According to those at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, students have until March 1 to apply for scholarships available through its organization. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Community Foundation)
If you are a high school graduate interested in pursuing welding as a career, there is a scholarship for that. Perhaps you are interested in nursing or education or maybe you are interested in a post-graduate degree in business or law. There are scholarships for that.
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for more than $1 million in scholarships to support students pursuing post-secondary education and training. By completing one application, students will be considered for hundreds of scholarship opportunities from more than 80 scholarship funds. Students pursuing bachelor and graduate degrees or technical training certificates are eligible to apply.
Some of the scholarships are specific to studies, high schools or colleges. For example, the Pullen/Lambers Memorial Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Wyoming High School who attend a credited U.S. college/university with a preference given to education or entrepreneurial studies.
If you are senior or graduate from Godfrey Lee, Godwin Heights, Wyoming, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, Grandville or Grand Rapids, you could apply for the Hackett Family Scholarship. Students at Grand Rapids University Prep Academy can apply for the Founders’ Scholarship and South Christian students planing to major in healthcare, education or business may apply for the Roger and Jacquelyn Vander Laan Family Scholarship.
There is also scholarships like the Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students studying violin, viola, violoncello, or the bass viol. There is not financial or residency requirements.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation noted in a press release that it is committed to providing opportunities for first generation students with financial need to further their education. Scholarships are available for students with a wide variety of backgrounds, GPA’s and levels of education from public and private institutions. Last year, the Community Foundation awarded $1.45 million in scholarships to 630 students.
Contributions from community members make the scholarship funds possible. Many donors have chosen to set up a fund to honor a family member or to provide opportunities for students to attend college or pursue a specific profession. Award decisions are made by more than 100 volunteer community members with applicable experience who serve on scholarship advisory committees.
The general scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year opened Dec. 1 and will remain open until March 1, 2023. Interested students can find more information and apply at GRFoundation.org/Scholarships.
The City of Kentwood is offering tree and string light recycling services to residents this holiday season at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.
From Dec. 27 through Jan. 31, residents may bring trees between 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The drop-off site is closed Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 for the New Year’s holiday and Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when City offices will be closed.
Remove all decorations, lights, wires in advance
All decorations, lights, wires and other non-natural materials must be removed from the trees in advance. A drop-off box for recycling string lights is located near the front doors of the Public Works building now through Jan. 31.
Proof of residency required
The tree recycle site is available to Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required. The string light and tree recycling services provide residents with a convenient, environmentally friendly way to clean up holiday decor.
“This is a special time of year for many, and cleanup is not often top of mind until the flurry of gatherings and parties passes,” said Chad Griffin, Department of Public Works director. “We’re glad to offer these services to give residents a convenient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of trees and string lights after the holiday season has come to an end.”
For more information about the Department of Public Works and its other seasonal services, visit kentwood.us/DPW.
The City of Wyoming snowplow team works to make sure streets are cleared within a 24-hour period after a snow event. It is the same for the City of Kenwood. (City of Wyoming)
As the blizzard of 2022 makes it way across the midwest, both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are making preparations and gearing up to plow the roads.
Both the cities have issued blizzard alerts on their respective Facebook pages. Residents are encouraged to prep their vehicles with emergency items in case they get stranded.
In the case of a power outage, contact Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 or visit ConsumersEnergy.com for outage updates. For emergencies, such as a downed power line or tree blocking a roadway, call 911.
Snowplow vehicles will be out over the weekend. During a storm in both cities, crews work around-the-clock with trucks on the road 24-hours a day. Crews from both cities try to make sure that all roads are cleared within 24 hours after the snow event has ended. Both the City of Kentwood and the City of Wyoming prioritize plowing from highest-volume streets to lowest-volume streets.
City of Kentwood
Major streets, such as 44th Street, 52nd Street, Kalamazoo Avenue and Eastern Avenue are plowed first.
Collector streets, which are many of the main streets of the subdivisions, are plowed next. Some examples of collector streets are Baileys Grove Drive, Stauffer Avenue and Gentian Avenue.
Once the collection streets are clear and safe, local streets, which are streets within subdivisions, are plowed next.
Cul-de-sacs/stub streets are plowed last with smaller trucks. For the cul-de-sacs, the snow is placed in areas that are suitable for snow storage, so it is recommended that all items in the a cul-de-sac, such as soccer goals and portable basketball hoops, be removed.
If a resident needs to report a snow removal issue, visit kentwood.us/psr. For more information on winter maintenance and resources, including snow removal efforts, street parking rules and tips for avoiding frozen water pipes and meters, visit kentwood.us/WinterMaintenance.
City of Wyoming
The City of Wyoming has about 250 miles or 600 lane-miles of streets.
The city’s first priority are the major streets, such as 28th Street, 44th Street, Burlingame Avenue, Byron Center Avenue and Clyde Park Avenue, which carry the most traffic and have the highest speed limits.
Second is the collector streets, which disperse throughout the residential neighbors. The goal is that residents are within a reasonable distance from either a first or secondary priority street that is plowed.
The last to be plowed is the culs-de-sac and the remaining residential streets. The streets are plowed when the snow depth reaches four inches, either from a storm event or snow accumulation.
For snow removal concerns and other related issues, visit the All About Snow section on the Public Works page at wyomingmi.gov.
Clearing of Sidewalks
In the City of Kentwood, it is the property owners responsible for clearing two or more inches of snow, ice and other obstructions from sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses. The City of Kentwood does plow some of its sidewalks. For a map of those sidewalks, click here.
In the City of Wyoming, sidewalks are plowed by a third party contractor at night when there is two or more inches of new snow accumulation. Residents are asked to keep the sidewalks free of obstructions such as garbage cans and parked vehicles.
Fire Hydrant Maintenance
In both cities, it is the resident’s responsibility to keep the fire hydrant clear if it is located on your property. Residents should clear a path from the street to the fire hydrant and three feet around the hydrant.
Parking Rules
Both cities have winter parking rules.
In the City of Wyoming, it is odd-even parking. If the day is an even number, 2, 4, 6, 8, then residents may park on the side of the street with even number addresses. If it is an odd number day, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, then park on the side with odd number addresses.
Wyoming residents are encouraged to move their vehicles between 7 p.m. and midnight (12 a.m.) to assure that plows can get down and clean both sides of the street.
In the City of Kentwood, parking is not allowed on any public street between 1 and 8 a.m. and when street parking could make it difficult or prevent snow removal.
Communications Director, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan
Raise your hand if you’re comfortable navigating a conversation about mental health. Now raise your hand if you’re not sure where to start.
At the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, we believe it starts with knowledge, which creates confidence. We empower individuals through our be nice. action plan and programs for schools, businesses, teams and faith organizations.
