The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that a Backyard Stargazing virtual program will be offered to the public on Thursday, July 29, at 6 p.m., focused on the upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower.
Virtual visitors will journey to the depths of the universe, alongside the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium experts to learn about the characteristics of meteors, how to spot the Perseid Meteor Shower and more. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks in mid-August and is considered to be the best meteor shower of the year, frequently leaving long “wakes” of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth’s atmosphere. This year, the Perseid Meteor Shower will peak Sunday, Aug. 11, but will be visible for a few days before and after.
“We’re thrilled to continue offering virtual programming as an extension of the Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium experience,” said GRPM’s Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske. “Our team strives to create engaging science programming for all ages to enjoy, that prompts them to continue their quest for knowledge about science and space exploration.”
Backyard Stargazing Meetups are only $2 for GRPM members and $4 for the general public. One ticket link is needed per household. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Tickets can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Calendar.
Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation.
This summer, both the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Art Museum explore America’s culture — from pop to folk — through different lenses.
Grand Rapids Public Museum: POPnology and Pollinators
The Grand Rapids Public Museum takes a futuristic approach to American culture with its “POPnology” summer exhibit along with giving visitors a ground view of the life of pollinators in “Amazing Pollinators.”
“This summer, you won’t want to miss these two exciting additions to the experience at the Grand Rapids Public Museum,” said Kate Kocienski, the Public Museum’s vice president of marketing and public relations. “Great for all ages, these exhibits will entertain while teaching about nature, science, technology and engineering.”
A featured item in the “POPnology” exhibit is the DeLorean time machine car from “Back to the Future.” (GRPM)
“POPnology” is three floors of exhibit space featuring the DeLorean time machine, androids, and extraterrestrials from far-away galaxies and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and see how technology has been featured in movies, books, television, art, and created by futurists. Four featured areas explore science and technology in everyday lives, where we’ve been, and where we’re going: How We Play, How We Connect, How We Move, and How We Live and Work.
Among the highlights of the “POPnology exhibit are:
Local Motors showcasing the Strati, the world’s first 3D printed car
Two interactive state of the art game that allow you to explore our fascination with the red planet – the Mars Rocket Builder and Mars Lander
Virtual projection games
Futuristic musical instrument technology
Jetpack from Disney’s “The Rocketeer”
Autopia car from Disney World’s Tomorrowland
Artistic renderings from visual futurists who created the look of such movies as “Blade Runner,” “Star Wars,” “Alien”
Moving from futuristic to the real world, “Amazing Pollinators” is a bilingual and playable maze that has hundreds of interactive flowers spread across nine environments like lotus flowers in the rain forest, saguaro cactus in the desert, and moon flowers glowing in the black lit night room.
Visitors explore the “Amazing Pollinators” exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (GRPM)
In the maze, visitors take on 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. There are six missions for each group that increase in complexity and difficulty, putting players in the shoes of different species like the hibiscus bee, soldier beetle or ruby-throated hummingbird.
Both exhibits will be available through the summer season. Tickets for “POPnology” are $5/person and $3/GRPM member and are in addition to general admission to the Museum. “Amazing Pollinators” is included in the general admission. Kent County residents receive discounted admission to the Public Museum, including free general admission every day for Kent County kids ages 17 and under.
Advance ticket purchase is required before visiting the museum. Visitors are required to wear masks properly during the duration of their visit. For social distancing guidelines and other information, visit grpm.org.
Cotton, with pencil quilt by Jessie B. Telfair (1913–1986), 1983; Jessie B. Telfair, (1913–1986); Freedom Quilt; 1983; Textile; Quilt; Cotton, with pencil; 74 x 68; American Folk Art Museum; Parrott, Georgia, United States; 2004.9.1
Grand Rapids Art Museum: American Perspectives
More than 80 American folk art objects, spanning from paintings and pottery to quilts, needlework, and sculpture, are on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum through Aug. 28.
“‘American Perspectives’ offers our visitors a chance to look at America through the eyes and experiences of folk artists,” said GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. “The diversity of experience and perspective is what strengthens our community, and we look forward to sharing a platform for stories that have often been untold throughout history.”
“American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection” is organized into four sections: Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers. Within each of these sections are themes of nationhood, freedom, community, imagination, opportunity, and legacy.
Many of the works in the exhibit present the perspectives of groups that are largely unseen in museums, such as enslaved people, immigrants, and people with disabilities. It reinforces how many of our society’s current issues — immigration, political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and loss of personal liberties — have been a concern in the past and remain topics of significance today.
“‘American Perspectives’ include traditional art works like portraiture and landscape paint to more unexpected pieces like carousel figures, wood carvings, and dolls,” said GRAM Assistant Curator Jennifer Wcisel. “The craftsmanship and beauty of each work is remarkable, but what truly makes them come alive are the diverse stories behind them.
“From Felipe Archuleta who was unable to find work as a carpenter and began creating life-size animal sculptures to Jessie B. Telfair, a black cook in Georgia who created her ‘Freedom Quilt’ after being fired from her job when she tired to register to vote — I hope visitors will find stories that relate to their won lives and the social and political issues of the present.”
The exhibit is included with the general admission to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. For social distancing guidelines and other information, visit artmuseumgr.org.
As the summer heats up and people begin flocking to Great Lakes beaches, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to keep water and pier safety in mind.
Holding more than 20% of the world’s fresh water, the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems. These lakes reign supreme for many during warmer months, but they also are prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer. Adverse weather patterns can create dangerous rip and structural currents along piers and breakwalls, too. Crashing waves can create slippery surfaces and conditions strong enough to knock a person into the water.
“The DNR eagerly welcomes millions of visitors to Michigan state parks each summer,” said Sean Mulligan, Holland State Park manager. “Visitors should keep in mind that winds can come up quickly, changing conditions without warning, so always pay attention to the weather. The Great Lakes can become very dangerous, especially when waves get higher than 4 feet.”
Michigan has 20% of the world’s freest water. (Supplied)
Unfortunately, several emergencies and drownings have occurred along the beach and breakwall areas. Many of these incidents happened during red flag days when the wind and waves are strong with greater potential for dangerous rip currents.Of Michigan’s 100-plus state parks, 42 offer access to Great Lakes shoreline.
Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said the increase in accidents and drownings on the Great Lakes in recent years is especially troubling and clear evidence that greater public awareness is needed. In particular, Grand Haven, Holland, Ludington and Mears state parks are situated in locations where rip currents tend to build and recurring safety hazards are present.
“When it comes to protecting Michigan residents and visitors on the water, especially the Great Lakes, we cannot talk enough about safety, preparation and vigilant awareness,” Olson said.
New safety measures at Holland State Park
Holland State Park, situated along Lake Michigan, is one of Michigan’s most-visited sites and provides the main access to a popular pier that is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. More recently, the DNR and the local community have collaborated on additional ways to alert visitors to changing Great Lakes and pier conditions.
This past fall, Holland State Park staff collaborated with Park Township and The King Company to fund the installation of a gate on the pier adjacent to Holland State Park. The goal is to help save lives by restricting access during harsh weather and to reduce the number of people jumping off the pier, while still allowing people to fish from the pier when feasible. Generally speaking, the gate will be closed during the winter, when the red flags are flying and during night hours when the park is closed.
In addition, an electronic messaging board conveying beach conditions is located where visitors enter Holland State Park, and a new public address system will be used to update beachgoers as the beach warning flags are changed in response to weather conditions. Visitors also can view live beach conditions at CityOfHolland.com/645/MIHollandCAM via livestream video courtesy of the City of Holland and Biggby Coffee. Conditions are posted on the park’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/HollandStateParkMi.
More recently, the DNR and the Holland community have collaborated on additional ways to alert visitors to changing Great Lakes and pier conditions. (Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
River outlets and breakwalls
Dangerous currents can occur near the outlets of rivers and breakwalls, especially during times that water levels are higher.
For example, the mouth of the Big Sable River is located in Ludington State Park, but outside the designated swim area. In the past, swimmers have been swept out into Lake Michigan. This park also has installed an electronic bulletin messaging board at the entrance to the designated beach area to help alert visitors of current conditions.
In addition, swimmers should be aware of particularly dangerous structural currents that form along shoreline structures near breakwalls, such as in Mears State Park.
“When northwest winds appear, water is pushed to the shore causing dangerous currents along the north side of the pier,” said Chris Bush, lead ranger at Mears State Park. “People are often surprised that structures located in the Great Lakes can cause such powerful, and sometimes dangerous, currents.”
Using state park designated swim areas on the Great Lakes
Many, but not all, state parks on the Great Lakes offer designated swimming areas that are identified by buoys or buoys and markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Water depth will be inspected approximately every 14 days and underwater obstacles will be posted or marked. You may also find other designated swim areas in areas other than state parks.
Check the flag upon arrival and be sure to monitor it throughout the day because conditions can change rapidly.
Green flag = Go. Enter the water but stay aware of changing conditions.
Yellow flag = Caution. Watch for dangerous currents and high waves.
Red flag = Stop. Stay on the beach; do not enter the water and do not swim.
There are no beach guards at state parks , so please never swim alone and keep close watch of children. Stay within arm’s reach and make sure all kids wear life jackets.
If there is an emergency, immediately call 911. At Holland and Grand Haven state parks, use the nearest red zone number boards (located on the beach) to help relay your location as accurately as possible.
State park designated swim areas have lifesaving flotation device and equipment. Remember the safety equipment on the beach or pier is for emergency use only; using this equipment for anything else is against the law.
Keep these additional cautions in mind when enjoying time in and around the Great Lakes:
Currents near piers can be extremely hazardous. Pay attention to the buoys marking the designated swim areas; swimming outside of the marked swim zones can be dangerous and should be avoided.
