In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!
Today’s book selection comes from Brienne Ritzenhein-Postema who has been the cower of Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen for the past five years and she is a graduate of East Grand Rapids High School. Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen, which is located at 2213 Wealthy St. SE, in the heart of East Grand Rapids’ Gaslight Village. The restaurant specializes in Southern fare from the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia with influences from other southern areas, such as New Orleans.
Book: Real Life & Liars Author: Kristina Riggle Genre: Fiction
Kristina is an amazing local author, who lives in the Kentwood area, and her books always resonate with me. “Real Life & Liars” was Riggle’s debut novel which follows Mirabelle and her husband Max as they plan to celebrate their anniversary with a party thrown by their children, however, there is more than just cake that is about to be served.
ALLENDALE, Mich. — Charities and nonprofit organizations will need to develop stronger ties with their supporters because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Grand Valley professor.
photo from pxhere.com
The pandemic challenged charities and nonprofit organizations in an unprecedented fashion, forcing them to strategize virtual ways in connecting with donors online, said Salvatore Alaimo, associate professor of nonprofit management, within the School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration.
However, Alaimo said charitable organizations rely on the social capital of networking, relationships, trust and reciprocity that they build and maintain with supporters.
“This social capital feeds into whether people donate, whether they decide to volunteer their precious, expendable time or whether they want to serve on the board of your organization,” said Alaimo.
The holiday season usually means an increase in donations to charities and nonprofits, and after nearly two years of pandemic restrictions limiting in-person gatherings and events, this season is even more important.
Giving USA’s 2021 annual report stated Americans responded by donating more than $471 billion to charities and nonprofits in 2020, a 5.1 percent increase over 2019. Foundation giving also increased to more than $16 billion in 2020, a 19 percent increase over 2019.
According to the Urban Institute, about 1.5 million charitable organizations function in the United States. While charitable giving has increased, Alaimo believes they will face long-term ramifications due to the challenging times.
“For nonprofits, it’s going to be an adjustment of priorities,” said Alaimo. “Staff leadership and boards of directors will have to go back to basics. Who’s the audience they are trying to reach, who are the stakeholders, and how do they maintain relationships if we’re being kept separate from each other.”
More than 80 percent of nonprofits have budgets less than $500,000, so they faced challenges even before the pandemic, said Alaimo.
In-person events are integral to forming connections between supporters and the nonprofit, said Alaimo. But, with the pandemic limiting in-person functions, charities resorted to a myriad of virtual events.
Auctions, fun runs and even golf outings moved online, making those all-important connections difficult to maintain. For all the good technology did to ease the logistics of fundraising, it still created separations between organizations and supporters, said Alaimo.
“As I remind my students, just because we are electronically networked does not mean we are good at networking,” said Alaimo. “Now that COVID has come along, the isolation factor of technology is amplified. My concern is all of that is going to put a dent into social capital, and that’s not going to bode well for nonprofits.”
When it comes to selecting nonprofits that are reputable and allocate money efficiently, Alaimo said there are several websites and databases to help such as GuideStar, Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.
Mayor Jack Poll hinted at it in his Feb. 7 State of the City address and today, Franklin Partners LLC made it official: Site 36 has been sold.
Franklin Partners, which is based in Grand Rapids and Oak Brook, Ill, has purchased a large portion of the site, 74 of the approximate 92 acres, from the City of Wyoming. The purchase became official at the end of February.
“Wyoming thriving business community continues to grow as well,” Poll said in his Feb. 7 address. “Nicole Hofert, director of planning and economic development has lead serval exciting initiatives.”
One of those initiatives has been the sale of Site 36, located at 300 36th St. SW, just east of Clay Avenue on 36th Street with an eastern border of Buchanan Avenue. The property has been vacant since 2009, when General Motors closed its stamping plant.
“The developer hopes to be announcing businesses that will be coming to Wyoming in the coming weeks,” Poll said.
City staff indicated the city has retained the northern portion of the site which includes the former parking lot which is separated from the main property by 36th Street. This is where Godwin Heights Public Schools recently added its new athletic entrance which was completed last year.
Franklin Partners, which has been the main marketer for the property, said in a news release that the firm is looking to build manufacturing plants on the site, ranging in size from 150,000 square feet to more than one million square feet. City officials stated that the site will be broken into four or five parcels for development.
The former GM plant, which started as the GM Fisher Body stamping plant, also known in its early days as Plant No. 1, was built in 1936 on the former site and helped to push the construction of much of the city’s infrastructure. At one point, more than 2,000 people were employed at the plant. After 72 years of operation, GM decided to close the plant in 2009 citing the plant was too far away from GM assembly plants, driving up shipping and related costs.
The site was cleared of the two-million-square-foot plant a few years after the plant closing, but much of the infrastructure was retained including onsite utilities and the railway. The proximity of the site to US 131 is another added bonus.
“The day has been a long time coming, and we appreciate the confidence and faith Don (Shoemaker) and his team Franklin Partners have shown in Wyoming, in manufacturing and in our greater West Michigan community,” Wyoming City Manager Curtis Hold said in a statement. “We have long recognized what a jewel this property is – and what tremendous potential it has to attract manufacturers looking for a place to expand or consolidate operations.”
Wyoming high’s Alyjah Chandler shoots over Caledonia’s Nic Bender in the Wolves 80-61 win over Caledonia in District tournament action. (WKTV/Pat Moll)
By Mike Moll, WKTV Volunteer Sports Director
Caledonia hosted the Michigan High School Division 1 boys basketball District tournament this week and they welcomed Thom VanderKlay and his Wyoming Wolves Wednesday night in semifinal action.
The Fighting Scots won the opening tip to start the game and the first quarter 13-8, but the Wolves took control after that, hitting 14 3-pointers on the night, and prevailed in the end by a score of 80-61 to improve to 14-7 on the year.
They will play East Grand Rapids for the championship Friday night, after the Pioneers defeated Byron Center, 53-52, to improve to 11-10 on the season. (For complete local district action, see a WKTV update here.)
Wyoming high’s Gene Atkins shoots for 3-pointer in the Wolves 80-61 win over Caledonia in District tournament action. (WKTV/Pat Moll)
The Wolves opened the scoring with the first 4 points before Caledonia got on the board with a free throw by senior Liam Mulnix with just over 6 minutes remaining. After another Wyoming basket by their own senior, and leading scorer, Ramere Draper, the Scots would score the next 12 to go up 13-6. Wyoming’s Jordan Love would score the final 2 points to cut the deficit to 5 just before the buzzer.
Nick Henry led the way for Caledonia coach Phil Visser’s team with 6 and Mason McKenzie chipped in 4. In addition to Draper’s 2, the Wolves had 4 points from Jaleil Holt.
The momentum gained from Love’s late basket continued to start the second quarter as Wyoming went on a 14-0 run of their own as the Wolves offense started to gel as the taller Scots would stay in their zone defense, only to have Draper, Holt, and Alyjah Chandler combine for 5 triples in the quarter.
That helped the Wolves take a lead, and control of the game, that they would not relinquish.
After a Henry basket for the Scots, Holt was fouled attempting a 3-point shot and would make all three free throws to make the score 23-15. Caledonia’s Elijah Holt would cut that lead down to just 5 with a triple of his own, but the Wolves would quickly respond with another 11-0 run to take a 16-point lead into the locker room, 34-18.
Draper, aided by his three triples, would finish with 15 points at the half. Holt was close behind with 12, while the Scots were led by Henry with 8. Wyoming outscored Caledonia 26-5 in the quarter.
The third quarter was a repeat of the second, even though Caledonia would double their first-half total with 18 points, Wyoming would put up 31 to increase the lead to 29 at the buzzer, 65-36.
Wyoming high’s Ramere Draper shoots over Caledonia’s Mason McKenzie to connect on one of his seven triples on the night in the Wolves 80-61 win over Caledonia in District tournament action., (WKTV/Pat Moll)
After exchanging points early in the final stanza, the Wolves would again run off 12 consecutive points to stretch the lead to 52-25. Caledonia senior Gavin Hurst came off the bench to score 8 points in the quarter, but his team again had no answers for Draper, who connected on another four 3-pointers giving him seven makes on the night, 14 points in the quarter, and a game-high 29 to close it out. He had help from Qua’dir Hatchett who chipped in 9 points after being shut out in the first half.
The final quarter was just a formality, but the Scots would continue their fight and were able to outscore VanderKlay’s Wolves 25-15, as he had subbed most of his key players by early in the quarter. Caledonia, again led by Hurst with 8 more points in the quarter, and 7 by Mulnix, while the victors were led by Hatchett and Jameson Lamrouex, each with 5 points.
The leaders on the night for the Wolves were Draper with 29, Holt with 15 and Hatchett with 14, while the Scots were led by Hurst with 16, Mulnix with 11 and Henry with 10.
The Wolves combined for 14 triples on the night while Caledonia had 5. Unofficially, Caledonia had 25 turnovers for the game and Wyoming took advantage of them by scoring 28 points off them, while Wyoming had 13 turnovers of their own, but only gave up 4 points off them. Caledonia concludes their season at 11-11.
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!
Today’s book suggestion comes from Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Keith Morgan. Before taking over the reigns of the chamber, Morgan owned and operated a service-based business serving West Michigan for 10 years before it was sold.
Book: The Alchemist Author: Paulo Coelho Genre: Quest, adventure, fantasy
“The Alchemist follows a young Andalusian shepherd in his journey to the pyramids of Egypt, after having a recurring dream of finding a treasure there. Morgan said he recommend this book, because it is entertaining, appropriate, and inspiring for all walks of life. It provides an easy way to look at practical life lessons, while focusing on pursuit of our dreams.