“This plan works because it’s simple,” said Christy Buck, Founder of be nice. and Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. “It’s four steps that give you the knowledge to recognize depression, guide you through tough conversations, and empower you with the information and resources you need to start navigating appropriate treatment options. be nice. is simple, powerful and life-saving.”
be nice. program is two-fold
On a macro level, the logo itself is a call to kindness, civility and inclusion. It’s recognizing that how we treat one another has an effect on how a person thinks, acts and feels – their mental health. On a micro level, be nice. is an action plan to equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize, understand, accept and take action when it comes to mental health through four simple steps – to notice, invite, challenge and empower.
1. notice
Begin by noticing what’s good and right about the people around you so you can notice when something is different. The plan starts with the knowledge to recognize, or notice, the signs and symptoms of a mental health concern or illness.
Behavioral
Quitting favorite sport/hobby
Avoiding social interaction
Sudden/unlikely drug or alcohol use
Cry frequently for no reason
Neglect responsibilities, loss of motivation
Can’t sleep or sleep constantly
Physical
Lack of hygiene, personal appearance
Fatigue, lack of energy
Overeating or loss of appetite
Weight loss or gain
Headaches
Unexplained aches or pains
Psychological
Acting out, aggressive, quick to anger
Heightened sadness, guilt, indecisiveness
Lack of emotional responsiveness
Frequent self-criticism
Hopelessness, loneliness
Thoughts of death or suicide
2. invite
When you notice changes lasting two weeks or longer, it’s time to invite yourself to reach out. Many times we notice something is different about the way someone is thinking, acting or feeling, but we don’t address it. Oftentimes, we stay quiet because we don’t want to hurt a person’s feelings, get a negative reaction, or be wrong – with be nice., we keep it simple.
“I’ve noticed ________ and I’m worried about you. Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do to help?” This conversation starter shows that you care and you’re asking from a place of concern. You’re not attacking their actions or character, you’re simply checking in.
3. challenge
The No. 1 reason someone doesn’t speak up when they’re struggling is because of the stigma or shame they feel. They’re worried about how others will perceive them. You can be someone who challenges the stigma surrounding mental health, illness and treatment. You can challenge stigma with your words and empathy! The third step is also about challenging an individual to seek help and utilize resources. Here in West Michigan, we are fortunate to have many local options for help and treatment. We live in a digital age, and there’s a variety of mental health supports available for a wide range of needs.
Nationwide, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline [988] is available 24/7 for anyone struggling with their mental or emotional health who needs a listening ear, immediate coping exercises, or assistance navigating further help.
4. empower
Ultimately, the be nice. action plan is meant to empower individuals with knowledge and resources. The MHF is an organization that educates individuals of all ages and demographics in this life-saving action plan. Having the correct knowledge surrounding mental health gives us the confidence to take action when we notice changes and the empathy to decrease stigma.
Being aware of our protective factors and positive coping mechanisms are great ways to help keep our mental health in check, and further, knowing what resources are available in our schools, teams, workplaces and communities empowers us to be resilient.
988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline)
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, call 988 to speak with a professional who can help.
To learn more about each step of the be nice. action plan, visit benice.org.
‘Tis the season to watch out for holiday scammers. With the holidays fast approaching beware of any deals that appear too good to be true. Scams create the illusion of being trustworthy on the outside yet are a façade fooling consumers into sharing personal information and sending money.
Scammers are looking for all kinds of way to trick you out of your money. (WKTV/Tessa Schultz)
Scams can come in many shapes and sizes, yet they aren’t the gift you’d like this holiday season. Scams can appear blatantly obvious or they can be concealed from what seem to be reputable sources.
Some of the biggest online shops have had scammers impersonating the organization. Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and your local department stores all have scammers lurking around impersonating trustworthy transactions and tricking consumers.
Scam Data
Federal Trade Commission data reports that in 2021 online shopping scams contained $3.92 million in total reported losses with the median loss for consumers was $500 dollars.
Shoppers that have fallen victim to questionable purchases are not always compensated for their financial losses. According to the FTC, 25% of 2021 consumers reported a loss to fraud.
Types of Scams
Some of the most common scams are internet auction fraud, phishing, order confirmation scams, and technical support scams.
Internet auction fraud occurs when a seller misrepresents merchandise online. In many cases, items are left undelivered, with the buyer at a loss for their money. Scammers may advertise items with outrageous deals and discounts swindling shoppers into franticly buying nonexistent listings. Eventually, shoppers are met with remorse when their item never arrives on their doorstep.
Phishing is a scam where fake emails, text messages, and websites are used to commit identity theft or steal personal information. The criminal may ask personal questions fishing around and urging you to share your bank account numbers, debit card pin, or other personal information. Typically a scammer’s contact information mimics the names of larger brands hustling shoppers into trusting and handing out their personal information.
Order confirmation scams provide unwarranted emails, texts, and phone calls claiming that you need to confirm or deny unauthorized purchases. Amazon recently published a memo warning customers of scammers mimicking counterfeit transactions and seeking personal information. Panic-stricken shoppers may rush in order to cancel fake purchases when in reality they are being conned.
A technical support scam is a type of fraud where a scammer insists that you need to buy tech support for your devices.
Data breaches can occur to those who download software on their devices. Sensitive information can be stolen, hacked into, and leaked.
Malware is online software containing viruses and spyware. Malware is often undetectable and is a large threat to your online security.
Tips to Avoid Scams
Always use direct websites when seeking customer service and tech support.
Do not react to scams based on the principle of urgency. Many scammers want you to feel the need to “act now.”
In no case should you provide payment, or bank account information, install software, or purchase gift cards when prompted to respond in an urgent nature.
Be cautious when providing any personal information including account numbers and passwords when completing purchases online or on the telephone. Contacting customer service with any questions regarding transactions may ensure safe shopping.
Santa and his reindeer want you to steer clear of holiday scams this year, be sure to travel with ease online to protect your wallet this season.
Santa and his elf helper waiting to greet children at the Nitzel’s home. (Photo courtesy the Nitzels)
It looks like a scene out of a Hallmark movie: colorful holiday lights with Santa and his elf helper sitting on a wooden bench waiting to greet the children.
But it is not a Hallmark movie, it is right here in the City of Wyoming, 3717 Illinois Ave. SW. This is the home of Mark and Barb Nitzel, longtime Wyoming residents who have been spreading a little Christmas magic for the past several years.
“I do this, getting out there, to make people feel good,” said Mark Nitzel, who will be out again this Friday as Santa from 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Snowstorm or not, I’ll be out there. I was out there during the last snowstorm.”