During certain weather conditions, the force of water and waves crashing over the surface can easily wash someone off a structure; always monitor the beach flag warning system.
Before leaving home, learn about the types of Great Lakes currents and how to escape them.
Check local weather reports and lake conditions before and during your beach trip.
Nondesignated swim areas on the Great Lakes
Visitors in areas without designated swim beaches should use extreme caution because they will not have the benefit of the beach flag warning system or the visual cautions of buoys that mark water depth and other obstacles.
More smart safety water tips
When swimming or boating in any body of water – whether the Great Lakes, inland lakes or slow-moving rivers and streams – make safety your first priority. Never swim alone, always keep close watch of children and bring U.S. Coast-Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.
When boating, have life jackets available for everyone on the vessel, leave a float plan with someone on shore, stay alert and carry a cell phone or marine radio. Such planning goes for those on personal watercraft like Jet Skis and paddle boards, too. Learn boating safety.
More info
Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety to learn about the beach flag warning system, how to escape rip currents and more.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is announcing several pop-up vaccination clinics, including one in Kentwood, in honor of the Juneteenth Holiday and to take further steps to end the grip of the pandemic on the African American community. County officials said they celebrate Juneteenth but also wanted to pause to recognize the lives that have been lost in the last year and encourage county residents to get the shot.
“Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic put many Juneteenth celebrations on hold,” said Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson. “As we return to community celebrations, we are reminded that African Americans have suffered significant outcomes from the pandemic and that many of our community leaders are still working hard to drive down racial disparities in COVID-19 and increase vaccination rates.”
In Kent County, Black youth, and young adults ages 16-49 have lower vaccine rates than other racial or ethnic groups. Data also shows vaccine disparities in urban areas of the county that are occupied more heavily by African Americans. These disparities remind us that social, economic and environmental inequities result in adverse health outcomes and we will continue to work collaboratively to eliminate disparities and increase access to vaccinations across Kent County.
“We hope that people who are not familiar with the history of Juneteenth will take time to learn about this day and why it is so important,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter. “On this day of hope, healing and restoration, we want to make the COVID-19 vaccine readily available to community members who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but getting the vaccine is a great start to getting us all back to normal.”
The Kent County Health Department will offer free vaccinations at three separate events:
Date: June 17
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: Kent County Health Department South Clinic ∙ 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE ∙ Kentwood, MI 49508
Details: No appointment needed; walk-ins welcome
Date: June 18
Time: Noon – 2 p.m.
Location: Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church Parking Lot ∙ 514 Eastern SE ∙ Grand Rapids, MI ∙ 49507
Details: No appointment needed; walk-ins welcome
Date: June 19
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Dickenson Buffer Park ∙ 1635 Willard SE ∙ Grand Rapids, MI ∙ 49507
Details: No appointment needed; walk-ins welcome
Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for anyone 12 years and older and will be available at all three clinics. Residents ages 12-15 years old must have a parent or guardian present. Residents ages 16-17 years old may present a permission note from a parent or guardian but must have a driver aged 18 years or older present.
In addition to the vaccine, masks and hand sanitizer will be available free of charge at each clinic location.
“We hope our unvaccinated community members will come to our clinics, get vaccinated, and help protect themselves, their loved ones, friends, and neighbors,” concluded Chair Bolter.
“Obligating yourself with debt is borrowing against your future income, be careful, that obligation can cause big problems when you retire.” Dave Stanley
Unless your parents made some weird deal with the hospital, you were probably born kicking and crying but debt-free. In a perfect universe, you would have remained that way, spending most of your life as solvent as possible. Then you would skip blissfully into retirement without being shackled to a boatload of debt. You’d have a million in your 401k, maxed out life insurance policies, and guaranteed income from annuities.
The reality, however, is a lot different for most pre-retirees and retirees. Life has its’ own plans, and sometimes it goes off the rails a bit. Even the best-planned people can end up underwater, sideways, and paying lots of unexpected bills. According to financial researchers, more than 41 % of Boomer retirees have credit card debt, and another 35% have car loans with balances over $14,000. Many older retirees also carry debt into retirement, although the number is substantially less.
How can debt impact retirement?
You may be thinking, “So, why is having debt so terrible? I have cash flow from my retirement accounts that I can use to pay it. Is it that much of a problem?
The answer to those questions, unfortunately, is “Yes.” Many retirees discover that having a lot of debt when you no longer work means having a more stressful, hand-to-mouth existence that could last 30 or more years after leaving the workplace.
Even worse, debt might be the tipping point that causes some retirees to run out of money long before they die. Having a lot of debt significantly constricts cash flow, making it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain emergency funds, pay for vacations and leisure activities, and pay for out-of-pocket health care costs and preventative medicine.
While many who are planning their retirements believe that having some money in the market will offset some of the problems created by debt, they forget that even historic market gains cannot offset high credit card rates. Often, we forget about the toll that anxiety over finances takes on our health and emotional well-being. Having debt hanging over one’s head can also cause various mental and physical ailments that could reduce life expectancy or require nursing home care.
How much debt is acceptable?
Those close to retirement are probably wondering how much debt they can bring with them and not feel too impacted. There are rules of thumb in the financial services industry that say you should have no more than 28% of your pre-tax household income servicing principle, insurance, interest, and taxes on a mortgage and no more than 36% of that income to consumer debt payments.
That’s while you are still drawing a paycheck.
In my opinion, when you retire, the numbers should be much, much more conservative. If you find yourself rapidly nearing retirement and saddled with debt, you may want to consider other options. To pay off debt and still keep saving for retirement, you might try working a few years past your ideal retirement age, getting a second job or part-time “gig,” selling off things you don’t want or need, or perhaps negotiating lower interest rates on loans.
In most cases, you want to pay the high-interest debts first and not worry as much about the mortgage, especially if you have a reasonable fixed rate and continue to get the mortgage interest tax deduction. If you don’t have an ideal rate, consider refinancing to shorter terms or lower interest rates.
The final word:
Because individual financial situations differ, the amounts of debt that can potentially impact retirements will be different for everyone. In general, though, it’s a good idea to pay off as many debts as possible before you decide to retire. If you are already retired or are about to, consult a competent retirement specialist to find debt reduction strategies that are best for you.
Dave Stanley is the host of Safe Money Radio WOOD1300 AM, 106.9 FM and a Financial Advisor and Writer at Integrity Financial Service, LLC, Grandville, MI 49418, Telephone 616-719-1979 or Register for Dave’s FREE Newsletter at 888-998-3463 or click this link: Dave Stanley Newsletter – Annuity.comDave is a member of Syndicated Columnists, a national organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management
The ice cream shop, currently called Debbie’s Twist-n-Shake, along Porter Avenue has been in the business for many decades. But the building originally was started as the office of Wilson & Chalmers Real Estate Company. This was the headquarters for all of the real estate subdivision development in the Wyoming Park area. The Wyoming Park name was created by Samuel H Wilson in 1910. The brick building became Dr. Vermuelen’s office in the late 1940s.
The older photo is that of the original wooden structure on the same site which served as the Wilson Real Estate Office and the local stop for the Grand Rapids-Holland Interurban Railroad. Pictured in the forefront is local resident Jonathan Augustine with Sam Wilson to the rear.
One of the Kent District Library’s beloved buddies, Curi, has decided to tour the local parks this summer. If you want to catch up to where he is, then you need to find him. KDL will provide clues to those participating in the Summer Wonder program a partnership between KDL and Kent County Parks Department. For more information about the Summer Wonder program, visit kdl.org.
Pollinators and POPnology
If the temperatures get too hot, then cool off at the Grand Rapids Public Museum which is featuring two new exhibits this summer, “POPnology” and “Amazing Pollinators.” “POPnology” combines pop culture and technology, showcasing how science fiction has become science fact. “Amazing Pollinators” is a maze that visitors follow taking 48 survival missions from eight different pollinator groups, including bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps. For more on the exhibits, visit grpm.org.
Big and Small
OR wander through the John Ball Zoo to visit the animals and check out the zoo’s latest BRICKLIVE exhibit, “Supersized!” featuring some of the word’s smallest creatures in large-than-life proportions. Or put it on the calendar to check out the next Adult Night Out series on Thursday which features brews from Wyoming’s own Two Guys Brewing. For more on the zoo, visit, jbzoo.org.
Fun Fact: Hey, Little Sister
We know that sometimes it can take a while to have family join you in the United States after immigrating here. For the Statute of Liberty, it took 136 years for her sister to finally make the trip. Wishing to emphasize the importance of the bonds between the United States and France, a group of French craft people created the nine-foot replica of the 181-foot one on Ellis Island. The statue is set to board a ship on June 19 to come to the United States. It will be on display for a short-time next to her ‘big sister’ in New York before heading to Washington D.C., where it will be on display for the next 10 years at the French embassy.
South West Michigan has a rich history when it comes to ghost stories, local urban legends, and paranormal folklore. Some investigating teams and authors are not content in just repeating unsubstantiated details and are on a mission to separate fact from fiction. Responsibly and collectively asking the questions, how many local legends are just myth and how many ghost stories are pure fabrication, is a lofty goal. Kathleen Rydel Tedsen and Todd Clements were previously highlighted as authors seeking the truth.
Two more names of paranormal authors that have emerged to the forefront as myth busters are the married couple Nicole (Bray) and the Reverend Robert Du Shane. The dynamic Du Shane duo has authored an impressive list of spooky books including; “Michigan’s Haunted Nightlife,” “Haunted History of Kalamazoo,” “Paranormal Lansing,” and also co-authored “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” with Julie Rathsack. “Ghosts of Grand Rapids” details the real truth of the often told Hell’s Bridge urban legend and uncovered the actual facts of the Michigan Bell Building and the Ada Witch legend. Through their research, the paranormal detectives discovered that the infamous villain of Hell’s Bridge never existed and there is no historical record of a mass murder of children.