With more than 4,000 business calling Wyoming and Kentwood home, the Chamber is proud that it has been able to play key role, along with responsive city governments, to build a better community — a better place to live, to work, to raise a family… and a better place to do business. To learn more about the chamber, visit www.southkent.org.
“It’s fantastic if you inherit an annuity, but you need to understand the tax implications and how to make them more favorable.” – Dave Stanley
You cannot escape taxes if you inherit an annuity. Fortunately, though, understanding how inherited annuities are taxed can help you avoid paying more in tax than necessary. Your beneficiary status and how the payouts are structured determine tax liability for inherited annuities. You can do a few things to ease that tax burden and perhaps defer payment.
For instance, if you are a surviving spouse inheriting an annuity, you have a few options. You can choose to pay taxes on all the money right now or exercise what is called the “spousal continuation provision.” The spousal continuation provision is a tax strategy you use to avoid paying taxes now. You could also spread your tax payments over time by opting for non-qualified stretch payments based on your life expectancy. All of these options have their pros and cons, and you should always involve your financial or tax advisor in the decision process.
If you are a non-spousal beneficiary who inherits an annuity, the rules work a bit differently. Still, there are ways to help minimize your tax bill. For example, you could use what’s called a bonus annuity to help mitigate your tax burden or choose periodic payments. These types of annuities provide bonus money to incentivize you to purchase them.
You can also use other techniques if you have access to a tax planner. Your planner may recommend what’s known as a “1035 exchange,” in which you exchange an inherited annuity for a different annuity that is similar but could provide better benefits. The main reason you would even consider doing a 1035 is if a newer annuity offers you better benefits or more favorable terms. The main thing to remember with a 1035 exchange is that you can’t swap a qualified annuity for a non-qualified annuity to avoid paying taxes.
If you inherited the deceased annuitant’s IRA andthe annuity, you might be able to roll the inherited annuity into a personal IRA in your name. The roll-over option is only available to those who inherit both the IRA and annuity. If you could do a roll-over, you would have to follow the inherited IRA tax rules.
Qualified versus non-qualified annuities.
If you want to understand how an inherited annuity is taxed, two terms that are critical to grasp are “qualified” annuities and “non-qualified” annuities. An annuity is qualified if you purchase it with pre-tax dollars via a tax-advantaged account such as an IRA or 401k.
The IRS treats distributions paid to an annuitant from qualified annuities as taxable income in the year they are received. Qualified annuities are also required to follow required minimum distribution rules. Any withdrawals before age 59 ½ may be subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Non-qualified annuities arefunded with after-tax dollars in a fashion similar to a Roth IRA. There’s a caveat, though. Although contributions to a non-qualified annuity are not taxable, growth and earnings on the initial investment are tax-deferred. Tax-deferred means you will pay ordinary income tax on the earnings portions of your distributions. However, there are no RMD issues, and you won’t have that 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Summing it up: An inherited annuity can be a welcome windfall or a potential liability. If you inherit an annuity, be sure you find an expert who can help you navigate the rules and suggest ways to avoid paying more in taxes than you must. The key is in understanding how the IRS treats specific kinds of beneficiaries and annuities.
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
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!
Today’s selection comes from D.A. Reed, an award-winning young adult author and creative writing instructor who subsists on copious amounts of caffeine and chocolate. She lives in West Michigan with her family.
Book: The Dictionary of Lost Words Author: Pip Williams Genre: Historical Fiction
While a fictional novel, “The Dictionary of Lost Words” is based on actual people and events surrounding the work and publication of the Oxford English Dictionary. Williams has created a masterpiece, weaving together a young girl’s life and her love of words with a growing awareness of how certain words came into being, how their meanings changed over the years, and the reason why words we often think should be included in a dictionary are left out. Unforgettable characters and a thought-provoking message reveal the power of words – and celebrate it!
It can be overwhelming to navigate the number of resources that exist for older adults and caregivers. At the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM), we work to streamline this process and lead you through your journey. It starts with a phone call to 616-456-5664, where our Information and Assistance team can help you learn about and understand the resources that are personalized to your needs. We do this because there is no “one-size-fits-all” for aging, and we know that many older adults want to stay living independently for as long as possible. Additionally, caregivers could take on some of this planning, and having one single source to contact and ask questions can be helpful as well.
So, what are some common themes to the questions our Information and Assistance team receives? They tend to fall into the three groups below, but of course, that doesn’t mean that any question is too big or small for our team to help with.
Personalized Options
Most older adults want to stay living at home and engaged in their communities. When looking for resources to support this goal, our team is able to help. AAAWM’s in-house programs vary based on need and care level. Our Care Management program is for those who want to stay living at home, but are having a little trouble managing a few things around the house on their own. Support through this program could include light housework and personal care. A step further in support is the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver program. The MI Choice program is designed for those who are at a nursing home level of care but wish to continue to live at home. It provides these supports in the individual’s own home for a sustained amount of time, such as personal care, home-delivered meals, transportation, and other services. And finally, if your loved one is in a facility and wishes to return to the community, our Community Transitions Services team may be able to help with this transition, aiding in housing, acquiring the necessary equipment, furniture, and more. If you or your loved one is interested in one of these programs, the process begins with a phone call to our Information and Assistance team who can help with an assessment to determine qualifications and which of these programs would be the best fit.
Connections to Community Resources
A one-time question is also common for our Information and Assistance team. Perhaps you are looking for food resources. Our specialists would be able to direct you to a local food pantry, congregate meal site, or home-delivered meal program in your area depending on what you are looking for. Or maybe your mom has a doctor’s appointment, but you are unable to take her, our team would be able to provide the contact information for a transportation service in the nine counties that we serve. We strive to be the source for seniors and connect seniors to a wide variety of community resources.
Education
In addition to the programs and resources mentioned above, the Information and Assistance team is able to connect caregivers and older adults to educational opportunities. For example, Medicare and Medicaid are confusing to navigate, the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program has counselors who will help answer those questions. If you are a caregiver, our Family Caregiver University classes could be a good fit. Classes designed specifically for caregivers are offered monthly on a variety of topics to support the caregiver on their journey. If you’re looking to stay active from home, Healthy Aging offers evidence-based classes designed for older adults to help with strength, balance, and fall prevention. The Information and Assistance team can help identify and connect you to these classes and services.
Ultimately the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is here to help and this assistance is available in many different forms. We encourage you to call 616-456-5664 to get started.
NOTE: For Women’s History Month we are featuring local female business leaders. We start our series with Nancy Jacob, who with her husband Mike own Apple Spice Box Lunch Delivery and Catering Co.
Nancy Jacobs is co-owner with her husband Mike of Apple Spice Box Lunch Delivery and Catering, Co. (WKTV)
When you meet Nancy Jacobs, you can’t help feel she is the neighbor you just want to have a sandwich and soda with while discussing the day’s ups and downs.
If that does happen, Jacobs can definitely supply the sandwich and beverage of choice as her and her husband Mike are the owners of Apple Spice, a box lunch delivery and catering company located off of 68th Street.
“We often joke that when Nancy goes out our sales go up,” said Mike Jacobs.
Nancy Jacobs is the face of the operation. She is the one who will load up with samples and then head out to visit with local businesses, encouraging prospective clients to try what Apple Spice has to offer.
“I think because many of the people I meet are often women who are the gatekeepers when it comes to planning events at the business, it is a lot easier for me to get connected with the right person,” Nancy Jacobs said, adding that about 80 percent of her contact is woman-to-woman. Jacobs’ husband agrees that for their business, Nancy Jacobs’ ability to network has helped to make Apple Spice successful.
Nancy Jacobs noted that teachers love the heavy duty box that Apple Spice’s box lunch comes in, using the boxes for a variety of purposes. (WKTV)
The Dream of Having Your Own Business
Mike and Nancy Jacobs started Apple Spice just before the pandemic. Mike had been laid off from his aerospace job and through a seminar his former company offered, came home with the idea of the couple starting a franchise.
“It was something that we had talked about in the past, starting a business,” said Nancy Jacobs, who was a nurse. “However, after the seminar, Mike thought that a franchise made for a reasonable way for us to do that since with a franchise the start-up work of creating the business had been done.
“Basically it is like starting a business but with training wheels.”
Through coaching, the couple narrowed it down to two possible franchises and after visiting both companies, opted for Apple Space, which is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Food seemed like a natural fit for the couple, Jacobs said as the reason for the choice.
A peek inside one of the Apple Spice box lunches. (WKTV)
The couple selected its 68th Street location, in the same mall as The Dollar Tree and Blain Farm and Fleet, because of the space it provided for their business needs while being close to US 131.
Apple Spice offers primarily lunches, through box lunches and catering. Jacobs said they do offer breakfast and some late lunch/early dinner service. Delivery is available for five or more box lunches and catering. Those wishing to order four or less box lunches may pick up from the store front on 68th Street. She noted that it is the Apple Spice team that delivers the food, not an outside service. This is to assure that items are set up to the customer’s expectations, she said.
And things were going pretty well with the couple even adding their own sandwich, the Michigan Cherry Chicken, to the menu and coming up with a “bread flight” that features three of the catering company’s breads.
Then, the pandemic hit.
“We just watched as our catering business went from steady to zero,” Jacobs said. But the business had a second side, box lunches, which offered a solution to providing individual meals for groups.
“People wanted to help hospital workers or police and fire and they would call up to have box lunches sent to a certain floor staff or department,” Jacobs said. The heavy duty box, which Jacobs said teachers find all kinds of creative ways to use, includes a sandwich, pickle, cookie, and a choice of salads, chips or fresh fruit in the classic box. There are other options as well including salad box meals.