An award winning display
Nitzel has always enjoyed the magic of Christmas and the holidays, especially the lights.
Mark Nitzel in front of his Christmas tree. (WKTV)
“The lights started with me putting up a few and then adding to it,” Nitzel said. The display gradually evolved to take over his front yard and his neighbor’s fence. Dubbed “Clark Griswold,” Nitzel’s passion soon spread, making it a neighborhood affair.
“Next door, he started adding lights,” Nitzel said. “We found a sleigh and put it on his roof. The people across the street moved in a few years ago and they too have been adding lights.
“It was really kind of cool to see it grow.”
The light display even snagged Nitzel an award “The Christmas Light Pajama Run Award” in 2018.
“I just heard someone on the porch and went out to see who it was,” Nitzel said. “I asked what they were up to and they shouted ‘Merry Christmas,’ pointed to the porch and ran to their car and jumped in. They were all wearing those old-fashioned pajamas with the buttons on the back.”
Then came the jolly elf himself
Of course with his warm and welcoming personality and love for the season, it was only a matter of time before Nitzel would be asked to play Santa. That person was his daughter, Samatha Roman who own’s Old Souls Studio, 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW.
“She asked if I could be Santa at her studio for photos,” Nitzel said, adding with a laugh, “the next thing I know, I am outside greeting people as they drive by (my home).”
Nitzel is not one for recognition. It has been his “elf helper” Barb who has been promoting the light display and visits with Santa.
“I can’t be Mrs. Claus, she is too sweet,” Barb Nitzel said with a laugh. “(Mark) retired in 2020 and he does it because he loves it. There is nothing like seeing the kids’ faces. The joy and the happiness just brings tears to your eyes.”
“Happy Christmas to all”
Nitzel, who also volunteers at Family Food Network of Wyoming, said he just enjoys seeing people get a little cheer from the lights and visiting with Santa.
Santa with some guests. He will return this Friday from 6:30 – 8:30 at 3717 Illinois Ave. SW. (Photo courtesy the Nitzels)
“Last weekend, there was a lady who drove by a couple of times and then finally stopped to ask how much it would be for a picture with Santa,” Nitzel said. “I told her it was free.
“She got out of her car and we took the picture and she sat and talked with us for a little bit, telling us that she thought she was going to lose her job. By the time she left, she had captured a little bit of that Christmas cheer back. That’s what it’s all about.”
Nitzel said he recognizes that not everyone can afford to go to the mall to see Santa and for some children, the mall can be overwhelming. But at 3717 Illinois Ave. SW, everyone is welcome to visit with Santa and enjoy the holiday lights.
“It’s about giving back to the community,” Nitzel said. “It becomes a social event for everybody, talking and wishing each other ‘Merry Christmas,’ which makes it kind of nice to see.”
The fall 2022 Alpha Wolf recipients. From left, sophomore Berlinda Pablo-Pablo, junior Gage Behrenbrinker, freshman Zander Creamer, junior Dominik (Buster) Cross, sophomore Tarren Calvert, senior Bryce Bosovich, and freshman Omar Resendiz-Parra. Not pictured is Jesus Valadez Cano. (Courtesy, John Doyle)
Along with the addition of the freshman and sophomore classes, the school welcomed 170 students from other schools, of which 47 students were from different countries, and 28 new staff members.
To represent the high school body, 1,300 paper chains were strung together across the gym’s ceiling.
“Every paper chain represents you. It represents our staff,” said teacher John Doyle, who helps to organize the Alpha Wolf program. “There are over 1,300 chains and they are all connected because that is what we are about.”
A11 Moment Ahead
Guess speaker Mark Kuiper, from the Wyoming High School staff, focused on the second part of the Alpha Wolf theme, “What is your A11 Moment Ahead?”
“An Alpha Wolf Moment Ahead is when you chose not to judge someone based on the color of their skin or that they talk different than you and they may share a different view of the world.” Kuiper said. “Instead you get to know them, know their story…An AW Moment Ahead of kindness, compassion, and graciousness usually appear in the usual, in the mundane, ordinary day-to-day, hour-by-hour routine of our lives. We need to look past our own face. We need to look up.
“Because the moment you look up, you begin to see the signs and when you decide to chose kindness over indifference, when you decide to chose compassion over apathy, when you chose grace over holding a grudge…you are seeing AW 11 Moments ahead become a lifetime and it will change a life.”
Zander Creamer walks up to receive his award. (WKTV)Zander Creamer is congratulated by his family. (WKTV)
Freshmen
Zander Creamer
According to many, the best word that encompasses freshman Zander Creamer is leader.
“This young man is getting it done at Wyoming High School,” according to staff. “Whether in the classroom, in the hallway, in the cafeteria or participating in extra-curricular activities he radiates Alpha Wolf 11 to all who cross his path.”
It did not take long for Creamer to settle in at the high school and as he did, he helped others make the transition to their new chapter in life.
“He is really a sweet kid who constantly has a smile on his face to try and to make people feel welcome and to lift them up when they are feeling down,” students and staff said.
No matter the setting, Creamer makes the effort to get to know the people around him and let them know they feel valued and appreciated through his contagious smile and kind words.
He figures out math problems on his own time. He enjoys robotics, riding his bike, and eating Mexican food as well as spicy, sweet and sour. He has a love for soccer and enjoys watching the Olympics, especially baseball.
Freshman Omar Resendiz-Parra sits in the audience. (WKTV)Omar Resendiz-Parra accepts his award with his family. (WKTV)
Omar Resendiz-Parra
From that description, it did not take long for students to recognize that freshman Omar Resendiz-Parra was the next Alpha Wolf.
“I have never heard him say an unkind word or be remotely critical about anyone,” said one of his teachers. “He has never said anything out of frustration or irritation. In fact, he has challenged himself to be a better version of a kind and gracious person that he already is.”
During parent teacher conferences, Resendiz-Parra helped his father understand by translating everything. He does everything with a kind heart, according to another staff member, and he is willing to help anyone on a daily basis.
Students and staff all agreed that Resendiz-Parra leads by example.
Sophomores
Tarren Calvert
Sophomore Tarren Calvert shakes hands with family members. (WKTV)
Unusually the first thing sophomore Tarren Calvert will ask someone when he sees them is how his/her day is going.
Calvert simply does good deeds whether anyone is looking or not and people are looking. They have noticed how he goes out of his way to help others, especially helping classmates with homework and other tasks.
“It does not take long for everyone who meets this Alpha Wolf to feel the positive energy he gives with everyone he meets,” according to students and staff, adding that this junior varsity basketball star is positive, respectful and selfless.
