Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

Spooky Halloween fun of Zoo Goes Boo returns to John Ball Zoo

The John Ball Zoo lions enjoys a little Halloween fun. (John Ball Zoo)

BY WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

It’s that spooky time of year and John Ball Zoo is joining in the Halloween fun by announcing the return of Zoo Goes Boo for two weekends Oct. 15 – 17 and Oct. 22 – 24.

The Zoo’s annual Zoo Goes Boo event is a family favorite destination for trick-or-treating. John Ball Zoo will transform into the ultimate Halloween destination with decorations, entertainment, costumes, candy, and the Zoo’s amazing animals. Zoo Goes Boo is presented by Meijer.

Traditions returns this year with spooky treat stations ready for trick-or-treating located throughout the Zoo, along with strolling entertainment.

Guests are encouraged to get in on the spooky fun and wear costumes. Also, John Ball Zoo is always looking for ways to be a friend of the environment, so they request that guests bring their own reusable bags for trick-or-treating or purchase one from the gift shop.

John Ball Zoo would like to remind families to make mindful choices when shopping for chocolate and candy this Halloween. Buy from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil or chocolate products certified by the Rainforest Alliance.

Zoo Goes Boo will be from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day, with a Zoo members’ only hour beginning at 9:00 a.m. John Ball Zoo would like to remind guests that Zoo Goes Boo is a children’s event. Adults in costume are requested to dress appropriately and costumes with masks are not allowed.

Guests are encouraged to purchase Zoo Goes Boo tickets in advance. A ticket link can be found online at jbzoo.org/event/zoogoesboo. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids.

New chef, local food, cold brews at Broad Leaf Brewery in Kentwood

By Amy Sherman
WKTV Contributing Writer


Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits in Kentwood has introduced a new exciting menu, as well as craft spirits, to compliment its artisan beers. The brewery is excited to welcome new executive chef Gabriel Araujo, who is bringing years of experience, and a special passion for cooking that is going to fit right in here.

“Gabe has a wonderful reputation around town for the quality of his dishes and the care he puts into creating them as well as for being a great leader,” said Broad Leaf co-owner Kris Spaulding. She owns the three year old brewery with her husband Jason. They are also the owners of Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids.

Araujo comes to the brewery with ‘broad’ experience. Originally from Saranac, he’s been working in West Michigan kitchens for close to two decades. He was the opening chef at Harmony Hall West, Hancock, and most recently was the general manager and chef at Fish Lads and Carvers at the downtown market.

 

He also did a short stint at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College, but left before completing his degree. As a self taught chef myself, I can totally get behind his approach of just getting to work, and learning on the job.

“I found myself getting bogged down, I was working at two restaurants while attending school full time,” said Araujo via a Facebook post. “I decided to drop out and make money learning hands-on rather than paying to sit at a desk. I felt I got much more out of hands-on experience than I did at school. Being in the s*** on the line and working your way out of it while trying to stay calm, collected, organized is a better way for me to learn than any class I could take. Not to mention being surrounded by fire and knives on a slick floor.”

Chef Gabrial Aruajo works the line at Broad Leaf Brewing in Kentwood. He was recently hired as executive chef. (Photo courtesy of Broad Leaf Brewing)

Broad Leaf, which is located on the corner of Lake Eastbrook and 29th street, has gone through a few menu iterations since opening, some of which were chef driven and some due to the pandemic closings. The new menu that Araujo just introduced features interesting flavor combinations inspired by street style world cuisine.

 

So what the heck does that mean?

It means you’ll find things like a creamy, sweet and spicy baked corn dip, that comes out hot and bubbling with mozzarella cheese, and laced with spicy Korean gochugaru red pepper flakes. A slow and low burn comes from poblano peppers in the pork green chili, which features local pork shoulder braised to tender perfection and brightened by fresh green cilantro. The hot chicken katsu sandwich melds a classic Japanese technique with hot and spicy American flavors. A hearty chicken breast gets a crunchy panko coating and a heavy swipe of chili oil, then topped with a homemade miso pickle, shredded lettuce, American cheese, and curry mayo. When you say that a dish has flavors that sing, that is what we are talking about with Araujo’s cooking at Broad Leaf.

 

“I love taking the most simple of ingredients and turning them into something that someone will want to eat again and again,” said Araujo via Facebook.

Pairing up this exciting food is easy with all of the drink offerings at Broad Leaf. They recently added distilled spirits to their lineup, with their first offering being a gin, which is one of Araujo’s favorites. “The gin is killer, and Shayla (the bartender) has been doing some really cool stuff with cocktails using local seasonal fruits,” said Araujo.

 

Chef Gabriel Araujo (Photo courtesy of Broad Leaf)

As for beer, there is something for everyone, as the restaurant offers both the more traditional American styles that Broad Leaf makes, as well as the classic Belgium style beers that Vivant brews. Araujo is a fan of Cosmic Question, which is described as an ‘intriguing ale’ described as having a malty fruit punch flavor with just a bit of tartness. As an IPA fan, I’ve liked the Rapid IPA, which contains my favorite hop variety, Amarillo. Enigmatic Velocity is a juicy little IPA with notes of grapefruit, orange and red currant. If you are already a fan of Vivant beers, you’ll find classics like Beach Patrol to enjoy. The drinks menu changes daily, and you can see the updated list online at the Broad Leaf website.

Broad Leaf is a big, open, colorful space, with plenty of room to safely spread out. There are some private dining booths, lots of communal style tables, and a new outdoor patio. The kitchen is located in a converted shipping container inside the building, and you can see the production facility and barrel storage adjacent to the pub. Depending on the day, you might order beers at the bar. The knowledge of the staff is impressive, you can ask any question and they are happy to share what they know, and to guide you to the drink that you’ll love.

The passion of the staff here can only be enhanced by the addition of Araujo. “I love cooking because I love to create,” said Araujo. ”I love feeding people, making people happy and giving nourishment.”

The whole team at Broad Leaf is excited that Chef Gabe has arrived. “His passion and dedication to his craft inspire his team to do great things, while his approachability and kindness build a positive atmosphere,” said Kris Spaulding. “It’s something not found in enough kitchens in the restaurant industry.”

More kids in child care homes could help employment but some fear quality of care will suffer

Should home child care programs be allowed to go from six to seven with one caregiver? This is what the state is considering. (pxhere.com)

By Zaira Magomedova
Capital News Service


LANSING — The capacity of family and group child care homes could be slightly increased by state lawmakers, but some critics worry that the change might harm the quality of day care services. 

Michigan family child care homes with one adult provider can accept no more than six children. Legislation introduced by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, would allow them to take seven. The number that could be looked after by group child care homes with two adult providers would expand from 12 to 14. The legislation is a part of the package aimed at enhancing the state child care system.

 

Family child care and group care homes are private residences that provide day care. Preschool curriculum is also offered by some of the providers.

“These bills are very, very important because child care in the state is in terrible shape,“ O’Malley said. “Seventy-five percent of children in Michigan live in areas with limited access to child care. In the bigger communities there are more centers, but it is not the case with rural areas, where centers are not that prevalent.”

The bills could improve the state’s employment, he said. “Employers are losing employees who don’t have access to day care. We are helping parents who cannot get a job because they have no place to put their children.”

 

The legislation could also bring back those providers who had to leave the day care business due to the hardships of the pandemic, he said.

The bills have bipartisan support.

 

“We do support all of the bills in the package, we are very excited about the bipartisan focus on child care,” said Alex Rossman, the Michigan League for Public Policy communications director. “However, we are a little apprehensive of changing the ratios of child care workers to children.”

His group advocates for a sunset that allows the law to be reevaluated after a period to decide if it should be extended or ended.

The national standard of group sizes in home-based child care is no more than six, Rossman said. That capacity is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association for the Education of Young Children.

 “I think that the bills were introduced in response to some of the challenges that child care providers have during the pandemic,” Rossman said. “So what we are advocating for is the ratio change to be done temporarily, as we are hopeful that the impact of the pandemic both on public health and the economy will be temporary.”

Day care providers say that how many children they can handle depends on their age.

“I do believe that one provider can care for seven children,” said LaTonya Glover, the owner of Bright Beginnings Child Care in Detroit. “However, it really depends on the number of caregivers that are there and the ages of children.”

Others are cautious about the change.

 

“Asking adults to take care of more children increases the risk of a problem occurring for those children and the adults,” said Lindsey Potter, the vice president of the Childcare Providers Association of Michigan. “When we go from caring for six to seven children, it increases the number of times we are in the restroom with children, or increases the number of food we are making for lunchtime.

“And all of those times are away from direct care for children.”

Although she understands the intent of the legislation, Potter said she prefers to “maintain small group sizes, so that adults and children can be well-respected instead of just adding more work in order to gain more money.”

According to the Michigan League for Public Policy, 44% of the Michigan population lives in child care deserts. That means that there are three times more children ages 0-5 than the number of licensed child care spots.


“This child care package is something we have been working on for several years,” O’Malley said. “We now have got a very nice basic compromise with the governor’s office, with Democratic colleagues in the House and the Senate, so I think we are in a good position.”

GVSU expert: West Michigan economic recovery continues to flatten

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University


Pent-up supply demand has been satisfied causing the West Michigan economic recovery to continue to flatten, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.

Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU

“Our index of business improvement came in at +8,” said Long. “The pent-up demand has been satisfied, but supply chain constraints are holding back further progress.”

There is no end in sight for the on-going computer chip shortage, said Long, and automotive customers, dealers and manufacturers are all growing increasingly frustrated. 

“The auto industry continues to be stymied by the shortage of computer chips, resulting in reduced production schedules affecting local auto suppliers. Some experts believe this crisis could extend for another full year,” he said.

Employers continue to experience a shortage of workers. Long said there are a record number of job postings in West Michigan and across the country. “We have to get people who dropped out of the workforce back to work,” he said.

Highlights of Long’s September report:

  • The Index of Employment remained positive, and rose to +27 from +19. It would be stronger if there were more people to hire.  
  • Bad news for the widely publicized chip shortage. There is no end in sight for the chip shortage. Tech companies are reluctant to add capacity for the types of chips needed for automotive. Because of the chip shortage, auto sales have fallen to levels last seen in the Great Recession. 
  • The production index has turned slightly negative (-1) for the first time in 14 months.
  • To attract new employees, about a third of all firms have raised their starting wage. Others are offering signing bonuses to avoid getting locked in to higher wages. Some economists are concerned we could be developing a wage-price spiral leading to cost-push inflation.

     

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.” 