Nicole and Robert Du Shane
One of Grand Rapids’ most sensational ghost stories revolves around the old Michigan Bell Building and the murder/suicide victims, Warren and Virginia Randall. Tedious research revealed the names and dates in this tragedy have been changed. Did an insanely jealous husband brutally bludgeon his wife to death with his wooden leg? The truth is in the book.
What of the Ada Witch legend? A secret love affair where a cheating wife, her lover, and her enraged husband all end up dead and have haunted the general area ever since. Although no one has been able to prove the grisly details of this legend, the story continues to spread as fact, resulting in disrespect of the dead and the senseless destruction of their final resting place.
The Du Shanes both grew up in homes that were haunted and have shared their paranormal interests for several years. Nicole formed the West Michigan Ghost Hunters Society and the Reverend Robert Du Shane founded WPARanormal Talk Radio, where the couple works together on these and other projects and, eventually, married one another. Each year the Du Shanes also host Ghosts of Grand Rapids Tour and Haunted History of Kalamazoo Tours. Check out these two living legends of the paranormal on WKTV Journal episode #33 of Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Podcast. The Du Shanes are scheduled to be on WKTV, The Whole Picture Podcast in August.
There is no part of the 49507 zip code that is in either the cities of Wyoming or Kentwood. On a map, it borders the two communities, but the 49507 neighborhood is located in the City of Grand Rapids.
But the borderlines can only be seen on a map with residents of the 49507 zip code as well as those from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood moving freely between their neighborhoods to live, work, play and even go to school.
“Every single morning, when I would drive in for our first classes at Godwin Heights High School, I would see students walking in from my neighborhood, from South Division and, even more south, to Godwin Heights High School,” said Marcel “Fable” Price, the executive director of The Diatribe, the organization that is working to change the narrative of the 49507 zip code through an anti-racist art project, which has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts along with a number of local organizations such as the Wege Foundation.
“When we were in the class and talking to students about where they live, there were students that lived by Kalamazoo and Eastern that were going to Godwin Heights High School,” Price said with The Diatribe teaching artist Foster “AutoPilot” chiming in “there were even students coming from as far as East Grand Rapids area to come to Godwin Heights.”
The result being is that there are many people who live in the 49507 zip code that are active in the Wyoming and Kentwood communities and who are directly impacted by what is taking place in the 49507 community.
Getting the conversation started for the 49507 Project was The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program offered at various high schools including Godwin Heights. (Supplied)
“So although this project is called the 49507 Project and people might go ‘Oh no that is not necessarily me,’ I think once we start to zoom out and go oh but these are our kids, but this is our community,” Price said.
What is taking place is the launch of the 49507 Project, a combination of student responses and community input that will shape murals to be painted by Black, brown and LGBTQ+ artists on the sides of predominantly seven Black- and brown-owned businesses that are located in the 49507 neighborhood.
The 49507 program started with The Diatribe’s Writing to Right Wrongs program, a partnership with the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan that teaches students about gentrification and redlining in neighbors, something that has happened in the 49507 area, according to Price.
“A lot of people moved to Wyoming and Kentwood over time because the City of Grand Rapids started to increase rent so much that it became inaccessible,” Price said. “So people moved next-door so they could start anew, could raise their families and afford to do so and that is something Wyoming and Kentwood has done so well.”
The next step in the 49507 Project, which will be taking place over the summer, will be five listening sessions, one of which will be in Spanish, Price said, adding that the reason for this is they want as many different voices from the community to be a part of the process. Artists will be there to soak in what residents are saying and from the Writing to Right Wrongs and the listening sessions, produce works that reflect the neighborhood.
This is “100-percent centered on the voices of the people who have something to say but for far too long have been ignored, “ Price said.
The goal is to have seven to 20 pieces of art that are “truly a reflection of the vibrance of the community” and that “kids could drive by and say, ‘I helped make that. My thoughts went into that,” he said.
Organizers hope that the 49507 Project will have a positive reach and if all goes well, may extend into the Wyoming and Kentwood communities. (Supplied)
Foster added that through the process, a web is built so that everybody is connected, everybody can respond and everybody has a voice and stake in the project. To encourage involvement, The Diatribe is paying people to be part of the listening sessions because “intellectual property has value and people should be paid for that value,” Price said.
Billboards about the project are scheduled to go up in July with the first murals being completed toward the end of August.
Both Foster and Price emphasized that people can still get involved in the project, whether they have roots in the 49507 area or not. People will be needed to canvass the community about their ideas and opinions to those willing to help scrape paint off the buildings in preparation for the murals. Financial contributions are also welcomed. To support the 49507 project, visit thediatribe.org/support.
But the biggest thing people could do is “just come and see the art,” Price said.
Having been open for almost 30 years, Williamson Employment Services, Inc., has been helping to fill staffing needs for area residents. A member of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization continues to build on its reputation for building endearing relationships with its client companies and its employees in order to find the perfect match.
Name of business: Williamson Employment Services, Inc., 3940 Broadmoor Ave. SE.
What is your business? Full service staffing, recruiting, and human resources.
How long has your business been operating? 29 Years
How did your business get started? Peg Williamson started Williamson in 1992 when she saw a need for a business that assisted people in finding the right job. Since opening the corporate office in St Joseph, Michigan, she opened our office in Kentwood in 1998, and another office in Niles, Michigan, which is now located in Mishawaka, Indiana. Her daughter and son-in-law, Judee and Jeff Hopwood, have owned and operated the company since 2012.
Why did you decide to locate your business in the Wyoming/Kentwood area? The previous owner, Peg, opened an office in Kentwood because she felt it had a good market for employment agencies.
What has been the greatest challenge for your business? In the most recent year, it has been finding candidates for our open positions. The pandemic has definitely played a huge part in that challenge.
What is the most popular product/item at your business/restaurant? Since we don’t offer an actual product, but instead a service, I would say entry level positions are the most sought out position that we assist with.
What is a Wyoming/Kentwood business you like to visit during your free time? Our staff frequently visit local businesses! A few worth mentioning would be The Candied Yam, Shanghai Ichiban, Woodland Mall, and Craig’s Cruisers. I’m sure there are many more worth listing as both cities are full of great businesses!
Hopes for 2021: Our hope for 2021 would be a shift in the candidate market. I know we are not the only business that is experiencing a serious need to fill vacancies, so our hope is that more candidates become available for work and seek employment assistance with our office.
This year, Kent District Library will take participants on a Summer Wonder journey of reading, learning and exploring through the great outdoors right here in Kent County. KDL has teamed up with Kent County Parks to bring patrons a spectacular summer of outdoor discovery, scavenger hunts, STEAM activities and lots of fun for everyone.
Participate in Summer Wonder by picking up a Summer Wonder Workbook at any KDL branch or signing up online at kdl.beanstack.org. It’s free and includes adventures and prizes for all ages. KDL is the perfect place to keep summer learning alive and growing.
“Summer Wonder is back with more outdoor adventures than ever before,” said KDL Branch Programming and Outreach Specialist Kris Vogelar. “If your kids think summer learning is boring, Summer Wonder will certainly prove them wrong!”
Summer Wonder is a great opportunity to limit the “summer slide” that negatively affects learning between the end and start of the traditional school year. Extensive research shows that children involved in summertime reading programs sponsored by public libraries are more likely to maintain their academic skills, and in many cases do better on standardized tests.
Grand Rapids Civic Associate Director Allyson Paris and Executive Director Bruce Tinker announced the 2021-2022 season for the company. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Associate Director Allyson Paris admitted she had quite a different feeling this morning than she did about year ago.
“It was definitely much more joyful,” Paris said. Joyful because today, June 1, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre announced its 2021-2022 season which includes “The Wiz,” the production that had to be canceled last spring due to the pandemic.
“We had just cast it and had to make that decision that we would not be moving forward with the show,” Paris said of the announcement that was made to the cast and volunteers in the spring of 2020. But with regulations changing daily as more people get vaccinated, the show will go on with most of the original casted actors and crew planning to return in the spring of 2022 for the production.
“There are going to be some changes as some of the original cast members will be away or at college,” Paris said, “but most of the original cast will be returning.
“The Wiz” will wrap Civic’s 2021-2022 season. (Supplied)
“That has been true for most of the our performers who were rehearsing and preparing and then everything just shutdown. It has been a waiting period to see if that show would return and if it fits into their schedule.”
Grand Rapids Civic there certainly has a schedule for its 96th season which includesthree shows from its scheduled 2020-2021 line up, “The Sound of Music,” “Shakespeare in Love, and “Dragons Love Tacos” along with “The Wiz,” which was originally part of the company’s 2019-2020 season.
The season will start off with the musical “Once” and is based on the 2007 film of the same name. It is a love story of “Guy” and “Girl” and centers around the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.” Civic will then feature the musical concert Black Bold and Beautiful: Onward Together, which Paris described as a celebration of African-American music. Wrapping up 2021, will be the award-winning musical “The Sound of Music,” a musical celebration of the lives of the Von Trapp family with such familiar hits as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Maria.”
Shakespeare finds his muse in the fun “Shakespeare in Love,” which kicks off 2022, followed by the children’s production “Dragons Love Tacos,” which is based off the popular Adam Rubin book. Because of the popularity of its “Ten for All” playwright competition this past February, Civic will again be hosting the competition in 2022.
“Sound of Music” will be Civic’s holiday offering. (Supplied)
Executive Director Bruce Tinker said there are still some variables in regards to health guidelines such as seating capacity and masks requirement for performers. But that aside, Tinker said it was an “honor” to announce the new season.
