Category Archives: Citizen Journalism

Snapshots: Family fun near you this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern




Family time is sacred time and should be protected and respected.

American Artist Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015)
The City of Kentwood “Chalk the Lot” will allow families to create their own art projects. (WKTV historic photo)

Unleash your Inner Artist at ‘Chalk the Lot’

Grab the family and head down to Kentwood’s ‘Chalk the Lot‘ event. Join the City of Kentwood’s Park and Recreation Department at the Veterans Memorial Park’s new playground in Kentwood. Participants are asked to register in advance and will be provided an assigned spot and chalk. The public is invited to view the artwork while practicing proper social distancing. The event begins Friday, Aug. 29, at noon and ends Sunday evening.

The new playground at Ideal Park(WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Pay a Visit Ideal Park

Now that Ideal Park has officially been reopened, why not spend a few hours this weekend checking out the park’s new features. There’s a new playground with all kinds of accessible items such as swims and a new whirler. A shelter provides shade for those want to relax and new bathrooms! Make sure to take photo at the butterfly for the City of Wyoming’s butterfly photo contest.


Summer Sweep 2020

You have until Sept. 7 to head down to Grand Haven for the annual Summer Sweep. Merchants are moving their summer clearance inventory to the sidewalks and offering great deals. For more information about this event you can visit downtowngh.com or follow the entire adventure on Facebook at “Grand Haven Main Street.”



Alaska’s Denali mountain form the north with Reflection Pond in the foreground. (Wikipedia)

Fun Fact: High on the Mountain Top

Some say its the Rockies and others, the Appalachian Mountains, but in truth it is the Alaska Range that has the highest mountain in the United States. The mountain that tops them all: Denali at an elevation of 20,310 feet.

Riverfest Flows On! Online auction and virtual paddle raise through Sept. 3

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
Grass River Nature Area is hosting the 2020 Riverfest with an auction and virtual paddle. (Wikipedia)

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

Grass River Natural Area’s 2020 Riverfest continues online with an auction and virtual paddle raise through 11 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.

There are nearly 70 items to bid on with a total value of more than $20,000. Successful bidders may find themselves taking a three-hour private sail on the America’s Cup yacht, Stars and Stripes, playing golf at one of several courses, dining at various area restaurants, or at a private Italian dinner prepared for six guests, wearing beautiful jewelry, or admiring a new piece of artwork on your wall.

GRNA naturalists stepped up to offer private hikes, kayak and pontoon tours, and plant identification. Local retailers supplied gift cards and items, and a Bellaire woodworker donated five pieces of heirloom quality furniture to bid on.

To participate follow this link. https://bit.ly /Riverfest2020

The proceeds from the auction and paddle raise will be used to continue the protection of GRNA land and provide opportunities for all ages to learn about and appreciate the natural world. Additional information can also be found at www.grassriver.org.

As of Monday, Aug. 24, a total of $12,700 has been donated during the first week of the three-week Paddle Raise. That is 34 percent of the goal of $35,600.

Longtime GRNA supporters have offered a donation match of up to $5,000. These funds will be used to in ensure that GRNA is able to continue normal operations in the absence of paid programming. It also will help keep the Grass River Center open and staffed daily through the fall and winter for the enjoyment of the hundreds of visitors who will explore the trails.

As an added benefit, during this campaign Grass River Natural Center is offering the following donor incentives:

A Donor of Receives

$250 – $499 GRNA Water bottle and patch

$500 – $999 Copy of new field guide

$1,000 – $1,499 Copy of new field guide + Wetland Walks Book

$1,500 – $2,499 Guided walk with a GRNA naturalist for up to 6 people

$2,500 – $4,999 A private, guided two (2) hour kayak or pontoon trip for up to 6 people on the Grass River

$5,000 + A private, guided four (4) hour pontoon boat ride through the Chain of Lakes for up to 6 people with snacks and beverages

Traffic Tuesday Answer: Center Lane Passing

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,

Officer Jenni Eby
City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

Traffic Tuesday Question: Vehicle A is driving toward north on De Hoop, toward the police department, from 28th St. Vehicle B is behind Vehicle A, going the same direction, and would like to pass Vehicle A. Can Vehicle B use the center lane to pass Vehicle A? Check out the photo for a visual.

  1. Yes, Vehicle B can pass Vehicle A
  2. No, Vehicle B cannot pass Vehicle A
  3. I’m not sure, I’ll check back Thursday!

Answer: No, Vehicle B cannot use the center lane to pass Vehicle A.

Next Tuesday is a new question!

Online livestock auction hosted after Hudsonville Fair cancelled

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Health, Kids Activities, ,
Emilee Vis show her dairy cow. (Supplied/Hudsonville Community Fair)

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

Annually MSU and 4-H students show off their livestock for live auctions at the Hudsonville Community Fair as part of a final project. Due to COVID-19 the fair cancelled for 2020. This news left young individuals devastated without the opportunity to showcase their livestock that they had worked hard to train and raise.

Some of these students have been preparing for live auctions since July of 2019. As families have been widely affected by the pandemic, these students also live in households of families struggling during this crisis.

To warm the hearts of these young students, Hudsonville Community Fair partnered with Miedema’s Charity Auctions to host an online auction. This auction helps to provide financial means for these students seeking to attend college and showcase at future livestock auctions.

Andrew Meekhof-Vanspyker show his sheep. (Supplied/Hudsonville Community Fair)

 

The auction contains a wide variety of beef, pork, and lamb for sale on Miedema’s website and is scheduled to end Thursday, Aug. 27.

Frederik Meijer Gardens Welcomes Entries for Loeschner Art Competition

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Loeschner Art Competition held at Frederick Meijer Gardens (Supplied)

By John VanderHaagen
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is now accepting entries for the annual Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition.

Celebrating its 19th year, the annual competition welcomes artists from around the globe responding to Meijer Gardens in their work. Through the generosity of the Loeschner family, two $5,000 purchase awards (one for two-dimensional and one for photography) will be paid for the winning entries in addition to becoming a part of Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection. The competition is open to all artists who are 18 years old and older working in a two-dimensional format.

Artists are encouraged to submit original two-dimensional (e.g. drawing, print, pastel, painting or photography) works inspired by Meijer Gardens. To participate, artists may register online at meijergardens.org/award by Friday, October 23. If selected as a finalist, Meijer Gardens will request delivery of the original artwork on Friday, November 20. The winner will be chosen and announced by Friday, January 29.

Since 2002, the Loeschner Art Completion has sought outstanding artwork inspired by Meijer Gardens. The objective is to collect high-quality work that celebrates the beauty and inspiration that Meijer Gardens provides. For more information and to view past winners, visit www.meijergardens.org/award

Photo of the Week: Dialing In

Citizen Journalism

These dials can be found in one special place, the newly reopened Ideal Park. The dials and gears are part of the new playground structure at Ideal Park. The playground is one of several new amenities at the park which also includes a new basketball court, shelter, and restroom facilities. Ideal Park, which is one of the oldest parks in Kent County, is located at 5843 Crippen SW.

Do you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Email it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

Grand Rapids Symphony Announces Reimagined 2020-21 Pathwaves Season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,
Grand Rapids Symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
The Grand Rapids Symphony


The Grand Rapids Symphony and Music Director Marcelo Lehninger announce today Pathwaves presented by SpartanNash, the Symphony’s reimagined 2020-2021 artistic season.

During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, your Grand Rapids Symphony has created ground-breaking new ways to share the gift of music with the West Michigan community with a dynamic and innovative season of concerts, delivered via live stream with support from Fox Motors, starting with a multistage setup in the Van Andel Arena and an intimate chamber setting at St. Cecilia Music Center this fall.  Programming for the 2021 portion of the season will be announced at a later date.

The Grand Rapids Symphony will re-unite for the first time since March.  The concerts will feature performances by socially-distanced orchestral ensembles, performed without intermission, and streamed live to patrons’ homes, reflecting the Symphony’s commitment to the health and safety of musicians and audiences alike.  The concerts will include a live audience when health and safety requirements allow.

“It would have been simple and easy for us to step away from our mission of delivering great music during the pandemic,” said Mary Tuuk, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony.  “But now, more than ever, we know that music can greatly enrich our lives.  Over the next nine months, the Grand Rapids Symphony will feed our souls in the wake of immense societal challenges.  We are heartened by the inclusive and healing ways we can bring music to the West Michigan community.

Music director Marcelo Lehninger has redesigned the 2020-2021 season to include six virtual fall programs presented by Wolverine Worldwide; four from the Van Andel Arena, and two from St. Cecilia Music Center.  The Symphony will return to DeVos Performance Hall in January 2021, with concerts through May.  Previously announced programming for the 2020-2021 season will be rescheduled for the 2021-2022 season as feasible.

“Plans and programs may change, but our commitment to music and performing for our audience is unwavering,” Lehninger said. “I am very excited to return to the stage with your Grand Rapids Symphony.”

The new Pathwaves series includes varied styles of music and diverse composers, like waves of hope leading us down our community’s path of healing.  Special guest artists will include internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez. The Symphony also has engaged composer James M. Stephenson as Musical Collaborator to create several new arrangements for the orchestra. The Symphony’s opening concert will prominently feature a collaboration with the Grand Rapids Ballet. Programs will include intimate chamber music from “Final Fantasy” video games and the popular Metro Health Holiday Pops.

“It will be an inspiring and creative approach,” said Lehninger. “You’ll see many familiar faces on our programs, and our musicians will be featured in unique ways.”

Current 2020-2021 subscriptions will be honored with free virtual access to the six fall concerts and DeVos Performance Hall concerts in 2021.  Current subscribers also will be eligible to attend concerts in-person as audiences are permitted to return.  A subscription package is available to new subscribers for $76 that grants access to all six virtual concerts from September through December.