Harvest of Justice luncheon to honor clinic that vaccinated 500 migrant workers

A member of the Migrant Legal Aid staff gets a vaccine. (Supplied)

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Contributing Writer


A Sparta health clinic that went above and beyond the call of duty to vaccinate West Michigan farm workers will be honored at Migrant Legal Aid’s annual Harvest of Justice Luncheon this month.

The event, designed to share client success stories with donors and the community, will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the Eberhard Center on GVSU’s downtown campus.

Clinics held at the Mercy Health Physician Partners office in Sparta last March vaccinated more than 500 migrant workers against COVID-19, according to Mary Bennett, CFO Of Migrant Legal Aid.

The clinic did an exemplary job organizing its vaccination site so farm workers could get in and out quickly without standing around waiting, according to Teresa Hendricks, executive director of the organization. 

“It was an incredible logistical feat,” she said.

Migrant Legal Aid, a nonprofit that advocates for migrant workers’ rights, has assisted at several vaccination clinics in hopes of getting as many of the workers vaccinated as possible. The state doesn’t keep numbers on how many farm workers have been vaccinated for the virus, Hendricks said, but Migrant Legal Aid has assisted with vaccinating 625 people so far.

They’re not done with the work yet, and they hope to persuade more migrant workers to get the vaccine through a video recently produced by WKTV. In both English and Spanish, the video dispels common myths surrounding the vaccine and presents the facts. Appearing on the video are Spanish-speaking doctors who have gotten the vaccine themselves.

“We realized a peer-to-peer video speaking about the importance of it was going to be key,” Hendricks said.

(Right) Mirgrant Legal Aid Executive Director Teresa Hendricks shows off her vaccine shot with a staff member. (Supplied)

The video will be shared on Migrant Legal Aid’s website and YouTube channel along with other social media sites. It will also go out to listservs (a mailing list) for other migrant providers, Hendricks said.

The video can also be used at migrant camps, where Migrant Legal Aid staff can show it on an iPad when they’re visiting, Hendricks said. At future vaccination clinics, they can have it playing on a loop while people wait to get their shots.

The Harvest of Justice luncheon is an important event to spread the word about what Migrant Legal Aid does, Bennett said. In addition to the award presentation, the luncheon will feature highlights of the work the organization has done over the past year.

“We have table hosts we ask to bring guests who might not be familiar with our program and what we do. That grows the community awareness as well as our donor base. Most of them, after they hear what we do, are eager to help,” she said.

Last year’s luncheon was held online at the WKTV studio due to the pandemic. The online version got a wide audience and raised the interest of people who are excited to come in person this year, Bennett said.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Charlie LeDuff, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and investigative journalist.

 

In his research for articles about farm workers, LeDuff has embedded himself with migrants crossing the border and working in the fields in California to see what they go through. He nearly died while crossing the border during his investigative reporting, Hendricks said.

Tickets to the luncheon are free, but there will be an “ask” for donations, Bennett said. For tickets, go to www.migrantlegalaid.org.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Welcome to the weekend

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer


It’s October, which means fall festivals, corn mazes, trips to the apple orchard and unpredictable weather. It’s Michigan, and we love it.

I’m John Gonzalez, and for more than two decades I have offered up my “Gonzo’s Top 5” list of events and things to do. I’m excited to publish my Top 5 once again, thanks to WKTV.

My goal, as always, is to give you a fun list of local happenings, as well as throughout the region. I welcome your input and recommendations.

Email me your events at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Also, follow me on all the Social Media channels (listed below), and I’ll be sure to give you a shout out if I use one of your suggestions.

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

5. Greater Grand Rapids Fall Train Show

If you have a train enthusiast in your family — young or old — check out the return of the Greater Grand Rapids Fall Train Show presented by the Grand River Valley Train Club. The show features 80-plus vendoors, a Thomas the Train play area for kids, a huge Lego display and a drawing for a Lionel Thomas the Train set. The show is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 9) at HSB, Inc., 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for those 12 and under. More details at grvrrc.org.

4. Wise Men Distillery Fall Fest

Food, fun and cocktails, oh my!

Our friends at Wise Men Distillery are offering a fall fest with outdoor dining, cornhole, live music and tasty cocktails, of course. Check out new fall releases, as well as seltzers and special tours. Hours are noon-10 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 9). Food trucks include Arcane Wood Fired Pizza (2-9 p.m.) and Patty Matters Hamburgers (3-9 p.m.) Tours are at 3 and 6 p.m. Wise Men Distillery and Cocktail Bar is located at 4717 Broadmoor Ave SE, in Kentwood. Learn more about the event on the Wise Men Distillery Facebook page.

3. Downtown Grandville Fall Fest

A first-year beer garden, the opening of the Grandville Library renovation and the annual fall festival make for a fun time this weekend in Grandville. The annual lighted pumpkin trail will be set up around the KDL building from 5-10 p.m. Friday (Oct. 8). It is for walking only. No carriage rides will be available this year. Also, the Grandville-Jenison Chamber is hosting a beer garden in the library lot with live music and food, and KDL is having its grand re-opening open house and a kid’s craft. Michigan Moonshine, Osgood Brewery, Beecher’s Pretzel Truck and Tippy Cow Root Beer Floats will be on hand.

On Saturday (Oct. 9), on the west side of the KDL Lot and along Washington Avenue, attendees can expect traditional horse drawn wagon rides, scarecrow voting, kid’s pedal tractor pulls, The Critter Barn petting farm, pumpkin decorating, a mechanical bull, a giant corn box, pedal tractors, fall themed games and more. Food trucks include Tamales Mary, Street Frites, Beecher’s Pretzel Truck, Big Ed’s BBQ, Hot Dog Cart and more. KDL is located at 4055 Maple St. SW, Grandville. Details at cityofgrandville.com or the Downtown Grandville Facebook page.

2. Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail

Formerly the Pumpkin Path, Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail is set for 4-6 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 9) at Lamar Park. It features about 70 businesses who pass out treats on the tasty trail. Parents are encouraged to bring the whole family, offering candy (of course!), games, face painting, bounce houses, a DJ, and more. Admission is free. Halloween costumes are optional, but always a good idea. Organizers said “all children at Trick or Treat Trail must be with a supervising adult.” Also WKTV will be “on the trail” recording fall greetings. More information on the City Parks and Recreation Center Facebook page.


1. Downtown Holland Fall Fest

It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, which means it’s a perfect time to visit Holland for its annual Fall Fest, known for its professional pumpkin carving and beautifully decorated downtown. They even have a 949-pound pumpkin on the way! The two-day event — Friday (Oct. 8) and Saturday (Oct. 9) — celebrates fall with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and a Farmers Market.

On Friday, eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, will appear from 3-7 p.m. carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street. At 7 p.m., the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10 p.m. (Community Tulip Planting is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. More info at tuliptime.com.)

On Saturday, professional pumpkin carvers will appear from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Holland Farmers Market. Children also can paint their own pumpkins to bring home. Cost is $1 per pumpkin. The Farm Market opens at 8 a.m. Saturday.

The annual Holland Fall Festival is organized by Downtown Holland, the Holland Farmers Market, the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens. See the schedule of events at hollandfallfest.com or check out the Downtown Holland Facebook page.

That’s it for now. As I said earlier, email me if you have an event you want to promote.

Be safe everyone.

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’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. 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.

Michigan bus driver shortage spurs new solutions

Shortage in drivers has forced school districts to become more creative in transporting students. (pxhere.com)

By Cameryn Cass
Capital News Service


LANSING — Driver shortages are hurting Michigan transportation companies and schools, forcing creative solutions.

During the pandemic, when people were in lockdown, transportation demand plummeted. Many drivers lost their jobs and got work elsewhere, said Chad Cushman, the president of Indian Trails Inc.

 

His Owosso-based bus company lost 95% of its statewide business when the pandemic hit, Cushman said. Now, people are starting to travel more and demanding services, but there’s a shortage of drivers.

“It’s unfortunate because we have the equipment sitting. We just don’t have the drivers to drive the equipment,” Cushman said. 

The same is happening in schools.

“We already were seeing this shortage coming pre-pandemic,” said Jennifer Smith, the government relations director at the Michigan Association of School Boards. “But now, it’s crazy.” 

Schools are using COVID relief funds to distribute gas cards to parents who now drive their kids to school, said Tina Kerr, the executive director of Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators.

 

At some schools the large volume of cars is causing traffic jams, Smith said. 

That’s not good for public safety.

School buses are 70 times safer than automobiles, said Dave Meeuwsen, the executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation. Yet, some parents have no other choice but to drive their children when bus routes get cut.

 

The Lansing School District not only offers parents gas cards, it provides unlimited city bus passes to students through the Capital Area Transportation Authority.

“There’s some real advantages to working with the CATA system,” said Robert Kolt, a publicist for Lansing School District.

Students can use these free passes anytime, and not just to go to school, Kolt said. COVID relief money helped pay for a lot of this, but so did school funds.

The money they would have otherwise spent on Dean Transportation, a Lansing school bus service forced to cut routes, was instead used on these passes.

 

Though a partnership like this would be unlikely before COVID, both CATA and the Lansing School District agree it addresses the bus driver shortage.

“We were and continue to be thrilled to partner with the school district to help resolve its transportation concerns,” Lolo Robison, the director of marketing and customer experience at CATA, wrote in an email.

 

Superintendents have even stepped up around the state by getting their commercial driver’s licenses to drive buses or vans of children to school, Kerr said. Driver shortages persist, but communities are coming together in creative ways to get people where they need to be.

But challenges remain.

 

“We’re no different right now than the restaurant industry, the hotel industry, the retail industry,” Cushman said. “Everyone is struggling.”

Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail takes places this Saturday

Entrance and parking area for the upcoming Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


One of the most popular events in the City of Wyoming is taking place this weekend, the Trick of Treat Trail. The event is set for 4 – 6 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

About 2,500 children are expected to attend to the annual free event which has local businesses, such as Weller Self Serve, Bloom Credit Union, Godwin Plumbing and Hardware, and Hom Flats, handing out candy. WKTV also will be there filming fall greetings from area children on different seasonal backgrounds.

There is no pre-registration for the event, with families encouraged to come. With that in mind, we caught up with Wyoming’s Special Events and Marketing Programmer Corey Stamps to get the scoop on a few things you should know before you go.

The community comes together at Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)

Entering and Parking: Participants should enter from the Byron Center East gate (see map above). This is also where they can park.

Costumes: Costumes are not required but encouraged to add a little more fun to the event. Parents can dress up as well.



Adult supervision: Children must have a supervising adult with them to participate.