Sophomore Berlinda Pablo-Pablo walks up to accept her award. (WKTV)Berlinda Pablo-Pablo stands with her family for a photo. (WKTV)
Berlinda Pablo-Pablo
All it took was the statement “She is a flute player and participates in the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Mosaic Scholarship program” for many to quickly guess that sophomore Berlinda Pablo-Pablo was the next sophomore Alpha Wolf.
“Those who have interacted with this student have said this Alpha Wolf 11 left them with a lasting impression,” according to staff. “She is hardworking, strives for excellence and is the embodiment of joy.”
According to her peers, Pablo-Pablo is “a great friend with a sweet and tender heart, a kind shoulder with a big smile, constantly friendly, and never rude to anyone, and she is supportive and ready and able to cheer up a person and make them laugh.”
Juniors
Gage Behrenbrinker
Junior Gage Behrenbrinker walks up to accept his award as his family watches. (WKTV)
A member of the variety football and basketball, junior Gage Behrenbrinker is definitely a servant leader.
Just some of the words/sayings staff and students said about Behrenbrinker were:
Very cool
Always happy
Likes helping classmates and is always helping at school
Works to improves everyone they are around
Always a positive attitude
Makes everyone’s day better
Polite
Respectful
Inspiring
A great role model
A great leader
Someone we all look up to
Because of these many attributes, Behrenbrinker, according to many, is the perfect example of an Alpha Wolf.
Junior Dominkik (Buster) Cross is congratulated by family members. (WKTV)Dominik (Buster) Cross poses with his family for a picture. (WKTV)
Domink (Buster) Cross
Always there for his friends and family, junior Dominik (Buster) Cross uses his voice to encourage the absolute best out of everyone.
According to staff, Cross is bold, honest, and optimistic and there is never a day that he does not put his best foot forward.
He leads by example, has a smile that lights up the room, and always shows grace especially in the face of challenges, which is why the students and staff chose him to as an Alpha Wolf.
Senior Bryce Bosovich is congratulated by family members and staff. (WKTV)Bryce Bosovich stands with his family. (WKTV)
Seniors
Bryce Bosovich
“I have never had the opportunity to have this scholar in class at the junior or high school, but every time I have had conversations with him it has been super respectful, polite, and mature and sometimes sports related,” said teacher Shawn Veenstra who was one of several Alpha Wolf presenters.
For Bryce Bosovich, it was noted it was difficult to compact all the Alpha Wolf characteristics that he has in a short narrative, but the presenters were certainly willing to try.
Comments from students included:
“He is my best friend and has always helped me when I am going through something.”
“He never fails to put a smile on my face.”
“He is always super nice to everyone in class and is always kind to people he sees. He has just an awesome personality and if I say so myself this guy has a bright future on his shoulders as well.”
According to staff, Bosovich’s laugh is instantly familiar. He is thoughtful, respectful, selfless, and always positive.
Jesus Valadez Cano
Jesus Valadez Cano moved to the United States from Mexico a few years ago and in that short time has established himself as a person of integrity, humility and someone who cares about others and their successes.
“When others in class may not understand something or have different ideas Jesus (Valadez Cano) is considerate and works with them in a positive way,” according to staff. “There is no pretense and no arrogance from this student. He simply lifts others up. He has only one mode: positive.”
Known for working with Spanish students to make sure they understand their school, about every student in the school loves working with Valadez Cano because he is such a great listener, values the opinions of others and openly shares his own ideas.
The U.S. Air Force investigated unidentified flying objects from 1947 to 1969 through the Project Blue Book. (Pxhere.com)
In March of 1966, the Air Force dismissed a wave of UFO sightings in southern Michigan as nothing more than “swamp gas.”
At the time, a then Michigan Representative and future U.S. President Gerald R. Ford called these reports and the people making them “flippant.” Ford had the foresight to call for a “congressional inquiry” into the growing number of reported unidentified flying objects and asked for government transparency. Ford proposed that either the Science and Astronautics Committee or the Armed Services Committee of the House should schedule UFO hearings and invite testimony from both the executive branch of government and some of the UFO witnesses.
Unfortunately, there was never a formal congressional hearing and the Air Force dismissed and discredited these reports by 40-60 extremely credible witnesses, including as many as a dozen police officers.
Project Blue Book
The U.S. Air Force had been investigating unidentified flying objects since 1947 under Project Blue Book out of Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Ohio but the project was terminated in 1969. Of the 12,618 sightings reported, 701 remain “unidentified.”
Project Blue Book concluded that no UFO reported presented a threat to national security or indicated technologies beyond our own scientific knowledge, nor was there evidence to categorize these sightings as extraterrestrial. Other sources suggested that the best cases were never part of Blue Book, especially those of national security over military installations and power plants.
According to the National UFO Reporting Center, Michigan ranks in the “Top 10” of states with the most UFO sightings since the 1950s with more than 2,400.
The Lakeshore Event
The 1994 Lakeshore UFO siting was reported on my various media outlets.
On March 8, 1994, more than 300 witnesses, including police and a National Weather Service radar operator at Muskegon County Airport, reported multiple UFO sightings in at least 42 counties across Michigan.
Jack Bushong, Jr. was the “radar guy” on duty when Ottawa County emergency dispatch called the National Weather Service office after receiving multiple reports with more than 100 people reporting “strange lights in the sky.”
“I either saw them hovering or they were jumping at a high rate of speed over to the next spot,”he said. The lights would jump 20 miles at a time at an estimated speed of 72,000 MPH. The fastest any human has traveled is 24,816 MPH on the Apollo command module. The police officer was seeing the same thing with the same object. This historic radar and ground verified UFO sighting has been labeled the “Lakeshore Event.”
Bushong said he had “never seen anything like it,” it was as if they “wanted to be seen,” and they were “putting on an air show.”
Being transparent about what is in the skies
UFOs have demonstrated “unusual flight characteristics” remaining stationary in winds, moving against the wind, maneuvering abruptly at very high speeds without a source of propulsion, no air intake, no sound, and no exhaust.
Bushong quickly ruled out “ground clutter,” weather balloons, commercial drones, “swamp gas,” or any type of hoax. Bushong received ridicule at the time and through the years but since the U.S. Department of Defense released videos confirming “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAP) he’s felt more comfortable talking about it. Because of the stigma attached to reporting sightings, commercial and military pilots were reluctant to come forward fearing they might be putting their careers at risk and called a “kook.” As the Pentagon releases more UFO/UAP videos, more pilots, intelligent officers, and radar operators are reporting events.