“After over a year of uncertainty surrounding our calendar, we truly feel this announcement and new season is a gift to ur community,” Tinker said. “We can’t thank them enough for their continued support and encouragement over the past year.”
As for the community excitement, Civic received 690 page views during its June 1 Facebook announcement and Paris said within a few minutes of the announcement, she had received three to four emails asking when auditions would be and who would be directing.
“It is joyful because It is much more of a return to normal,” Paris said of the announcement. “It is a celebration as we are are reminded that what we get to do is so special.”
Season tickets for both new and renewal will be on sale start Aug. 3 and individual tickets will go on sale starting Aug. 17. All season packages, such as Flex, will be available. For more information, visit tickets@grct.org or call 616-222-6650.
WKTV Journal recently welcomed into our studio Grand Valley State University professor Dr. Abdullah F. Alrebh for the premier episode of “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”.
This special WKTV Voices project will present video interviews, and online/print stories, covering a range of personal stories of the 9/11 attacks and their impact over the following two decades. After initial background interviews dealing with American Islamic history, global politics, and the current Islamic world, we will present the voices of local Muslim community leaders and, finally, Muslim American citizens, especially young people who grew up in the age of 9/11.
Dr. Alrebh’s field of study is in Sociology of Religion and Sociological Theory, and he has published a number of academic articles and essays focusing on religion, the Middle East and its social movements, and education.
He is also very knowledgeable about the Arabian Peninsula region and specifically Saudi Arabia — a country forever linked to the 9/11 terrorist attacks as the plan’s leader, Osama bin Laden, who was the initial leader of the pan-Islamic militant organization al-Qaeda, was a Saudi.
WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org.
Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce members meet in person for the first time at the May Third Friday Networking Luncheon. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
On May 21, the members of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce did something they have not done in more than a year — they met in person.
“It’s exciting to see people sitting next to folks and talking,” said Keith Morgan, owner of All Clean Again and the host of the chamber’s 3rd Friday Networking Luncheon, which took place on May 21 at Kentwood’s Amped Reality.
Morgan said business leaders meeting face-to-face helps demonstrate what the community should do and hopefully help encourage people to move forward.
A chamber member checked out Kentwood’s Amped Reality’s virtual offerings. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The Chamber’s Friday Networking Luncheons are designed to give local businesses leaders the opportunity to connect with each other and build relationships. For more than a year, the luncheons have been taking place via Zoom.
“It is really great to be able to talk to someone face-to-face,” said Ashlynne Gibert, the office manager to her husband’s (Allen Gilbert) company Blue Frost It, a veteran-owned IT consulting and managed service provider.
Diane Druckenmiller, with Arrowaste, agreed.
“This is one of my first opportunities to be face-to-face with other business people,” Druckenmiller said.
For many of the business people attending the May 21 networking luncheon, they have all been out in the public, meeting with customers, so they have had some contact with people. But as Morgan said, it was nice to be able to meet and talk about the issues they are facing now.
At the five-member table I sat with, the discussion ranged from what people have been doing to the current employment crisis. There was also some discussion about the Whitecaps as Lake Michigan Credit Union Audrey Zapata was at the table handing out schedules. LMCU recently became the field sponsor with the Whitecaps now playing at the LMCU Ballpark.
A3-D printer owned by Amped Reality creates a miniature sculpture. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Every networking luncheon also focuses on a chamber business, this time Amped Reality, 2923 28th St. SE. Amped Reality offers virtual reality experiences as well as summer camps focused on STEM activities.
Wyoming Kentwood Chamber President and CEO Bob O’Callaghan said the chamber is planning for all of its events to be in-person. Next up is the Connected Chamber Women June 4 with the next Third Friday Networking Luncheon June 18.
Recently WKTV was on set for the shooting a mini-film that will air as part of the DreamWheels show. The star of the show was this 1938 Ford Cabriolet on loan from the GR Auto Gallery. DreamWheels will be at the 2021 Metro Cruise set for Aug. 27 and 28.
With restrictions lifting, more and more theater companies are turning on the stage lights and announcing upcoming seasons.
Among those were Grand Rapids Civic Theatre which announced that after 16 month of being dark — except for the 10 For All playwright competition — that it would produced the musical “Flat Stanley” this summer.
Based on Jeffery Brown’s beloved children’s book, this one-hour musical follows 10-year-old Stanley Lambchop, whose life becomes a grand adventure when he wakes up one morning completely flat. Stanley becomes the ultimate exchange student, scouring the globe for a solution to his problem by being stamped, posted, and shipped from Hollywood and France to Honolulu and beyond.
Specific show dates have not been announced but tickets will start selling on June 23. For more information, visit grct.org.
Circle Theatre will present “Always Patsy Cline” June 3 – 30. (Photo by Ashlee McGreevy)
On with the show
Circle Theatre already has had its first performance with its second “Always…Patsy Cline” set June 3 – 20. Starring Emily Diener and Mary Kate Murnen, the show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.
Considered a musical tribute to the late country star, the show has down-home country humor and features more than two dozen of Patty’s hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fell to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Walking After Midnight.”
The performance will take place on the lawn of the Aquinas College’s Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Rd. SE. Showtimes will be 7 p.m with matinees on Sunday at 3 p.m. For more information about the show and upcoming performances, call 616-456-6656 or visit circletheatre.org.
Barn Theatre School celebrates 75 years this season. (Supplied)
Something to get jubilant about
The Barn Theatre School will be celebrating its platinum jubilee — 75th anniversary — with some fan favorites such as “Mamma Mia!,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Rocky Horror Show,” along with “Doly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical” and “Spongebob Squarepants The Broadway Musical.”
The season also will include showings of films recorded last summer in the Barn and performances of “Double ‘0’ 69” written by the Barn Theatre’s own Brendan Ragotzy and “A Slippery Slope” by Patrick Hunter.
Tom Wopat, of “Dukes of Hazard” fame, along with other famous Barn Theatre alumni will be stopping in through the season. To get the full rundown, visit www.barntheatreschool.org.
After a year hiatus, the 14th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival has announced its 2021 dates as Nov. 18-20 at DeVos Place.
For more than a decade, downtown Grand Rapids and DeVos Place has come alive to kick off the holiday season with an unprecedented and diverse display of food, beverage and culinary entertainment presented by the area’s finest chefs, restaurants and purveyors of libations from around the globe. Since its inception in 2008, this Festival – named by Forbes.com in 2019 as of a dozen “Fall Wine Festivals In North America You Don’t Want to Miss” – has grown to be the largest and most popular of its kind in the Midwest.
“Our confidence in producing this Festival is buoyed by the announcement of many events that are scheduled in the coming months including The Detroit Home Show, The Chicago Auto Show and ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, to name a few,” says Henri Boucher, Show Producer. “Following the brunt of the pandemic, people will be looking to finally spread their wings and gather with their friends. We are excited to once again welcome our exhibitors, presenters and the public to join us as we celebrate the return of events in a safe and welcoming venue.”
ShowSpan and Festival Co-Producer, the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, look forward to presenting this annual culinary celebration to showcase the full palate of food and beverage education and entertainment that West Michigan has come to expect.
The 14th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival will open on Thursday, Nov. 18, and run through Saturday, Nov. 20. Hours are 6-9pm on Thursday, 4-10pm on Friday and 2-10pm on Saturday.
The City of Wyoming had its Fleets through the Streets earlier this week and the City of Kentwood will have its this Saturday. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on the western border of the city near the intersection of Division Avenue and Maplelawn Street, and travel toward the eastern border of the city, ending around 11 a.m. near the intersection of Burton Street and Forest Meadows Court. For a complete map of the parade, visit the city website here.
Travel at Your Own Pace
Muskegon’s Lakeshore Museum recently opened “Turtle Travels,” a fun-filled, interactive exhibit that gives visitors a turtle’s-eye view of life in the “slow lane.” Once you step onto the giant board game, follow the instructions and you’ll be detoured to interactive games. Find out what it’s like for a turtle trying to cross a road or traverse changing habitats. Be a turtle tracker and see how real field biologists track animals in the wild. There are lots of photo opportunities and fun turtle facts. The exhibit is free to Muskegon County residents and $5 for non-Muskegon County residents. The museum is located at 430 W. Clay Ave in Muskegon.
Catch the Boys of Summer
The West Michigan Whitecaps now play at the newly named LMCU Ballpark. (Supplied/West Michigan Whitecaps)
With limited number of tickets, now is a good time to snap up some for next week when the Whitecaps return home to play against the Lake County Captains. Themes for next week include a 70s night on May 25, Silver Slugger on May 26, Thrifty Thursday on May 27, and Princess Weekend May 28-29.
Grand Rapids could have been the capital
When Michigan was a young state, its 1835 constitution stated Detroit could be its capitol until 1847. When 1847 came around, communities outside of the Detroit area were not happy with the amount of power that Detroit had and wanted the capitol moved. There was much debate on where with Grand Rapids being a contender but eventually it was decided to make the “hole in the woods,” known as the Township of Lansing, the state capitol.
“Did you think we were going to do this this year?” asked Wyoming High School teacher John Doyle to the school’s juniors seated in the high school gym.
“No,” the students responded.
“Did you think we were going to do anything this year?” he asked.
“No.” the students responded back.
The names on the wall: The 2021 Alpha Wolf recipients
The thing was the school’s annual Alpha Wolf celebration, which usually takes place twice a year: once in the fall and again in the spring. Started in 2014, the Wyoming High School students and staff would honor six exemplary students each semester with the Alpha Wolf 11 champion of Character Award — two sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors.