Event time: The event will start right at 4 p.m. and go until 6 p.m. There is no additional time before or after the event.

The pathway: Once participants park they will be directed to the path. The actual path goes in a complete loop around the Lamar Park parking lot. Along the way participants will be greeted by our table host and be able to participate in different activities.

Kids Area: There will be a kids area with crafts, face painting and tattoos.

Social distancing and Mask wearing: Since there will being a large number of participants, we encourage everyone to try and keep a safe distance from one another. Masks are not required at this event but participants are more than welcome to wear one.

What if it rains?The event will take place rain or shine. Please pay attention to our Facebook page if there happens to be a weather concern.

For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation team by calling 616-530-3164, emailing parks_info@wyomingmi.gov, or visiting www.wyomingmi.gov

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” 

Albert Einstein

Pulaski Days is the celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 . (Supplied)

Two words: Pulaski Days

After a year off due to COVID, Pulaski Days returns this weekend with three days packed full of fun. There are eating contests, a Saturday parade, a Sunday mass and of course plenty of food and drink. A total of 14 halls will be open offering an array of activities, food, and souvenirs. For more, check out John D. Gonzalez’s latest story.

Who could resist? (KC Animal Shelter)

Expand the Family

The Bissell Pet Foundation’s fall national “Empty the Shelters” adoption event, running Oct. 4-10, is a quarterly effort that has helped more than 61,787 pets in shelters find their “forever homes” by sponsoring reduced adoption fees for $25 or less. This fall’s event will be hosted in more than 180 shelters in 38 states, including about 11 in West Michigan such as the Kent County Animal Shelter and Crash’s Landing. So this weekend is a perfect time to start looking for that new family addition.

One Last Look

ArtPrize officially closes on Sunday, which means you have a few more days to check out the pieces, including the winners, which will be announced on Friday. There are items both inside and outside. A popular spot has been the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which features a number of outdoor pieces including the one pictured above, or just travel along Monroe Avenue and Monroe Center for some great “eye candy.”

Fun Fact: The Polish/American Hero

Kazimierz Michal Wladyslaw Wiktor Pulaski or Casimir Pulaski, was a Posh nobleman, solider and military commander. After being driven into exile for helping with an uprising in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Pulaski came to America at the recommendation of Benjamin Franklin. He would help in the American Revolutionary War, first by saving the life of George Washington and second helping to create the American cavalry. Pulaski died in the Battle of Savannah in 1779. He is buried in Monterey Square, Savannah, Georgia. Today, many events and places have been named after this war hero, including Grand Rapids’ Pulaski Days. 

Pulaski Days 2021: ‘Keep Calm and Polka On!’

The theme of this year’s Pulaski Days. (Pulaski Days Facebook)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer


After taking 2020 off because of Covid-19 restrictions, the annual Pulaski Days celebration on the west side of Grand Rapids returns this weekend, Oct. 1-3.

The theme of Pulaski Days 2021 sums it up best:

“Keep Calm and Polka On!”

“We have all experienced some sort of challenge over the past year and a half,” said longtime resident Eddie Sypniewski, a local event promoter and advocate for the west side.

Pulaski Days is the celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 . (Supplied)

“It’s time to step back, take a deep breath and ‘stay calm and polka on!’”

 

The return of the 49th annual event means a lot to the Polish community, and those who frequent the halls throughout the year. Pulaski Days is a great opportunity to spend the weekend in food, drink and entertainment when 14 halls are open to the public.

What does Sypniewski love most about Pulaski Days?

“I love it all!” he said. “Family, food, music, tradition. The parade and Polka Mass are there for all to participate.”

Events earlier this week such as the flag-raising ceremony, and the kielbasa and pierogi-eating contests, have brought out larger than expected crowds, Pulaski Days Queen Katie Egan said in a recent interview with WZZM-TV 13’s Brent Ashcroft.

“The turnout has been amazing, more than even in year’s past,” she said. “I feel like people are anxious to get back out and back into Pulaski Days. The buzz is good. We’re going to have a big turnout this weekend.

Pulaski Days on the west side of Grand Rapids dates back to 1973, and honors Revolutionary War Hero Gen. Casimir Pulaski. Fourteen private halls will be open to the public this weekend featuring Polish food, music, and dancing.

Each hall will have a variety of events. The parade is at 11 a.m. Saturday and runs down Michigan Street starting at College Avenue and ends at Diamond Avenue.

The polka Mass is at 10 a.m. Sunday at Holy Spirit Church.

Polish Halls open to the public Oct. 1-3:

  • American Legion Post 459 (658 Michigan Ave NE)
  • Knights of Columbus (1104 Muskegon NW)
  • Polish Falcons (957 W Fulton) 
  • Polish National Aid Society – Jackson Street Hall (921 Jackson St NW)
  • Sacred Heart Benevolent Society Eastern Avenue Hall (506 Eastern Ave NE)
  • Sacred Heart Club – Kosciuszko Hall (935 Park St SW)
  • Saint Adalberts Aid Society – 5th Street Hall (701 5th Street NW)
  • Saint Casimir’s – 6th Street Hall (649 6th St NW)
  • Saint Isidores Aid Society – Diamond Hall, home of the Pulaski Days Monument and Pulaski Square (435 Diamond NE)
  • Saint Ladislaus Aid Society “Laddies Hall” (58 Lane Ave SW)
  • Saint Stanislaus – Little Hall (823 Michigan Ave NE)
  • Saints Peter & Paul Aid Society – Saint Georges (1513 Quarry NW)
  • Sons & Daughters Club (1057 Hamilton NW)
  • Vytautas Aid Society (1300 Hamilton Ave NW)

For more information, including a list of events, go to pulaskidays.org.


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’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. 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.

On Tap: Oktoberfest-style beers take center stage at Horrocks Market Tavern

Horrocks Market Tavern offers a ranger of fall beers from local breweries and beyond. (John D. Gonzalez)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer


It’s fall, which means colorful foliage, brisk mornings and homecoming football games.

But if you’re a craft beer fan, it also means fall beers, namely – Oktoberfest!

“I’m a huge Lager and Pilsner fan,” says Carley Morrison, manager at the Horrocks Market Tavern, “so I like that Oktoberfest has a little bit more than that.

“It’s such a good style, and a lot of people agree because we sell so many of them. It’s a huge hype.”

The change of seasons, especially for craft beer lovers, is a good opportunity to try new styles and break out of your comfort zone.

Horrocks Farm Market, 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, is the perfect place to do it with more than 50 taps of cider, seltzers and beer, of course. In addition, you can find aisles of packaged beers and singles, as well as wine from all over the world.

Morrison’s goal is to keep the taps rotating, “and always craft,” with a huge variety of Michigan beer. But she also works hard to get brands from popular breweries across the country, such as 3 Floyds Brewing Co., in Munster, Ind., which just began distribution in Michigan.

Horrocks is one of a few places in the Grand Rapids area to have 3 Floyds’ “Munsterfest” on tap.

And it’s tasty.

“It has a lot of bready notes to it,” Morrison said. “It’s super crisp and clean; a little bit of an Amber flavor. I think 3 Floyds really knocked it out with Munsterfest.”

Morrison was also able to snag some of Rake Beer Project’s “FESTIVōL,” an anticipated beer from the popular Muskegon brewery.

“It’s a little unique; a Farmhouse style,” Morrison said. “It’s not too funky, just a little different. It’s really good.”

Other popular Oktoberfest beers available this weekend:

On Tap:

3 Floyds “Munsterfest” Oktoberfest

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest”

In Bottles or Cans:

Fair State “Festbier” German Style Festbier 

Rake “FESTIVōL” Oktoberfest Style Farmhouse

Hacker Pschorr “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Brew Detroit “Corktoberfest” Marzen Style Lager

And there are always new beers coming in, so be sure to ask Morrison or anyone in the taproom about new releases.

If you’re not familiar with “Oktoberfest” (also known as a German Marzen-style), Morrison recommends you try some of the German beers – “at least a couple of them” – to better understand the style.

Fall offerings are available on tap and in bottles and cans. (John D. Gonzalez)

“It’s nice because at Horrock’s you can buy singles, so you don’t have to commit to a full pack of anything,” Morrison said.

You can’t go wrong with Oktoberfest beers from Hacker Pschorr, Paulaner and Hofbrau.

“All of those are going to be great,” she said.

Horrocks Market Tavern also offers samples at the bar, a beer garden, and a dining area to enjoy pizza, sushi, soups and salads, and beverages, too. It has a separate entrance on the west side of the parking lot off Breton Road SE.

Even if you’re not a craft beer fan, this is a perfect time to check out Horrocks Farm Market, Morrison said.

“In addition to all the great seasonal beers, we also have all the fun seasonal items like mums, caramel apples, and popcorn…you’re definitely going to find something you love.”



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’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. 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

Public Museum kicks of 2021 organ series with silent film ‘Safety First’

Organist Andrew Rogers will be performing the soundtrack of “Safety First” on the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Wurlitzer organ. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org


The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will kick off the 2021 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert series with a dynamic organ performance by Andrew Rogers, featuring the silent film Safety Last! on Oct. 15 and 16.

 

Tickets are on sale now for in-person and virtual concert options. Rogers will play alongside the 1923 American silent romantic comedy film, Safety Last! and the short film Ask Father.

Theater organs were originally developed to provide music and sound effects to accompany silent films. Safety Last! is still regarded today as one of the great film comedies, and includes famous images from the silent film era. Starring Harold Lloyd, the film’s title is a play on the common expression, “safety first,” which prioritizes safety as a means to avoid accidents, especially in workplaces.

 

The 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ is an impressive icon of Grand Rapids and an artifact preserved in the GRPM’s Collections used to entertain and educate all ages through the annual concert series and year-long programming.

This year’s concerts will be available in person, as well as an option for live virtual viewing for Friday evening shows. In person tickets are $15, with the discounted price of $10 for members. Virtual tickets are $10 per household, with the discounted price of $6 for member households. Tickets are available by visiting grpm.org/Organ

In person shows will be held at 7 p.m. on Fridays and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays in the GRPM’s Meijer Theater. Virtual concerts of the Friday performance will be streamed live over Zoom; only one link is needed per household.

Additional themed organ concerts will take place in November and December. For more information visit grpm.org/Organ. 

Fresh produce more accessible for low-income Michiganders

More fresh produce will be available to low-income Michigan residents. (supplied)

By Barbara Bellinger
Capital News Service


LANSING — A program that gives low-income Michigan residents fresh fruit and vegetables and a path to healthier nutrition recently got a $2 million boost from state lawmakers.