A separate subscription package for the 2021 concerts will be available at a later date. Single tickets for most concerts are $15. Single tickets for programs with Joshua Bell and for the Holiday Pops are $25. Because of the virtual delivery format, student discounts will not be offered. The Symphony Scorecard program continues for the season.

The best part? You don’t have to do a thing but watch your email for the link to view the concerts while they are performed live. Emails will be sent closer to the concert date. If you are a Friday or Saturday subscriber, you’ll get the link for the appropriate Friday or Saturday concert. To learn more, please visit GRSymphony.org/pathwaves. 

“We are deeply committed to continuing our mission of delivering great music,” Lehninger said. “Now, more than ever, we will walk together to restore our collective wellbeing through our reimagined season, Pathwaves.

Marcelo Lehninger conducting the symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)

Pathwaves: Grand Rapids Symphony Fall 2020 programming

Friday and Saturday, September 25-26, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena

Romeo and Juliet

  •    Marcelo Lehninger, conductor | Grace Kim, violin | Andrew Laven, cello
  •    Grand Rapids Ballet | Michael Schaeffer, accordion

Music from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet with a performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet.

Friday, October 16, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center

Mosaic Motion

  •    Edye Evans Hyde, vocals | Mike Hyde, guitar

The concert highlights music for chamber strings and brass with performances by vocalist Edye Evans Hyde and guitarist Mike Hyde.

Friday and Saturday, October 23-24, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena

Marcelo Plays and Conducts

  •    Marcelo Lehninger, conductor and piano

The program welcomes Lehninger to the piano to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 while also conducting from the piano.

Friday and Saturday, November 13-14, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena

Voice and the Violin featuring Joshua Bell

Violinist Joshua Bell performs Nov. 20. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Public Museum)
  •    Marcelo Lehninger, conductor | Joshua Bell, violin | Larisa Martinez, soprano

In the past, they’ve performed separately in Grand Rapids. Now experience the incomparable violinist Joshua Bell and the sizzling soprano Larisa Martinez, husband and wife, together with your Grand Rapids Symphony.

Friday, November 20, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center

A New World: Intimate Music From Final Fantasy

  •    Eric Roth, guest conductor

A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy presents fresh arrangements of music from throughout the 25+ years of the Final Fantasy catalogue for a variety of chamber ensembles. The programs feature string quartets, piano and guitar solos, duos, trios and other mixed groups of instrumentalists to produce an immediate and personal encounter with the extraordinary Final Fantasy musical themes, characters and settings.

Friday and Saturday, December 4-5, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena

Metro Health Holiday Pops

  •    Bob Bernhardt, conductor | Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Pearl Shangkuan, director
  •    Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, Sean Ivory and Leah Ivory, co-directors
  •    Embellish | Special Appearances by Capathia Jenkins, vocals and Tony DeSare, piano/vocals

The West Michigan holiday tradition features familiar holiday favorites with your Grand Rapids Symphony and includes virtual performances from the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, vocalist Capathia Jenkins, and singer/pianist Tony DeSare.

Subscriptions for the Pathwaves Series are available online at GRSymphony.org/pathwaves.

Six years after a tornado, the City of Wyoming celebrates the reopening of Ideal Park

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It has been six years since children played on its playground. It has been six years since family sat at the picnic tables. On Aug. 18, the City of Wyoming ended the six-year wait and officially reopening Kent County’s oldest park, Ideal Park.

In 2014, a tornado, straight-line winds, and flooding, damaged the park’s playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts and uprooted many of its trees, some of which were more than 100 years old.

“In a matter of seconds a park that was magnificent, majestic, mature was destroy,” said Doug Wustman, chair of the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Commission. “Ninety-eight percent of the canopy was laying on the ground and there was nothing but twisted, shredded, uprooted trees is all that you saw. The out buildings, the picnic shelters, the restrooms, everything was just gone in a matter of seconds.”

 

The Wyoming City team who helped to redesign Ideal Park with residents’ input. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

It was not just the park that was impacted by the storm, but the entire area.

 

“In 2014, the whole community was devastated and we had to hold off doing anything in Ideal Park until we could get the residences built in the area, said City of Wyoming Director of Community Services. The city spent $500,000 to remove the trees and debris from the park only to have flooding and another tornado in 2016.

“It has been a practice in patience for our residents,” Rynbrandt said. “As you can see our community is resilient and this park is a result of their commitment. The commitment of engaging in design so we could make sure that what is featured today really came about because it was what they wanted.”

The city spent more than $800,000, of which was a Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant of $508,000, reconstruction the park, located at 5843 Crippen Ave. SW. This included moving many of the amenities to the east side of the park along with improved traffic control for vehicle and pedestrian safety.

One of the unique features to Ideal Park’s playground are these all accessible swings. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

New amenities include restrooms, a shelter, and a playground that offers special new features.

 

“The playground is universally accessible,” Rynbrandt said. “We made a strong commitment that people of all abilities can come and play in our community.”

The playground features a tile form of the cushion-style playground surface that is similar to the one at Frog Hollow. The advantage of the tile is that the city can replace sections easily without having to replace the entire surface, Rynbrandt said.

 

At each of the city’s parks, the city tries to incorporate special elements that are unique to that park and for Ideal Park that includes modified swings, a climbing rope and a modified whirler.

 

Ideal Park also has a trailhead connecting to the interurban trail system that starts in Byron Center and goes through Kentwood and on into Grand Rapids.

 

There is excitement about reopening Ideal Park, Rynbrandt said, but also a little sadness in that the one item the city could not bring back was the 300-year-old trees that were the canopy of the park. However, the reopening of the park and the new amenities it offers will make new memories for residents today and tomorrow, Rynbrandt said.

 

“I am thankful to the people of the Ideal Park area for their patience and understanding because today we have a rebirth, we have a new parkThat they can enjoy for generations to come,” Wustman said. “2020 has been a rough year for everybody because of the pandemic environment we’re living in, so to see people laugh and even shed a tear at time, yeah I look forward to that. To life back to normal.”

WKTV Journal: Meet the Interns

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

This June, WKTV had four Ferris State University students join the team.

For the past several years, WKTV has worked with Ferris State University having about two student interns at the station per year. The students usually come January through June or June through December.

All the students are seniors in Ferris State University’s Television and Digital Media Production.

So let us introduce you to our interns:

Tyler Bronsink at the July 20 Wyoming City Council Meeting. (WKTV)

Tyler Bronsink
Byron Center

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I’m learning more about shoots, the different types of cameras, and editing in new software like Final Cut Pro. I am helping craft census stories, shooting b-roll, and offering story ideas for the community.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I hope to work with either a news station like WKTV or a film/media studio as an editor/writer.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

Pick a few (about five to six) that you would want to work at and make sure that the internship fits for you and offers a variety of job opportunities.

Matt Main works with the slider in preparation for a shoot. (WKTV)

Matt Main
Hemlock, Michigan

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I’m learning how to become a better video editor, director, cameraman, as well as media as a whole. Making videos and content makes me feel like I’m creating enjoyment and happiness in my audience.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I hope to be hired with a video production company and work as an editor professionally.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

I would advise being aggressive and open in your searches; don’t stick to ideal situations only.

Rachel Weber is learning to be a better content creator at WKTV. (WKTV)

Rachel Weber
Rochester Hills

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I am learning how to be a better content creator as well as being a more sociable person.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I am hoping that this internships opens doors into more sports-related productions.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

Remember that it is just an internship so it doesn’t matter where you go, just make the most of it.


Cole Zimmerman worked in the WKTV truck at the July 20 Wyoming City Council meeting. (WKTV)

Cole Zimmerman
Rockford????

What are you learning on your internship? How are you making a difference?

I’m mostly learning what was taught to me at Ferris; however, I’m learning new aspects of those lessons like new ways and methods of doing certain tasks as well as new equipment.

What are your future plans, what do you hope this internship leads to professionally?

I hope to become a script writer for TV and movies, and possibly a producer and/or director.

What advice can you offer to other students seeking, hoping to learn about internships?

When looking for an internship, don’t be picky and reach out to as many places as you can, and be open to new learning experiences.

John Ball Zoo hosts an adult night out Aug. 27

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,
Take a break from the little ones and hang with the adults of the John Ball Zoo. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Darci David
John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is hosting their second Adult Night Out of the season on Thursday, August 27th for those aged 21 and up looking for a fun date night or friend’s night out.

Adult Night Out gives attendees the opportunity to experience the Zoo at night, with adult beverages, and without any kids. Zoo staff will rotate throughout the Zoo in front of animal habitats helping guests learn more about the animals and the Zoo during the evening. To allow proper social distancing, no scheduled programming will occur.

Attendees can also enjoy the summer evening with beer selections, specialty drinks, and delicious food options, including the recently launched JBZ beer in partnership with Brewery Vivant.

The Thursday, August 27th Adult Night Out is 5:15 – 9:00 p.m. Limited tickets are available so the Zoo highly recommends reserving tickets before the event. The Zoo offers four times to enter at 5:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. to help with space for safe social distancing.

The John Ball Zoo is hosting an Adult Night Out event Aug. 27. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Tickets can be purchased online for $18 for members or $20 for non-members at jbzoo.org/AdultNightOut. Tickets could be available for those who walk-up but the Zoo cannot guarantee these will be available. The Zoo notes that the July Adult Night Out did sell out days in advance.

Masks will be required for those medically able when visiting their indoor habitats, and for outdoor areas where a 6 feet distance is not possible between other guests. The Zoo asks for guests to bring their own mask. John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call (616) 336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.

To-go ordering an ingredient for survival

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Restaurants, WKTV Projects, , ,
One of Hopcat’s locations on East Beltline added a large tent to accommodate customers in a more open setting. (WKTV/Tom Norton)

By Tom Norton
tom@wktv.org

Through most of the pandemic people in West Michigan have largely avoided restaurants. In many cases restaurant dine-in business is down as much as 60 percent. But for many restaurant owners, surviving financially on 40 percent of what business you had pre-COVID is not enough. The saving grace for many restaurants and the reason they may be able to survive once the pandemic is finally declared over is in two simple words:  take out.