The box lunches helped the business through the pandemic, making up almost 95 percent of its business. The business is now seeing more of a 60/40 spited between its box lunches and catering. Of course, there have been supply demands, with the couple adding a storage container in the back parking lot which has allowed them to stock up on items when they do find them.
It takes two
“I like going to Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce events such as the B2 Outlet opening because it gives me the opportunity to network and meet new people,” Jacobs said. “The Chamber is a good resource for me.”
And while Jacobs maybe good at networking and marketing, she does have her weaknesses.
“I can’t work the computer,” she said looking hesitantly over at her work station. “I just learned one system and they changed it on me. I have to rely on Mike, my general manager and staff to help me.”
That is where having a partner has been key to the business’s success, Jacobs said, adding that Mike handles a lot of the operational needs while she focuses on promotions and networking.
“Sometimes I get a call from a customer and I just know it would be better if a man handled it,” she said. “That is when I can ask Mike if he can take it and sometimes, he gets a call and knows it would be better if a woman took the call, so he gives it to me.”
As for challenges of being a women in the catering world, Jacobs admits she has not had many. Husband Mike said he feels it is because the business they are in, food and catering, is fairly diverse.
“I think there would be more challenges if Nancy was say in something like manufacturing which is more male dominated,” he said.
Apple Spice is the couple’s retirement job as they look toward the future. Jacobs said they hope to get a recreational vehicle someday and travel. They currently do some travel as certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judges.
As for now, Nancy Jacob said the couple’s goal is to continue to build Apple Spice and on that note, as the promotions person, she didn’t hesitate to add to encourage people to connect and check out Apple Spice’s offerings.
Apple Spice is located at 701 68th St. SW. The phone number is 616-805-3288 or visit the website at www.applesauce.com.
It is this consistency that will ultimately allow you to create more wealth both in and out of the stock market. (pxhere.com)
“The best way to measure your investing success is not by gains and losses but by whether you’ve improving your overall financial plan that is likely to get you where you want to go.” — Dave Stanley
On the most fundamental level, there are two different approaches to investing in the stock market: active and passive.
An active investor, relying on his or her personal skill, attempts to beat the market by investing in companies believed to have the most reliable long-term growth prospects. Such an investor may try and beat the market by jumping in and out at precisely the right times to maximize gains and avoid losses.
Passive investors, on the other hand, are looking to match market returns by spreading money around between different types of investments. How their money is allocated will affect their returns, but passive investors are interested in simply taking market returns and not trying to get an edge on everyone else in the market.
There is an obvious difference between the two strategies and, for most individuals, beating the market as an active investor is nearly impossible. Typical active investors, in fact, regularly underperform the market by 4-5%. Even professional investors have difficulty beating the market consistently. Most people wind up losing to the market.
That’s why, when discussing what course of action is best for an individual, financial guru Ben Graham stated that an individual “should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator.”
Index Investing and the Single Investor
A stock index is a measurement of a segment of the stock market. These indexes are compiled from the prices of selected stocks, usually using a weighted average. Contrary to what you may think, an index (such as the S&P 500) is not the “pulse” of a market, but rather a tool used by investors and financial advisors to compare the returns on specific investments and to describe the moods of investors.
Indexes use a base value that represents the weighted average stock price of all the stocks comprising that particular index. The actual index number has much less importance than its percent change over time. It is this up or down movement that can give you an idea of how that particular index is performing.
Each index is calculated on an ongoing basis every day the market is open, and each reflects market conditions and the state of the economy differently. It is important to note, however, that the most referred-to stock indexes, like the NASDAQ and S&P 500 reflect only a portion of the actual market and not the whole market. So, while indexes give you a useful snapshot of market movements and the attitudes of investors and provide you with a better historical perspective, they are not as useful as forecasting tools. Indexes tend to be most helpful as a research tool when viewed over a long historical period to determine trends and changes in investing patterns. Using an index will provide an investor with a yardstick for comparison.
Far from being the refuge of the timid and inexperienced willing to earn less on their investments, index investing has proven itself to be an incredibly effective strategy that often outperforms similar active investing strategies. 80-90% of the time, taking market returns produced by index investing produces better results than similar active strategy.
Index investing allows even those who are not “bull market geniuses” or who do not possess degrees in finance to make smarter decisions when it comes to growing wealth. It is perhaps the very best way to participate in market gains without having to incur excessive exposure to risk and the many expenses of more active growth strategies. Index investing lets you simplify and streamline the investment process and become more consistent.
It is this consistency that will ultimately allow you to create more wealth both in and out of the stock market.
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
Realtor Sam Wilson added a large roof and benches to his Wyoming Park office for the comfort of local residents (and potential buyers) waiting for the next interurban car. (Wyoming Historical Commission)
Recently, Grand Valley State University commemorated remnants of the interurban railway tracks on its downtown campus, rails that once connected to a station in the City of Wyoming that served as a key connector for those wishing to travel to the lakeshore or Kalamazoo.
Started in 1901, the electric transportation system, called the Grand Rapids, Holland, and Chicago Railway, started with a line to Holland and in the following year, 1902, added a Muskegon line. Delayed by politics, the line to Kalamazoo was completed in 1915 by the Michigan Railway Company. Passengers of the interurban could make the decision of if they were heading west or south at a station near Lee Street and Grandville Avenue (now Chicago Drive), located in the City of Wyoming.
“It was located by the old Kelvinator building,” said David Britten, who is with the Wyoming Historical Commission. This made sense since the home appliance manufacturer would open its doors in 1914 with the interurban providing an easy way for residents to get to the plant for work.
There were several stops in the City of Wyoming. If you took the route toward Holland, the interurban would stop at Beverly Hills, Wyoming Park, and Elmbrook neighborhoods. Businessmen took advantage of those route stops to promote bungalow-style homes, spurring growth within the City of Wyoming. Take the interurban to Kalamazoo, which ran along side Divisions Avenue, and it would stop on 50th Avenue in the Kelloggsville neighborhood and 54th Street before heading on to Cutlerville as the train made its way to Kalamazoo. Today Consumer’s Energy power lines follow the old Kalamazoo route.
An ad for the Elmbrook community located between Porter and 28th Street west Byron Center Avenue. (The Street Railways of Grand Rapids by Carl Bajema and Tom maas)
Britten said you can see the interurban route through a Google map overview, but that little remains of the actual tracks.
“In many places, they just paved right over the tracks,” he said, adding the tracks would have run behind the current Godfrey-Lee athletic fields. Some years ago, owners of the property dug up the remaining tracks and pieces, which Britten said he did salvage a few items.
But the tracks contained within a brick inlay on the Mount Vernon pedestrian pathway on GVSU’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus, are more than likely the last stretch of any interurban tracks in West Michigan, according to a GVSU historian.
The exhibit placed above the tracks uses images and text to explain the interurban system and its impact on the region. The piece also gives related historical context for the time, such as how the Grand River was a “working waterfront.” According to Britten, the interurban would travel across the now cement bridge that is a pedestrian crossing for residents to and from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. From there it would make its way south along Grandville Avenue, passing through the car holding area that is now where Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus is located.
At the heart of the commemorative project is a core narrative that is important to the community, said Nathan Kemler, GVSU director of Galleries and Collections, who helped lead the effort to create and install the piece.
The remaining interurban track is contained within a brick inlay on the Mount Vernon pedestrian pathway on the Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus. (GVSU)
“One reason this project is so impactful is that it was an early sustainable transportation method that was rooted in equity,” said Kemler of the themes captured in the exhibit that is part of the GVSU Art Gallery. “Anybody could ride the Interurban, and it would take you into the city or outside of it to Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, or farms.”
Kemler noted that someone could take the Interurban from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan, then board a steam ship for Chicago, and it was all done through electric power.
Learning about the prevalence of such green technology long ago is eye-opening for students, said Matthew Daley, GVSU professor of history, who was the key researcher on the project.
“Students are stunned that there was this huge integrated network of electric freight and passenger service that then tied into a citywide network of street cars,” Daley said. “You could take an interurban that produced no soot, no dirt, and at some point on West Michigan lines reach over 70 mph.”
In fact, reporters who road the Kalamazoo route noted that the train could cover 47 miles between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo in 44 minutes, according to the book “The Street Railways of Grand Rapids,” by Carl Bajema and Tom Mass.
“It ran really well until Americans discovered in the 1920s that they liked cars,” Daley said.
A GVSU employee puts the finishing touches on the outdoor exhibit about the interurban which is now located at Grand Valley State University’s downtown Pew Campus. (GVSU)
The paving of roads would help to establish the American car industry. By 1926, the Grand Rapids, Holland and Chicago Railway was sold at auction. Britten noted that in 1927, the United Suburban Railway was organized to restore car service from Jenison to Grand Rapids.
“It was called the shortest track with the most stockholders,” Britten said with a laugh. The seven miles of track had 700 stockholders. The United Suburban Railway would last until about 1932.
Daley and Kemler both said the story of the interurban gives important insight into fleeting economic conditions, how people come together, the environmental impact on the Grand River and how the community has evolved.
“This is about the changing landscape of Grand Rapids itself and understanding this location before the Grand Valley campus was here and before downtown was revitalized,” Kemler said.
There are no markers in Wyoming of the former interurban, which Britten said it would be nice if a marker was placed. There is only a small portion of the interurban that is part of the walking/bike trail Oxford Trail, which is in Grand Rapids. The Oxford Trail does cross over the old swing bridge the interurban once used, according to Britten.
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!
Today’s suggested book comes from the Wyoming Tree Commission, which develops and promotes programs that maintain and improve Wyoming’s tree assets on both public and private properties. The group also fosters a healthy, species-diverse tree canopy that meets or exceeds coverage percentages suggested by the Michigan DNR, U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.