That’s up from the $900,000 they allocated last year for the Double Up Food Program. The program gives participants a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh fruits and vegetables. Families receive twice the quantity of produce for half the price.

“It feels as if when this program was started, it was just a crazy idea,” said Alex Canepa, the policy manager for the Fair Food Network, which manages the program. “Now it’s time has come. Both Lansing and D.C. (legislators) are talking about the importance of nutrition security.”

Michigan’s Double Up program launched in 2009 as the first state in what is now a 29-state program run by the Fair Food Network based in Ann Arbor. The program has grown from five Detroit-area farmers markets to around 250 farmers markets, mobile markets, food stands and independent grocers.

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the food network a four-year, $12.5 million grant in 2019 for program expansion. But to get the money, the program needs a 50% match, Canepa said.

“The state money allows us to draw down the full remaining balance,” Canepa said.

This added benefit is necessary for a state that has 1.9 million people who are food insecure, according to a Food Security Council report. 

“One administrative change the state made early in the pandemic was to eliminate the $20-per-day limit for Double Up Food Bucks,” Julie Cassidy, the senior policy analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy, wrote in an email. “This helped families stretch their food assistance dollars as far as possible when so many were suddenly struggling, food prices were skyrocketing, and local pantries were pushed to the limit.

“It gives customers really good options,” said Courtney King, the manager of King Orchards in Kewadin and Central Lake in northern Michigan. “I love that it’s just for like fresh produce, which really helps us and them.”

Michigan farmer markets and farm stands are part of the Double Up Food Bucks program. (Supplied)

Becoming a Double Up Food Bucks retailer requires a lot of accounting, but it’s a great way to provide fresh produce to people who might otherwise think it is too expensive, King said.

“It’s a multi-pronged process,” said Joe Lesausky, food access director for the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

Farmers markets and farm stands first apply to be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a vendor for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Then they must contact the Michigan Farmers Market Association to apply to become a Double Up Bucks retailer.

The program is in 67 of Michigan’s 83 counties and adds about 10 new sites a year, Lesausky said. Officials say they hope to reach all of the state’s counties in the next three years. 

“We saw an increase of Double Up spending before the pandemic in even middle and upper-middle class communities,” Canepa said.

“Nutrition insecurity isn’t always where you expect it to be.”

ABOUT BARBARA BELLINGER

Barbara Bellinger

Barbara Bellinger is a master’s student in journalism at Michigan State University. Her journalistic interests include undocumented immigration, international journalism and the criminal justice system. She hopes to become a reporter for CNN, NPR or a local Michigan news outlet.

Extras, extras, read all about us

Director Todd Lewis talks to some of the extras on the set of the “Horizon” production. (Colleen Pierson)

By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributing Writer


When Todd Lewis, multitalented director, writer, actor and musician put out a call for extras for a movie he is creating, we all came in masses.

It’s hard to resist a Lewis film since he pours his heart and soul into every project he is involved. I personally knew with him writing, directing, and editing this film, it would be a great project to be involved in and so did many others who volunteered to help Lewis with the project.

Author Colleen Pierson poses with Gina Boscarino. The two were extras in the film “Horizon.” (Supplied)

Lewis created a short film entitled “Horizon” as part of a three-film series created for the WKTV Community Media’s 28th Street Metro Cruise coverage. Each of the six-minute films tells a narrative story about classic cars and classic design.

Lewis said when approached about the idea, he immediately thought of the late 1940s/early 1950s when some of the most iconic cars were created. 

“I decided to set the story against the backdrop of segregation that was taking place at that time using the vehicle as a symbol of freedom,” he said.

A key setting in the film was a busy 1950s dinner where the two main characters, played by local actors Julianne Howe and Matt Dennis, which meant a whole lot of extras.

Holland Resident R.T. Williams shaved his beard and mustache in order to be an extra in the 1950s-based film.

 

“I may end up on the cutting room floor,” he joked, “but it was such an interesting experience.”

“I love the era of the 1950s,” said Gina Boscarino about being a part of the film. “It was a chance to dress up in costumes and have fun. I was so excited about a new experience.”

Ruth Ann Molenaar gets ready for the “Horizon” shoot. (Colleen Pierson)

For many, like Beth Schaub, it was a great opportunity to learn more about film while for others like Richard Mulligan, it was a nice opportunity to reconnect with many theater people and collaborate, especially after the past couple of years that saw theaters go dark and productions be delayed due to COVID.

“I had a chance to read the script,” said local actress Ruth Ann Molenaar. “I’m the only other black performer. I wanted to be part of it.”

Of course, there is always that chance that being an extra could lead to something bigger.

 

“Who knows maybe Quentin Tarantino might see this and see me,” said Rod Zammaron, jokingly.

 

Postproduction is going on now and some additional filming will be done in the next few weeks. Lewis’s film, “Horizon” along with the other two, John Philben’s “No Trip for Biscuits,” which is set in the 1930s and Kyle Misak’s “Drive,” which is based in the 1980s, will be available on WKTV and on the station’s video on demand service this fall.

Pumpkinfest returns to Zeelands this weekend

Zeeland’s Pumpkinfest! is this weekend. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org


Zeeland’s oldest festival is back, Pumpkinfest! – Celebrating community, family fun, and fall activities for more than 30 years.

The theme for 2021 is “Pumpkinfest Barnyard Bash!” Pumpkinfest is a two-day event that features a number of free and low-cost events that can be enjoyed by all ages. This year’s festival is Friday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 2.

Stay up to date on all the Pumpkinfest happenings by liking Zeeland Festivals, Inc.’s Facebook page or visiting www.zeelandfestivals.com.

For the 6th year, Pumpkinfest has coordinated a community art centered project known as Pumpkinfest Avenue Art. Pumpkinfest has invited the community to join in the celebration by participating with Pumpkinfest Avenue Art to express their creative talents.

Pumpkinfest will host a place for kids to be creative, learn and play – KidZfest. Within the KidZfest area, families will discover, inflatables, petting zoos, stage performances, pony rides, games, snacks and more. KidZfest will be located on Church Street just south of Main Avenue.

The community is invited to gather Friday, Oct.1, for Dessert on Us at 6 p.m. on Church Street – a celebration of community and a complimentary donut and cider. A sweet treat, combined with an evening of family activities, including the Kids Tractor Pull at 4 p.m. on Main Street, outdoor movie showing: Coco at 7:30 p.m. in the splash pad and KidzFest events all day long.

Friday and Saturday Pumpkinfest will feature live, outdoor, Music on Main Street concerts in Zeeland’s Social District, accompanied by food trucks and local restaurants. The concert line up is:

  • Friday 7-10PM – Pretty Rage
  • Saturday 12-3PM – Dune Grass
  • Saturday 4-7PM – Catfish and the Main
  • Saturday 8-11PM – Rock Shop

Other exciting Pumpkinfest attractions include:

  • Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Pumpkinfest 5K Run, organized by the Zeeland Athletic Boosters and hosted Zeeland West High School, 3390 100th Ave.
  • Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Civil War Reenactors at the Dekker Huis Museum, 37 E. Main
  • Saturday 11 a.m. – Zeeland Community Band Concert, corner of Main/Church
  • Saturday noon – Pumpkin Roll (bring your own pumpkin) Zeeland Christian School hill, 334 W. Central
  • Saturday 3 p.m. – The much-anticipated Pumpkinfest Parade will march down city streets. The parade will feature marching bands, walking groups, tractors, and of course floats representing this year’s theme. The Parade Route is as follows: west on Main Avenue from Centennial Street to State Street, south on State Street to Central Avenue, east on Central Avenue ending at Maple Street.

Pumpkinfest is organized by Zeeland Festivals, Inc. and sponsored by the generosity of many local businesses and organizations.

The complete Pumpkinfest schedule and list of sponsors can be found on their website.

Wyoming’s second public market set for this Saturday

A customer looks over a flower arrangement from Wyoming-based Periwinkle Flower Co. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


It appears this Saturday will be another beautiful day to stroll through the City of Wyoming’s second public market set for 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.

The first public market was held last Saturday at HŌM Flats with several vendors showcasing items from plants to coffee. Some of those vendors, such as Wyoming-based Runyon Coffee Company and Periwinkle Flower Co., will be returning to this Saturday’s event along with a number of vendors that will be offering an array of items.

Ed Runyon, owner of Runyon Coffee Company, said he plans to be at this Saturday’s public market. (WKTV)

“The City of Wyoming is very excited about its partnership with HŌM Flats and the new public markets,” said Wyoming’s Planning & Economic Development Director Nicoe Hofert.”One of the City’s economic development goals identified in its master plan, Wyoming [re]imagined, is to work with and support local businesses to showcase local talent and support their growth and investment in our community.”

Hofert said events like the HŌM Flats Public Market provide exactly this opportunity, adding that “the City believes these markets create a vibrant environment where people can interact and connect. We hope that these events lead to an expanded market with additional dates next year.”

HŌM Flats approached the city about hosting a public market at its location, 1401 Prairie Parkway SW, with representatives learning that city officials were also looking at a similar idea. According to Jaylyn McCloy with Magnus Capital Partners, which owns HŌM Flats Flats at 28 West, it only made sense for the two organizations to partner.

The result was the two-weekend event. Last Saturday, the market was tucked into the HŌM Flats, with residents strolling through checking out items. Both city and HŌM Flats officials said they were pleased to see the first event launch and building upon it.

Outdoor recreation drives Michigan tourism recovery

According to data, tourism is up in Michigan with many taking in some of the state’s most popular sites, Tahquamenon Falls. (Photo courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Nicholas Simon
Capital News Service


LANSING — Local tourism officials say outdoor recreation is bringing Michigan tourism back, after two summers plagued by pandemic fears.

And they hope that changes in how people travel will mean even better days are ahead.

   

This is welcome news to the tourism industry, which employed more than 230,000 people before the pandemic, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

 

In 2019, almost every region in the state had its best year for tourism spending, according to the council. In the summer of 2020, however, spending was halved in some peak vacation months.

Lakenenland, a sculpture museum near Marquette, Michigan. (Photo courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Some indications show that the decline is over and Michigan tourism is bouncing back, especially for beach communities.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority reports traffic between the Upper and Lower peninsulas returned to normal by August of last year. Even better: April through July of this year has had the highest traffic numbers on record.

Linda Hart, the executive director of the Holland Area Visitors Bureau, said she thinks the pandemic has exposed beach communities like hers to a new audience.