If you walked into Stella’s Lounge on Commerce, HopCat on East Beltline, Grand Rapids Brewing Company on Ionia, Pietros on 28th Street, or Cottage Bar on LaGrave Avenue, on any night pre-COVID you would have found nearly all the tables full. Stella’s became synonymous with burgers customers would swear by. With its now iconic logo, Hopcat was holding its popularity as a place with an extensive beer list and casual dining. Now, five months into the pandemic, the social distancing has severely limited seating creating a financial strain on all restaurants that has been immense. 

Stella’s Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

“It seemed like the situation would change almost daily,” said Mark Sellers, Barfly Ventures founder and the owner of Hopcat, Stella’s and the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.  “There were the unemployment issues and PPG funding along with getting loans and applications in and there’s been little time for anything else. We’re actually working harder even though sales are down.”

But even with a 60 percent reduction in sales, Sellers may be in a better position than some restaurant owners. While the number of restaurants he has has helped, Sellers chalked survival up to one primary element: creativity.

“If you talk to the restaurant owners today, the last five months have been the most creative of their careers,” he said, adding that for many, launching the to-go side of their operations was like launching a second restaurant with in itself. Sellers’ restaurants came up with different names and different logos for the to-go side and along with the massive amounts of change for COVID safety, it all caused a shift in thinking how a business would run.

“It’s been a constant creative process in navigating during this time,” Sellers said.

Asked what he envisions post pandemic, Sellers admited to being both a pessimist and optimist.

“I don’t think it’s going to go back to 100 percent,” Sellers said. “People have formed habits through DoorDash and eating at home. There’s going to be a permanent behavior change and take-out and delivery will remain more important than it used to be, ” he said, adding that once they start growing again, restaurants may be designed smaller with a greater focus on take-out and delivery.

Pietro’s Restaurant on 28th and Breton. (WKTV/Tom Norton)

Across town,  Pietro’s Restaurant has been anchored near 28th Street and Breton in Kentwood for nearly 50 years and owner Tim Fellows saw his restaurant shuttered for 70 days while they waited for the re-open order. When it came, the Pietro’s team saw a return, but with social distancing rules, only to 50 percent capacity. Like every restaurant scrambling to survive, Fellows said they stepped up their game for curbside service, but he quickly discovered though that for some delivery services the percentage they charged the restaurant limited the menu items available to the customer.

“We wanted our customer to have the full menu experience,” Fellows said. This led to Pietro’s using delivery mainstays such as GrubHub and Delivery.com, which charge a percentage that also allowed the iconic Italian eatery to offer their more expanded menu.

“Some of the delivery services charged a higher percentage and we felt that took away menu choices from our customers, so we’ve stayed with the standard delivery services that accommodate our needs as well,” he said.
And several months ago, downtown Grand Rapids saw a burgeoning dining scene with new eateries opening, it seemed, monthly. From the urban hip areas growing up around Stocking Avenue and Bridge Street to Wealthy Street to Michigan Avenue, Grand Rapids was on track to hold its own with any city its size in choices for eateries.

The oldest restaurant in the Grand Rapids area is The Cottage Bar. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

That’s all suddenly changed and Dan Verhil, the owner of the iconic Cottage Bar — the oldest restaurant in Grand Rapids — said he feels for any restaurateur who had the misfortune of opening up just prior to the pandemic. Since opening in 1927 and with Verhil’s ownership since 1980, The Cottage Bar has had plenty of time to establish a routine clientele.  
“Our customers thank us for staying around,” Verhil said. The Cottage Bar has had to alter its menu to the items Verhil believes will travel best. The restaurant still offers a small, but cozy outdoor seating area to accommodate diners who want to still experience a sit-down restaurant. 

 While 93 years of existence does make The Cottage Bar’s  roots run deep, Verhil recognizes big changes sweeping through the industry.   
“Dining out has been becoming more casual over the years,” Verhil said. “It used to be in the 70s and 80s that dining out was a special occasion, but now it’s pretty casual,” he said.

Verhil also pointed out that the take-out trend has been increasing even before the pandemic.

“It used to be 15 percent of our business,” he said, “but now it’s at 50 percent and climbing. So much so that we’re going to be launching a mobile way for ordering.”

The Cottage Bar has also seen a significant change in to-go packaging where the industry has invested in better technologies, pointing out the example of how fries used to stay crisp for just 10 minutes, but now can hold for up to 40 minutes.

The one thing Verhil pointed out is even though take-out is growing and drive through restaurants seemed perfectly situated for a pandemic situation, take-out and drive through will not replace the dining experience.

“A take-out window just can’t do that,” he said. “Inside you have a server making suggestions from food to wine. It’s all part of that experience.”  
Fellows over at Pietro’s adds to that saying that customers have shown their appreciation for the dine-in experience by being very gracious to the servers.

And whether it’s take-out or dine-in, all seem to agree that if anything, the near seismic shifts in the industry over the last few months have taught them all to be better and to think creatively in order to survive. Advertising guru William Bernback said it best when he said that “creativity is the most practical thing a business can employ.”  Any restaurateur today would readily agree. 

You don’t need ArtPrize to discover a city full of art

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern

Disappointment reigned supreme when it was announced that COVID-19 had put the kibosh on this year’s ArtPrize activities. As others scrambled to fill in the gaps, we discovered there is quite a bit of art — both new and old — for any resident to take their own art tour through downtown Grand Rapids.

Take this walking tour by yourself, or with family and friends, to get some fresh air while enjoying the beautiful art that adorns the Grand Rapids’ streets.

Starting from the LOVE sculpture along Monroe Avenue, take the path behind it past the Panera Bread along Campau Avenue going below the JW Marriott Grand Rapids bridge along Louis Street to see the blue “Steel Water” fluoridation statue located by the Grand River along Louis Street. The statue was made as a pride symbol of Grand Rapids for being the first city that utilized water fluoridation in 1945.

Head back east to the LOVE sculpture and go north along Monroe Avenue. Then join Pearl Street by turning west from Monroe Avenue. Along Pearl Street, you will see the benches and a garden-like monument built to preserve the memory of a lifelong friendship which later became a business partnership between Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel. The two entrepreneurs formed Amway Corporation that turned into a global corporation. This monument is right outside the JW Marriott hotel, which was the last venture DeVos and Andel embarked on together. The flower monument is surrounded by benches and pillars each dedicated to the sister cities connected to Grand Rapids by Amway.


Head north on Pearl Street over the bridge to the front of the Grand Rapids Public Museum where the Memorial Bell is located just west of Pearl Street. Dedicated in 1995, the bell was donated by a Local 336 Firefighters of Grand Rapids and it serves a tribute to all firefighters, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.


While looking at the Memorial Bell, you can’t help but notice the Apollo Command Module, which is actually a time capsule. Celebrating the city’s sesquicentennial and the nation’s bicentennial, the module was filled with memorabilia that reflects life in Grand Rapids in 1976. What does it hold? Well, you won’t get a sneak peek until July 4, 2076 when it is scheduled to be open.


As you continue to walk outside the Grand Rapids Public Museum you will see paintings on the walls of the building along Front Avenue which lead you to the east entrance of the spectacular Blue Bridge.


Before getting across the bridge, there is the Noahquageshik sculpture right before the entrance. Noahquageshik, also known as “Chief Noonday,” was a very influential leader of the original people (Grand River Ottawa Anishinabe) of Grand Rapids and this statue is dedicated to him.


If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can take a stroll through Lacks park that leads to a mini nature trail beside the calm waters of the Grand River right below the Blue Bridge, which extend north to the bridge on Pearl Street.



Lacks Pack has beautiful sculptures in it as well such as the River’s Edge and the Be Still and Know IV. This park can serve as a cute spot for taking pictures, having your “alone time,” hanging out with your loved ones or just getting your daily work out steps in.


After crossing the Blue Bridge, go east into the small path, called the River Edge, right outside the building covered with beautiful art paintings and head north onto Fulton Street.


You’ll see a little black box painting dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement before turning west onto Ottawa Street and you will see another Black Lives Matter painting along Louis Street. These paintings were done on windows broken after a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Flloyd.


Keep walking north on Ottawa Street and head west on Monroe Street to find yet another wall painting dedicated to the Black community and the rights and justice they deserve. 


And the best way to complete the tour is at the famous Rosa Parks Circle that houses a statue dedicated to Civil Rights activist Rosa Park at the intersection of Monroe Street and Monroe Avenue. Head across the street, head south along Monroe Street to the starting point, the LOVE sculpture.

Going on this tour made me realize what a rich artistic culture Grand Rapids has. The city’s buildings, sculptures and statues are full of many stories that show that Grand Rapids is a city full of art even without ArtPrize.

Wyoming’s first female planning commissioner, longtime city historian dies

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming
In February, Former Wyoming resident and historian Dorothy Simon-Tibbe (left) and Faith Hospice volunteer Elaine Martin look over one of the Wyoming history books that Dorothy helped wrote. (Photo by WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming’s first female Planning Commission member and beloved historian Dorothy Simon-Tibbe died Aug. 11. She was 88 years old.

During Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Jack Poll remembered Simon-Tibbe, who had been the city’s first female Planning Commissioner and had served on the Wyoming Historical Commission.

“Dorothy was deeply involved in community and served in several study committees and events like the Rodeo and many other pursuits,” Poll said. “We are grateful for Dorothy’s service and know her legacy will serve as a testimonial to others.”

On a personal note, Poll said he had gotten to now Simon-Tibbe when he owned Pfieffer Pharmacy on Burton Street. In fact, he remembered receiving a note from her only a few months ago about something she had saw in Wyoming and would miss that.