The big question that remains is transparency or secrecy. Can the government and military maintain the U.S. national security and be up front with the public at the same time? According to a massive database of U.S. reports, encounters with UFO/UAPs have left people with radiation burns, brain and nervous system damage, and even “unaccounted for pregnancy.” The truth is out there and we have had our fill of “flippant” reports and reporters. Keep your eye to the sky.
Check out Jack Bushong, Jr. and Bill Konkolesky, Michigan Mutual UFO Network director and author of two books “Experiencer” 1 and 2 on Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast episode # 72.
(WMAA: Ethan Dyksterhouse, 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks; Luke Riebel, 13 points, 3 rebounds; Joseph May, 12 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 6 turnovers)
Lee at Grand River Prep
Grand Haven at East Kentwood
Godwin Heights at Belding
Hopkins at Kelloggsville
Tuesday, Jan. 17 Girls Basketball
Wyoming 48, Holland 33
(WY: Aaliyah Ratliff, 18 points; Michaela Moore, 10 points off the bench)
Kenowa Hills 54, South Christian 47
(SC: Ashley Raredon, 22. KH: M. Holman, 26 points)
Grand River Prep 50, Lee 27
(Kennedie Crawford, 19 points)
Belding at Godwin Heights
Kelloggsville at Hopkins
Potter’s House Christian 49, Muskegon Oakridge 35
Tuesday, Jan. 10 Girls Basketball
South Christian 61, Ottawa Hills 20
(SC: Lizzie Wolthuis, 16 points, Ashley Thomasma, 15; Ottawa Hills: Semaj Robertson, 8; South Christian Coach Kim Legge, “It was good to have my whole team back and healthy.”)
Mona Shores 58, Wyoming 49 (see story)
Rockford 40, East Kentwood 28
NorthPointe Christian 60, Godwin Heights 48
Comstock Park 77, Kelloggsville 31
Potter’s House Christian 48, Saugatuck 37
Morley Stanwood at West Michigan Aviation
Zion Christian 50, Wyoming Homeschoolers 21
Tuesday, Jan. 10 Boys Basketball
West Michigan Aviation 69, Morley Stanwood 30
(WMAA: Luke Riebel, 14 points, 4 rebounds, 6 steals; Joseph May, 13 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists; Ian Brown, 11 points; Braeden Mowry, 8 points)
Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. (Pxhere.com)
Health officials are warning residents with the potential of a holiday tripledemic. Cases of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are rising to an extent of overwhelming hospital emergency departments, creating a ‘tripledemic’ for the community.
The flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all respiratory viruses but they differ in how they spread. The flu can be spread by respiratory droplets (coughing/sneezing) and on surfaces. COVID-19 can also spread by respiratory droplets and aerosols but does not spread on surfaces. RSV spreads heavily through contaminated surfaces, so washing your hands and surface cleaning is very important to mitigate the spread of RSV.
While symptoms may indicate what you have, it is hard to make an official diagnosis without being tested for RSV, flu, or COVID.
RSV is one of the more unknown viruses that can spread during the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported high levels of RSV related emergency room visits in Michigan. This has prompted the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Kent County Health Department to advise residents to take action to prevent the spread and protect your loved ones as we approach the holiday season.
What is RSV?
RSV is a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection with mild or no symptoms for adults and older children, but can be very harmful to small children and the elderly who do not have a built up or strong immune system. There is also no vaccine for RSV at this time. Early symptoms of RSV can include runny nose, decrease in appetite, and cough that can progress into wheezing or difficulty breathing.
What is the flu?
Influenza or the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lung. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 8% on average of the United States population get sick from the flu. The CDC reports that children are most likely to get sick from the flu with those over the age of 65, less likely.
What is COVID?
COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus that was identified in 2019. It causes a respiratory illness. Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.
How to prevent the spread:
The spread of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV could get worse as people begin to travel more for the holidays to see family, especially if they are seeing very young children or elderly family members. One of the simplest tricks to protect very young children from RSV is to not kiss them or be in close contact with their faces. According to the Kent County Health Department, hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of infection.
Other strategies to mitigate the spread include:
Staying home when you are sick
Avoid close contact with others if you have cold or flu like symptoms
Always cough/sneeze into your arm, never your bare hands
Frequently clean your phone when you get home from a long day as well as surfaces heavily touched like door knobs and countertops
While there is no vaccine for RSV, there are flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available. There are no costs for most vaccines. To learn more about vaccines, check with your local pharmacy or doctor’s office about what vaccines you may need this winter.
The Sailors emerged with a 78-60 win Tuesday night. (Courtesy, Ty Marzean)
By Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributor
Less than a month after winning a D-4 state championship in football, South Christian sophomore Carson Vis is doing his part to lead the Sailors on the hardwood.
Vis poured in 28 points to lead South Christian (2-2) to a 78-60 non-conference victory over Wyoming on Tuesday.
“Hit some tough threes early and he has great skill around the basket,” Sailors coach Taylor Johnson said. “He does a great job of getting to the rim.”
Carson Vis scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Sailors over Wyoming. (Courtesy, Eric Walstra)
The Sailors led by just two points after a quarter, but a 26-10 run in the second quarter extended their lead to 43-25 at the break.
The Wolves fought back, getting to within eight points in the fourth quarter, but South Christian was able to break the Wyoming press for some easy buckets to push its lead back to double-digits.
“I think the difference in the game was that they were just more physical than us,” Wyoming Coach Thom VanderKlay said. “It was an up and down game and they were able to finish their buckets.”
Seniors Alyjah Chandler and Quinton Williams led the way for the Wolves with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Sophomore Avonte’ Wiggins added 15 points.
Other high-scorers for the Sailors were Sam Weiss with 15 points and 6-foot-6 Sam Mendendorp with 12 points, who had two alley-oop dunks during South Christian’s run in the fourth quarter.
“They kept pressing us and we just kept trying to get the ball to the middle,” Johnson said. “Proud of the guys fight and we did what we needed to get the win tonight.”
The Sailors are on the road again this Friday for a rivalry game against Hudsonville Unity-Christian, while Wyoming (0-2) travels to Jenison.
West Michigan Aviation Academy ran away from Kelloggsville for its second straight win on the season.(pxhere.com)
By Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributor
West Michigan Aviation got off to a hot start in Kelloggsville and cruised to a 48-27 victory over the Rockets on Tuesday.
The dynamic duo of forward Ava Bazuin and guard Audrey Mileski led the way for the Aviators (2-3), as Bazuin led all scorers with 18 points and eight boards.
“She (Bazuin) was a rebounding machine tonight,” WMAA coach Tim Evans said. “It seemed like she was grabbing every board close to the rim and she really did a good job of rim-running.”
Mileski stuffed the stat sheet and recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, as well as four assists and five steals. The do-it-all point guard did most of her damage from the free throw line, going 10 for 13 from the charity stripe.