Book: The Word for World is Forest Author: Ursula LeGuin Genre: Science Fiction
It is suitable for teens and adults. The parallels author Ursula LeGuin draws to contemporary life on earth and where humanity could be heading are palpable, instructive — and inspiring one to act for change (and plant more trees.)
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
Modest, steady economic growth continues in West Michigan, yet supply and personnel shortages are hindering normal business operations, according to Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
Long’s report for January showed positive numbers for employment, new orders and production, although Long called pending interest rate hikes and a looming situation in the Ukraine “the elephants in the room.”
“If a serious war breaks out and Russia invades Ukraine, all bets are off,” Long said. “Domestically, the greatest economic threat remains inflation. The next two or three reports may rise to a rate of 8 percent or so, and then begin a gradual decline for the rest of the year.”
Other highlights from Long’s report: • Sales/new orders rose slightly in January to +18, signifying that new orders of raw materials or services will be made soon • The index of employment was down in January to +13, from +17 in December; the most significant personnel shortages are in hospitality and service industries • Production index was down slightly in January to +15, from +16 in December
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
For an audio of Long’s complete report, click here.
Tomorrow at Wyoming’s The Stray Cafe, 13 local residents will be sharing short stories as part of the WKTV Voices’ Storytelling Project. Writer John D. Gonzalez sits down with organizer and WKTV volunteer Donna Kidner Smith to learn more about the story behind the event.
Each storyteller will share a five to eight minute tale from their personal stories. The stories range from tearjerkers to humorous. The event starts at 7 p.m. at The Stray Cafe, 4253 S. Division Ave. The program is free. The Stray does offer a variety of food items and beverages.
Sveden House Smorgasbord, located on 28th Street in Wyoming. (Wyoming Historical Commission)
Known for its chicken, Swedish meatballs, fried shrimp, bread pudding and glorified rice with marshmallows and cherries, the Sveden House Smorgasbord was staple in the City of Wyoming. Located at 1461 28th Street, it was the first to offer an all-you-can-eat buffet. The restaurant closed in the early 1990s and the building has since been torn down. It was national chain with restaurants all over the country and depending where you were at, it was sometimes spelled “Sweden.” The photo is from the Wyoming History Room collection.
Anyone who meets Dave Custer will probably eventually hear the story of faced with his father’s story closing, he was able to support the tuition at the then Grand Rapids Junior College.
“Grand Rapids Junior College had lower tuition and allowed me to stay at home and helped me get a start on a college degree,” he said in article from the Grand Rapids Community College. “And having that degree allowed for better opportunities of employment, which molded by career.”
Because of the difference that GRCC had made in the CEO and founder of Custer Inc., Custer and his wife, Karen, have dedicated their time and abilities to ensure current GRCC students get the same opportunities that he had.
This month, the couple is being recognized for their service to the the Greater Grand Rapids community as this year’s Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award presented by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.
“We are pleased and excited to honor the Custers as the 2022 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winners for their contributions to our community,” said Meijer, Inc. Executive Chairman Hank Meijer, who is the son of Fred Meijer. “Dave and Karen’s generous and gracious spirts embodies the true meaning of this award.”
The Custers have been involved in a number of organizations such as the WMU Foundation, Chairman of GRCC Foundation, Hope on the Hill Foundation, Clark Retirement Community Capital Campaign Chair and Board Trustee. Dave Custer is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, member and past chairman of the Grand Rapids Economic Club, member and past president of Cascade Hills Country Club and director at Irwin Seating.
“We are honored to receive an award that bears the name of Fred Meijer and believe that you should do all you can for others when you can and while you can,” Dave Custer said. “We are humbled by this recognition which is truly an honor to us.”
The Custers join City of Wyoming’s Marge Wilson, owner of Marge’s Donut Den, along with several others who have received the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award.
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will honor the Custers at the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Celebration May 10 at 6 p.m. at The Cultural Center, 2250 E. Paris Ave. SE. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. Tickets are on sale at grrotary.org or by calling 616-429-5640.
No one taught Dondrea Brown about money as a kid, and the last thing anyone around his kitchen table wanted to mention was the rising pile of bills. Growing up in a single-parent household, he admired how his mother juggled multiple jobs and raised his five siblings.
As Brown learned about money management later in life, he kept hearing people say, “I wish kids knew about this stuff, too.” While studying education at Kent State University in Ohio, he drew upon his experience of overcoming economic hardship to develop a financial literacy curriculum geared toward an audience between ten- to seventeen-years-old.
Dondrea Brown talks to a group of students in his Young Money Finances program. (Supplied)
This curriculum now forms the basis of Young Money Finances, a nonprofit providing financial education to more than 2,000 participants across West Michigan. The fast-growing organization has garnered media attention and significant sponsorship dollars for its innovative approach to removing obstacles to financial security for young people. Because of his work in teaching financial literacy, Brown, along with Henry Sapp from of Better Wiser Stronger and Cole Williams of the Delta Project, was recently invited to help launch the new collaborative initiative We Matter Now, which is designed to help guide and provide role models for young black and brown men.
“I want this to be the last generation to start from scratch,” Brown said. “My goal is to teach the next generation how to have increased control and awareness of their financial journey, not this perpetuated cycle of ‘oh, we didn’t know.'”
For many young people, the balancing act of caring for family members, finding a job, and keeping up with schools feels overwhelming. Those who lack a support network rely on misleading information from social media, seek instant gratification, and wind up in debt.
At Young Money Finances, participants learn how to address this balancing act by completing one or all three program paths: money management, investment, and entrepreneurship. After completing at least one of the paths, they can meet with a money mentor to discuss real-world spending and saving decisions and practice using the budgeting planner and flashcards in their money manager kits.
Even when sessions dive deep into complicated topics like the stock market, the team at Young Money Finances never forget to have a good time. Sessions use “fun police,” who remind instructors to use games and culturally relevant examples such as online sneaker sales when explaining complex concepts.
For some participants, the lessons delivered during these sessions have been life-changing. Quavon Hallman, a music enthusiast who spends his free time DJing and running sound for New City Kids and his local church, learned how to use a budget app and track travel expenses.
For some participants, the lessons delivered during these sessions have been life-changing. Quavon Hallman, a music enthusiast who spends his free time DJing and running sound for New City Kids and his local church, learned how to use a budget app and track travel expenses.
“I was broke, but I saved up $10,000 and bought my first car,” Hallman said. “I learned the difference between getting rich quickly and building wealth.”
Another program graduate, Thailin Johnson, found a simulation focused on building on a starting point of $500 in the bank and cutting frivolous spending habits to be helpful. The exercise taught Johnson the importance of making incremental progress toward achieving his life’s ambitions, including attending college to study sociology or international relations, leading community service projects, and traveling to foreign countries like Ghana and Israel.
“Pay attention and take ownership of your money,” Johnson said. “The training taught me how to break the cycle of the poverty mindset. Young people’s money matters.”
After class, Dondrea Brown sits down with a student to review the matierals. (Supplied)
Reginald Haynes, an athlete who enjoys basketball, football, and wrestling, developed an interest in videography during his time in the program. He records special events for Young Money Finances, with a highlight being a basketball game hosted in partnership with the NAACP.
“I want to help pay off my mom’s house and just provide relief,” Haynes said.
Hallman, Johnson, and Haynes represent the fulfillment of one of Young Money Finances’ goals to help program graduates find employment. Each of these individuals will receive internship credit for assisting with workshop presentations, curriculum development, and social media.
The rapid expansion of Young Money Finances excites Brown, who hopes to purchase a bus for field trips and a building with simulated stock market walls and bank teller stations.
The organization applied for and received grants from Heart of West Michigan United Way, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Huntington Bank, and Edward Jones. It also established partnerships with local universities, nonprofit organizations, and the Grand Rapids Public School system.
To learn more about Young Money Finances, visit the organization’s website or Facebook page.
And the recent warm weather certainly has us thinking about spring and summer. That makes it a perfect time to experience the Grand Rapids Boat Show, which is in this weekend’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. KDaLe at Railtown Brewery
If you’re looking for an intense coffee stout, check out Railtown Brewery’s new homebrew collaboration with the Kent District Library ‘s brewing competition called KDaLe. I stopped by recently to meet up with some friends, and loved the robust and roasty flavors of this coffee beer. Local homebrewer Jason Kniss won with this stout recipe, which was made by the brewers at Railtown. The beer is named after a book called “Repeat” by Neal Pollack. According to reps, “the storyline of the book mimics his experience brewing this stout… It’s smooth and delicious!” As for food, I would recommend any of the mac and cheese dishes, loaded tots and fries, and the Korean Rice Bowl, a Korean-style bibimbap bowl with white rice, shredded carrots, cucumber, pickled onion, kimchi, edamame, and sunny-side up egg. Along with an extensive luch and dinner menu, the brewery features 20 taps of beer, cider, seltzer and wine. Railtown is located at 3595 68th St SE Dutton, MI 49316. Follow them on Facebook.com/railtownbrewing or check them out at http://www.railtownbrewing.com/.
4. Grand Rapids Polar Plunge
Want to help a great cause? You can support Special Olympics at 2 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 19) at this year’s Grand Rapids Polar Plunge at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. You can register or donate at www.PLUNGEMI.org.