“Dorothy challenged the city to honor its history, while being proactive in its development,” said City of Wyoming Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “She was a champion of city’s economic progress and land development through her appointment as the City’s first female Planning Commissioner. Throughout her life, she forested great passion for the preservation of Wyoming’s history by being a member of our Historical Commission and publisher of the City’s history books. We will miss her greatly.”

Simon-Tibbe helped to co-author two history books on the City of Wyoming: “Wilderness to Wyoming” and “A City of Wyoming: A History.” She also wrote a book for her family “Hoe Your Own Row.”

On the Wyoming Historical Room’s Facebook page it talked about Simon-Tibbe’s dedication to the city’s history in that she was “instrumental in the publishing of Wyoming’s two history books, spending hundreds of hours typing out stories and doing interviews.”

For the City of Wyoming, Simon-Tibbe also served on Mayor Wiest’s Study Committee, Mayor Eardley’s Urban Renewal Study, Wyoming City Census Board, Rodeo Board, Festival Committee, and City Manager Mason’s DDFA. Considering the number of city committees she had been on, Simon-Tibbe once joked that “I knew every mayor and city council member…at least who was in my age bracket.” 

She also was Mrs. Santa for 25 years for special needs functions, a reporter for the Wyoming Advocate/South Kent News, WERX Radio Girl Friday, served on the Beckmaze Historical Society in the City of Wyoming, and was a reporter for the WKTV Journal. 

In her last interview with the WKTV Journal in February, Simon-Tibbe acknowledged she had no regrets.

“I have had such an incredible life,” she said. “As I look at the end of life, I am not bother by it at all. I married two wonderful husbands, had five wonderful children by birth, three foster children, 19 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.”

Simon-Tibbe was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert A. Simon and James Tibbe.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oasis of Hope Center, 522 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (ohcgr.org) 

Photo of the Week: Just Hangin’

Citizen Journalism

The John Ball Zoo recently added a few new “brick” animals. Through Oct. 25, the John Ball Zoo, located at xxxxx, is featuring the exhibit BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise. The exhibit intertwines more than 40 life-size animal sculptures made from more than 1.8 million colorful building bricks in with the zoo’s live animal exhibits. This orangutan just happens to be hanging out in the gorilla area. For more on the exhibit and happenings at the John Ball Zoo, go it jbzoo.org.

Do you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Email it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

Traffic Tuesday Question: School Bus Lights

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming,

By Officer Jenni Eby
City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety

Traffic Tuesday Question: School Bus Lights. Welcome to the Traffic Tuesday question. Each week, the question will be posted on Tuesday, and the answer posted Thursday.

You’re driving behind a school bus when its overhead (upper) yellow lights begin flashing. What should you do?

1) Proceed with caution around the bus

2) Prepare to stop behind the bus

3) I’m not sure after last week’s question, I’ll check back Thursday for the answer!

Check back on Thursday to learn the answer!

Balloons Over Bellaire will take flight last weekend in August

Citizen Journalism, ,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

Grab your camera for this picture perfect event as hot air balloons return to Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort for Balloons Over Bellaire, a free two-day hot air ballooning event, August 28-29.

Sunsets over Lake Bellaire won’t be the only thing to photograph and gaze at during this late August weekend as 15+ hot air balloonists take flight from the top of the slopes of Shanty Creek’s Summit Mountain. The sky above Lake Bellaire comes alive with color.

Teams will take flight, from the Alpine Tubing Hill behind Shanty Creek’s Lakeview Hotel, on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. With Lake Bellaire as a backdrop, the sky will come alive with color and whimsy. Saturday morning, 7:30 a.m., the balloons take flight over Torch Lake, and return to The Lakeview Hotel on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m.

Given the nature of the event, there are plenty of locations to watch the balloonists. Be creative, find ‘your spot’ and enjoy the show responsibly. Social distancing should be top of mind. Masks are recommended, even outdoors.

Special thanks to this year’s event sponsors including The Dockside, Sarducci’s, and The Shanty. Shanty Creek Resort is proud to be a partner in the event, and base camp to visitors throughout this picture perfect weekend event. For additional information on this event and others, as well as the 5,000 acre resort, visit ShantyCreek.com.

Snapshots: A few things you can do this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org



Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson



Go Baby Shower Shopping!

So they have been a little busy at the John Ball Zoo with a lot of new arrivals. To celebrate, the Zoo is hosting a baby shower. The Anthony Poison arrow frog is looking for a new aquarium and some plants while the Goeldi’s monkeys (pictured above) are hoping for some toys and a flat screen TV (great for stimulation on those cold winter days.) For a complete list of gifts, visit https://www.jbzoo.org/babyshower. Also on Aug. 18. there will be fun baby shower activities at the zoo. For more information, visit www.jbzoo.org.

Check out Outbreak

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is currently hosting the Smithsonian exhibit, “Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World.” The exhibit features informative panels and videos that cover outbreaks such as Zika, Ebola, Influenza and new information pertaining to COVID-19. It also will include video from the Museum’s own COVID-19 collection. For more information, visit grpm.org.

Two for the Price of One

Grand Rapids Art Museum (supplied).

By the way, if you have a membership to the John Ball Zoo, you can get into the Grand Rapids Art Museum for free during the entire month of August. (It is the same for GRAM members who can get into the John Ball Zoo for free for August.) And this Saturday is Family Day at the GRAM from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be lots of family activities and docent tours. For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org.

Fun Fact: Hot Dog!

According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume more than 150 million hot dogs on July 4 which if laid from end-to-end would stretch from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles five times. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Americans consume 7 billion hot dogs or about 818 hot dogs every second. That’s a lot of dogs!

New local business focuses on African-American hair, beauty products

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , ,
Owners Adrian Wiley (left) and Lydia Thomas (right) recently opened Queens Hair & Beauty Supply, located at 2035 28th St. SE. (Photo courtesy of Rich Photography)

By Meochia Nochi Thompson
Community contributor
Photos by Rich Photography

Can I just say, “Whew, there is plenty of magic in the air!”

Walking into Queens Hair & Beauty Supply, located at 2035 28th St. SE, Unit K, is like a breath of relief. First of all, how often is it that you come across a black-owned beauty supply business in Grand Rapids? It was like the owners, Adrian Wiley and Lydia Thomas, knew exactly what was wanted and very much needed.

Although there are products for almost anyone, it’s a store that understands how to deal with black hair, skin, beauty and psyche from beginning to end. When you walk in the first thing you hear is great music flowing through the speaker, which puts the shopper at further ease because it feels like home. You notice right away the store is clean. Then you’re greeted with a warm and welcoming “Hello” by one of the many helpers walking throughout the store.

The aisles are spacious giving you ample room to walk around and browse the products without feeling closed in or rushed. There are familiar brands that are popular for black hair and skin. Queens offers everything from barrettes and sunglasses to hair dyes, cosmetics and weaves.

Knowledgeable staff are all around to assist with any questions and even offer helpful recommendations, some based off personal experience. Products are placed neatly on the shelves and everyone seems very friendly and patient.

It creates a sense of pride and accomplishment for men and women of color. Even if you don’t find everything you need, you’re moved to buy something just to show love and support.

Queens Hair & Beauty Supply is clean, neat and has spacious aisles. (Photo courtesy of Rich Photography.)

Queens not only sells products, they have found a unique and uplifting way to give back to the community, which is very important when it comes to African-Americans. Space is provided in the front of the store for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their business on Saturday mornings for a minimal fee.

Queens Hair & Beauty Supply definitely will have women of color straightening their crowns and walking a little taller with its attentiveness and quality products. The store’s prices are compatible and customer service is impeccable.

As more products become available and business picks up, it will be interesting to see how much magic Queens Hair & Beauty Supply will really produce!

Although there are products for almost anyone, Queens Hair & Beauty Supply is a store that understands how to deal with black hair, skin, beauty and psyche from beginning to end. (Photo courtesy of Rich Photography.)

Birgit Klohs announces retirement from The Right Place

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
Birgit Klohs

By John Truscott
Community Contributor

Birgit Klohs, one of the most influential and successful business development strategists in Michigan, announced today that she will retire from The Right Place, Inc. on January 31, 2021. 

Klohs joined The Right Place, Inc. in 1987 as president and CEO and quickly established the Grand Rapids-based organization as the premier economic development entity in western Michigan. During her 33 years with The Right Place, Inc. the organization collaborated with state and local leaders and business executives to create more than $5 billion in economic investment in the region and generate more than 50,000 jobs.

“When my father, Jay, founded The Right Place, he imagined it would become a powerhouse organization driving economic development in West Michigan,” said Dave Van Andel, chairman and CEO of the Van Andel Institute. “But we all realize now that it has exceeded all expectations. I believe Birgit’s leadership has made The Right Place the premier regional economic development organization in the country. It is the envy of communities nationally and the example everyone tries to emulate. I’ve had the privilege of serving with Birgit on The Right Place board for many years and have watched its impact on West Michigan. I can say with assurance, my father would be very pleased with what The Right Place has accomplished. Thank you, Birgit!” 

“The city of Grand Rapids would not be the beacon of business activity that it is today were it not for the passion and drive of Birgit Klohs,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We are so fortunate to have had a champion like her working for us.”

Klohs has worked closely with five Michigan Governors to pursue economic development opportunities around the globe during her tenure. She is credited with fostering countless public-private ventures that advanced the economic prosperity of the region. 

“Birgit has truly been the North Star of economic investment in West Michigan,” said Windquest Group president and co-founder, Dick DeVos. “When you combine her economic development work with her work as a part of Grand Action and see what is now one of the most vibrant downtowns anywhere, it’s easy to understand the dramatic impact she has had. She has strategically guided us to a stronger and more prosperous future in Michigan by turning economic ideas into people-centered reality.”