However, COVID — like it did for many events — but a halt to the celebration as the nation fought to stop the spread through social distancing. This resulted in the school placing a hold on the Alpha Wolf celebration in the fall, Doyle said, admitting it was not an easy decision to make.
But this spring has been a different story with social distancing guidelines easing and allowing more people in a room, which meant that the Alpha Wolf celebration was on.
“As Superintendent Craig Hoekstra said, we needed this for our soul,” Doyle said. “It was tough to let a lot of things go last year and this was an opportunity to celebrate the students and all that they have gone through.”
The celebration was a little different this year as the number of local officials and dignitaries had to be limited and instead of the whole school coming together to celebrate, there was three different assemblies for sophomores, juniors and seniors. Serving as this year’s guest speaker was Grand Rapids Community College President Dr. Bill Pink, who talked about kindness, compassion and grace in the face of the Oklahoma City bombings that took place in 1995, something that Pink experienced firsthand as he was a middle school teacher in Oklahoma City at the time.
The changes certainly did not damper the moods of the students who guessed the students being honored as the clues were given for each Alpha Wolf recipient. There was four for each grade level which totaled the annual 12 awards given for the year.
From the left, sophomores Liza LaMar, Alyjah Chandler, Cristian Diaz, and Alexa Hudson (WKTV)
Sophomore Alyjah Chandler (second from right) with his family. (WKTV)
Sophomore Cristian Diaz (third from left) with his family (WKTV)
Sophomore Alex Hudson (center) with her family
Sophomore Liza LaMar (second from right) with her family (WKTV)
Sophomore Alpha Wolf Recipients
Alyjah Chandler: Alyjah was described by peers as a person who works to lift others up. He projects positivity and has focused on the importance of mental health. According to staff, he puts others first in order for them to be successful with one teacher writing that “He has been an eleven since the first day I met him.”
Cristian Diaz: From his love of pizza to the honors chemistry class, Cristian was an easy one for the sophomores to name. His enthusiasm is contagious with Cristian always greeting everyone. Through his actions, he demonstrates that contributions matter and has made that known whether at school or on the Wyoming soccer team.
Alexa Hudson: Alexa also was described as a positive person and one of the “kindest persons you’ll have every met.” As one peer wrote, Alexa is a “great student and great friend.” According to teachers, she is a fantastic leader, leading by example and has become a source of pride for the high school band, where she plays the alto saxophone.
Liza LaMar: Liza was described as best exemplifying the last lines of Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb”: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Liza is the light setting a great example, helping out when she can, and encouraging others to participate.
From the left, juniors Rocco Albanese, Isaiah Clark, Mateo Ledesma, Lejla Nakic
Junior Rocco Albanese (fifth from the right) with his family and friends (WKTV)
Junior Mateo Ledesma (fourth from the right) with his family and friends) (WKTV)
Junior Isaiah Clark (second from left) with his family (WKTV)
Junior Lejla Nakic (fourth from left) with her family (WKTV)
Junior Alpha Wolf Recipients
Rocco Albanese: Rocco was described by his teachers and peers as a” rock solid foundation” who always puts people first. He talks to everyone and is known to stand up for the people who are not able to defend themselves. He essentially serves as a “rock” to his friends and staff.
Isaiah Clark: There is all kinds of strength according to Coach Irv Sigler. Isaiah demonstrates strength both on and off the wrestling mats. He leads by example, demonstrates kindness, and spreads positivity.
Mateo Ledesma: While unable to see it, it is Mateo’s fantastic smile that draws people in. He befriends everyone and makes them feel at ease, according to students and staff, who added that he genuinely cares about his peers. He is a good listener, leaving his peers feeling that their ideas and beliefs have value.
Lejla Nakic: Lejla is someone who makes you feel good about yourself, according to her peers. She always acts in kindness and is very willing to help students who are struggling. She is hardworking, very friendly with staff and peers agreeing she is “the sweetest person you could ever meet.”
From the left, seniors Taejah Cross, Zabiullah Najafi, Brandy Kehl, Eduardo Francis Estrada (WKTV)
Senior Zabiullah Najafi (third from left) with his friends and family (WKTV)
Senior Eduardo Francis Estrada (second from left) with his family (WKTV)
Senior Kaejah Cross (left) with her parents (WKTV)
Senior Brandy Kehl (center) with her family (WKTV)
Senior Alpha Wolf Recipients
Taejah Cross: Taejah is a shining example of graciousness as he always puts others first. One teacher noted that last year, he offered to clean up a mess another upper class left. His willingness to help has lead him to be a captain on the basketball, volleyball and track teams.
Eduardo Francis Estrada: Eduardo simply brightens up the room, accord to staff and his peers. He has a welcoming spirit and through his acts of kindness, compassion, and graciousness, is always trying to make the school a better place.
Brandy Kehl: The cloak of courage is perhaps one of the most important virtues and one that Brandy shows everyday. She demonstrates courage by standing up for other people and fighting for equality and justice all in her effort to bring more joy in the world.
Zabiullah Najafi: Doyle admitted is a special student. He spent several years locked in a detention camp and came to Wyoming where he grew and worked to help translate so as to help others be heard. He has plans to change the world and the staff and his peers said they know he will.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking information on two suspects who robbed the Verizon Wireless store at 5811 Byron Center Ave. SW on Tuesday evening.
According to police, two males entered the store at approximately 6:25 p.m. One of the males grabbed the employee and escorted them to the back of the store. The two males then stole an undisclosed amount of cell phones and cash before fleeing the scene in a silver four-door sedan. No injuries were reported during the the incident.
The police descriptions of suspects are a black male, about 5-foot, 8 inches to 5-foot, 11-inches, unknown age, wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, black tennis shoes, black baseball hat and a blue cloth mask. The second suspect is described a black male, about 5-foot, 9 inches to 5-foot, 11 inches, wearing a dark blue zip-up hood sweatshirt with white draw strings, red sweatpants, black and white shoes, black stocking cap and a blue cloth mask with a surgical mask. (Supplied photos below.)
Anyone with information about the robbery or the identify of these individuals is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
One of the oldest school districts in Kent County is Godwin Heights Public Schools, which was founded in 1867. In 1927, the school had several firsts: first commencement exercises, first graduating class of five girls, first eighth grade graduation and first time on the university list.
Two years later, the district would built a high school on 36th Street. The street running east of Division stopped at Jefferson due to the airport, which would eventually move and become Gerald R. Ford International Airport. This photo was believed to have been taken in the 1940s or 1950s. Eventually the district would build another high school on the westside of Division with this site now Godwin Middle School.
When COVID-19 kept families apart, it meant fewer opportunities for loved ones to notice the signs of stroke. And so, more people fell victim to one of the leading causes of death and disability.
The pandemic contributed in several ways to an increase in fatal strokes in the United States last year, said Dr. Jeffrey Fletcher, who specializes in neurocritical care, neurology and vascular neurology for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
Despite the complications of COVID-19, the most important aspect of stroke treatment has never changed, he said: Every second counts to limit the risk of brain damage and death.
“It is essential to recognize the signs of stroke and call 911 to get to the hospital as soon as possible,” he said, “because time is still brain.”
May is Stroke Awareness Month, an appropriate time to emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs, which can be memorized by the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.:
B-Balance (Is the person having trouble with balance?)
E-Eyes (Does the person have blurred or double vision?)
F-Face (Does the face look uneven?)
A-Arm (Is one arm or leg suddenly weak?)
S-Speech (Does speech sound strange?)
T-Time (It’s time to call 911)With early data showing a significant increase in stroke deaths in 2020, stroke remains a leading cause of death in the United States, bumped down to No. 4 only because of COVID- 19. But Fletcher noted that, even among survivors, stroke takes a huge toll as the leading cause of disability.The devastating effects of stroke are another argument to be vaccinated for COVID-19, he said. There is moderate evidence that contracting COVID-19 increases the risk of stroke – and strong evidence it can contribute to more severe stroke outcomes.“In terms of stroke prevention, there’s a lot you can do by limiting risk factors and leading a healthy life,” Fletcher said. “That would include things that mitigate the chance of getting COVID, such as following public health measures, including immunization.”Acknowledging recent concerns about very rare blood clots among people who received vaccines, Fletcher said, “the risk of stroke with COVID is 1,000 times greater.”
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Fletcher remains optimistic about the future of stroke care. Technological advances mean doctors are able to treat more strokes than ever. But for that to be possible, patients must arrive as soon as possible at a comprehensive stroke center like the one at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
“It gets back to recognizing what B.E. F.A.S.T. means,” he said. “Calling 911 can be the difference between death, severe disability and recovery.”
To learn more about recognizing the signs of stroke, plus the resources for stroke survivors and their caregivers, visit the Metro Health – University of Michigan Health website.
SpartanNash hosts a campaign for Special Olympics. (Supplied)
By Adrienne Chance SpartanNash
The SpartanNash Foundation invites grocery store guests to join it in supporting more than 90,000 Special Olympics athletes and State Summer Games in eight states through a companywide fundraising effort taking place through May 16.
During the 12-day fundraiser, guests who visit any participating SpartanNash-owned retail store or fuel center in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin will have the opportunity to donate $1, $5, $10 or round up to the nearest dollar at any checkout lane, or online through Fast Lane. One hundred percent of donations will benefit local Special Olympics athletes and State Summer Games. SpartanNash underwrites the costs to run the scan campaign, contributes funding, encourages associates to volunteer with local Special Olympics affiliates, and helps employ Special Olympics athletes.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
“SpartanNash and the SpartanNash Foundation have proudly partnered with the Special Olympics for nearly four decades, but this year carries a whole new level of meaning,” said Adrienne Chance, vice president of communications for SpartanNash and executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation. “Despite setbacks associated with the pandemic, these athletes have persevered in their training. Their dedication and focus are inspiring, and it is our privilege to cheer them on and raise funds to offer more social inclusion opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.”