“We saw a lot of first-time visitors to Holland,” Hart said. “While Holland has normally been an annual family destination, this year and last, we saw many more people who were looking for bike trails, beaches and smaller communities.”

These amenities spared Holland the worst of the effects of the pandemic last summer, with hotel occupancy falling only 15% from its normal rate, according to the visitors bureau. While rates have returned to comparable pre-pandemic levels this summer, recent hotel expansions mean that the actual numbers of visitors this year could be even higher than peaks in the past, according to the visitors bureau.

  

Michigan saw reductions in vacation spending fall by 35% by the end of the summer of 2020, but that’s better than the 48% drop nationwide, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

“In 2020 we started to see a recovery all around the state, but it’s very unbalanced,”  said David Lorenz, the vice president of Travel Michigan, the organization that developed and manages the Pure Michigan brand. “You look at cities compared to rural areas and it’s a tale of two cities, excuse the pun. And this is because our rural areas, especially along the coast, saw a huge increase in 2020.”

Eagle River Falls in Michigan’s upper peninsula. (Photo courtesy Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Lorenz said that people who wanted to travel in 2020 didn’t want to go long distances and instead chose to travel close to home. That way they could be outdoors and comply with social distancing requirements that caution against large gatherings indoors and encourage physical separation between groups when outside.

“Those people who were traveling were heading literally up north,” Lorenz said. “Now, that’s normally a term we use as a sentiment of wanting to travel and get outside, but in this case, ‘Up North’ meant Up North. They were heading to northern Michigan and to waterfront communities.”

Mike Kent, the public relations manager for Traverse City Tourism, sees a lot of people traveling to Northwest Michigan for outdoor recreation, and local businesses are seeing the same effects. Hotel occupancy in Traverse City was four times higher this April than last year and is steadily returning to pre-pandemic levels.

“You can see it in the numbers that we are getting back to where we were in 2019 which was a very robust year,” Kent said. “People are taking advantage of what we have to offer, which is wide open spaces”.

Similar results are being seen in Petoskey, where “people see it as a safe place to be,” according to Diane Dakins, the assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.

“We have a lot of outdoor recreation and places to spread out to have a great time without people being right next to each other,” Dakins said. 

Dakins said she thinks that the elevated numbers are temporary because of the number of family gatherings like weddings and reunions that were canceled last year, attributing the spike this year to pent-up demand. However, other officials say this represents a larger trend that could bring people back to these towns year after year.

“We saw a lot more local traffic last year from the state of Michigan and places like Chicago,” Hart said, referring to Holland. “Normally we see more traffic from the Midwest, but this year we saw a return of both (local and out-of-state travelers).”

Kent also thinks events like the Ironman race held in Frankfort earlier this month are the types of things that will continually bring people back to Michigan.

 

“People are literally coming from all over the country, and most of them have never heard of Frankfort,” Kent said. “Our goal is to make them fall in love with the area, and what’s not to fall in love with?”

ABOUT NICHOLAS SIMON

Nicholas Simon is a multimedia reporter from South Haven, Michigan. His areas of interest include international relations, commercial spaceflight, ecology, and globalization. He has covered events for both print and broadcast outlets ranging from protests to presidential debates and currently covers the Grand Ledge community for the Spartan Newsroom.

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

I’m not afraid of werewolves or vampires or haunted hotels, I’m afraid of what real human beings do to other real human beings. 

American writer Walter Jon Williams

Wyoming’s First Public Market

Well after months of anticipation, the City of Wyoming’s first Public Market is this Saturday. The event is set for 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at HOM Flats, 1401 Prairie Parkway SW. The event is free to attend and will feature a number of local artisans and a selection of food trucks. No sweat if you miss this Saturday’s event as a second Public Market is scheduled or Sept. 25 at Wyoming City Hall.

Retired Chaplain John Hooglund, from Holland Home at Breton Woods, produced this work as part of veterans art project which led to the Yellow Ribbon ArtPrize entry. (Supplied/Pamela Alderman)

It’s back

After two years, partly due to COVID, ArtPrize returns with artists taking over downtown Grand Rapids. There is sculpture. There is paintings. There is a lot to see, so spend the weekend — with weather reports all showing it to be beautiful — checking out some amazing art and get boned up on the new voting system.

Executve Chef Josef Huber at Gun Lake Casino shows off the popular burger, which comes with two 4.5-oz. patties. (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)

Now Open

WKTV Contributing Writer John D. Gonzalez gives us the inside scoop on the new restaurants at the Gun Lake Casino. Located just off the US 131, the restaurants include the SHKOÉ Chophouse, CBK, and the 131 Sportsbar & Lounge, which offers floor-to-ceiling LED video walls and 180-degree panoramic views For more, click here for John’s story.

Seattle’s Great Wheel (Wikipedia)

Fun Fact: Ferris Wheels

“Pleasure wheels” as Ferris Wheels were called date back to the early 1600s, however the one we are most familiar with is George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.’s creation for the 1863 Chicago’s World Fair. Designed to rival the 1,063-foot Eiffle Tower that was the center piece of the 1889 Pairs Exposition, the “Chicago Wheel” was 264 feet and the tallest attraction at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After the fair, the wheel was rebuilt on Chicago’s North Side, near Lincoln Park, where it rain from 1895 to 1903. It was then shipped to St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair and destroyed after that event. The Ferris Wheel returned to Chicago in 1995 at the Navy Pier and in 2016, the Navy Pier opened the Centennial Wheel as part of its 100th anniversary celebration. Today Ferris Wheels are more commonly called Observation Wheels, pre the one in England. The tallest Ferris Wheel in the world, the High Roller, stands at 550 feet and is located in Las Vegas.

Gun Lake Casino adds chophouse, craft beer bar to its entertainment offerings

Executive Chef Josef Huber at Gun Lake Casino shows off the popular burger, which comes with two 4.5-oz. patties. (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer


WAYLAND, MI – If you’re looking for more than 100 craft beers in one place, big TV screens for the big game and a tasty steak dinner, then you’ll be happy about three new restaurant and entertainment concepts at Gun Lake Casino.

Located right off Exit 61 on US 131, the casino’s growth and build out phase has been evident to passersby and patrons for months. Now it’s show time.

Reps of the Gun Lake Tribe’s Tribal Council and Gun Lake Casino executive team celebrated the opening of Phase IV of its expansion with a special ribbon cutting on Friday morning.

Even though today (Sept. 17) is the official grand opening, the crew has been testing systems and serving hungry customers for a couple weeks.

Everyone is loving it, said Gun Lake Casino executive Chef Josef Huber, who spent 23 years in the same role at Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.

“I guarantee you’re going to have a great time out here,” he said on Thursday. “You’re going to be surprised by the amenities we offer, the food we serve and the quality of drinks.”

The new offerings at the 229,000-square-foot facility, owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi, include:

SHKODÉ Chophouse (ISH-KO-DAY), a flame-grilled steak and seafood restaurant open Thursday through Sunday, which offers a fresh take on American Cuisine and Artisan-crafted cocktails and curated wine list. Expect big flavors from a 32-oz. Tomahawk steak or 16-oz. New York Strip, said Chef Huber. Seafood lovers can delight in a platter for two, King Salmon and more. SHKODE is the Potawatomi word for fire  and “honors Gun Lake Casino’s heritage through attention to flavor and quality with locally sourced and freshly harvested ingredients,” reps said.

CBK, a.k. “Craft, Bar, Kitchen” (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)

CBK,  a.k.a. “Craft, Bar, Kitchen,” features more than 100 beers in bottles, cans and on draft. In addition, diners can check out the farm-to-table menu and shareables. Chef Huber said they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with 45 items on the menu; open daily. Favorites already include the burger, fish tacos and Chinese chicken salad. And they have pastas and sandwiches, too. He also brought back the popular Philly cheesesteak egg roll with a spicy aioli sauce from the former Sand Hill Cafe. CBK also has a new outdoor fireplace.

131 Sportsbar & Lounge, which has been re-imagined from its previous incarnation, offers floor-to-ceiling LED video walls and 180-degree panoramic views. Chef Huber said the video walls feature more than 28 million pixels and 1,000 square feet of HD viewing surface. “If you’re a sports fan, and you want to watch sports, this is the place to do it,” he said. As for the menu, he said fans can expect “great bar food, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and apps, and wash it down with some beer.” It also has a huge stage. The plan is to feature live music, comedy and sports entertainment. Local band Wayland and national act Blue Oyster Cult perform this weekend. (Both concerts are sold out.) In addition, 131 Sportsbar & Lounge has an outdoor patio area.

Along with the excitement of the official opening, those visiting the casino this weekend will see a variety of evening entertainment throughout the venue, including aerialists, stilt walkers, magicians, living statues, mimes and a speed artist.

But Chef Huber encourages guests to come out any day of the week.

“You can come on a Monday evening, on a Tuesday morning, on a Saturday or whenever you have a day off,” he said.

Whether it’s the highly touted burger, egg roll, wings, pizza or steak, “you’re going to have a hard time” deciding what to have first, he added.

SHOKÉ is the Potawatomi word for fire and the SHOKÉ Chophouse honors Gun Lake Casino’s attention heritage with attention to detail and quality. (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)

In addition to the new dining and entertainment options, the casino features 2,500 state-of-the art slot machines, 47 table games, a modern sportsbook, and keno.

Other dining options include the Harvest Buffet, which features fresh ingredients and cooked to order items. Chef Huber also oversees the buffet, as well an employee-only cafe where he serves more than 500 people daily. Each employee gets a free meal on their shift, reps said.

For more information about the offerings at the Gun Lake Casino, visit www.gunlakecasino.com.

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’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. 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.

Cleaning birdhouses could backfire but basic maintenance is needed

Maintenance of birdhouses is important and should be done in the fall. (pxhere.com)

By McKoy Scribner
Capital News Service


In Michigan, there are over 350 species of birds.

After birds lay their eggs and their fledglings take off in the spring, you might have an empty bird box at this point. Should you clean out the nest they leave behind?

Whether to clean out nests from birdhouses at the end of summer is an ongoing debate.

Some people fear if they clean out a nest box, they might be disrupting a family of birds who might need it for future use.

Meanwhile, others claim you can lend a helping hand to birds by cleaning the birdhouse of any buildup that could cause parasites.

MSU Extension’s Elliot Nelson says there’s no clear-cut answer, but basic maintenance of nest boxes is necessary.

“There’s a lot of research still to be done on nest boxes and cleaning them, and the science isn’t exactly totally clear yet. But there are some things you can do to make sure your nest boxes are safe and healthy for birds.”