Her commitment to the region was not limited to The Right Place. Klohs also chaired or served on numerous boards over the past three decades including Grand Action, the Gerald R. Ford Airport Authority, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Board, the International Crossing Authority and as chair of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees, her alma mater.

“Birgit embodies forward thinking community leadership,” said Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator. “In addition to her economic development efforts at The Right Place, Inc., she also has provided her time and insight with countless organizations with the goal of improving the overall quality of life for the region.”

The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is among the highly visible projects that Klohs helped to bring to Grand Rapids. The project was the result of extraordinary collaboration with the university, local and state leaders, healthcare agencies and local business executives.

“Our region’s emergence as a leader in bio-medical research, scientific education and healthcare services could not have happened without Birgit’s relentless drive,” said Tina Freese-Decker, Spectrum Health CEO. “She merged vision, opportunity and passion to change the economic future of the city.”

For Klohs, cultivating economic investment in the region has brought fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for the leaders in our business community.

“None of our economic success would have been possible without the passion and vision of our business community and government leaders,” said Klohs. “I consider it a great privilege to have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dedicated people to build a prosperous future for decades to come. But more than that, my love for this community and this organization made this decision the most difficult I’ve ever made. It is equal to how I felt when I left my parents at the Frankfurt airport, never to return to Germany except to visit.”

In addition to all of the success The Right Place has achieved, the organization has also grown beyond economic development and recruitment. It has addressed many of the challenges that businesses and the community have faced. Klohs was instrumental in the creation of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. She led the formation of a strategic partnership with Hello West Michigan, the first employer-driven relocation and job information center in the nation. And most recently, the New Community Transformation Fund was created to uplift communities of color through capital investment. 

“I’ve known Birgit for over 20 years,” said Skot Welch, principal, Global Bridgebuilders and general partner for the New Community Transformation Fund. “Her willingness to serve as a catalyst for this fund is critical and also speaks to her leadership, commitment and vision for the community. She’s always been such a critical part of West Michigan business success. But more important, her involvement speaks to the fact that she really wants to see equity and opportunity in the marketplace. I truly believe this will be a lasting part of her legacy.” 

A nationwide search will begin immediately to find a replacement. The Right Place has engaged Korn Ferry to manage the process.

“Birgit has set an extraordinarily high-bar of performance in her role with the Right Place, Inc.,” said Sean Welsh, chair of The Right Place, Inc. Board of Directors. “As a board, our responsibility will be to find someone who can build on the great economic foundation set in place by Birgit.”

Klohs credits her team and community leaders with much of the organization’s success.

“We have such a strong team at The Right Place, and they’re responsible for so much of our success. I sincerely thank and honor them for their expertise,” she said.  “And the leadership in this community is second to none. The people make West Michigan what it is, and our corporate and government leaders have always been there for us. 

“Finally, please know that I’m not going away or even slowing down. I will continue to be active serving this community on boards and through philanthropic efforts,” Klohs concluded.

Drive-in live concert series presented by The Mendel Center

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,

By Laura Kraklau
The Mental Center

Live music is back at The Mendel Center. This time the entertainment heads into the great outdoors onto the spacious grounds of Lake Michigan College. The Drive-in Live! Concert Series hosted by The Mendel Center will be held in the Grand Upton Hall parking lot, on the south side of the building. Four concerts are planned with each featuring three local or regional acts spanning a wide variety of musical genres.

“With indoor events mostly on hold because of COVID-19, we wanted to find a new way for people to enjoy live entertainment,” stated Mike Nadolski, executive director of The Mendel Center. “We explored several options and decided the parking lots surrounding our facility would lend themselves perfectly to hosting drive-in concerts and knew we had to make this happen for our community.”

One hundred tickets are available for each date. Each ticket provides admission for one vehicle of up to six people and includes two parking spaces, one of which is a personal tailgate area to promote social distancing. Attendees may also choose to stay in their vehicle to enjoy the concert. The in-person performances will be visible on stage and projected onto a big screen. Audio will be provided by FM radio signal to car or portable radios brought by attendees.
The series lineup includes:

Sunday, August 9
Gates open at 5 pm; music starts at 6 p.m.

Jenna Mammina
Recognized as one of the leading women of jazz/pop crossover for three years in a row by Jazziz Magazine, Jenna Mammina’s live performances capture her audiences and hold them like butterflies in the palm of her hand. “Jenna could sing a page from the phone book and make it sound like her own private piece of the sky,” writes Grapevine Culture critic Kimberlye Gold.
 

The Andrew Fisher Quartet
The Andrew Fisher Quartet is a neo-soul jazz group from right here in southwest Michigan. The group specializes in blending traditional genres such as soul, funk, R&B, Mowtown, and more while using the language of improvisation and jazz. Since its inception in 2015, AFQ showcases the unique talents of its members on well-known songs as well as on original music from their 2019 EP.
 

Doc Revolver
Doctors and engineers by day, musicians by night, Doc Revolver is as eclectic as the music they play. You’ll be sure to recognize some of the songs they cover, spanning multiple genres including rock, pop, alternative, indie, and the occasional country song. 
 

Saturday, August 22
Gates open at 2 pm; music starts at 3 pm

Bryan Lubeck
Bryan Lubeck’s live shows are his forte with his high-energy, fiery Spanish guitar and smooth urban grooves. His latest album Tuscan Sky has spent more than 14 weeks on the various adult contemporary instrumental charts. Bryan has been named as a Critics’ Choice by Billboard Magazine and has recorded with five Grammy Award winners and performed with 12 Grammy Award nominees and winners.
 

Sypian Family Band
With a bluesy, jazzy, rock-n-roll vibe infused with a chemistry that only comes from family bonds, This Sypian Family Band plays a slate of original tunes that stir the soul, accompanied by rockin’ covers to get you movin’. This close-knit group of family and long-time friends has an eclectic sound with influences ranging from British Invasion to ‘90s alternative and everything in between.
 

Dan Maxon
Dan Maxon is a local singer/songwriter and guitarist. He was raised under all manner of musical influences, finding a particular fondness for rock, folk, and jazz. He channels these genres through his own intimate, acoustic style.
 

Saturday, September 19
Gates open at 5 pm; music starts at 6 pm
 

The Big Payback
The Big Payback is an award-winning jazz-rock band featuring the soulful vocals of Leah Isabel Tirado and a smoking horn section. Mixing “ambitious original tunes that challenge even the most talented instrumentalists” (La Crosse Tribune) with classic covers, the band’s live show never fails to get the crowd moving.
 

Sankofa
Sankofa is a group of local musicians from Benton Harbor who love and respect the emotions that develop when good, deeply felt music is played. They have performed on many stages for the past five years, playing an eclectic mix of Old and New Soul, Funk, Jazz, R&B and Hip Hop.
 

Siusan O’Rourke & Zig Zeitler
They opened The Mendel Center’s Remotely Interested online series. Now, they’ll be with us in person! Together, this husband and wife duo has been 3-time committee nominated by the Irish Music Association for Top Duo internationally. Their CD “Chance the Arm” was named Celtic Album of the Year in 2014 by Irish radio, Celtic Echoes. 
 

Sunday, September 27
Gates open at 5 pm; music starts at 6 pm
 

Alex & Erin
Alex Holycross (The Native Howl) and Erin Zindle (Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds) have joined forces, from vastly different musical backgrounds, to perform as a new duo. Their fresh sound, dubbed ‘Outlaw Americana’, splices Alex’s heavier bluegrass/metal style with Erin’s sultry songwriter/world music influences. The guitar/fiddle driven performance showcases a new take on story-telling by drawing lyrical parallels between folklore and the current state of the world.    
  

John Latini
New York native and longtime Michigan resident John Latini, a 3-time Detroit Blues Champion, is a dynamic performing force to be reckoned with. This engaging musician is a celebrated songwriter who connects with fans across many demographics. Latini’s muscular, rockin’ blues grabs you by the throat from the get-go and won’t let go.
 

Mike Talbot
Mike is considered a master vocalist, guitarist, and pianist, as well as a prolific and innovative songwriter. His performance history, spanning three decades and totally over 30,000 hours, includes a wide range of gigs, from local haunts to headlining concerts.
 

Additionally, each concert is going to feature prize giveaways, trivia contests, and family-fun activities done safely from each car tailgate zone. During the August 9 concert, a portion of the sale of bottled water will benefit the Berrien Community Foundation Arts Challenge campaign.
 

Though music and fun will be center stage during these events, The Mendel Center staff is staying focused on the health and safety of everyone in attendance.
 

“The well-being of our attendees, performers, crew, and staff is our first priority. The Drive-in Live! Concert Series is set up to promote social distancing in accordance with governmental guidelines,” Nadolski stated. “We will encourage patrons to stay within their assigned parking and tailgate spaces, and mask wearing is required when leaving that designated space.”
 

Nadolski added that while The Mendel Center has taken expanded safety measures, the cooperation of all attendees is needed to help keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
 

Tickets for each performance are $60 for premium parking per carload up to 6 people; $50 for standard parking per carload up to 6 people. Tickets can be purchased at www.TheMendelCenter.com or by calling The Mendel Center box office at 269-927-8700, option 1. Temporary box office hours are Mondays and Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm. Tickets can be purchased 24/7 through the web site.
 

The Drive-in Live! Concert Series is sponsored by the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council. The September 19 concert is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Crane Group.

Ocean scourge: Flesh-eating bacteria

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, ,
Flesh-eating bacteria can be contracted when open wounds are exposed to brackish ocean water. Contaminated seafood can also result in infection. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)

By Robert Preidt, HealthDay


It’s a horrible fate: You take a cool dip in the ocean and become infected with flesh-eating bacteria.


Climate change is making this terrifying scenario more common in the northern part of the United States, one infectious disease expert says.