“While a lot has changed for our organization over the past year, the unwavering support of SpartanNash has not,” said Tim Hileman, Special Olympics Michigan president and CEO. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to partner once again on this annual fundraising campaign that not only helps raise crucial funds, but also shines the spotlight on our inspiring athletes.”
For a complete list of stores participating in the companywide scan campaign and the eight Special Olympics affiliates they will support, visit spartannash.com/foundation-scans.
Partnership with Special Olympics
SpartanNash has been the Presenting Sponsor of the Special Olympics Michigan Summer Games since 1985. The company has also supported Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games since 2003.
In addition to nearly $9.4 million in financial support over the course of the 37-year partnership, SpartanNash associates and their families have also volunteered thousands of hours helping at the State Summer Games.
The Public Health Departments of Ottawa County, Muskegon County, Ionia County and Kent County (“Local Health Departments”) jointly announce that, as of May 5, 2021, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (“MDDHS”) has advised them that enforcement of MDHHS’ school quarantine guidelines must be now by local health department order. The requirements of employees, including school employees, to isolate or quarantine under Public Act 339 of 2020 are not impacted by this change and remain in full effect pursuant to state law. The requirements for the wearing of face masks is embedded in MDHHS epidemic orders and remains an enforceable mandate at the state and local level.
As of this release, the Local Health Departments have advised the school districts within their jurisdictions that in consideration of current epidemiological trends, increasing vaccination coverage rates, and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, the Local Health Departments are not issuing county-wide orders requiring all school districts to comply with the MDHHS’ quarantine guidelines. Instead, the Local Health Departments will 1) maintain their continual assessment of vaccination and new case data; 2) consult with hospitals, infectious disease experts and educators; and 3) respond as warranted to particular school situations with individually developed guidance and, if necessary, orders. This is consistent with their long-standing standard enforcement approach to communicable diseases and also will be applicable to COVID-19.
The Local Health Departments continue to recommend that the local school districts use the MDHHS’ quarantine guidelines as best practices for the protection of area children, teachers and staff and the prevention of outbreaks in the school setting.
Ottawa Country’s Nunica Cemetery is one of the most haunted cemeteries in the state and where Gathering Research And Stories of Paranormal Phenomena got its start. (Public Domain)
Nunica Cemetery is on top of the list of most haunted cemeteries in the state. The cemetery is located in Ottawa County’s Crockery Township. Ghost hunters report extreme cold spots, otherworldly voices, orbs and floating lights, the spirit of a little girl, a Civil War hero, and the apparition of a “mysterious lady in white.”
Ideally cemeteries serve as locations for the dead to rest in peace but unfortunately mistakes and disrespectful practices can lead to spiritual unrest.
The rumored ghost activity of Nunica Cemetery has also resulted in the birth of one of the most respected paranormal investigative teams of South West Michigan. Bill and Connie Jones of GRASPP Paranormal say they started their adventure on a “whim” one Halloween night with an “impromptu” ghost hunt at Nunica Cemetery. Gathering Research And Stories of Paranormal Phenomena, G.R.A.S.P.P. has evolved from this spooky inception as ghost hunters to include research and investigations into Bigfoot and other cryptids, as well as ufology. With 15-plus years of experience and accumulated knowledge, this unique husband/wife team of paranormal investigators has learned the importance of being dedicated, honest, and objective. Their promise of confidentiality, their emphasis on debunking such things as orbs, and the decision to become a LLC or limited liability company, elevates GRASPP from other teams.
GRASPP will have its upcoming Paranormal Summit for Paranormal professionals, which is May 14 – 16, at the SS City of Milwaukee located in Manistee. (Public Domain)
GRASPP is based out of Grand Haven with about 10 current full-time members, including sensitives. The team utilizes modern equipment and techniques as well as old school dowsing rods, but it’s the discipline of their methods that separates them from most teams.
GRASPP has always been generous helping and educating, but their passion for paraunity has reached a higher level. In 2018, GRASPP focused on Michigan’s mysterious encounters and brought an impressive list of speakers to Grand Haven for an event that they single-handedly orchestrated. The event, Michigan Ghost Coast Paranormal Convention explored such topics as: Demonology, Cryptozoology, Haunts of Mackinac, and UFO sightings; featuring authors, Amberrose Hammond, Todd Clements, Shetan Noir, and William Konkolesky. The significance and synchronicity of this single event cannot be overstated as it started the ball rolling in all different directions. Last year GRASPP organized and hosted an event on the USS LST 393 in Muskegon and followed that with the first Paranormal Summit on board the SSCity of Milwaukee docked in Manistee along with being able to investigate the Coast Guard ship USCGC-Acacia.
GRASPP has scheduled the second Paranormal Summit for Paranormal professionals only, May 14 – 16 again on board the SS City of Milwaukee in Manistee. See the Jones’s on GRGHP episode 29. Find additional info at graspp.org.
The Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition wants people to take action to prevent the spread of oak wilt, a deadly insect-borne disease that is destroying oak trees in Michigan.
“Oak wilt is different from other tree diseases where there is little people can do stop them from spreading,” said Julie Stachecki, ISA Certified Arborist and Co-Chair of the Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition’s awareness campaign. “like when Dutch Elm disease and Emerald Ash Borer took its toll on Michigan’s trees. Homeowners could not stop these pests from spreading. Oak Wilt is just as deadly, but with awareness and a few precautions, people can stop this deadly disease of oak trees from spreading through Michigan and beyond.”
To preventing the spread of oak wilt:
Avoid pruning April 15 through July 15
Paint immediately if wounds occur.
Prune oaks in winter when possible.
Do not move firewood.
Oaks are a valuable component to Michigan’s natural resources. May is the highest risk period for oak wilt infections. Preventing oak wilt is the best strategy for protecting Michigan’s oaks, and that means preventing cuts or wounds during the high-risk infection period of April 15 – July 15.
“Oak wilt has been reported in the Wyoming/Kentwood area,” said Estelle Slootmaker, chair of the City of Wyoming Tree Commission, “The Tree Amigos.” “Oaks are a legacy tree here in Wyoming. We have already lost too many to gypsy moths, development, and neighbors who don’t recognize the tremendous value of these trees to our health and environment. Yes, leaves can be a pain to rake, but the benefits far outweigh the hassle.”
When oaks are pruned or wounded, they attract native sap beetles, which carry disease spores from infected trees to open wounds on healthy oaks, starting new disease infections. Once infected, red oaks die rapidly, often within six weeks. The safest time to prune oaks is during the winter months. If wounds do occur, paint them immediately with a pruning sealer or latex paint. Don’t move oak firewood, which can carry the disease to new locations.
“Utility trims are also currently impacting our tree canopy, including oaks,” Slootmaker said. “If Trees LLC trims oaks in your yard, make sure that they immediately paint the wounds.”
One oak wilt-killed tree leads to many killed trees because they are linked together by their roots. When an oak gets infected, the disease moves into its roots and to other oaks within the root system, infecting and killing the trees as it progresses. Pockets of dead oaks from oak wilt can span huge areas if left unchecked. Michigan needs oaks for wildlife habitat, soil stabilization, water filtration, and clean air. Oaks are also often highly valuable and beloved landscape trees that deserve to be protected.
Fungal mats may develop beneath the bark. (Public Domain)
Since 2018, the Oak Wilt Awareness campaign has gained a lot of momentum. In 2021, the campaign received a boost through a grant from Michigan DNR to broaden oak wilt awareness. The coalition will publish informational brochures and posters for distribution through fourteen Michigan Welcome Centers and sponsor a May billboard along U.S. 23.
“Trees take care of us; we depend on them for clean air and so much more. Now we need more people to help us save the trees. With Oak Wilt Awareness, we can make a real difference.” said Ruth Dorando Marcy, “May is Oak Wilt Awareness” campaign co-chair.
For more information about oak wilt, to report infections, and find trained specialists go to MichiganOakWilt.org. Watch for a Governor’s proclamation that supports “May is Oak Wilt Awareness Month” and additional oak wilt information as the campaign kicks off in May!
The Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition is a partnership between private, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Led by ISA Michigan, the partnership includes representatives from Michigan State University, Michigan Departments of Transportation, Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, ReLeaf Michigan, Michigan Forest Association, Michigan Green Industry Association, electric utilities, private companies, and others.
The Rapid will host two public hearings to present the recently approved service plan for the Mobility for All (Comprehensive Operational Analysis) project. The service enhancements and changes are planned to go into effect on August 30.
The hearings will be held virtually via Facebook Live on The Rapid’s Facebook page on Tuesday, May 18. In addition to Facebook Live, the meetings will also be accessible via Zoom:
5/18/21 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82811022785
5/18/21 – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81782359697The Mobility for All project kicked off in the summer of 2019 with the goal of analyzing The Rapid’s entire fixed-route system to identify budget-neutral opportunities for improvements in service reliability, efficiency and access. In addition to exhaustive technical and operational analyses, extensive public outreach was conducted to inform the final service plan, including:
57 stakeholder meetings with partners and community organizations
10 virtual public meetings with nearly 300 viewers/participants
3 online surveys with 1,089 responses
Multiple interviews with members of The Rapid’s Board of Directors and staff
2000 informational flyers soliciting feedback distributed on Rapid buses (1,500 in English, 500 inSpanish)
The full public outreach summary is available in the final “Preferred Alternative” document, beginning on page 320The resulting service plan approved by The Rapid’s Board of Directors to be implemented in August will provide:
Access to 15-minute frequent service all day on weekdays to over 136,000 area residents (approximately 6 a.m to 6 p.m.)
Access to 15-minute frequent service all day on weekdays to over 67,000 area jobs (approximately 6 a.m to 6 p.m.)