3. World of Winter
The downtown celebration of winter may be a little washed out with the recent rain, but you can still enjoy several weekend activities this weekend. Today (Feb. 18) is the last day to see “Control No Control, an interactive installation at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. This big LED cube reacts to everything that touches it and every movement performed on its surface. Streamlined patterns and generative sound emerge as interaction occurs. Pop-up Entertainers perform from 6-8 p.m. Friday throughout downtown. Also, several local food trucks will be on hand at 555 Monroe Ave. NW (5-8 p.m. Friday, 2-8 p.m. Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday). Looking for a party? “Modelo Meltdown” is a fundraiser for public art campaigns in 2022. It takes place from noon-5 p.m. Saturday and will have live entertainment, an artist market, games and food & drink to celebrate arts in Grand Rapids. It is located at Grand Rapids Chicks Way behind Garage Bar. Get your FREE tickets here. More details on all events at https://worldofwintergr.com/events. World of Winter continues through March 6.
2. Winter Jam 2022
Presented by NewSong Ministries with Premier Productions, Winter Jam is Christian Music’s biggest multi-artist tour. It stops at 7 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 19) at Van Andel Arena and features Skillet and Tauren Wells, as well as KB, Colton Dixon, I Am They and NewSong. Sponsored by Compassion International, admission is a $10 donation at the door. More details at www.jamtour.com or www.vanandelarena.com
1. Grand Rapids Boat Show
Summer is right around the corner, and nothing will get you in the mood more than the Grand Rapids Boat Show where you will find power boats, pontoons, fishing boats and other watercraft. The weekend also includes kayak demos, boating safety and Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel more. Hours are noon a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-14 and free to ages younger than 5. Twiggy performs at 2, 5 and 7:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m., and 2:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and noon and 3 p.m. Sunday. More info at https://showspan.com/GRB/.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
As Opera Grand Rapids gets ready to stage the world premiere of Stinney: An American Execution, a companion piece will bring together local artists to talk about Stinney’s story through a variety of additional art forms.
The new opera tells the true story of the execution of George Stinney Jr., a Black teen who died in the electric chair at age 14 after he was wrongfully accused of raping and murdering two White girls. His conviction was overturned in 2014, 70 years after his 1944 execution.
The Stinney Artistic Collaborative, being performed the night before the opera opens, will showcase Ebony Road Players, Dr. Eric Williams from the Smithsonian Museum of African American History, The Diatribe, student artists from WMCAT, and other independent artists, in addition to performances by Opera Grand Rapids.
“It’s essentially an open invitation for those artists to create after being inspired by George Stinney’s story,” said Emilee Syrewicze, executive director of Opera Grand Rapids.
In 1944 George Stinney Jr. became the youngest American executed. His conviction was over turned in 2014, 70 years after his execution. (Public domain)
“It’s a significant artistic achievement to get a world premiere opera, and particularly one that is so highly regarded,” she said. “That it speaks to a social issue like racial justice is something we wanted to elevate.”
She said after securing the rights to the opera in June, they knew they wanted to do more with it than just perform the opera. They reached out to organizations represented by artists of color and found several that were interested in taking part in a collaborative event.
Edye Evans Hyde, executive director of Ebony Road Players, will be performing songs relevant to the theme of the opera at the Stinney Collaborative.
She said in the current climate around the United States, with books about racial injustice being banned in schools, the arts community is the only place left to telI stories like Stinney: An American Execution.
“The arts still have the ability to further the conversation about equality and inclusion and racism and all these things that we still need to talk about,” Evans Hyde said. “I’m just really proud of the Opera and other Institutions taking on the subject matter so that we can continue to talk about these things, not just in February but the whole year long.”
G. Foster, a teaching artist and co-founder of The Diatribe, will be performing a poetic work at the Stinney Collaborative.
G. Foster, a teaching artist and co-founder of The Diatribe, will be performing a poetic work at The Stinney Collaborative. (Supplied)
He’s frustrated by the lack of progress toward racial justice not only around the United States, but in the Grand Rapids community.
“We still have so many problems that need to be addressed,” he said. “In 2021, Mayor Bliss announced that racism is a public health crisis in Grand Rapids. I haven’t heard anybody talking about it. We haven’t been putting in the work to make sure it’s preventable. We have ‘diversity, equity and inclusion.’ These are amazing words, but when you go to the table, there’s no diversity at these tables. It’s usually done by people who don’t look like me.”
He’s participating in The Stinney Artistic Collaborative in hopes that the event will help put words into action.
“We have to know our history, but we have to be able to change our present and our future,” he said.
The Stinney Artistic Collaborative takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 17 Pearl St. NW.
Stinney: An American Execution will be staged Feb. 25 through 27 at the Peter Martin Wege Theater, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Tickets for Stinney and the Stinney Artistic Collaborative are available online at www.operagr.org or by calling the box office at 616-451-2741.
One of the stops on the mobile passport is the Traverse City postcard. (Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Traverse City will be offering a mobile passport this spring break that will feature incentives for families to get outside and be active during the break from school.
Available through the Traverse City website, the mobile passport allows users to check into places like Mission Point Lighthouse, the TART trails, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Club along with a variety of other locations. Once five activities are checked off on the mobile passport, the participant is eligible for a free slice of pie gift card at Grand Traverse Pie Company. Gift cards can be picked up at the Traverse City Visitor Center. the fee passport also offers discounts and incentives at a yoga class, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and Michigan Legacy Art Park.
“Spring is a great time to shake off the winter hibernation and get moving,” said Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach. “Traverse City attracts hundreds of thousands of people to our hiking and biking trails, our lighthouses and other activities. We’re using this to promote healthy and active lifestyle activities.”
Tkach notes spring tourism to the region has grown dramatically in recent years. “The wineries are open, the amazing scenic road trips are a little less crowded, and the pace is a little less hectic. It becomes a perfect time to take in the Traverse City region,” said Tkach.
The Spring into Activity passport will be activated mid-February, but sign up is available by clicking here.
DIAs offer several distinct advantages over kinds of safe money products. (pxhere.com)
“Does a deferred income annuity have a place in your retirement plan? It might fit in your portfolio like a glove.” — Dave Stanley
If you’re looking for payments that begin on a future date and continue for the rest of your life, your spouse’s life, or for a specific period, you might consider a deferred income annuity (DIA).
DIAs offer several distinct advantages over other kinds of safe money products. You won’t need to keep your eyes on the stock market, track interest rates, or calculate dividends. If you desire lifetime guaranteed income that you can’t outlive, a deferred income annuity will accomplish that. Having a DIA can give you more peace of mind knowing you will have a predictable income stream available when you no longer work.
For some, DIAs are an excellent selection for their retirement portfolios because they help defer taxes until later when you could be taxed at a lower rate. Other types of annuities are front-loaded, meaning you pay taxes upfront, perhaps at a higher rate.
DIAs are guaranteed by the issuing insurance company’s assets and are not subject to the ups and downs of the stock market. Also, since deferred income annuities don’t have account management and additional fees, ALL of your premium payments go to your monthly income.
When you choose a DIA, you decide how frequently to receive payments. Typically, deferred income annuity buyers can set payments for every month, yearly or quarterly.
Although DIAs are a less complicated safe money product, they are still highly customizable. Improvements in the DIA product mean that you have options to make your DIA do more for your retirement.
One question about annuities is what happens to your funds when the annuitant dies? Does the insurance company stop making payments? Do loved ones lose all the money put into the annuity? Customization allows payments to continue to designated beneficiaries, so it will enable guaranteed income to continue. There are many other ways to customize your annuity, including extending coverage for a guaranteed period, adding a second person to the annuity, and others. An annuity specialist can help customize one just for you and your circumstances.
Tax issues:
How your annuity proceeds are taxed depends on how you fund it. For example, you can purchase a deferred income annuity with proceeds from selling stocks or bonds, a business, or a home. You might also use cash from a maturing CD or money you’ve saved in a deferred annuity account. When you fund a DIA with lump-sum distributions from a defined benefit or defined contribution plans, SEPs, IRAs, 1035 exchanges, or Section 403b plan, the annuity is now a “Qualified Deferred Income Annuity.” You could also use a lump sum from a tax-qualified account, such as a 401k or traditional IRA. Remember to talk with your tax expert since your plan has been growing tax-deferred, and your payments will be taxable income.
Non-qualified deferred income annuities have not been tax-sheltered. They are funded with monies on which you have already paid taxes. Examples of non-qualified annuity money can come from selling a house, mutual fund, business, or other investment. They might also make sense if you receive large inheritance or proceeds from an insurance settlement.
When you start receiving annuity payouts from a non-qualified annuity, a portion of each payment is considered a return of principal and excluded from taxation. The amount excluded is calculated according to an “exclusion ratio.” You can usually find the details of the exclusion ratio on any quotes you get. Be sure to have your annuity professional explain this to you carefully before deciding on any product or company.
The bottom line: Deferred income annuities are an option for people looking to create a pension-like source of reliable income. Like a variable annuity, you won’t access your money for a specific number of years, allowing it to grow. Like an immediate annuity, DIAs have fixed payouts for life. Customization options will enable you to solve other issues, including ensuring income for a spouse or beneficiary.
If you are looking into deferred income annuities, speak with your qualified local expert experienced with the many types of annuities available. They will evaluate your needs and goals to determine if a DIA will solve the most critical issues.
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.
MaryLee Candies, believed to have been founded in Detroit but in the newspapers it is mentioned that it was based in Ohio, was a popular Michigan candy company. This storefront was on Monroe Avenue although it does not indicate if it was the one at 40 Monroe Ave. or 137 Pearl St. NW. Both locates were in downtown Grand Rapids, according to researching through the Grand Rapids Press archives on the kdl.org site. According to a Nov. 11, 1950 Grand Rapids Press article, the store marked its 30th anniversary. The picture, from the Grand Rapids Public Museum Collection, was taken in 1923. The sign hanging in front of the entrance reads “Old Time – Home Made MaryLee Candies.” To the left is the James P. Powers Signs L.M. Kingsley Show Cards.