These infections are caused by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. There are about 80,000 such infections each year in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Most infections resolve within a few days, but there are about 500 hospitalizations and 100 deaths each year due to such infections.


There are a number of ways to protect yourself, according to David Cennimo, an infectious disease expert at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.


Vibrio bacteria can get into the body through open wounds. If you have any, it’s best to stay out of the water, especially brackish water. Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage if it’s likely to come into contact with water or raw seafood or raw seafood juices, Cennimo advised.


Cook all seafood thoroughly and wash your hands after handling raw shellfish, he added.


Most infections caused by Vibrio bacteria are gastrointestinal and cause food poisoning-like symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain and sometimes fever. Symptoms usually start one day after ingestion and last for three days.


Skin infections caused by the bacteria may be inflamed and red, with blisters. The site may also turn deep blue like a severe bruise. A fever may develop and confusion can occur in severe cases. Immediate emergency medical care is required because the infection can progress rapidly to death, Cennimo said.


For most people, the skin infection can be treated with antibiotics. However, necrotizing (flesh-eating) infections can be very serious and move very fast.


People especially at risk of severe and aggressive infection include those with a weakened immune system due to conditions such as liver disease, cancer, diabetes or HIV, and those who are on immune-suppressing therapy or are recovering from stomach surgery.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.



Adopt-A-Highway clean up resumes, delayed due to COVID-19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Recent Adopt-A-Highway volunteers were out in July helping to make the state’s highways nicer by picking up trash along the roadway. (Supplied/MDOT)

By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern

This summer, you may have noticed that the state highways had a little more trash along the sides than normal.

Because of COVID-19 and the lockdown that took place this past spring, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) had to cancel its normal Adopt-A-Highway clean up activities in April and May. 

However according to MDOT Public Relations Communications Representative John Richards, volunteers were able to head out on the roads in July to pick up trash. All volunteers were required to follow social distancing guidelines including wearing masks when in close contact with individuals who didn’t reside in their household.

The Adapt-A-Highway program was started in 1990. It involves more than 2,750 groups with volunteers collecting more than 60,000 bags of trash on 6,300 miles of highway. 

To participate in the Adapt-A-Highway program, you have to be at least 12 years old and in a group of at least three people. Each group is assigned a section of the highway and signs bearing the group’s name are posted along the adopted highway. There are no fees charged to participate and trash bags, safety vests, arrangements to haul the trash are provided by MDOT.

The final trash pick-up for this year’s Adopt-A-Highway program is scheduled for the fall, Sept. 26 to Oct. 4. 

If you’re interested in taking part in the program or finding out more, click here.

KDL adds online high school program to its offerings

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

For Wyoming resident Danielle Burzynski there was no pressing need for her to finish high school and get a diploma.

Danielle Burznski on her graduation day this past December. (Supplied/KDL)

“I left school and got a job and I had been at my job for 22 years,” Burzynski said. “So I do not have the need to finish or go back.”

It was something she thought about, but she became a single mother and between raising a family and working, there never seemed to be the time.

Burzynski is not alone, according to Kent District Library (KDL) Librarian and Outreach Specialist Sara Magnuson. About 35,000 Kent County residents have not completed high school with most of them coming from underserved communities. It part of the reason that last year the KDL rolled out a new offering, the Career Online High School, designed for students to earn an accredited high school diploma as well as a workforce readiness certificate. 

“We were looking at ways to help build community financial stability,” Magnuson said. “One of the first steps is you can not achieve career advancement in work without a diploma.”

Wanting to give her daughter inspiration to finish her high school studies, Burzynski decided in 2019 to go back and get her diploma. She quickly discovered there were many options making her feel that is was “OK to go back and finish.” With the knowledge that she still could get that diploma, Burzynski began exploring those options, settling on the Career High Online School.

“It was wonderful,” Burzynski said. “I could do it online at my own pace and in my free time. It was about two weeks per semester and I was doing about a week per semester.”

Danielle Burzynski celebrates with KDL staff, family, and friends. (Supplied/KDL)

Started in 2007, the Career Online High School program, which is part of the nation’s first private, accredited online school district Smart Horizons Career Online Education, is 100 percent online. Students access course materials from anywhere at anytime. Also, as an accredited high school program, students can transfer previously earned high school credits.

 

The key aspect that KDL liked about the Career Online High School program was the workforce readiness certificate, Magnuson said.

“It gives the students several different options,” she said. “They could enter a home health care study (that would give them the background to successful enter the certified nurse assistant or CNA program0 or go into the office management career field. It gives them the background knowledge and helps potential employers who are considering hiring them that they have the knowledge in the field they are pursing.”

Each student accepted into the program is assigned an academic coach who works with the Career Online High School provider, Magnuson said.

 

While Burzynski already had a career, the program worked well for her needs of flexibility to complete the remaining 12 credits she needed to graduate, which she did in December 2019.

“I can’t even described the feeling when I finished, how proud I was of myself,” she said. “Now it is one less thing to be done.”

The Career Online High School program is around $99 a month; however, KDL is offering scholarships for up to 25 Kent County residents. To be considered, a candidate must be a resident of Kent County, have a KDL library card and fill out an online assessment on the KDL website. Prospective students will be contacted by their local KDL branch library and given a link to a two-week prerequisite course. Those who pass the prerequisite course with a score of 70 percent or above will then be interviewed in person by their libraries to determine if they will receive a scholarship.

Magnuson said scholarships are not guaranteed as the program has to be the right fit for the student. If it is not, Magnuson said KDL does try to work with the student to find the best option for them. KDL works with several organizations that offer GED and high school completion programs such as the Kent ISD which among its offerings has Project NorthStar. Project NorthStar works with both in-school and out-of-school students looking to become self-sufficient by getting a diploma or GED and gaining job skills. Some of the other organizations that KDL works with are Sparta Adult Education, Rockford Adult Education, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Jubilee Jobs and the Literacy Center of West Michigan.

“It has gone extremely well,” Magnuson said of the Career Online High School program, adding that there are about 17 students who have received scholarships and three that have graduated with several others almost done. Because of its success, she said KDL will be offering the program again this year and has 25 scholarships available.

For more about the Career Online High School program, visit the KDL.org website, click on Services and then Adult Services or click here.

Mentors guided Erickson down the path to becoming Wyoming’s new public works director

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming
In May, Myron Erickson became the City of Wyoming’s fifth director of its Department of Public Works. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It was a former boss and mentor who once told Myron Erickson that he could “easily become director” of the City of Wyoming’s Department of Public Works.

“I was in my late 20s, early 30s and I really did not think much about it,” Erickson said during a recent phone interview. “I just really kept my nose to the grindstone, did a lot of different things, and one day realized I was pretty responsible for a lot.”

On May 14, Erickson officially assumed the role of director of Wyoming’s Department of Public Works.

“It was kind of a weird time,” Erickson said. “Bill [Dooley] was retiring on May 14 and we were meeting by Zoom just trying to keep our bare bones department together because we can’t just stop city services due to COVID-19.”

Originally from the east side of the state, Erickson was working on his master’s degree at Michigan State University when he landed a seasonal position at the City of Grand Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant. When the position ended, his Grand Rapids manager said he thought his counterpart at the City of Wyoming could use Erickson’s talents.

“I did some lab work doing some experiments for the wastewater treatment process,” Erickson said. “That position ended and I needed something for my thesis and Wyoming was ‘this is something that we are interested in doing,’ so I ended up taking two six-month positions back-to-back.”

Erickson’s project was a study on the impact of the then new 1994 federal law that regulated the beneficial reuse of wastewater treatment residuals. The project was a success and resulted in operational changes at the wastewater treatment plant. More importantly to Erickson at the time, it provided him the three credit hours he needed to graduate.

With degree in hand, Erickson began looking for a job in consulting, but his friend, mentor, and the person who hired Erickson for the internship, Tom Kent, convinced Erickson to apply for an opening in the department’s industrial sewer use group.

“Tom was the guy who convinced me of what a golden opportunity working here was,” Erickson said. Not knowing how much this would impact his career, Erickson applied and got the job.

New Wyoming Department of Public Works Director Myron Erickson credits mentors in helping with his career. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

There would be other mentors who would also have an impact on the direction of Erickson’s career. Former Director of Utilities Joe Staph encouraged Erickson to become a registered professional engineer in the State of Michigan, which Erickson would need to become director, and former Public Works Director Bill Dooley, who Erickson said help him prepare for the directorship of both the utilities department and the public works department, provided “the wisdom and guidance” that has become invaluable to him, Erickson said.

So Erickson’s intention to stay for only five years, ended up being 26 as he worked his way through various positions from industrial waste monitor to depty director and finally director along with making West Michigan his home.

“I love two things about my career: the simple provision of public service and good local governance, and the ability to help and mentor others coming along behind me,” Erickson said. “More specifically, I love what Wyoming does with local government. the challenges of stretching a buck, doing more with less, finding and employing the best people who truly care about the community they serve, and solving the many technical and managerial trails we face as economically as possible all inspire me.”

And just like the mentors who encouraged Erickson along the way, he is now giving back to those coming up through the ranks.

“To young engineers and scientists coming behind me, I would advise: find a mentor, seek licensure and accreditation, give your best to your employer, treat every employee at every level with respect and recognize their contributions and never stop learning.”

Separating fact from fiction: the longterm health impacts from COVID-19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
Dr. Conor Mullin

By Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

WKTV is committed to providing factual information about COVID-19. We have partnered with Metro Health – University of Michigan Health to present questions about COVID-19 and to help dispel the misinformation being spread through social media.

Dr. Conor Mullin, a physician at Metro Health Southwest, answers this week’s question.

Question: What long term health impacts are people experiencing who have had COVID-19? 

Mullin: The long term health consequences of this virus are unknown and we will have to wait to see with time. We can infer from other similar viruses that in 6-12 months, there is likely to be a surge in autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus and multiple sclerosis.