New transit access to over 8,000 jobs in Walker and 9,000 jobs in Kentwood via new on-demand service (planned to launch in January 2022)In addition to increased transit access and new services, the plan will improve on-time performance, provide better transfer opportunities for riders and more efficiently meet current transit demand.
“We are very excited to have reached the final stage of this project and to begin preparing for implementation,” said Max Dillivan, senior planner and Mobility for All project manager at The Rapid. “This has been an extremely thorough process from both a technical and public outreach perspective, and despite having to adapt the project to the difficulties presented by the pandemic, we are confident that the final plan represents more reliable, efficient and effective service for our customers.”
In addition to the virtual public meetings, Rapid riders and stakeholders can provide comment and feedback via the following methods:
Voicemail – 616-774-1235 • Mail:Communications Department 300 Ellsworth Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503Additional information is available on the project website: https://therapidmobilityforall.com/
Since 1949, when May was first designated as Mental Health Month, we have not collectively experienced the degree of trauma, grief, and stress that this past years COVID-19 pandemic has generated among us. Loss of family members, jobs, social connections, and our daily routines has rocked the foundations of our emotional and mental wellbeing. An April 2020 survey of 24,155 Michigan residents found 79% of respondents reported concern about stress, loneliness, anxiety, and/or depression, with 29% indicating that they were “very” or “extremely” concerned about these mental health symptoms. No doubt, when numbers are compiled for April 2021, we will see even more mental health impacts among Michiganders.
There are two ways you can help stem this tide. One, speak up to reduce the stigma that keeps many from seeking help for mental health concerns. If your children, spouse, family members or friends need help, let them know that you support them in getting that help. If you can’t find the words for the conversation, share the resources listed below.
Second, take care of your own mental health. Last month’s column shared way to relieve stress. If you are grieving the loss of loved ones, you can find support at one of the area’s grief support groups. If you need help, get help! For help dealing with stress, anger, thinking traps, and other issues, check out Mental Health America’sTools2Thrive.
Third, take care of your physical health. Eat healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean chemical-free meats, 100% whole grain breads and cereals, and healthy fats. (Caffeine, alcohol, and sugar can make us feel better for a minute, but overall, can interfere with optimal mental as well as physical health.) Try to get 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. Get plenty of sleep. Drink plenty of water. And seek care from your healthcare providers as needed—including chiropractic adjustments.
Loss of spinal health can lead to degeneration and chronic pain. There are numerous studies that investigate the connection between depression and pain (particularly back pain). The unfortunate reality is many people who suffer from depression also suffer from chronic pain, and depression can heighten their perception of pain, creating a downward spiral. Chiropractic adjustments help to keep your spine and nervous system healthy and feeling good, which helps keep you healthy and feeling good!
1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, but only half get treatment.
70.4% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosed mental illness.
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, but less than half get treatment.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences a serious mental illness each year, but less than two-thirds get treatment.
Mental illness and substance use disorders are involved in 1 out of every 8 emergency department visits
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, or other symptoms of mental illness? You are not alone. Check out these personal stories shared by folks like you who have experienced mental illness, survived, and thrived via the NAMI Strength Over Silence campaign. The State of Michigan also offers many online mental health resources.
All sorts of exciting things are happening out at Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA right now. As the pandemic begins to wane, and folks start to head outdoors again, the 400-acre centennial farm offers the hottest attractions available right now: fresh air and plenty of room to spread out.
As families begin to return, Cornwell’s is re-opening their well-known dinner theatre in May with a fresh vision and a brand-new producer, Dexter Brigham. Dexter comes to Cornwell’s from Midland Center for the Arts, where he served as their Director of Theatre Programs for the past eight years.
“When Patti and I first started talking about re-opening the theatre, we considered what we might want to look and feel different. We decided to use the downtime wisely. We upgraded our lighting and sound systems, so our audiences could enjoy the best experience possible, and we’ve worked really hard to assemble a cast of talented comic actors from all across the country for our first show,” remarks Brigham.
That first show is the bedroom farce, Right Bed, Wrong Husband, by the married playwriting duo, Neil and Caroline Schaffner. In the play, Ted is a young, penniless bachelor whose uncle holds the strings to his trust fund. In order to increase his meager allowance, Ted hatches a plan to convince his uncle he has gotten married, but when his uncle drops in unexpectedly, he has to work double time to convince his uncle that his best friend’s wife is, in fact, his own. The play is filled with slamming doors, misunderstandings, mistaken identities and the nearly naughty antics that is the hallmark of great farce.
The cast of the play will feature Micah Weese from Tulsa, OK as the beleaguered Ted; Dreaa Kay Baudy from Sarasota, FL as his fiancée, Ruth; Ptah Garvin, also from Sarasota, as his drunken neighbor, Hubert; Austin James Roach, from Chicago, as his writer friend Claude; Victoria Sasso, from New York City, as Claude’s resourceful wife, Evelyn; and Hana Park, from Pittsburgh, as Ted’s sarcastic housekeeper, Myra Tackleberry.
Right Bed, Wrong Husband will run from May 13 through June 26 at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, with matinees every Wednesday through Saturday at 2pm, and evening shows on Saturday nights at 8pm. Seating for the meal begins two hours prior to curtain. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, and include dinner, dessert, and the performance. For tickets, visit turkeyville.com, or call 269-781-4293.
Beginning Monday, May 10, The Rapid will implement an enhanced summer service schedule, providing increased access to public transit options across the entire service area.
The Rapid constantly monitors the public transit service it provides, working to adjust operations to offer the most reliable, efficient and effective service possible. Adjustments will be made to bus schedules to provide more service to the six-city area and to improve overall system performance.
Routes in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas that will be impacted are 1 – Division Route, Route 8 – Grandville/Rivertown, and Route 10 – Clyde Park. These routes will have both earlier and later times added to the schedules. Also, Route 2 – Kalamazoo and Route 16 – Wyoming/Metro will see an early start time added to the weekdays.
The main changes are as follows:
Seventeen routes will begin service earlier on weekdays
The following routes will begin service at 5:15 a.m. on weekdays:
The last departure for these routes from Rapid Central Station was previously 9:45 p.m.
Service on Route 4 – Eastern south of 28th St. will improve from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
DASH service will now operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
DASH service will no longer operate on Saturdays
These service enhancements will expand transit options for Rapid riders as the region continues pandemic recovery efforts.
“We’re excited to be able to expand current service and increase options for our customers,” said Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid. “Transit has such a critical role to play in pandemic recovery, and we will continue to provide our community with an accessible, reliable network of mobility options.”
Resilience has been a theme for the past year as the world dealt with COVID-19, especially for local school districts which have had to move from virtual to in-person swiftly to meet with changing social distance guidelines.
So it seems only fitting that for this Arbor Day, the City of Wyoming’s Tree Commission would plant a tree considered a symbol of resilience – a Dawn Redwood – at Wyoming’s Regional Center, located at 36th Street and Byron Center Avenue.
“Here at our school, Wyoming Regional Center, this is the perfect tree for us because we talk a lot about resilience here and a lot about comeback stories and our mission is to work work with students with some very unique challenges to teach resilience and the power of new beginnings,” said Wyoming Regional Center Principal Allen Vigh. “This tree symoolizes all of those things.”
The tree was actually planted on Earth Day with a city proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt. Along with the Tree Commission, H.O.P.E. Gardens Executive Director Julie Brunson was at the event. H.O.P.E Gardens partnered with the Tree Commission on the Dawn Redwood project.
“Thanks to the Tree Amigos (the Wyoming Tree Commission), our generous donors of this gift that will bring many future seasons of beauty, comfort and peace to the children who attend this school,” Vigh said.
Also called a Metasequoia, the Dawn Redwood existed when dinosaurs were living but were thought to be extinct. That was until about 1945, when botanists in China discovered the trees growing in the rice paddies of China’s Szechwan Province. It was soon discovered that about 1,000 Dawn Redwoods were living in very isolated groves in Southeastern China.
In 1947, Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum sent another expedition to China to collect seeds, bring back about four pounds. The following year, the seeds were being distributed to botanic gardens and universities across the world.
Wyoming city officials, Tree Commission members, and representatives from H.O.P.E. Gardens were part of the Arbor Day celebration. (WKTV)
The Dawn Redwood is a fast growing deciduous tree reaching a height of more than 110 feet with a 25-foot spread. Its leaves are bright green, turning copper in the fall before losing them until the following spring. Now protected in China — the Wold Conservation Union has classified it as critically endangered due to human encroachment — the tree was once used for cabinet making.
The Dawn Redwoods are one of only three redwoods found in the word. The Coast Redwoods grow along the Pacific cost from Southern Oregon to Central California. Giant Sequoias are usually found in California’s sierra Nevada mountains. There is a Giant Sequoia, about 95 feet tall, at Manistee’s Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary.
Arbor Day
In the proclamation he read, Bolt talked about what Arbor Day, a day set aside to encourage people to plant trees.
In 1854, J. Sterling Morton moved from Detroit to the area that is now Nebraska. He and other pioneers noticed a lack of trees, which were needed to act as windbreaks to stabilize the soil and to give shade from the sun. Morton planted many trees around his own home and encouraged others to do the same.
On January 4, 1872, he proposed a holiday to plant trees on April 10 that year. This was known as “Arbor Day” and prizes were awarded to the counties and individuals who planted the most trees on the day. About one million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. In 1885, Arbor Day became a legal holiday and was moved to April 22, which was Morton’s birthday. In 1989 the official holiday was moved to the last Friday in April.
Seattle’s Little Free Art Gallery have become increasingly popular with Frankfort, Michigan, establishing a similar concept for the summer.