Valentine’s Day flowers as photographed by WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams.
Valentine’s Day flowers as photographed by WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams.
Valentine’s Day flowers as photographed by WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams.
Valentine’s Day flowers as photographed by WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams.
Valentine’s Day flowers as photographed by WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams.
Valentine’s Day flowers as photographed by WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams.
Valentine’s Day flowers as photographed by WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams.
By WKTV Staff
WKTV Journal contributor Patty Williams sent us pictures of Valentine’s Day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she noted one family of flower farmers prepares arrangements for sale in the streets.
It’s Super Bowl weekend, and the entire state of Michigan is rooting for the LA Rams and Matthew Stafford. Are there any Bengals fans out there?
Well, the big game is not until 6:30 p.m. Sunday, which means you have plenty of time to get out of the house and enjoy the snow. We have a few ideas in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
John Gonzalez sits down with singer Scotty McCreery (John Gonzalez)
5. Scotty McCreery at The Intersection
I can’t believe it’s been more than 10 years since teen star Scotty McCreery won Season 10 of “American Idol.” It’s been watching him grow as an artist, and as a person. He’s released several hits, got married and even endured loss. Through it all we have we’ve stayed in touch. In fact, I got to spend some time on his tour bus last summer when he performed at an outdoor concert in Grand Rapids. Over the years he has carved out a solid career after his meteoric rise to fame, topping the country charts with hits such as “This is It,” “Five More Minutes,” “You Time” and his most recent video, “Damn Strait.” It’s a classic country song that pays homage to the legendary George Strait. If you’re a fan, you already know he’s in town tonight (Feb. 11) at The Intersection in Grand Rapids as part of his “Same Truck Tour.” Tickets are $39.50 at the door. I guarantee it’s going to be a great show. More info at www.sectionlive.com.
Disney On Ice returns this weekend. (Supplied)
4. Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Friends
Why not celebrate the Disney character we know and love by taking the kids to see “Mickey and Friends” at Van Andel Arena? You’ll spend time with Moana and Maui, Woody and the whole “Toy Story” gang, Anna and Elsa of “Frozen” and so much more! Performances are at 7 tonight (Feb. 11); 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday. Ticket information at www.vanandelarena.com.
More than 100 some ice sculptures will be heading to Grand Rapids this weekend. (Supplied)
3. World of Winter in Grand Rapids
It’s a busy weekend in downtown Grand Rapids as World of Winter has several events, including:
ICE-Breaker from noon-5 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 12) at Rosa Parks Circle to witness the live carving of the publicly voted 5,000-pound ice sculpture by the Ice Brigade‘s Randy Finch. Also, check out a gallery of ice sculptures all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. You can also join one of the several guided ice sculpture walking tours led by Grand Rapids Running Tours.
Movies on the Piazza: The Princess Bride, 1-3 p.m. Sunday at Studio Park. It’s a free showing, but ring your own chair and warm up by the fire pits.
Learn more about all of the events taking place now through March 6 at www.worldofwintergr.com.
Winter fun at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Supplied)
2. Winter Family Day at Meijer Gardens
If you can’t make it downtown, Meijer Gardens is offering several activities as part of a Winter Family Day from 1-4 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 12). The kids can watch a sculptor transform a block of ice into a piece of ice art; create a winter-inspired craft; and discover how birds play and eat. The special activities are included with your admission to the gardens. Get more info at www.meijergardens.org.
What is there to say? I think everyone knows that “Hamilton,” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda about American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, is a groundbreaking Broadway show. It has been selling out since it first debuted in 2015, and tickets for the touring shows remain in high demand. A few tickets still remain for performances through Feb. 20 at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids. Check the latest ticket availability at https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/.
Also, listen to an interview with new Broadway Grand Rapids President and CEO Meghan Distel, who was a guest on my inaugural “Then By All Means, Lead the Way” theatre podcast. In the interview she said the show is “emotional,” “inspiring” and “the lyrics are so brilliant.” “I sobbed the first time I saw it,” Distel said in the podcast. “I was so moved. And you just want to see it again.” She also talks about the remainder of the Broadway Grand Rapids season and her new role. Please listen.
Well that’s it for this weekend’s Top 5.
Go Bengals!
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The leaders of three West Michigan nonprofits have joined forced to create a new collaborative initiative that will serve boys and young men of color under a single mission: becoming something they don’t always get the chance to see.
Cole Williams, o the Delta Project
“We Matter Now reflects the importance of seeing positive Black male leadership that will enable boys and young men of color to create positive change in our community” said Cole Williams, of the Delta Project, who is joined by Dondreá Brown of Young Money Finances and Henry Sapp of Better Wiser Stronger. “Boys and young men of color don’t believe they have an opportunity to change their lives because they don’t see enough successful men of color as role models.
“By sharing our lived experienced, We Matter Now strives to provide examples of what boys and young men of color can become.”
With multiyear financial support from Heart of West Michigan United Way, Brown, Sapp, and Williams have joined forces to serve as resource brokers for We Matter Now. The initiative curates its programming from a strengths-based approach, working to empower “at-potential” boys and young men of color and to equip them with the necessary tools to close the gap on education, wellness and financial achievement.
This year, We Matter Now will offer a conference, summer programming, a celebration and ongoing initiatives for approximately 60 at-potential boys and young men of color in grades 9-11. The inaugural We Matter Now conference will be held Friday, April 22 at Grand Valley State University’s Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids, gathering 60 Black and Brown youth for a day of education, recognition, celebration and connection.
Those interested in joining the first We Matter Now cohort and attending the conference, which is free of charge to participants, can sign up online.
Dondrea Brown, of Young Money Finances
“Recognizing the power of words, We Matter Now seeks to serve ‘at-potential’ boys and young men of color, flipping the narrative that too often begins with ‘at-risk’ youth,” Brown said. “Our initiative strives to create a safe space, working to provide Black and Brown high school students with the tools, skills, resources and relationships needed to face challenges within their community.
“Henry, Cole and I appreciate the support from United Way, which has encouraged us to develop programming that will resonate with youth we are already working with in our community. Together, we are creating a road map that will help young men in West Michigan build deeper, stronger relationships and grow into leaders.”
As one of its first steps toward mobilizing the community for change, Heart of West Michigan United Way developed the Transformation Strategy in 2021 to close the economic and achievement gap for people of color in Kent County. Through this strategy, the organization created the Opportunity Initiative to provide local Black, Indigenous and People of Color, or BIPOC-led/founded grassroots organizations –including Young Money Finances, Delta Project and Better Wiser Stronger – financial and educational support through a one-time grant. United Way’s goal was to help build the capacities of small nonprofits and collaboratives that were already successfully addressing systemic change.
“United Way is funding the We Matter Now initiative because we saw how intimately these three organizations work to empower young Black and Brown men who struggle to achieve due to structural racism and other forms of oppression,” said Shannon Blackmon-Gardner, vice president of community impact at Heart of West Michigan United Way. “We are so excited to support their work and see the change, growth and impact that this collaborative will have on our young men of color.”
The theme of the first conference, Our Vision, Our Voice, Our Choice, underscores the initiative’s desire to have boys and young men of color be partners in what programming will look like. Sessions will focus on financial education, healthy behaviors and conflict resolution training, equipping attendees with the support to be impactful members of the community.
Henry Sapp, of Better Wiser Strong
“We Matter Now will serve as a resource broker, collaborating with curated organizations to connect attendees to the high-impact services, information and support they need,” Sapp said. “Research shows it’s critical for young people to have adults who believe in and support them in order to develop a positive sense of their future.
“Youth who can see a future for themselves are more likely to exhibit positive behaviors, such as good decision-making and goal planning, while avoiding problem behaviors and poor choices.”
Through its three partner organizations, We Matter Now will offer summer programming to those who attend the conference as a way to extend the conversation and share resources. This programming will include:
Better Wiser Stronger will offer its Blueprint Journal workshop, which is part of its boys-to-men curriculum and designed to provide a blueprint for success.
The Delta Project will offer its Delta Conversation, which uses storytelling and video editing to tell personal stories in a meaningful and digestible way.
Young Money Finances will offer three sessions – Young Money Managers, Young Investors and Young Entrepreneurs – enabling teens to sharpen their skills around managing money, investing and starting a business.
We Matter Now will also hold a celebrationin August before the start of the new school year to celebrate the connections forged during spring and summer, connect families of attendees with one another and promote a successful return to the classroom.
Valentine, My Valentine card (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
This vintage Valentine’s Day card comes from the Grand Rapids Public Museum Collections. The card reads “This elephant is big and strong and remembers very long. I hope you still remember me. I’m strong for you as I can be.”
Valentine’s Day celebrations can be traced back to ancient Roman. The first Valentine’s Day cards were believed to have been sent in 15th Century France although it is generally regarded that the sending of Valentine’s Day cards because popular, especially in America, during the Victorian age. It is believed that the development of the postal service helped popularized the cards. It is estimated that more than 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged in the United States — and this does not take into account the school Valentine’s Day card swapping — which makes Valentine’s Day the second-largest-card-sending holiday in the United States. The number one card-sending-holiday? Christmas, of course.
Kresge Store on Monroe Avenue (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Can you guess what time it is? “It is candy time…” as the sign in this 1930s photo of the candy display at Kresge’s 5 and 10 store, which was located on the southwest corner of Market and Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids.