  

There is a specific debilitating disorder affecting younger adults called ADEM which causes permanent and irreversible stroke-like symptoms caused by brain tissue inflammation. In the pediatric world, we have seen in increase in a syndrome that is comparable to Kawasaki disease, where there is potential for damage to the coronary arteries around the heart, that may cause heart attacks or even death.

Personally, I have seen some patients, especially younger folks, who have continued to have lung and breathing issues two months after the initial infection. This is most likely caused by scarring damage to the lungs. Whether these patients recover is yet to be seen. These patients were young and healthy and did not have pre-exiting conditions.

One of my colleagues also had a younger patient die of a heart attack a few weeks after recovering from COVID-19. He also had no prior known cardiovascular disease.

The short answer is that there are some isolated cases of very severe outcomes and time will tell how widespread and severe the long term outcomes will be.

If you have a COVID-19-related question, please email it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

Short’s Brewing Co. announces two-week socially-distanced celebrations

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,

By Christa Brenner
Short’s Brewing Company

Originally scheduled for Aug. 8, Short’s Brewing Company has decided to cancel this year’s Short’s Fest and replace it with a two week socially-distanced celebration instead.

Traditionally an outdoor event that draws more than 2,500 people to the brewery’s Elk Rapids production facility, Summer Fest coincides with Elk Rapids’ summer festival, Harbor Days, and ends the evening with fireworks over the water.

“We’ve been holding out as long as possible, and were inspired by the decreasing numbers of COVID, but we feel it is our responsibility to keep our community safe and not crowd such a large number of people into one space.” Says Scott Newman-Bale, CEO of Short’s Brewing Co. “While we can’t host our traditional event, we decided to take this opportunity and throw a celebration that extends for more than a single day and allows people to enjoy the Michigan summer with a delicious beverage in-hand six feet apart!”

Instead of a one-day festival, the brewery is planning a two week celebration starting Saturday, Aug. 8, and running through Saturday, Aug, 22. Every evening Short’s will have a DJ spinning tunes on the lawn or a live band as well as local food trucks. Thursday-Sunday festivities also include an additional 10 delicious beers, ciders, and seltzers on tap.

There is no cover charge for this summer celebration and it is also family friendly. Each day the Pull Barn will open at 11 am with entertainment from 5-9 pm. Short’s will enforce a 500 person limit and ask guests to wear masks when roaming the grounds and standing in line for food and beverage.

“We’ve been making a ton of upgrades to our Pull Barn beer garden space, including adding restrooms, coolers, and indoor seating. We’ve got a lot to celebrate, and feel that we can do it the right way, limiting risk and still providing the Short’s experience that our guests expect!” Newman-Bale stated.

Kentwood entrepreneur newest venture brings the benefits of Pink Himalayan salt to West Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, , , ,

By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern

When you have a sore-throat, you gargle with salt and water. When you need to flavor your food, you use salt. When you want to preserve food, you use salt. And for one local entrepreneur, when she wanted to start a new business, she started with salt.

Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of the southern cuisine restaurant The Candied Yam and JA PR Group, just opened The Pink Lounge: Dry Salt Therapy at the end of June with her daughter being the influencer behind this decision.

 

“I have a teenage daughter and she was telling me what was hot, what was happening and what was hip,” Tyson said. “When she told me about this concept, I started researching it and all the health benefits and I just had to bring this to our community.”

Dry salt therapy or halotherapy has been around for hundreds of years in Eastern Europe. It is purported to offer a variety of health benefits including relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma, allergies, bronchitis, colds, cystic fibrosis, ear infections and sinusitis as well as skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and rosacea, according to the Salt Therapy Association. A 2017 issue of the Pediatric Pulmonology found that children with mild asthma who attend one or two halotherapy sessions per week for seven weeks gained greater improves in their bronchial hyperreactivity that a control group did.

 

The salt beds are great for care-seekers, according owner Jessica Ann Tyson. (Supplied/Pink Lounge)

The Pink Loungers offers three different types of therapy rooms. According to Tyson, the detoxifying and relaxation rooms are ideal for people with joint pain such as arthritis while the rooms with beds made of Himalayan salt are great for self-care seekers.

“You lay down in Pink Himalayan salt, and you will fall deep asleep because your body will be at a total peace and relaxation state,” Tyson said.

 

The last type of therapy room is the lounge room that is designed for relaxing with more than $300,000 dollars worth of salt.

 

“If you have seasonal affective disorder, this is the place you wanna come because it is peaceful, relaxing and welcoming and it gets to your mind, body and soul,” Tyson said.

 

The Lounge Room is designed for relaxing. (Supplied/Pink Lounge)

Because salt reduces the amount of water present it prevents the growth of bacteria. In fact, salt also is antiviral and anti-fungal making it a safe business to open amid the COVID pandemic, Tyson said.

“Salt is anti-everything. There’s so much science behind the Pink Himalayan salt and the wellness that it brings for the respiratory system,” she said. “I am certain that this spot will be a popular one.”

The Pink Lounge is located at 3105 Broadmoor Ave. For more information about The Pink Lounge, visit the business’s website pink-lounge.com. 

5 interesting facts about life in assisted living

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Senior Living
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


Assisted living communities have become an attractive option for older adults who are seeking some extra assistance but don’t want or need to lose their complete independence.


Communities like Vista Springs offer the care that’s needed while still providing a safe environment that fosters flexibility, comfort, and fun. Because so many older adults are making this move to assisted living, studies are showing that the world of aging adults is shifting significantly. Some examples of this include:

1. Assisted living is a more cost-effective option

A 2015 Genworth Financial survey revealed that the median cost for a single person to live in a private room in assisted living in the U.S. was $23,200 whereas the cost for a private room at a nursing home was $91,250.

2. Fewer older Americans live alone

The Pew Research Center reports that since 1990, the number of older Americans who are living alone dropped from 29% to 26%. This is partially due to the attractive option of living with a spouse in assisted living communities.

3. Nursing homes aren’t always the best option

When loved ones begin researching options for an aging family member, often times they assume a nursing home will be the end result. However, many times that isn’t what ends up taking place. In one study, 59 out of 100 people who were investigating nursing homes ended up determining that assisted living was a better option. (An assessment by a care professional can help you to identify what level of care is needed and if assisted living is the best choice.)

4. Memory care is possible with assisted living

A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s can be difficult, and many might assume that finding quality care outside of a treatment center or nursing home might be challenging. But in reality, many assisted living communities offer advanced memory care programs that help to decrease agitation, wandering and other unfortunate side effects. As conditions advance, exclusive memory care areas help provide safe and comfortable accommodations.

5. Assisted living is the future of senior care

Assisted living communities first became available in the 1980s, and since then they have grown substantially. The National Investment Center reports there are now over 6,300 assisted living communities in the United States with about 500,000 occupied apartments.


Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.




Snapshots: Things to do in West Michigan this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

“The Karate Kid” is now showing at the Gettys Drive-In. (Columbia Pictures)

Movie Night

Have a hankering to go to the movies? While traditional theaters are still not open, Studio C’s Getty Drive-In! The oldest drive-in theater in West Michigan, operating since 1948, is offering an array of classics such as “Ghostbusters,” “The Karate Kid,” Jurassic Park,” “Jurassic World,” “The Rental,” and “The Amulet.” For complete listings, click here. Also tonight (Friday), the Ionia Drive-Up Theater will be taking place featuring the 1939 classic “Wizard of Oz” at 7 p.m. at LoNia’s World Center, 3810 Thornapple River SE. The Ionia showing is free.

Disc Golf

ZigZag Disc Golf Club, Grand Rapids’ own youth disc golf club, will be hosting a free youth disc golf tournament, Saturday at Garfield Park, located off of Burton Avenue and Madison Street. The free event is for students in 4th to 12th grade. Participants should meet at the gazebo around 12:45 p.m. The tournament will run from 1 – 3 p.m. No experience is necessary and discs will be provided, so there is no reason not give it a try.

Members of the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan paid a special visit to the City of Kentwood Police Department last year. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

Play Ball!

The Detroit Tigers will play their home opener this Monday, July 27, at Fifth Third Ballpark. Tickets are free but only available for the first 500 fans, so snatch them up quick. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. All social distancing guidelines will be followed and masks are required. For more information, click here.

Fun Fact:
Dark Chocolate: A Heart Healthy Option

Like any of us need a reason to eat chocolate, but according to a recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that “chocolate helps keep the heart’s blood vessels healthy.” That is because chocolate is choc-full of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and boost mood and concentration. This is not a license to pig out on chocolate, instead it is recommended that a one-ounce serving a few times a week has the best results..

Insurance helps cover lost of Wyoming police cars

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
Officers look over the damaged police cars from the May 30 riots. Five Wyoming Police vehicles and two Grand Rapids police vehicles were burned. (Supplied/Wyoming Department of Public Safety)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming received some good news in that the cost to replace five police cars that were burned during the May 30 riots in Grand Rapids will be mostly covered by insurance, according to Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster.

The news came as a surprise since, as reported by City Manager Curtis Holt at a June meeting, most insurance coverage does not provide for riot or civil disservice. 

Chief Kim Koster

A recent report from Koster showed the insurance would pay about 60 percent of the costs to replace the vehicles with no expected change in the departments insurance premiums. Total replacement costs for the five vehicles is $372, 585.99. Insurance will cover $219,940.99 with the city’s out of pocket costs around $152,645. The department does have a depreciation reserve for replacement of vehicles, with each of the departments 27 vehicles having its own replacement fund. There was about $140,000 available in replacement funds specifically for the five cars that were lost on May 30. This left the city with an unbudgeted net cost of $12,645. 

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s fleet services was able to get one new vehicle on the road fairly quickly with fleet services continuing to work on the remains cars. 

“It does take time to get the cars ready as they do not come fully equipped,” Koster said. 

