing four candidates for the open council seat vacated by John Fitzgerald.
In November, Fitzgerald was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, serving primarily the City of Wyoming.
When taking his seat in December, Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood said one of the first jobs the council had was to fill the vacant seat. The person selected to fill the council member-at-large seat would serve out the remainder of the term which ends in 2024.
Starting at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, the council will be interviewing the four candidates. Interviews will last 30 minutes with a 10 minute break/transition period. WKTV will be airing the interviews starting at 3:30 p.m. on Channel 26 with the regular council meeting to follow at 7 p.m.
According to City Clerk Kelli Vandenberg, the city received 19 applicants to fill the vacancy. The Council narrowed those applicants to four candidates. All the candidates have served the city in various capacities.
The candidates are (They are listed in order of interviews.):
3:30 p.m. Andrea Boot was the city’s treasurer. She retired from that position this past summer. She also has served as a city election worker.
4:10 p.m. Gabriella De La Vega is the president of the Mexican Heritage Association of West Michigan . She is a language coordinator for Trinity Health. She has served the city on its Parks and Recreation Commission and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance.
4:40 p.m. Tommy Brann is a longtime business owner of Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, 4157 Division Ave. S. Brann recently completed serving eight years in the Michigan House of Representatives, he was termed out, and in November, ran for a Michigan senate seat that was won by Senator Winnie Brinks.
5:20 p.m. Robert Kilgo is the assistant to the president of Grace Christian University and serves as a mentor to at-risk students in Wyoming. In November, Kilgo along with Rob Arnoys and Renee Hill ran for two council seats. Arnoys and Hill were elected to the seats.
According to the Council agenda, once the interviews are complete, the council will discuss and then appoint a candidate to the position who will take oath of office that night.
The last time the council had to fill a vacant seat was in 2018 when Bill Ver Hulst resigned from his First Ward seat. Sheldon DeKyrger was appointed to fill the term and then elected to the seat in the fall of 2018. He ran unopposed this past fall for the same seat.
The Wyoming City Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. in the council chambers located at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. For more on the City of Wyoming, visit the city’s website, wyomingmi.gov.
Photos of the first suspect. (Courtesy, Wyoming Department of Public Safety)
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking help of the public to identify the suspects of a Dec. 18 robbery at the Citgo gas station at 4405 S. Division Ave.
The station was robbed by two individuals, according to investigators. A firearm was used in the robbery. There were no injuries. The two suspects fled on foot from the scene after obtaining beer form the store. A K-9 track was attempted but the suspects were not located at that time.
Photos of the second suspect. (Courtesy of the Department of Public Safety.)
One suspect is described as Hispanic male about 5-foot tall, late teens to early twenties, and wearing a blue hat and black coat. The second suspect is described as Hispanic male around 5-foot, 2 inches tall, late teens to early twenties, and wearing a black sweatshirt with a Santa on it and a black hat.
Anyone with information regarding the suspects on the Dec. 18 robbery are asked to contact the Wyoming Police Investigative Division, Detective Gray at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-77f4-2345.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The East Kentwood team earned its first state championship for We the People since 2010. (Courtesy, Sophie Gemmen, team member and EKHS yearbook member)
This past weekend, East Kentwood High School added another state championship to its list of awards as the school’s We the People team brought home the top honor.
On Jan. 6, the Michigan Center for Civic Education hosted the We the Students: Michigan’s We the Program State Showcase. By a narrow lead, East Kentwood, lead by high school teacher and We the Pepple head coach Justin Robbins, beat out East Grand Rapids, and earned the honor of representing Michigan in the national Center for Civic Education’s We the People competition, which is set for April 22-24 in Washington DC.
We the People is an educational process which aims to enable students to learn about and address a range of governance-related issues, culminating in competitions to present at simulated congressional hearings.
This will be East Kentwood’s third consecutive trip to the national competition and its first as the State Champion from Michigan since 2010.
Along with the overall state championship title, there units in the group also won state championships in their content.
Bianca Bancifra, Maggie Fisher, Keaton Nguyen, and Sara Shapin, who are Unit 1, won for their knowledge of high law, colonial charters, and rights in common law.
Amira Hamilton, Dewaynia English, Connor Shaw, and Sophie Gemmen, who are Unit 2, won for their knowledge on the Articles of Confederation and the impact of slavary on the Constitution.
Lucy Fornetti, Mary Johnakech, and Owen Lawrence, who are Unit 6, won for their knowledge of privileges and immunities of citizens, immigration, and civic responsibilities in a republic.
The team also includes Dependra Bhattarai, Mollie Croskey, Rishta Tamang, Collin Terry, Drew Dame, Rebecca Moore, Mike Nguyen, Elleana Strehl, Ebise Tarekegn, and McKenna VanOveren.
Volunteer coaches are Ahjah Bailey-O’Conner, Tyler Buck, Ava Chatlosh, Eric Dubois, Branden Graf, Ken Orzanich, Justin Robbins, Mike Traywick, and Avalon Wieczorek.
Caledonia Community Schools(CCS) announce today that the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has recognized seven of the eight eligible CCS schools in its district to receive the designation as a Reward School.
Annually MDE ranks schools academically; those that are in the top 5 percent of the state are categorized as “Reward.” Reward schools are determined based on the Top-to-Bottom ranking methodology, which includes data from achievement, improvement, and achievement gaps in standardized scores.
“Caledonia Community Schools is so proud of all our faculty and staff who work so hard to provide excellent learning environments for ALL students,” said Dr. Dedrick Martin, Superintendent of Caledonia Community Schools. “These accomplishments are the result of a focus on instructional quality and the strong partnership CCS has created between our families, students, staff, and community. Our staff works tirelessly to support and prepare ALL students to achieve their best while empowering them with 21st century skills to compete in a global environment.
“CCS is constantly reevaluating to improve district processes. Newly focused team organizational goals enable our building leaders to better support one another and have ongoing critical conversations,” said Dr. Camela Diaz, CCS Director of Secondary Education. “We still have areas to improve on, but our school leadership teams are focused on working with their attendance, behavior, and course proficiency data, to develop plans for growth that effectively close the achievement gap for all students.”
At a time when most schools around the state and the country are reporting a decline in student performance due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, the data in Caledonia tells a different story. Our district has also made it a priority to reinvest in curriculum materials, resources, and supports over the past 5 years and the academic performance proficiency results show we are stronger today than ever before.
As a district, we are pleased with this recognition, but even more excited that our students are growing as learners. We look forward to seeing how much more our students will excel in the coming years as our staff continues to collaborate with one another to Cultivate Agile Learners.
Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety are asking the public to help located a vehicle that was in the area during a Nov. 1 shooting at Indian Mounds Drive.
The Wyoming Department of Safety was called to the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive SW on Nov. 1 for the shooting. An 18-year-old male, Kane Coronado, on a bicycle was struck by the gunfire resulting in a fatal injury. Coronado died at the scene.
Investigators are asking for the community’s help in locating a vehicle that was in the area around the time of the shooting. The vehicle is described as a gray or silver four-door Chevrolet Cavalier 2000-2005 model year. Investigators are asking anyone with information about this vehicle to contact Wyoming Police, 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-888-774-2345.