“I thought Audrey did a great job in spreading the ball around,” Evans said. “Tonight was really the most complete game we’ve played and she executed our offense well.”
With it being the opening game for a young Kelloggsville (0-1) team featuring a lot of first-year varsity players, Rockets coach Bilal Muhammad thought his team came out a bit slow.
“We had some first game jitters,” Muhammad said. “Just of a matter of adjusting to the speed of the varsity game for some of our players.”
WMAA will carry some momentum, after winning two straight games, into its next game at Muskegon Western Michigan Christian on Friday.
Kelloggsville looks to its next matchup with Wyoming on Dec. 20.
Santa’s reindeer will be making a quick visit to the KDL Wyoming branch on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
From 2-3 p.m., the reindeer will be at the library, located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
Those stopping by are reminded to dress warmly and not to forget their cameras.
If you can’t make it on Tuesday, the reindeer will be at the KDL Byron Township Branch, 8191 Byron Center Ave. SW, from 4- 5 p.m. the day before, Monday, Dec. 19.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg administers the oath of office to Kent Vanderwood, who is the city’s newest mayor. (WKTV)
Kent Vanderwood admitted that the most challenging thing over the past four months has been reminding people that he was the mayor elect — not the mayor.
That all changed at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting when Vanderwood took the oath office, officially becoming the city’s mayor.
“It is with thankfulness and humility that I accept this gavel tonight and with it the privilege of serving this community and leading the council for the next four years,” Vanderwood said in a prepared statement he read. “It was not something that I anticipated happening but when the circumstances made it abundantly clear that I should run, I accepted the challenge and have not looked back.”
Dignities, such as Kentwood City Commissioner Betsy Artz and Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Keith Morgan, along with friends, family, residents and city staff watched as Vanderwood along with Renne Hill and Sheldon DeKryger took the oath of office to serving on the city council.
Hill was one of two candidates elected to the councilor-at-large seats. Rob Annoys, the other candidate, was not able to attend Monday night due to a work conflict and will be sworn in later, according Vanderwood. Both Hill and Arnoys are new to the council.
DeKryger was elected to his second term to the first ward council seat. He ran unopposed in the November election.
Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg shakes hands with the city’s newest council member, Renee Hill. (WKTV)First Ward Council member Sheldon DeKryger takes the oath of office. (WKTV)
Vanderwood’s first action as mayor was to recognize the contributions of former Mayor Jack Poll and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for their years of service to the city. Both Poll and Bolt retired from the council. Vanderwood then lead the council through the process of electing Third Ward Council member Rob Postema as mayor pro tem.
Another of the council’s first actions will be to appoint a resident to fill John Fitzgerald’s councilor-at-large seat, Vanderwood said. Fitzgerald will be serving the City of Wyoming as one of the newest member of the state’s House of Representatives.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood with newly elected (by the city council) Mayor Pro Tem Robert Postema. (WKTV)
The appointment will be until 2024 when the seat is up for election. Applicants for Fitzgerald’s council seat must have lived in the city for two years. Those interested in applying to fill the seat may pick up an application from the clerk’s office, which is located at city hall, 1155 28th St. SW. Applications for filling the seat will be accepted through Dec. 21. Council will review all applications and interview candidates before making an appointment in January.
In his speech, Vanderwood stated when he campaigned he promised to focus on three main areas: maintaining the city’s financial stability which means maintaining a healthy fund balance and preserving the city’s high bond ratings while keeping citizens’ taxes as low as possible. He also would make public safety a top priority by funding the police, fire and first responders, and continue to support the economic growth of the city.
“I intend to follow through on these goals starting tonight but I will need the support of the council, the city staff, and all of our great citizens,” he said. “My promise to you tonight is that I will serve honorably and my very, very best to both fulfill the oath I took early tonight and work with you to meet these goals.”
Mayor Kent Vanderwood thanks former Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt for his years of service to the city. (WKTV)
New Councilor Renee Hill talks to re-elected First Ward Councilor Sheldon DeKryger during a break at the Dec. 5 Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood (third from right) with his family. (WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood looks his new seat on the Wyoming City Council Monday, Dec. 5. (WKTV)
Wandering through the City of Wyoming and what should we see? The snowman sign that is part of the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation’s Holiday Scavenger Hunt. We can’t tell you where it is but we can share the clue:
Around the curve,
We protect and serve.
Be sure to drive slow
For the man made of snow.
To participate in the scavenger hunt, pick up a game sheet from the Wyoming Department of Parks and Recreation, located in City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, and then write down where you found each of the nine items. Clues to the items’ locations are revealed on the Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page. If you collect all nine, return the completed form to the Parks and Recreation by Dec. 29 to be entered to win a prize.
On Sunday, Dec. 11, WKTV 26 Government Channel and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99 will be featuring live coverage of the Orion spacecraft’s entry back to earth and the splashdown in the Pacific Ocean to complete the Artemis 1 Mission.
Live coverage starts at 11 a.m. with the splashdown scheduled at 12:40pm. Live coverage will continue through Orion’s handover from Mission Control in Houston to the Exploration Ground Systems recovery teams in the Pacific.
Afterwards, there will be an Artemis 1 Orion post-splashdown news conference at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Artemis 1 is the first integrated flight test of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, an un-crewed Orion spacecraft, and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida that is paving the way for a crewed test flight and future human lunar exploration.
For more information on NASA TV or the Artemis 1 Mission, log on to www.nasa.gov.
After winning a state championship last season, Tri-unity tipped off 2022-23 with a 55-22 win over Muskegon Orchard View. (pxhere.com)
By Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributor
Despite a sluggish start offensively, Tri-unity Christian found its rhythm in the second half to pull away from Muskegon Orchard View 52-22 in its season opener Tuesday.
Without two returning key starters from a 2021-22 D-4 state championship, as well as last season’s leading scorer and Division 4 player of the year Brady Titus, the Defenders spread the scoring load out as Owen Rosendall led the way with 11 points.
“I really liked how we shared the ball tonight,” Tri-unity coach Mark Keeler said. “We have some really good players, but no dominant scorers yet like we had in Brady.”
Returning guard Jordan Vanklompenberg missed tonight’s game with a hamstring injury, as well as returning center Hanif James. The 6-foot-5 big man could miss up to six weeks with an injury sustained during football season.
Tri-unity (1-0) leaned on its defense in a low-scoring first half and led the Cardinals (0-1) 17-11 at the half.
With some adjustments made in the second half, the offense began to flow according to Keeler.