Oliver Art Center is excited to announce its newest community program, Little Free Galleries.
“The idea came from an article in the Seattle Times about an artist who established a gallery much like the well-known Little Free Libraries. We put out a call for a volunteer to make us one to put out in front of the art center and we received three offers! We then adjusted our thinking and decided it would be fun and could reach more of the community to have three located in Frankfort,” said Mercedes Michalowski, Executive Director of Oliver Art Center. Both Benzie Shores District Library and Century 21 Northland have agreed to host their own gallery in partnership with Oliver Art Center.
The Galleries have been made by Brad Sprouse, Lou Cenname, and Bob Crissman, all of Frankfort. The volunteers have vast carpentry experience and even experience in building Little Free Libraries and Pantries. The artwork will be provided by volunteers as well. Anyone is welcome to participate!
“The program will function much like the Little Free Libraries with the idea of: need art, take art; have art, leave art. We hope folks will enjoy the free exchange of art objects that will include paintings, fiber work, ceramic sculptures, and much more. While there is no requirement to leave art if you take it, we hope that people will just enjoy the art and idea itself. And if folks don’t have art to give, but want to give back, OAC is accepting donations in order to maintain the galleries,” said Michalowski.
Benzie Shores District Library is hoping to also expand their gallery’s offerings to books and art supplies. “We are so excited to share this project with the Art Center. Who knows, I may even create my own little piece of art for the gallery!” said Stacy Pasche, Library Director.“Art can stir memories or evoke strong feelings… just as selling or purchasing a home can do the same. The agents and brokers at CENTURY 21 Northland are humbled and honored to be able to give back to our communities by hosting a Little Free Art Gallery. Being located in one of the busiest two blocks on Main Street is key to showcasing Oliver Art Center’s presence and will bring smiles and good conversations to those walking by,” said Judi Tousley, Century 21 Northland.
Frankfort’s Little Free Art Galleries will be installed and ready for art and visitors May 1. Oliver Art Center is currently accepting art for the galleries. They are looking for smaller size works of art (less than 12 inches) and even have 4×4 blank canvases kits available to purchase for $10 – all proceeds go to maintenance and upkeep of the galleries. If you have any questions, please contact Mercedes or Brian at the Oliver Art Center, info@oliverart.org or 231-352-4151.
Despite almost snow-like conditions, that lasted for only a few minutes, more than 80 people turned out for the city’s first park clean up in celebration of Earth Day.
Held on April 22 — the day set aside to celebrate Earth Day — area residents and community groups were encouraged to help clean up the city’s parks with this year’s focus being on Pinery Park, the Wyoming Senior Center, and Lamar Park.
Wyoming residents the Dean family, from left Mana, Marguita and Airrow,
Wyoming Recreation Supervisor Krashawn Martin said the city was pleased with the turnout and plans to make the park clean-up an annual event.
“We want to keep these places beautified and wonderful for all of us to enjoy,” Martin said.
Wyoming resident Marguita Dean and her family, Mana and Airrow, came out because they wanted to give back to their community, she said.
“We came because this is our park,” Marguita Dean said. “We use Pinery Park quite a bit and wanted to do something to help keep our park clean.”
The event also served as a kick off to the city’s Adopt-a-Park program. Throughout the summer, residents and community groups have the opportunity to help beautify and maintain the city parks. To get involved in the Adopt-a-Parks program, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164.
In the Division United plan, it is proposed to dedicate the current bus lanes 24/7 to only bus traffic and to paint the lanes to bring more awareness to them. The drawing also shows what three-story buildings would look like at the intersection of Clyde Park and Division Avenue.
From taking a bike ride or walk to creating a cohort of small developers, there are a number of opportunities for residents and local organizations to help spur growth along Division Avenue.
These were some recommendations, along with some specific items for The Rapid and the cities of Wyoming, Kentwood, and Grand Rapids, that were released in the Division United town hall meetings on April 22.
“A lot of the recommendations that we are going to be talking about might seem substantial and quite frankly they are,” said Steven Duong, who is with Los Angeles-based consulting firm AECOM, which oversaw the Division United plan. “In many cases, they have to be lead by the entity of the cities such as City of Wyoming or the City of Kentwood, and some have to be lead by private business partners, land owners or business owners in the corridor, but we also want to make sure that we acknowledge that there are things that community groups or citizens can do to make some of the strategies a reality.”
The recommendations are broken down into five categories, referred as “toolkits”: Connectivity and Mobility, Economic Development, Incremental Development, Equity, and Placemaking. Many of the recommendations are for the cities to consider when looking at zoning or infrastructure.
In October, Division United hosted the Better Blocks event to show how Division could look with an outdoor market and crosswalks. (WKTV)
For example, Connectivity and Mobility addresses how to make the area friendly for people and cars by painting the bus lane and dedicating the lane for the entire day to help increase public transit speeds to creating better crossings and making the bus stations hub stations with other transit options such as bikes and electric scooters.
While those are most of those recommendations have to be done at the city level through zoning, residents can take a walk or bike through the corridor to see the disconnect between the current transit and offer ideas on where to place crosswalks and other needs to increase mobility, said AECOM Transportation Planner Jeromie Winsor.
Residents can also start to form a cohort of small developers who can network, making connections with bank officials and others in development to start discussions on redeveloping small properties such as suggested in the Incremental Development toolkit.
A Community Connector and local business owner Synia Jordan said another project is creating art murals at the stations which would involve community members and local artists, which falls under the Placemaking toolkit.
The entire Division United proposal is available online with Duong recommending that people start with the executive summary, which is an introduction to the overall plan, and then proceed into the five toolkits.
By following that direction, the different concepts become a roadmap to how the Division Avenue corridor can become a more transit supportive environment, which Duong noted is the reason why the study was initiated.
A transit supportive environment is the utilization of effective and predictable transit that encourages surrounding development, which, in turn, supports transit. It was the goal of The Rapid that by launching the Silver Line in 2014 it would spur economic development along the Division corridor, according to The Rapid Planning Manager Nick Monoyios.
While The Rapid has seen a 40 percent growth in ridership from Division Avenue during the past six years, the economic growth has not come, Monoyios said.
So after six years of operations, The Rapid officials decided it needed to be more intentional on how to instigate the benefits for the corridor, he said, adding that a decision was made to seek a Federal Transportation Administration grant designed to help corridors like Division Avenue. The three cities, Wyoming, Kentwood and Grand Rapids, all of which have portions of Division within their boundaries, each dedicated $25,000 to the study. The student focused on Division from Wealthy Street to 60th Street.
After more than a year of gathering public input, meeting with business leaders and residents, and hosting special events to demonstrate the possibilities, The Rapid released the Division United recommendations during two town hall meetings on April 22.
To view the entire Division United project and other items, such as the recorded April 22 town hall meetings, visit divisionunited.org.
Emily Holmes, who is graduating from Grand Valley State University and is an intern at WKTV, said as an introvert, she was surprised how much she craved interaction with other people during the COVID pandemic. (WKTV)
“I would give anything to wear concert black to anything,” said East Kentwood graduate Hailey Cone, who is studying music at Grand Rapids Community College.
Hailey Cone, an East Kentwood graduate attending Grand Rapids Community College, would give anything to wear concert black and perform. (Supplied)
Still, for GRCC, most of the concerts have been online with students recording parts individually and professors pulling the elements together for the online performance.
“I miss it so much,” Cone said during a phone interview. “I really miss the community, being in-person and that immediate feedback.”
Changing the “College Experience”
Ask any college student what has been the biggest challenge over the past year and it isn’t technology issues or online classes — most deal with that during a normal college year — but rather the loss of the “college experience.”
“When you think about it, you pay to have that college experience,” said Emily Holmes, a senior at Grand Valley State University studying film and broadcasting. “It is a big part about going away to college.”
Anyone who has attended a college campus tour will attest that a big part of the tour is the social life, campus cafes, student organizations, and school traditions. The sell is students being able to experience independence by living on campus, attending college events and yes, even parties.
But what COVID has taught many is that the experience you have at college is what you make it. So instead of big parties, there are small online groups with students redesigning what the college experience is.
“I always considered myself an introvert, but through this I have discovered that I like to be around people more than I thought,” she said.
Emily Smith, an adjunct professor in music at Grand Rapids Community College, said she feels students have had to become more self-reliant due to the COVID pandemic. (Supplied)
Because classes have been mostly virtual, the key for many college students has been connecting with each other online, said Emily Smith, an adjunct professor of music at Grand Rapids Community College. This also has lead to other habits that may better prepare students for life, Smith said.
“Students have had to take ownership of their learning,” she said. “In pre-pandemic, students would follow what was presented in class but since the pandemic, students have taken more ownership by utilizing their resources better and being independent in their studies.”
Through that process, students are utilizing their resources more, connecting with each other through new ways, and focusing their independent study to make improvements as they prepare for voice lessons and practices, she said.
“I have become more experimental with my camera work,” Holmes said, crediting the lockdown for the opportunity to try new things. “I have been working on my editing skills, becoming more focused and putting time into projects.”
Smith said she does not believe that the lack of in-person activities such as performances have had an impact in students deciding to change their career paths.
“I have seen situations such as financial instability caused from the pandemic resulting in hard economic challenges that have caused some students to change or leave,” Smith said.
The silver lining
For most, the desire to get the degree in their selected profession has been the biggest motivating factor.
“Through these trying times, music has been by saving grace,” Cone said. “I feel like I want this degree and that I want it more than anything.”
Cone added that she found the greatest inspiration from the pandemic was that that as a whole, humanity is pretty resilient.
“The pandemic has taken so much away, making you feel so alone, but at the same time, we have found ways to connect online, to have virtual choirs and that has been inspiring,” she said.