This includes making sure a nest isn’t built too close to the entrance hole, which poses the risk of predators getting in.

Annual monitoring of the box for a buildup of mold or debris is also a good idea to help prevent mites or lice.

Nelson says predators and parasites are the two main threats to birds.

If there’s too much buildup of nesting material, ectoparasites like mites and lice could attack a group of nestlings the next time birds make a home in the house.

Be sure that a birdhouse hole is the right size and that ectoparasites “aren’t going to be able to build up in there too much,” Nelson said, then clean it occasionally by removing the nest material.

If there’s a lot of moisture or mold in the birdhouse, that’s a sign to remove all nesting materials to give it a deep clean, he said.

When determining a good time for a cleaning, Some species have multiple clutches in the same summer, so it’s best to wait until fall arrives in September after all possible nestings are done, he said.

To deep clean a nest box, bird enthusiasts should use a simple bleach solution or hot water.

New classical concert series showcases piano-baed chamber music

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org


A new classical concert series curated by a Grand Valley State University piano faculty member will present chamber music in venues both on campus and at locations throughout West Michigan.

The inaugural GV Piano Chamber Series will showcase more than a dozen musicians, including several GVSU faculty members, in a series of free, open-to-the-public concerts. The performances start Sept. 20 at the Haas Center for Performing Arts on GVSU’s Allendale Campus and extend into 2022.

The series will feature the totality of German composer Johannes Brahms’ chamber music work written for piano and other instruments, segmented into six programs, said Sookkyung Cho, the associate professor of piano for GVSU who curated the series. Besides the on-campus location, the off-campus concert venues include locations in Grand Rapids as well as along the lakeshore.

Cho will be joined by musicians playing violin, viola, cello, clarinet and horn. These acclaimed musicians have vast experience performing at venues across the globe; many also are current members of, or have appeared, with symphony orchestras in West Michigan.

BrahmsFest, as the series is called, is an opportunity to present piano-based chamber music on some of the most beautiful pianos in the West Michigan area, Cho said.

“This will give us a rare opportunity to explore one composer’s musical world throughout the year, and Brahms’ chamber works are some of the most beautiful music ever written,” Cho said. “The timing also just seemed perfect to me — chamber music is all about coming together, being in harmony with one another, and conversing with each other.

“Most of all, I would just love for audiences to indulge in and enjoy beautiful music.”

Find out more about the series and schedule by visiting the GV Piano Chamber Series website.

Photo of the Week: Aisle 2, the fire department

Local historian and former Godfrey-Lee Superintendent David Britten has compiled a lot of history about the Galewood district, which which was located along Burton Street, west of Clyde Park Ave. SW, centering on Godfrey Avenue. It was the first urban area of then Wyoming Township which would become the City of Wyoming.

This picture depicts one of the township’s first fire departments, which covered Galewood, Urbanwood and Burlingame districts. The department was housed in the Steenstra’s Food Market, which was located at 1132 Chicago Dr. SW. The building is gone, replaced by a metal structure that now houses a catering business. Also, the city no longer houses its fire departments in the grocery stores, but rather has four stations strategically placed throughout the city.

Grand Rapids native series with helicopter squadron in San Diego

By Stephaine Fox
Navy Office of Community Outreach


Petty Officer 3rd Class Andres Ramirez, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.

Andres Ramirez (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne)

“I joined the Navy because I was in my first year of college and realized I needed assistance paying for my education,” said Ramirez. “I plan to go back to finish my degree with the help of the Navy in the future.”


Ramirez joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Ramirez serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX (HSC 6) in San Diego, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters, the MH-60S Knighthawk.

 

Growing up in Grand Rapids, Ramirez attended Catholic Central High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Ramirez uses the same skills and values learned in Grand Rapids to succeed in the military.

“I was taught to be grateful for what I have,” said Ramirez. “It’s so important to be considerate of others and appreciate people from different cultures, backgrounds, etc. You get all of that in the Navy.”

These lessons continue to help Ramirez while serving in the Navy.

Navy pilots and aircrew at HSC 6 constantly train to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions. The mission set of the MH-60S includes anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, logistics support, personnel transport, humanitarian disaster relief, medical evacuation, support to Naval Special Warfare and organic airborne mine countermeasures. MH-60S helicopters are also equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and enable other operations for the carrier strike group.

“For over 60 years, HSC 6 has provided all-weather rotary wing operations to America’s Navy,” said Cmdr. Charles A. Chmielak, HSC 6’s commanding officer. “Whether it’s recovering the astronauts of Apollo 14 after they returned to Earth, or deploying around the world to preserve free and open sea lanes, our highly trained sailors have always answered the call, wherever and whenever the nation needs them.”

Serving in the Navy means Ramirez is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national security through our mission of protecting the waters and making a global impact,” said Ramirez. “We’re the shore patrol. We monitor and watch the seas to make sure they remain free and safe for all.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

Ramirez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest naval accomplishment is receiving my Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” said Ramirez. “I was on the USS Essex when there was a fire. I was fighting it for more than two hours, so it was nice to be recognized for that hard work.”

As Ramirez and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“To me, serving in the Navy means developing a personal relationship with myself,” added Ramirez. “I’ve noticed that I’ve become more disciplined and started to think of myself as an adult.”

Grand Rapids Auto Gallery, the Gilmore become a resource for movie cars for Metro Cruise

The WKTV crew utilizes the Gilmore Museum as a 1930’s car showroom.

By WKTV Staff
tom@wktv.org

As part of its coverage for the 28th Street Metro Cruise, WKTV Community Media is creating three short films directed by regional filmmakers whose mission was simple:  take six minutes telling a narrative film story about classic cars and classic design. All three projects, which are now nearing completion in production and moving through various stages of post production, covered the breadth of some of the most fabulous steel and iron to roll off American assembly lines.

In the course of producing the films, WKTV was charged with sourcing many of the classics for the film productions. Those cars included a 1954 Buick Century convertible in daffodil yellow from the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery along with a 1938 Ford Cabriolet.

The GR Auto Gallery loans a 1938 red Ford Cabriolet for the proper setting in front of the Civic Auditorium.

“While the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery acts as a consignment dealer for classic cars, they were generous with loaning us three vehicles from their collection,” said Tom Norton, the series producer, including a 1958 white Corvette with a red interior that appeared on WKTV’s Metro Cruise coverage in 2019.

  
Another resource came from the Gilmore Car Gollection near Galesburg, Michigan.

“The Gilmore is such a treasure regionally and they were just wonderful,” Norton said. “When the script for one of the films called for an Auburn dealership from the 1930s, they were able to provide the entire set filled with shiny, gorgeous Auburn classics from the thirties.  Just…wow!”

Ella Campbell from East Kentwood High School participated in the production as a script supervisor.


One hurdle for the three films was arranging period wardrobe. WKTV called on two resources, the Grand Rapids Civic Theater and Wyoming High School’s theater department and both were able to assist in outfitting characters from the 1930s, 1950s and 1980s.

The crew films the eighties short film “Drive” for Metro Cruise.

The first film in the Metro Cruise series is called “Drive” and features a 1980s theme. The film takes place on a drag strip and, directed by WKTV volunteer Kyle Misak, stars from “American Idol” Margie Mays as a mechanic working on a drag strip with homage to all 1980s vehicles. The six minute music video took six days for Misak and his crew to shoot.

Margie Mays from “American Idol” stars in the eighties Metro Cruise film “Drive.”

The second film, directed by GVSU professor John Philbin called “No Trip for Biscuits,” takes place in the 1930s and follows the philosophy of legendary designer Gordon Buehrig of the great Dusenberg classics.  The short film features cameo appearnances by “Carol Lombard” and “Gary Cooper” and was filmed at the Gilmore Museum and in front of the 1930s facade of the old Civic Auditorium.


“What we loved about this project,” Norton said, “was that all of the filmmakers pulled out all the stops in terms of their creativity and resourcefulness to make these three period films happen. And of course, the classic auto community from GR Auto Gallery to the Gilmore provided serious lift as well.”

Grand Rapids Auto Gallery donated the use of this 1954 Buick Century for the Metro Cruise film “Horizon.”

The last of the films’ “Horizon” which takes place during the 1950s and combines the design of the classic fifties vehicles with the civil rights struggles of the day, is just going into post production. All three films will be available on WKTV and on the station’s video on demand service this fall.   

Hauntings of America’s deadliest school attack that took place in Bath, Michigan

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters


The Bath Consolidate School in 1927. (Wikipedia)

It was a Wednesday morning May 18, 1927, just about fifteen minutes after the start of the last day of the year at Bath Consolidated School. An alarm clock sounds in the basement of the North Wing, triggering a chain reaction of predetermined madness that still echoes through time, 94 years later. The Bath school massacre remains the deadliest school disaster in American history, ultimately resulting in the appalling loss of some 38 grade school children and six adults with at least 58 others, suffering disfiguring injuries.

 

A combination of hundreds of pounds of dynamite and pyrotol, a World War I explosive designed to cause a fiery blast, had been packed under the school floor with the apparent intent to destroy the entire school and kill everyone in it. However, it’s estimated that between 500 and 600 lbs. of explosives hidden in the South Wing did not detonate due to the initial blast causing a short circuit. It’s reported the bomb could be heard several miles away. Mothers were among the many who came running to the scene of unspeakable carnage and were met with a “muffled chorus of moans and screams, and cries for help” from under the rubble.

Sometimes, extraordinary circumstances surrounding a person’s death can lead to unrest. Murder, suicide, and war can serve as devices cutting lives short and leaving “unfinished business.” It’s theorized that death can come so quickly that a person becomes confused and doesn’t even know they are dead, resulting in haunting spirits. Wishing peace for the families, the living and dead. One such case is the documented evidence that paranormal author and investigator Kathleen Tedsen has that links to the ghost of a little girl, a former student who died during the Bath massacre.

A monument in honor of the victims of the Bath massacre. (Wikipedia)

Ben Goldman, of Afterlife Road Paranormal, probably knows more details of the Bath disaster than most people. While attending Michigan State University, Goldman did a capstone documentary on the Bath School massacre. Goldman heads up a team of MSU students and paranormal investigators who produce Afterlife Road: A Haunted Michigan Webseries on YouTube. Goldman and crew have taken viewers on more than 100 seamless journeys to historic locations rumored to be haunted. Their documentary style finds them running and falling, and dropping the camera. You can cry with them at Bath Cemetery or be scared enough to scream during their 10- to 15-minute videos, perfect for your adult Halloween party.