“We kind of forgot what we were doing on offense in that first half,” Keeler said. “We came out a bit more patient offensively in the second and I think once our kids settled in we were able to run our sets.”
Filling in for James, Trey Rillema added 10 rebounds and three blocks, one of which came on a chased-down rejection that Keeler described as “amazing effort.”
Sophomore guard Katon Blanker had an efficient night as well with nine points.
“Our trademark is defense and I think we were able to get them pressing a bit which led to some easy buckets,” Keeler said. “It’s always an adjustment when you have guys out and guys playing in new roles.”
WKTV Game of the Week on Friday
The Defenders host Northpointe Christian on Friday at 7 p.m. in WKTV’s Game of the Week presentation.
Coming off a 4-17 season, the Wyoming girls basketball team is ready to turn the page, jumping out to a 2-1 record with a 45-28 road win over Comstock Park Tuesday.
First-year coach Jesse Vasquez said though they’re taking it one game at a time, the team has its sights set on competing for an OK Green championship.
“You have to have high goals and high standards to achieve big things,” said Vasquez, whose Wolves finished 1-13 in the conference last year. “I believe they’re buying into the things our coaching staff is preaching every day. The more success you have along the way the more you keep buying in and wanting to work.
“Last year was a rough year. This year, we’re getting there every day.”
Sophomore Shakya Anderson led Wyoming with 20 point and nine rebounds, including 16 points in the first half alone.
“She’s been pretty good the last two games,” Vasquez said. “She had 15 boards the second game of the year. She’s big in the post.”
Senior leader Aaliyah Ratliff, high scorer the first two games, added eight points against Comstock Park.
Sophomore Meneliza McGee led with four steals against CP and five against Coopersville earlier.
“McGee is a defensive catalyst,” Vasquez said. “She sets the tone for our defense.”
Freshman Myah Nabors added nine points and five assists.
“We have a lot of skill and it’s now just getting them to play together,” Vesquez said. “If we can believe in each other all the time, we’re going to be dangerous.”
The South Christian girls basketball team before a game from last season. The Sailors fell to Grand Rapids Christian 48-39 on Tuesday. (WKTV)
By Zach Fanko
WKTV Contributor
After dropping its opener last week to Forest Hills Northern, the South Christian girls basketball team had the tall task of facing a tough Grand Rapids Christian squad on Tuesday night.
The Sailors hung around with the Eagles for four quarters, but ultimately a few defensive breakdowns and some untimely turnovers led to a 48-39 loss. Despite the loss, South Christian coach Kim Legge was pleased with the performance from her young team.
“We are making the progress that we have to make,” Legge said. “We are a young team that has freshmen and sophomores playing big minutes so we are still learning how to gel as a unit.”
One of those freshman was Lizzie Wolthuis who came off the bench to score a team-high 11 points for the Sailors. Lily Nitz and Ashley Raredon each accounted for five rebounds.
South Christian (0-2) trailed by just six at the break and fought to get within four points in the third quarter, but Katlyn LaRue’s game-high 15 points for Grand Rapids Christian (4-0) proved to be the difference.
The Sailors travel to Holland Christian on Thursday, while the Eagles have some time off before a Dec. 15 matchup with Bryon Center.
“A few years ago, I had a realization when taking a look at coffee shops all over the United States: We’re all doing the same thing — serving high-quality coffee,” Jon told ArtRat. “At The Lantern, it’s different. We focus on the environment, our service and your experience.“
That commitment to Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood guided The Lantern through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and still shapes the way the popular coffee spot treats customers, other local businesses and the community at large.
Steve Wiltjer and Kevin Wallace opened The Lantern in April 2013, in the old Grand Central Engineering Building — a site that had stood gutted and empty for 15 years. The space is much bigger on the inside than it seems when you pass by; the spacious downstairs area still features the Grand Central’s original wood and is filled with tables and desks for people to socialize or work.
“I have all of my meetings at Lantern,” Rock Dandeneau, owner of Taste Buds-Kitchen Connects, a catering business just around the corner at 122 Division Ave S, told ArtRat.
Down in the vault
The historic building holds some surprises. John led me down to a former bank vault that’s now The Lantern’s dry-goods storage. “This door is the original one,” he said, spinning the combination lock. “It’s supposedly worth a lot, too … But it’s so heavy, no one has moved it!”
Inside, there’s not much space. “It forces us to work a little differently, more intentionally. For example, instead of ordering 10,000 to-go cups, we order 1,000.” He pointed out ingredients that go into The Lantern’s latest offering: homemade oat milk. Though the ingredients are Michigan-made, the recipe required a lot of tweaks and a journey to New Orleans where Jon met a master oat-milker to learn his ways. After Jon added his own personal touches, the cafe added it to the menu on Monday.
The coffee bar is intentional with its waste, too. Just outside the vault, the space also holds The Lantern’s compost bins: All coffee, filters, and tea scraps are composted for distribution to local farms.
Navigating a pandemic
Jon started at The Lantern as a barista, but his role grew over time. In 2020, he was already on track to take over ownership responsibilities from The Lantern’s founders when COVID-19 hit.
For a gathering spot like The Lantern, social-distancing requirements were a critical hit, and the cafe shut down entirely for several months. “I didn’t want to reopen without indoor seating,” Jon explained. “It’s such an integral part of what we are.”
Jon remained committed to operating The Lantern while keeping customers safe. “I didn’t really have experience doing that kind of thing,” he said, “but I saw it as an opportunity to save something that was important to me, to not just watch it die in front of me. While there are trials and tribulations, I always [work] to pull myself up.”
The Lantern team shares Jon’s focus on the cafe’s role as stewards of the community. Savannah Jeanelle took a moment to talk with us. Between brewing my Malabar Tea and packing a shot of espresso, our local barista filled ArtRat in about what Lantern does best.
“Engrained within us, we are a part of — and take part in — this community,” Savannah said. “All are welcome. This community is so full of vibrant people: artists, musicians, people with stories to tell.
“No matter who you are, we’ll always be happy to make you a drink and have a conversation.”
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and essay contest winner Clara Wells pose for photos after the Tree Lighting on Dec. 1. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
It was a chilly, festive and activity-filled event at Kentwood’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade last Thursday at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch.
The festivities included carriage rides, children’s crafts, food trucks, live music, a visit from Santa, a performance by the Michigan Ballet Academy, and the main events: the parade and tree lighting, of course.
One of the highlights of the night was grand marshal Clara Wells, a fifth grader at Brookwood Elementary, who was in the same float in the parade with Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and later helped him light the Christmas tree in front of the library.
Wells achieved the honor by winning a new student essay competition among Kentwood students/residents from ages 5-18. Participants were asked to write a 1,000 word essay entitled, “Why do you love living in Kentwood?”