A predecessor to the discount stores, five and dimes were popular in the early 1900s as items often sold for a a dime or a nickel. Kresge was founded in Detroit in the late 1800s and would eventually become Kmart in the mid-1960s. The company merged with Sears in 2004 but unfortunately it was not a successful merger with the new corporation closing stores. The last Kmart store in Michigan closed in 2021.
I was shopping at Meijer the other day and said, “Why is all this Valentine’s Day candy out?”
Hello, Gonzo!
Next week is February, and that means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Consider this a heads up for those of you who need a reminder or nudge to come up with a plan. You know your significant other loves it when you plan in advance.
Speaking of planning, if you didn’t get a chance to plan something for this weekend, I’m here with a list of events taking place throughout West Michigan.
It’s all in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. Huntin’ Time Expo
The largest collection of hunting exhibits in the state, the annual Huntin’ Time Expo, returns this weekend with 350-plus booths featuring a variety of products and services. Along with gear, you can also find a wide range of outfitters from all over the globe and educational seminars. Hours are 1-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the DeltaPlex in Walker. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for kids (ages 5-12). Kids admitted free on Sunday. Free parking all weekend, according to organizers. More info at www.deltaplex.com and https://www.huntingshows.net/.
4. 2022 Kids & Family Expo
Looking for something to do with the kiddos? Indoors? On Saturday (Jan. 29) head over to DeVos Place for a fun-filled family day at the Kids & Family Expo. The goal is to encourage families to play and move with physical activities such as interactive programs, exhibits, and entertainment. They even have a Zip Line that flies through DeVos Place. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-15 and free for children ages 2 and under. More info at devosplace.org or kohlerexpo.com/kids-and-family-expo.
3. “Shakespeare in Love”
Based on the Academy Award-winning movie that starred Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow, “Shakespeare in Love” opens this weekend at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. It opens Friday and continues through Feb. 13. The play reimagines William Shakespeare’s creative process, especially as a young writer who struggled with deadlines and creditors. He finds that love leads the way. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. There is no performance on Feb. 11. Single tickets are $18-$40. For more information, visit grct.org.
I’m not sure exactly how ranking, scoring or judging works in this sport, but I don’t care. It’s fun to watch, and you know the winners always stay on the bull longer than the others. Sorry if I oversimplified that! According to organizers, “All 40 bull riders will get on one bull each in Rounds 1-2. Following Round 2 Saturday evening, the riders’ individual two-round scores will be totaled with the Top 10 advancing to the championship round for one more out and a chance at the event title. This weekend the Professional Bull Riders Tour stops Friday and Saturday (Jan. 28-29) at Van Andel Arena. More info at vanandelarena.com
One of the most fun experiences you will ever have is to sing and dance like no one’s watching! That’s the premise of Silent Disco. Put on a set of wireless headphones and enjoy live music from a variety of local DJs. You hear your music and watch others dance to their own beat. Check out Silent Disco at 7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 29) at World of Winter in downtown Grand Rapids. It is located at 555 Monroe Ave. NW. DJs include: AB & Floppy Drive (7-8 p.m.), Diesel & DJ Sommelier (8-9 p.m.), and Taheo B2B Yeesh & DJ Tony Banks (9-10 p.m.). Food trucks on-site: Patty Matters, Mapocho, Street Chef Shaw and BlueChip. Also this weekend: Pop Up Performers throughout downtown (6-8 p.m. Friday), Black History Walking Tour at Rosa Parks Circle (noon, Sunday), and Food Trucks (5-8 p.m. Friday, 2-8 p.m. Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday). More details on all events at https://worldofwintergr.com/events. World of Winter continues through March 6.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The Concerts Under the Stars series continues with local band Hollywood Makeout performing familiar, yet refreshing sounds of surf-garage-pop-rock at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) on Thursday, Feb. 10. Sit back and experience the wonders of the cosmos, featuring fully immersive audio and visual experiences in the Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, highlighting local music and visual artists.
Formed in 2013, Hollywood Makeout is composed of four talented artists including Erin Lenau (lead vox, guitar) and Cedric Canero (bass, backup vox), Tim Broderick (drums, backup vox) and Tim Warren (guitar). All members have been musicians from young ages and their combined experience shows itself in their songwriting and performances.
Julie Seaward, a local freelance artist, will accompany Hollywood Makeout, providing captivating visuals on the planetarium dome to complement the performance. Julie’s focus is on illustrative 2D animation and motion graphics, graphic design and painting. Her work primarily explores cultural identity and hopefulness within the human condition.
The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 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. Tickets are currently on sale and available at grpm.org.
The 2022 Concerts Under the Stars series will conclude in March, featuring a unique blend of alternative rock sets performed by Lazy Genius with two shows on March 10 and 11.
The start of 2022 has the City of Wyoming seeing growth in both the manufacturing and residential fronts.
Padnos plans to expand into recycling of ocean-bound plastics. (pxhere.com)
Earlier this month, industrial recycling and scrap management company Padnos announced it would expand its operations in the City of Wyoming, creating up to 50 jobs. The company operates a plant at 500 44th St. SW, in Wyoming.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $6.6 million. It i supported by a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, according to a press release from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with focus on Michigan’s economy. Also supporting the project is The Right Place, which has offered staff time and resources for the project.
“Padnos is proud to further our investment in the community while increasing our process capabilities to meet market demands. We are seeing an increase in demand for recycled material and we are committed to working with our partners to get these materials back into new products and keeping them out of our landfills and oceans,” said Jonathan Padnos President and CEO Jonathan Padnos in a written release.
Padnos, founded in 1905 in the City of Holland, has been transforming scrap into reusable resources for more than 100 years. The company recycles metals, paper, plastics, and electronics and currently has more than 725 team members in facilities located in Michigan and Indiana.
The expansion at the Wyoming facility will focus on the company’s effort to increase its capabilities into recycling ocean-bound plastics. Padnos will add new loading docks, a laboratory, and a maintenance garage to the Wyoming facility. It will also invest in electrical and infrastructure upgrades.
The project will bring immediate jobs to residents in the area and cement the 100-year-old company’s presence in Michigan. Padnos is committed to work with underserved communities and provides training to individuals returning from incarceration, providing them with the skills needed to be successful in the workforce.
Orion Construction plans to complete The Reserve Flats project by the fall of this year. (supplied)
Construction continues in the City of Wyoming with The Granger Group announcing it has welcomed its first tenets to the multifamily development, The Reserve Flats.
Located on Wilson Avenue, half-mile north of M-6, the 138-unit community is being built by Grand Rapids-based contractor Orion Constriction and features 26 condo-style apartments ranging from three- to eight-unit buildings. Spread over 22 acres, the project is being constructed in three phases, the first phase delivering 15 units with two- and three-bedroom floor plans.
“Granger is focused on building strong, vibrant communities and The Reserve is another example of the level of quality we expect to deliver in the communities we invest in together,” said Jason Granger, who oversees strategic investment initiatives for Granger, in a written release.
While referencing Kent County’s 2021 study that projects a nearly 9,000-unit deficit to be filled by 2025, Granger said, “We set out to build a development that provides quality housing options for the City of Wyoming while also serving a greater Grand Rapids area that desperately needs additional housing now more than ever.”
Units at The Flats range from 1,400 to 1,700 square feet. Each unit has a two-car attached garage along with a dedicated driveway and a covered porch at the main entrance.
Orion Construction broke ground on the projects first phase in August 2021. The company has seven buildings and 32 units enclosed as they continue to work through the winter elements. The project is scheduled to be completed by fall of this year.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 25, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to two fires, one Canal Avenue and one on 28th Street.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., both the department’s police and fire responded to the report of a house fire in the 5300 block of Canal Ave SW.
As Wyoming officers and firefighters arrived on scene, they observed the house was fully engulfed in flames. They determined that the residents were able to escape the house fire and confirmed there were no other persons in the residence. Wyoming Firefighters along with crews from Grandville Fire, Byron Center Fire, and Georgetown Fire battled the house fire for several hours, however, the residence suffered significant structural damage. The total value of the damage is unknown currently.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, however there does not appear to be any safety concern for the public. A male resident was transported to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, according to the department’s report.
At approximately 6 a.m. on Jan. 25, members from both the department’s police and fire as well as teams from the Grand Rapids Fire Department and Grandville Fire Department responded to a the report of fire at the Taco Bell located at 1819 28th St. SW, Wyoming. Taco Bell employees reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the rear of the restaurant as they arrived for work.
When the crews arrived, they noticed the fire had spread and the building was fully engulfed in flames. Crews on scene confirmed there were no persons in the building. The crews were able to extinguish the fire, however the building sustained substantial damage. Fire crews are still on the scene investigating and there were no reported injuries because of the fire. The total value of the damage is unknown currently, according to a report from the department.
Those who visit Allendale’s Evergreen Elementary school on Wednesday nights should come prepared for battle.
Seasoned warriors enter the gymnasium with weapons drawn each week, ready to engage in combat. As duels commence, the room fills with the sound of clashing steel blades.
Members of the Centerline Sword School have some fun posing. (WKTV)
This band of sword-wielding enthusiasts forms the Centerline Sword School. The school teaches Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), a growing movement to revive the study of historically accurate swordcraft in West Michigan and nationwide.
Mark Maddox, a Centerline Sword School student, recalls hearing about HEMA from his niece and brother and immediately getting hooked.
“HEMA is an opportunity to do martial arts as I did long ago in a different context,” Maddox said. “It’s a little bit of childhood excitement mixed with reliving the history of medieval and renaissance times.”
In Maddox’s view, HEMA appeals to athletes and history buffs alike. The hobby involves discovering fighting techniques developed by European swordsmen and putting them into practice using modern interpretation.