Goldman was the first guest on our podcast to talk about haunted roads. Stories of 7 Gables Road — located in Dansville and considered the most haunted road in Michigan — suggests if you hear a scream and you are the last one over the fence, you would die. There is a lady in white at this location, which appears to be a recurring phenomenon at several haunted roads.

 

Goldman was on Cryptic Frequencies and the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters podcast episodes, 12, 27, and 51.

Snapshots: Pretty lights and Labor Day fun

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.

32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt

John Ball IllumiZoo Hues (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Pretty Lights

John Ball Zoo’s IllumiZoo Wild Hues opens this weekend at John Ball Zoo. During a sneak peek, our group got to tour the grounds and check out some of the amazing lights that literally transform the zoo into a mystical, magical place. Make sure to check it out. The show is open through Nov. 14 and we learned that the light displays do change as the season moves closer to Halloween. (No scary staff.) Check out the story by clicking here.

Ready, set, write

Write Michigan has returned! Writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens, adults and Spanish language (12 and younger). Winning entries will be published and receive cash prizes. Entries need to be submitted by Nov. 30. For more information visit www.writemichigan.org.

Labor Day in Belding

This weekend, especially Monday, is not just a three-day weekend but an opportunity to recognize the contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. This weekend, the community of Belding will be hosting a Labor Day celebration, Sept. 3 – 6. Centered around an eighties theme, the four-day event features parades, games, karaoke, fireworks, a talent competition and an 80s beer tent. For complete details, visit www.beldinglaborday.org.

Fun Fact: They Took a Seat

“I am confident that when it is all over with there will be a better understanding between employer and employee and better still conditions will be improved under which men and women labor and live.” Former Michigan Governor Frank Murphy

In 1936, GM employees at Flint’s GM Fisher Number One Plant lead a 44-day sit-in that would become the most important strike in American history because it changed the United Automobile Workers (UAW) from a collection of isolated individuals into a major union, ultimately leading to the unionization of the United States automobile industry. GM did not receive the support it had hoped from state officials including the governor with local officials unable to move the workers out. On Feb. 11, 1937, with GM’s production severely crippled, the strike came to an end with an agreement that gave birth to the UAW. 

Veterans Council seeks nominations for three awards

Harold Mast discusses the three awards that the United Veterans Council of Kent County are seeking nominations for. Deadline is Sept. 14.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


Recently, the United Veterans Council of Kent County expanded its annual awards from one to three.

 

The organization will continue with its Veteran of the Year Award but has also added two new awards, Association Member of the Year and Raising Up Veterans, which is a non-veteran award.The Council is seeking nominations for these awards with the deadline being Sept. 14.

The purpose for the expansion, according to Harold Mast, who is serving as the UVCKC spokesperson for the awards, is to recognize and show appreciation for what veterans have done and are now doing outside of the service to their country.


“I think it is a very important thing for our community to recognize veterans,” Mast said. “Particularly today and in the past couple of weeks or last several weeks, recognizing what the military has done, what the military is going through and how much our citizens rely on the military for.”

The Veteran of the Year Award is presented to a veteran who is dedicated to helping veterans and goes beyond what is expected. It is not what the veteran did during their service but rather what they have done after that service. Mast said, who used the the 2019 award recipient as an example. Bob Green, a veteran living in Kentwood, has done a lot for AMVETS and has been instrumental in recognizing veterans, especially those in nursing homes, through pinning ceremonies.

The new Association Member of the Year Award is similar to the Veteran of the Year, but focuses on the Council’s associate group’s such as veteran organizations’ auxiliary groups. The Raising Up Veterans is for those non-veteran residents who help with programs and other veteran-related activities.

Mast said the Council puts out a call for nominees and then the member veteran organizations of the UVCKC nominate candidates who are then blind judge by a panel. The recipient of the award is announced at the Council’s Oct. 23 banquet.

All nominees must be a resident of Kent County and need to be nominated by a Council member organization. Mast said many of the council organizations are willing to work with any resident interested in nominating someone for an award. To nominate a person, Mast said he recommends residents visit the UVCKC website, www.UVCKC.org, where the nomination forms are available along with a list of member organizations. Residents may also contact Mast at hamast@comcst.net.

 

TheUnited Veterans Council has been serving Kent County for more than 70 years by hosting such events as the Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades, supporting Gold Star mothers, and erecting and maintaining the monuments in Veterans Park. The Council is formed from groups such s the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Fleet Reserve Association, Marine Corps League, Order of the Purple Heart, and DAV, just to name a few. 

From dogs to lemons, three KDL librarians ready to take on your questions in new podcast

From the left, Courtney Moyses, Emily Bantel, and Jill Anderson, from the KDL Stump the Librarians podcast (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


What is the most popular dog breed? How do worms die if they can survive getting cut in two? What exactly is the hardest rock of them all?

These are just some of the questions that librarians Emily Bantel, from the KDL Tyron Township branch, and Courtney Moyses, from the KDL Gaines and Kentwood branches, tackle in the new podcast “Stump the Librarian.” They twosome get help from the librarian “behind the curtain” Jill Anderson, from the KDL Wyoming branch.

Check out the first Stump the Library podcast by clicking here.

“I was researching possible podcasts we could do to help showcase the KDL podcast,” Moyses said. “I wanted to do something more than just read a book.”

Moyses said she also wanted to find a way to engage the library users as well. From that, the group began to develop “Stump the Librarian” podcast.

In each episode, the librarians present two to three questions asked by users. In the inaugural podcast, the group tackles the questions “What is the most popular dog breed in all the different countries?” and “How do you best take care of a dog?” Along with being on the KDL website, the podcast episodes can also be found on Spotify and Podbean.

 

For those who want to learn more about the topic, they can head over to the KDL website and check out the blog post section. Also, WKTV will be posting “Stump the Librarian” episodes along with the book suggestions. 

Residents interested in trying to “Stump the Library,” can visit the blog site, kdl.org/stump, to send in a question or find forms at their local KDL branch.

So what questions have stumped the librarians? Well, none yet, but Moyses said she is certain it is only a matter of time.

Photo of the Week: Outfitting Galewood

Galewood Outfitting Company (Grand Rapids Public Museum)

This week’s photo comes from the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s collections. This was the Galewood Outfitting Company, which was once located in the heart of the Galewood District, which was located along Burton Street, west of Clyde Park Ave. SW, centering on Godfrey Avenue. The Galewood Outfitting Company, later known as the Galewood Home Furnishings, was once located at 1038-1044 Burton St. SW, which is now vacant property.

Get ‘illuminated’ on the connections of nature in John Ball Zoo’s returning light show

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


The John Ball Zoo will once again be washed in sound and light as it brings back the popular “IllumiZoo.”

Offered for the first time last year, “IlluniZoo” is a nighttime journey through John Ball Zoo where guests stroll through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched in light and sound. The striking spectacle cycles through creative imagery, music-synchronized animal displays, and animated motifs of moving light.

 

The hues of natures are captured in this year’s IllumiZoo production. (Supplied)

“We are excited to continue creating unique experiences to tell the important story of conservation and bring the community together,” said John Ball Zoo Chief Development and Community Engagement Officer Kelli Smith.

 

Opening Sept. 3 and running through Nov. 14, this year’s “IllumiZoo” theme will be “Wild Hues,” with the many hues of color reflecting the “hues” of species and environments throughout the world. Each have their own unique colors, traits, and stories to tell. The survival of many of these species and enrichments are in jeopardy, with more than 16,000 animal species facing endangerment and extinction in the world.

“‘IllumiZoo Wild Hues’ is an illuminated message about our commotion to each other and our environment, and the power each of us possess to make a positive change in our world,” Smith said

This year’s display will tell the conservation stories by creating illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places. These connections will showcase how we are connected to the land, the water, the air, the trees and all the animals, big and small, with the power to make a positive change in the world.

This year’s pathway will be in the opposite direction of last year’s path and will travel into new areas of the zoo. Returning favorites from last year will be the “fobbles,” the interactive storytelling LED walls, and the Fluorescent Flower Field (formerly the fairy garden).

 

One of the new features to this year’s IllumiZoo is the oversized “campfire.” (Supplied)

New this year, will be an oversized “campfire” With digital embers flickering with color. Colorful animated animal footprints and lush greet leaves will illuminate the trail reacting to visitors steps. The “invisible” animals will also speed up and run away when guests get too close to their footprints. The night sky will also be illuminated with animal constellations, and more.

“We are thrilled to partner with John Ball Zoo again this year,” said Braden Graham, vice president of operations and client services, live events at Bluewater Technologies, which has designed and created the show. “Look for a slightly longer path and new interactive A/V and lighting elements as we bring the grounds of the Zoo to life at night.”

Tickets are $20/adults, $13/children ages 3-12, and free/children 2 and under. Time ticketing will vary as sunset times change. Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee dates and times. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org/tickets.

John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Avenue, one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call 616-336-4301, or email info@jbozoo.org.

Construction set to begin this fall at Gezon Park

The north entrance of Gezon Park, which is located off of 52nd Street. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


Next summer, area residents could be enjoying a new splash pad as construction is set to start this fall on Gezon Park.

At its Aug. 16 meeting, the Wyoming City Council awarded the bid for the phase one development of the park to Katerberg Inc, which has worked on the redevelopment of Ideal Park and Jackson Park. The amount for the project is $2,091,500.

“The redevelopment of Gezon Park increases our ability to equitably provide for recreation and leisure services to a significant, highly populated area of our community,” said Director of Community Services. “We continue to work to invest in our community and our residents through projects like Gezon Park.”

The current playground at Gezon Park, located near the 52nd Street. (WKTV)

Purchased in 1966 for the city’s water system, Gezon Park is 94.04 acres located between Gezon Parkway and 52nd Street. The park has entrances on both streets. It borders a densely populated residential area of the community which includes multi-family and single-family homes. The southernmost portion of the park has been developed as an athletic complex featuring baseball, softball, and football fields. The northernmost portion has been developed with a small shelter, playground, and basketball court.

Through extensive input from the community, a master plan for the park was created and approved in 2018 by the City Council. This plan includes expanded parking on the south end and more modern recreational amenities in both the north and south ends. The total cost for the entire project is around $6 million.

In 2020, the council authorized an agreement for professional services with Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio and Fishbeck to prepare construction drawings and bid materials for the first phase of the expansion. That first phased will include a large-scale splash pad, expanded parking, restrooms, and shelter on the southend of the park located off of Gezon Parkway. These items will be placed closer to the existing trail head and gravel parking area with no impact on the current baseball and football fields. The first phase improvements also include walking and biking paths that will provide expanded pedestrian and bike connection to the Metro Health Village and the M-6 bike trails, which are both located across the street from the park on Gezon Parkway.