“It really was a good essay about what makes Kentwood so special,” said Mayor Kepley of Wells’ composition. “She talked about our parks and trails, and the schools.”
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
(Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (left), Deputy Chief Stephanie Morningstar at the Kentwood Tree Lighting, 2022. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff pose with Santa. Bottom row, from left: Spencer McKellar and Shelby Henshaw. Top row, from left: Ann Przybysz, Laura Barbrick and Lori Gresnick. (Courtesy, DK Photography/City of Kentwood)
When asked what he loves about Kentwood, Kepley said he loves it “because it’s a taste of heaven … because the world has come to Kentwood.”
A city of diversity
“It has such diversity, and to be able to have such diversity and live in peace and love with one another is just a wonderful thing,” Kepley continued. “I live in a neighborhood with 13 homes, and those 13 homes represent the world. We just feel blessed because we have relationships with our neighbors. You see how it can work with different backgrounds.
“A lot of people living in Kentwood weren’t born and raised in the United States, including my lovely wife Susan, who was born and raised in Kenya.”
All in one
Kepley talked about the unity of having all the City’s events in one area, compared to having them spread around in years past.
“We have really focused on bringing everything here (around the library), centralizing things, whether it’s the tree lighting, July Fourth, all our events like the concert series, food truck rallies, the parade, the farmers market.
“We really don’t have a downtown, but we’re trying to create this place around the library and City Hall where people can create traditions and memories.”
Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry
Tree Lighting attendees also had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. For more info, check out this site: kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Way back in kindergarten, accomplished distance runner Rachael Steil’s life path became extremely clear.
The future cross country and track star said it all began with a quarter mile field day race at age five. She remembers her mom cheering her on as she ran down the home stretch to a second-place finish.
“My mom was a runner at the time, so I grew up watching her compete in large road races,” Steil said. “Her enthusiasm for running, plus my excitement for taking second in my class, made me eager to improve and continue running.
“With my mom’s gentle guidance, I asked for a training plan. By first grade, I ran every other day, one to three miles at a time. I learned pacing, the joy of running, and how to race. I thrived off my mom’s excitement and joy for me.”
Making mom proud
Steil said she loved making her mother proud, and fell in love with the way running made her feel — “free and special.”
“I felt special because I could do this tough thing that took discipline and hard work,” she continued. “I loved that the sport represented these admirable qualities.”
Much later, at Grandville High School, Steil earned All-State recognition in cross country her junior and senior years, taking 29th and 26th, respectively. She also was a two-time cross country captain, cross country MVP, and was All-State in the 1600-meters in track her senior year.
“I was proud of my accomplishments, but disappointed that I put in so much work, heart and time into running, and never ended up placing in the top five in the state, which I’d imagined doing as a kid.”
All-American at Aquinas College
She would later become an All-American cross country runner at Aquinas College. As a freshman, she was sixth place All-American in cross country and seventh place All-American in track, and broke the school record for the 5k in cross country and track.
Rachael Steil was an All-American runner at Aquinas College. (Courtesy, Rachael Steil)
“I was very excited and proud of these accomplishments, but deep down, I felt I only achieved these results by losing weight and cutting out certain foods,” Steil explained. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was struggling with an eating disorder. The eating disorder was difficult to recognize because no one talked about this issue in athletics, and I was performing well in my sport.”
Steil said Aquinas College was exactly where she needed to be, especially while suffering with an eating disorder.
“My eating disorder continued to worsen going into my sophomore year of college when I started a raw food diet. I was bingeing and restricting, constantly injured, and felt that I would never achieve my goals in running if I gained weight.
“The eating disorder and recovery made for some very low points, but I had incredible family and team support, professional help from an eating disorder therapist and dietitian, and other parts of my college academic experience where I could thrive outside of running.”
Realization happened slowly
Steil said realizing she had an eating disorder happened gradually, in multiple moments over the years, often followed by denial.
“I tried to hide my behaviors for about three years,” Steil said. “Going into my sophomore year, I wondered if I’d had an eating disorder when I saw someone else struggling and realized we had very similar behaviors. Then when I began bingeing and hearing from others online about their restricting and bingeing experiences, I started to come to terms with it.
“I fully recognized that I’d had an eating disorder after a few appointments with an eating disorder therapist and dietitian, but I didn’t think it was ‘bad enough’ because I was no longer restricting, but bingeing. I was also at a weight many would deem ‘healthy,’ so I thought that I was recovered and just didn’t have ‘discipline’ or ‘willpower’ anymore. I probably had my eating disorder for about five years total.”
Recovery began with a therapist and dietitian
Steil said her recovery began when she started seeing her therapist and sports dietitian, but it wasn’t easy, and definitely didn’t happen overnight.
“I thought I’d just spend a few months working with them and then be on my way, again, because I didn’t think that my eating disorder was ‘bad enough.’ It ended up taking years of therapy and working with the dietitian to understand that my body was never ‘broken,’ and that my identity with running was all-consuming to the point that I was hurting myself.
“I solely depended on running fast for my value, worth and happiness. Recovery was an up and down struggle, with bingeing and restricting, crying, and coming to terms with who I was, where my body was at physically, and what my relationship with running would look like going forward.
“I’m fully recovered today, but forever changed by the experience.”
Running in Silence
Steil founded and now manages the Running in Silence 501c3 (www.runninginsilence.org), where she helps coaches and athletes recognize eating disorder signs, and teaches how to assist someone with getting professional help, and about recovery so they can achieve their potential in both health and athletic performance.
“This is mostly done through engaging, inspirational talks at coaching clinics, conferences, schools and universities,” said Steil, who wrote the book, Running in Silence: My Drive for Perfection and the Eating Disorder That Fed It (available on Amazon and runninginsilence.org).
“Having struggled with an eating disorder as an athlete, and as someone who now coaches (cross country and track at Grandville High School) and is very aware of how prevalent and devastating eating disorders can be, I want to make sure fewer athletes struggle with this alone and that they get the professional help they deserve.
“I want coaches to understand the important role they have in helping to prevent eating disorders or better support someone who is struggling.”
Grand Tap Media on WKTV
Steil was recently featured on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim, who has produced shows on WKTV since 2017.
WKTV records a 1975 City of Wyoming meeting. (WKTV)
This is a blast from the WKTV past: Volunteers record a 1975 City of Wyoming Council meeting. Volunteers continue to remain a core part of the WKTV Community Media Center helping with sports programs, podcasts, and studio productions such as the WKTV Journal’s new sports program, Friday Night Highlights. Want to learn more? Give the station a call at 616-261-5700 or email WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer at greer@wktv.org.