Unlike eastern martial arts or fencing, HEMA does not follow an oral tradition passing down standardized methods and rules. HEMA instructors must study manuals written by influential figures such as Joachim Meyer, a 16th-century German fencing master, and analyze the moves depicted in diagrams.
When students start practicing these moves, they often discover that the motions feel different than what they imagined after seeing choreographed fight scenes in fantasy movies.
Centerline Sword School instructor Shane Hillen reviews techniques with a student. (WKTV)
“The media gets a lot wrong,” Maddox said. “Real fights are not ‘Princess Bride’-style where you land several hits for twenty minutes. In reality, a fight could end with a single blow.”
Sessions consist of solo drills, lessons on a particular technique, and sparring. Beginners learn basic cuts, guards, and footwork before moving to dodges, counterattacks, and grappling.
Maddox’s favorite tenet of swordsmanship says that one should never be afraid of getting hit or hitting someone else. HEMA uses protective equipment to ensure participants’ safety. Still, students must brace themselves to take hits and walk away with the occasional bruise.
Yet Cameron Metcalf, a Centerline instructor, describes swordplay as an elegant art. Bouts often end when a combatant finds a strategic opening in their opponent’s position, removes their weapon, and throws them off balance.
Metcalf and Centerline students travel to tournaments across the Midwest to test their prowess. Contestants earn points by landing blows on the head, torso, and limbs during matches.
On average, sword battle only lasts about a few minutes, according to members of the Centerline Sword School. (WKTV)
“Fencing is a game of chess, not a brutish activity,” Metcalf said.
The thrill of competition motivates some Centerline participants to keep coming back to practice. For others, HEMA offers a fun way to meet friends and get in shape with a supportive community.
“Who doesn’t want to play with swords?” said Ehren Wynder, a Centerline instructor. “It’s a great way to blow off steam.”
Newcomers can start practicing HEMA by purchasing a synthetic sword for around $100. Inexpensive equipment allows the user to get the swing of things before investing in pricey gear like a steel longsword and a complete armor kit.
West Michigan residents interested in learning more about HEMA can find a full class schedule on Centerline Sword School’s website and Facebook page.
The ongoing COVID pandemic hasn’t stopped Kent County residents from reading library books, but it has influenced the way they get them.
Britt Bennett’s book was a popular digital download in 2021. (pubic domain)
The Kent District Library recently announced it reached a record-breaking one million digital book checkouts in 2021. KDL was one of 121 library systems worldwide to reach that milestone.
Randall Goble, director of engagement for KDL, said the increase was definitely related to the pandemic. While digital downloads had been increasing even before the days of COVID, they trended sharply upward when buildings closed in the spring of 2020, then remained high even after libraries reopened.
“Digital is still really strong,” he said.
Digital access is the fastest growing segment of public library resources, KDL officials said.
Even before the pandemic, circulation of physical materials was not increasing at nearly the same rate as digital materials, according to Goble.
“There has been an increase in the circulation of digital materials because they’re so much more convenient to access,” Goble said. “We’re constantly striving to provide what people can access most easily and have the most value, and digital materials fit the bill.”
Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library was a popular audiobook downloaded by KDL patrons. (free domain)
Readers in the Rockford area top Kent County in terms of digital downloads, he said.
“They absolutely are higher-than-average users,” he said.
According to figures provided by KDL, the following titles were the top five ebooks borrowed from their digital collection in 2021:
The 1 million figure includes mainly e-book downloads, but some audiobooks are also included, Goble said.
1. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett 2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 3. The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah 4. The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate 5. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
In terms of audiobooks borrowed in 2021, these five topped the list:
1. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 2. Atomic Habits by James Clear 3. The Guest List by Lucy Foley 4. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 5. The Four Winds by Kirstin Hannah
KDL residents with a valid library card can access digital books from KDL’s OverDrive-powered digital collection by visiting kdl.overdrive.com. KDL library card holders can also obtain books by downloading the Libby Library reading app.
The KDL is in the top 60 public library systems worldwide in total digital circulation, library officials said.
This is a perfect time to check out World of Winter in downtown Grand Rapids. Plenty of activities are planned today through March 6.
But, if you want to escape winter, and you’re more focused on summer, it’s also a good weekend to go downtown Grand Rapids for the annual camper and RV show. It’s only a few months away from warmer days.
I also talk a little about basketball and “Star Wars,” two of my favorite passions.
It’s all in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Have a great, safe weekend.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
From a previous year’s City of Kentwood Daddy-Daughter Dance, which this year will be expanded to be an “all family” dance. (WKTV)
5. Daddy Daughter Dance
Pre-registration is sold out for this event as kids bring their dads, moms, grandparents or other relatives as their “date” to a Winter Wonderland theme on Saturday (Jan. 22) at Kentwood Library, 4950 Breton SE. Organizers are accepting names over the phone for the waiting list and will notify if there are cancellations. Call 616-656-5270 to be added to the waitlist. More info at https://www.kentwood.us/events_detail_T53_R52.php.
4. Grand Rapids Gold ‘Star Wars’ Night
If you’re a “Star Wars” fan looking for an excuse to see a Grand Rapids Gold basketball game, then head out to “Star Wars” Night on Saturday (Jan. 22) at the DeltaPlex Arena. “Help the Gold channel the force and take down the Fort Wayne Mad Ants,” says the team. The first 500 fans in the door will receive a free lightsaber. And anyone who wears a Star Wars costume or merch gets a free ticket to the game. Doors open at 6 p.m. The game tips off at 7 p.m. Also, the Saturday $44 Four-Pack special is available. Fans get four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44.. More details at https://grandrapids.gleague.nba.com/star-wars-night/.
3. The Harlem Globetrotters
Speaking of basketball, one of my favorite memories as a dad and coach was taking my middle school basketball team to see the iconic Harlem Globetrotters in action. One year we even had a player come to practice to show off their skills. I promise you this is an experience the kids will never forget. The Globetrotters perform at 2 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 23) at Van Andel Arena. More information and ticket information at www.vanandelarena.com.
2. World of Winter Weekend
As part of the World of Winter in downtown Grand Rapids, musical performances and other forms of entertainment will take place throughout downtown from 6-8 p.m. Friday (Jan. 21). You will find these performers throughout the neighborhoods, just in time to grab a drink or a bite at a restaurant or bar. Also this weekend, a pop-up circus performance, curated by GR Circus, takes place from 6-8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 22) at Ah-Nab-Awen Park near the Gerald R. Ford Museum. You can enjoy live fire performers, hula hoopers, aerial acts, juggling, stilt walking, and more. On Sunday (Jan. 23) enjoy a walking art installation tour. More details on all events at https://worldofwintergr.com/events. World of Winter continues through March 6.
Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show
When you factor in a dozen West Michigan RV dealers representing more than 100 RV lines combined with 200,000-plus square feet, you get one of the biggest RV Shows in the state. The Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show also features a great selection of RV accessories, as well as campground and travel destinations. The show is today-Sunday (Jan. 23) at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-14. A Family Zone area for kids is available Saturday and Sunday. Join us Saturday morning at the show, from 9:30 – 11 a.m., for Also, a pancake breakfast to benefit the Cran-Hill Ranch Summer Camp Scholarship Fund is open from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday. Cost is $5 for adults or $3 for kids and includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange drink. For more details about the show go to https://showspan.com/GRV/.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
One of the items that surprised Dan Burrill while seeking election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners was the fact that the seat was only for two terms.
Dan Burrill
“So basically, I had a year and then I am already back into campaigning,” said Burrill who won his bid to be the District 8 commissioner representing the City of Wyoming in 2020.
Michigan in fact was one of about five states in the United States that still had its county commission terms at two years. Note the “was” because in December Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills into law that would extend the terms of county commissioners from two to four years. The change will begin with the fall 2024 election.
“People have asked me ‘What do I get out of it?’” said Kent County Commissioner Stan Ponstein, who is the first vice president for the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), the organization that worked to get the county commissioner term lengths changed. “And, well, for me personally, nothing as I am at the end of my political career.
“It will be a big help to those counties in the north, mostly the knuckle area and beyond, and in the U.P. (upper peninsula), where they have had problems finding people to serve on the county board of commissions.”
For the lower half of the state, the issue has been more on the cost of running a campaign.
“There have been people who have spent $30,000 to $40,000,” Ponstein said. “That is a lot of money just to be a county commissioner and then have to spend it about every two years.”
Up until 1963, county commission seats were four-year terms. At the time, the group was referred to as the Board of Supervisors. With the development of townships, which became supervisors, the county boards were changed to Board of Commissioners, serving two-year terms, Ponstein said. Besides county commissioners, all other county- and township-elected officials are elected to terms of at least four years. This includes county clerk and treasurer. U.S. and state house of representatives are now the only government-elected offices that have two-year terms in Michigan.
Stan Ponstein
The change, according to Burrill, gives newer commissioners like himself a chance to learn the ins and outs of county government, which includes representing county interests at the state and federal government, participating in long-range planning and managing the county budget and finances. Much of the Kent County budget covers the sheriff’s office, the courts, the prosecutor, the treasurer and other independently elected county officials.
“Having the four years allows you to work together more on a local level while forming relationships and concentrating on the needs of the county,” Burrill said.
The change will not impact the upcoming county election, which is set for this fall. “This will be the last year Kent County commissioners will run for two years,” Ponstein said.
Also, all county commission seats will be up for election at the same time unlike in some city and township elections where seats are staggered for consistency. This is not a change for Kent County as currently all county commission seats are up at the same time.
Ponstein, who will become the president of MAC this year, said the effort behind getting the commission terms changed does demonstrate the efforts of what MAC does to help county commissions boards. Currently, the organization is working on several issues such as mental health and protecting revenue sharing on the county level.