“We’re excited to bring the ideas of residents to reality,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “The redevelopment fo Gezon Park has been highly anticipated by our community.”

In the master plan. the central area of the park has generally remained unchanged. In a later phase, the north end of the park will have a play area, restroom, pickle ball and basketball courts.

 

The pedestrian and bicycle paths at Gezon Park will be expanded to the Metro Health Village and M-6 trails. (WKTV)

Funding for the Gezon Park is through the Library Maintenance Millage. In 2017, the city residents approved re-allocating about .16 of the .39 library maintenance millage to help with park improvements. The nearly $800,000 per year raised is used to pay a 15-year bond of $4.4 million. The bond money was dedicated to four parks: Ferrand, Ideal, Jackson, and Gezon.

 

Ferrand, a pocket park located off Byron Center Avenue, was completed in 2018. Ideal Park, the city’s oldest park which had sustained damage from tornadoes and flooding, was completed in 2020. Jackson Park, located next to Wyoming Intermediate School and also had a splash pad added, was reopen in 2021. 

The city is expected to open up the process for resident input on the future of Marquette Park, the city’s most northern park located at 1251 Marquette SW. Rynbrandt said the city is looking for information from residents on what they want to see at Marquette Park, whether they would like to keep it in its natural state or see a splash pad, pavilions or other amenities.

Holland Home expands with third assisted living building at Breton campus

Recently, Holland Homes expanded its Breton Woods campus, located in Kentwood, to add a new 15-bed assisted living unit. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org


Demand for senior living services drove Holland Home to undergo a $5.5 million expansion project at its Breton Woods campus on 44th Street near Breton Avenue in Kentwood. Completed recently, the new facility will provide an innovative 19,000 SF, 15-bed assisted living unit and a 5,400-square-foot activity center with a gym and exercise area.

The privately funded single-story assisted living unit will be a much-needed addition to the two existing assisted living buildings on the Breton Campus. Each of the existing structures, built in 2015 and 2017 respectively, contain 15-bed units.

“The growth of our assisted living services at Breton Woods is part of Holland Home’s overall strategy to meet the needs of our aging population,” said Holland Home President & CEO Mina Breuker. 

The facility was designed by Post Architects with Erhardt Construction as the builder.

“We are thrilled to partner with Holland Home on their most recent addition to the Breton Woods Campus,” said Taggart Town, vice president, Erhardt Construction. “For over three decades, Erhardt Construction has been privileged to work with Holland Home as they provide independent living and continuum of care to the West Michigan senior community. The new expansion is another example of the top-notch senior living and care that Holland Home is known for.”

It’s expected that 10 to 15 new positions will be created to accommodate the increased capacity.

A peek into one of the living spaces at the new facility. (Supplied)

“We are excited to offer the additional assisted living building to our Breton Woods property, adding to our full continuum of care,” said Breton Woods Campus Executive Director Sara Heethuis, R.N., B.S.N.

The new assisted living building is a deinstitutionalized version of the typical assisted living facility and will afford residents the feeling of living in a real home with spacious private rooms and private bathrooms arranged around a communal dining and living area and a residential style kitchen.  The building will also house a den, a salon (staffed by professionals) a spa (with a ceiling lift to assist individuals), nurses’ station, staff office and clean and soiled linen rooms.

The new 15-bed unit is named “Water View” as the interior design offers various art pieces centered on serene water setting. Various photographs of water-based concepts by West Michigan photographer and artist Steven Huyser-Honig line the halls and rooms. Many of the rooms either face woods or ponds or an outside patio and walking path surrounded by wildlife.

The new building will be staffed by universalworkers along with nursing and social work support. 

 

“Staff will handle any necessary tasks whether it is dealing with personal care, doing laundry, or making the resident a snack,” adds Heethuis. “It has been shown that universal workers experience less job stress and spend more time engaging with residents.”

A study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has shown that the small, assisted living model results in significantly improved quality of life and does not compromise care.  In fact, other studies have shown that residents maintained self-care abilities longer with the new model.

 

The Breton rehabilitation and living centers are rated five stars by Medicare Compare. The facility is part of Holland Home’s Breton Campus, which also features independent living facilities, rehabilitation and long-term care services. Learn more atwww.hollandhome.org.

Kent County now ‘high’ COVID risk, Wyoming, Kentwood schools issue mask mandates

Kentwood Public Schools and Wyoming Public Schools have announced a mask mandate for the start of the school year.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the level of COVID-19  infection to ‘high’ from ‘substantial’ for Kent County with the recommendation that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face mask in indoors.

The CDC defines ‘high’ transmission as more than 100 cases per 100,000 people, or a positivity rate of 10 percent or greater in the past seven days. Kent County currently has a seven-day positivity rate of 8.4 percent and seven-day average for new caess is 103 per 100,000. 

“Vaccines remain our best tool for ending this pandemic so we continue to urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, “With the delta variant spreading quickly throughout our community, we must remain vigilant and take extra steps in protecting our friends, family, and neighbors.”

Yesterday, Kentwood Public Schools became the second school district in Kent County to issue a mask mandate starting in the fall. In an open letter to the community. Superintendent Kevin Polsten said that as of Aug. 17 (the date of the letter), 41% of students ages 17-12 have been vaccinated with 67% 16 and older in the Kentwood community having been vaccinated.

Following suit today was the Wyoming Public Schools which announced that based on the latest guidance by the KCHD and the CDC announcement, the district would be requiring masks for all ore-12 students and staff indoors in all district buildings regardless of age or vaccination status.

Grand Rapids Public Schools issued a similar mask mandate earlier this week. Forest Hills Public Schools announced earlier this week that students and staff not vaccinated will be required to wear masks.

London has not issued a mask mandate from the Kent County Health Department, but in a video released, he stated he “highly recommend” people wear masks in indoor places.

The Kent County Health Department with the CDC recommends the following guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

Get vaccinated

Wear a mask or face coverage in all indoor public settings, regardless or vaccination status

Practice good hand washing hygiene

Avoid large crowds and maintain social distance from people outside of your household

Get test if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Due to the current risk classification and positivity rate, an eviction moratorium from CDC now covers Kent County. Tenants with high or substantial transmission who meet income requirements, face a loss of income, are trying to pay rent and submit a declaration form to their landlord, are covers by the moratorium through Oct. 3, 2021. However, residents should remember that there is no moratorium for property taxes.

‘Take Me to the ballpark’ for live theater

The LMCU Ballpark will be transformed into a stage for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. (Public Domain)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will again collaborate with LMCU Ballpark to host live theater at the ballpark in August. Broadway at the Ballpark is scheduled for Aug. 27 and 28 with shows at 7 p.m. each night.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre back to the ballpark this year,” said Dan Morrison, VP of Sales for the West Michigan Whitecaps. “This event will once again provide an opportunity for guests to get an up-close look at our field and will offer amazing entertainment for baseball and theatre fans alike.”

 

The 2021 event will feature world-class entertainment and bigger and better entertainment experiences for all ages. The concert will feature Broadway favorites performed by Civic Theatre actors. This year, the event will also include more musical numbers, greater seating capacity, and an expanded selection of food and beverage, including beer and wine.

 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth aged 3-15. Children 3 and under are free. Guests will bring their own chairs be seated in the outfield of LMCU Ballpark. Gates will open at 5:30 pm, and a special performance from the cast of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of the musical Once will take place from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Tickets go on sale July 7th and will be available online and at the LMCU Ballpark box office.

 

Civic Theatre is returning to regular live performance after the pandemic closed their doors for nearly 18 months. As the company prepares for its 2020-2021 season in September, Civic Theatre returns to the ballpark for another outdoor show.

“After what’s been a very challenging year, we are so excited to return to LMCU Ballpark again in 2021,” said Ben Greene, Director of Marketing and Engagement for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. “With fewer pandemic restrictions in place, we are planning to make this experience even more enjoyable for our guests this year.”

 

“Broadway at the Ballpark”was born after both Civic Theatre and the West Michigan Whitecaps were forced to cancel regular programming in 2020 due to the pandemic. The inaugural event was a hit among guests, and both parties agreed to host the event again in 2021.

VIP packages will be available for purchase for the event for $150. The packages include a table for up to four guests, early entry, VIP parking, and an all-you-can-eat meal plan in the General RV Campground.

“We are always looking for ways to strengthen our community partnerships and offer unique and fun experiences in West Michigan,” Morrison added. “We hope that even more families choose to make ‘Broadway at the Ballpark’ a part of their summer plans this year.” 

Snapshots: A community clean-up, a history lesson, and butterflies

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

Poet Robert Frost

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming: Time to Purge

This Saturday, Wyoming residents have the opportunity to participate in the citywide Community Clean Up Day. Residents, with proof of residency, may bring items, free of charge for most items, to Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW. Hazardous waste will not be accepted this year. The site will be open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and participants must be in line by 1:30 p.m to drop off items. For more information, visit wyomingmi.gov/cleanup.

Photo taken by Tom Schillaci of Muskegon (WMTA)

Make Your Vote Count

Voting is now open for the West Michigan Photo Contest hosted by the West Michigan Tourist Association. More than 1,800 photos were submitted to the competition with WMTA narrowing down the photos to the top 50. Now Michigan residents have the chance to vote on who will be the winners. The top 50 photo entries are posted in a photo album on the West Michigan Facebook page, also available at https://bit.ly/WestMIPhotoContest2021. Visitors to the photo album may cast votes for any photos by “liking” or “reacting” to each photo. Votes may be cast for multiple photos. The winners will be announced on August 16.

 

Gary E. Mitchell as John Adams and Mary Beth Quillin as Abigail Adams in “My Dearest Friend.” (Photo by Scott Baisden)

The Original Adams Family

“My Dearest Friend,” the story of John and Abigail Adams, will run this weekend and next at the LowellArts, 223 W. Main St., Lowell. “My Dearest Friend,” written by local playwright Mary G. Kron, is based on the letters between John and Abigail Adams, played by Gary E. Mitchell and Mary Beth Quillin from GEM Theatrics. Prolific letter writers, the couple’s story is told through flashback as they witness the American Revolution and the birth of a nation. For tickets, call 616-897-8545.

Fun Fact: The Butterfly Files

Every year, the Monarch butterfly makes the 1,900-mile trip from Northern America to Mexico. One of its stop off points is Peninsula Point in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Many of the insects make a pit stop there before taking the long journey across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. The best time to see this “monarch madness”? Early September.