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety has one of the few K-9 units, which assists other departments in the county. (WKTV)

A Cooperative Between Departments

The lost of the cars did create a hardship for the department, Koster said, adding that despite that, if faced with the same situation again, she would not hesitate to send the Wyoming officers out to help assist Grand Rapids or any other police department in Kent County.

“The cooperative we have [between police departments in Kent County] is unusual,” Koster said. “We hear it from other officers across the country and even from other parts of the state talk about how unusual it is.”

Some departments have specialized in certain areas. For example, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety is one of a handful of departments that has a K-9 unit as well as a forensics unit. There is also the Metropolitan Fraud and Identity Theft Team comprised of detectives from the Grand Rapids Police, Kent County Sheriff, Wyoming Police, and Kentwood Police departments. 

“I think it is important for Wyoming residents to know that we have relied on other departments as much as they have relied on us,” Koster said, adding perhaps one of the best examples of this cooperative has been the Metro Cruise.

“Many people just love coming down for Metro Cruise,” she said. “It is a a good family event and people have a good time. For us to assure the safety of residents, we have had to rely on other agencies.”

Just a year ago, a Grand Rapids protest came into the City of Wyoming, ending at the Secretary of State’s office. The Grand Rapids Police stayed with the protest as it moved to the City of Wyoming, working with Wyoming officers. Koster added “that there is some comfort in knowing that public safety doesn’t stop at a border.”

The services come at no cost to the city with only the understanding that when asked, Wyoming will return the favor. Such was the case on May 30.

One of the five Wyoming Police cars on fire the night of May 30. (Photo by Andris B Visockis)

The events of May 30

The first that any of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety officers learned that their cars were on fire during the May 30 riots was when it came over dispatch.

“Dispatch asked if there were any police cruisers on Pearl because they had just gotten a report of a police car on fire,” Lt. Eric Wiler said. “That was my car.”

The Wyoming officers, along with those from Walker, Kentwood, Kent County, and Ottawa County, came to Grand Rapids that night to help the Grand Rapids Police Department. About 10 officers, who were part of joint tactical bicycle brigade, had gone down earlier in the day with Grand Rapids Police Department requesting additional help around 9/9:30 p.m., Wiler said, adding about 20 Wyoming officers responded.

The Wyoming officers were first along Market Street but a call came that GRPD needed more officers at its station as people were attempting to break into the building, Wiler said. The officers relocated, parking the five Wyoming police cars on Pearl Street.

“When we parked, there was nothing happening on the street,” Wiler said. From reports, rioters moved away from the Fulton/Division area down to Pearl Street.

“I watched as they set fire to the prosecutor’s building,” Wiler said. “By that time, there was more of them than us and all we could do is try to keep people safe.”

Koster said as she heard how the events were unfolding in downtown Grand Rapids, her concern became more of the safety of the officers and the public. 

“I was relieved, happy, thankful that our officers were able to safely return to our offices,” Koster said. “I felt for the business owners who suffered the damage. I don’t think violence is ever the answer.”

The Wyoming Police cars from May 30. (Photo by Andris B. Visockis)

Understanding the anger

“First and foremost, I have to say that we are all in agreement in that what happened to George Floyd was disgusting and distributing,” Koster said, adding she understands the anger as she too was appalled by the arrest video of Floyd. “I believe those officers deserved to be criminally charged. They were a betrayal to the badge that we all wear.”

To the best of her knowledge, Koster said she is unaware of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety having an incident similar to that of George Floyd. She credits this in part to the accreditation the department received from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Considered the gold standard in public safety, CALEA requires departments to meet certain standards in such areas as accountability and transparency. This includes internal affairs and that these cases are handled in a proper manner.

In fact, in the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s annual report, there is a section that reports the number of internal investigations that have taken place in the department. In the 2019 report, the department had 23 cases of which six allegations were deemed sustained. 

Koster noted that the department continues to review and update its policies and practices. 

The silver lining

Besides the officers returning safely, there was another silver lining from the May 30 incident. The department was looking to replace its current in-car camera system, which is outdate and not supported, Koster said. The five new vehicles will have the new in-car camera systems which the insurance company will cover fully as part of its payment. The cost for the new in-car camera system for the five cars is just below $50,000.

It’s never too late to find a new hobby

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Recreation, Senior Living
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

By Vista Springs Assisted Living


With the gentle passing of time, and as we grow in experience and maturity, we can sometimes find ourselves getting bored with the hobbies that we’ve been enjoying for many years. That’s not to say that the hobbies haven’t been pleasant, but at this point, it just may seem like—something is missing.


Having more time in retirement offers the opportunity to expand our knowledge base in new, exciting places. Not only can this be a fun journey, but it also offers tremendous benefit to health, happiness, and mental sharpness.

An opportunity to turn dreams into reality

A large percentage of people who retire eventually elect to downsize from a large home, condo, or co-op to an assisted living community that can better meet the needs of aging adults. Their lives may have changed dramatically, and they now feel the emotional need for a comfortable transition to a more relaxed and fun-filled lifestyle that is more suitable for aging adults.


Moving into a well-run, friendly and luxurious assisted living community can be an excellent opportunity to make new friends, try a few new things and discover new passions. Let’s be frank, who doesn’t want more leisure time to enjoy life’s pleasures? This remains the case for those dealing with health challenges and disabilities.

Exciting new activities

With assisted living activities, the objective is helping people enrich their lives in a new home and friendly community. These activities encourage people to have fun and try new things whether it’s learning to play chess, learning to play pool, or exploring computer classes where they can send and receive photos of their adult children, grandchildren, and their siblings. They may not physically be able to visit foreign countries, but they can take a tour via the internet.


Assisted living activities like arts and theater appreciation improve the quality of life for both caregivers and loved ones. Artistic expression can put a sparkle in their eyes and an uplifting sense of achievement.


For those who have had a burning desire to create and develop a blog, write a children’s book, or try their hand at poetry, assisted living creates an ideal and safe environment for this type of artistic exploration.


Gardening is also an extremely popular choice. It provides community members with the opportunity to experience nature in a very intimate and personal way. It’s also perfect for stress relief, relaxation and heart health. Nurturing and caring for a tiny and delicate flowering plant as it slowly grows into a magnificent work of nature can be an incredible experience.


There are so many activities that can ignite a fun and active spirit no matter the participant’s age. And even if it’s something entirely new to you or your loved one, the key element is finding the strength to embark on something new. Who knows? It just may be the key part to discovering a brand-new passion in life.


Reprinted with permission from Spectrum Health Beat.




New path connects Wyoming’s Frog Hollow to M-6 Trail

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
Let’s take a walk: The new trail connector starting at M-6 and heading to Frog Hollow.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A final piece to the City of Wyoming’s Frog Hollow park was completed this month when a short path connector from the park to the Fred Meijer M-6 trail was installed.

“Actually it was part of the vision when the M-6 trail was under construction that Frog Hollow would serve as a way station to those using the trail,” said the City of Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, whose responsibilities includes overseeing the parks. “People who were biking would be able to use the restrooms or families could take a break along the trail and enjoy the park.”

The trail is located west of the park, between the tree-and-bush barrier and the Metro Health facility’s driveway at 1980 Metro Court Way.

The playground equipment at Frog Hollow. The park is designed to be universally accessible. (WKTV)

The project was delayed in that the city needed to get an easement from the property located behind the park at 1980 Metro Court SW. The building was occupied by ITT Technical Institute which closed in 2016 when the for-profit school discontinued operations. Metro Health eventually moved into the location.

The project cost about $87,201 to complete the .1 mile connector. About $62,601 was funded with Federal TAP funds from the Grand Valley Metro Council with the City of Wyoming contributing $26,160. 

“Before the connector, we really did not have a direct way for people to walk or bike to the park,” Rynbrandt said, noting most had to use the roads through the Metro Village to get to the park located at 2050 Metro Court. SW.

 

The connector also will allow access to the Spartan Branch YMCA, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Veterans Center, Gezon Parkway and Gezon Park baseball fields through pathways located along Metro Court and Metro Way. Rynbrandt said she is working with Kent County for signage.

Constructed in 2005, Frog Hollow was designed to be universally accessible providing ramps to access higher levels among other features. The park does have a black rail fence all the way around with only one entrance and exit, which is where the restrooms are located. For more about the City of Wyoming Parks, click here. 

The Fred Meijer M-6 trail runs 9 miles parallel to the M-6/Paul Henry Freeway. The trail starts at Wing Avenue and 60th Street where the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts and ends at the Kent Trails at the M-6 overpass located between Byron Center and Ivanrest avenues.

Wyoming City Council goes on the road

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
Wyoming City Council has two outdoor meetings planned. The first meeting is July 20 at Pinery Park Lodging Area. (WKTV)

by Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming City Council is hitting the road again this summer with plans to host two meetings within the city’s neighborhoods.

“We’re hosting our City Council meetings in neighborhoods across Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll about the outdoor meetings. “My fellow council members and I are excited to meet you, your neighbors, and the businesses in your area. For us to make good decisions for the community, we need to hear from the people who live, work, and play in Wyoming!”

Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll with Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg at previous outdoor council meeting. (WKTV)

The first outdoor meeting is set for July 20 at 7 p.m. at Pinery Park Lodging Area, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW. The second meeting is set for Aug. 17 with a location to be announced.

This is the fourth year the city council has opted to host meetings with in city neighborhoods. The goal of the meetings is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with council members in their own neighborhoods. According to city leaders, this gives residents an opportunity to learn about how its council works along with talking about issues or concerns within their own neighborhood directly with council members.

At last year’s outdoor meetings, Poll said the council has found them to be very successful, “as it allows the City Council to meet people where they are and interact with them in different ways. In addition to educating residents about the City Council and how our meetings are conducted. These summer meetings also encourage council members to visit areas of the community that may be unfamiliar to them.”

Before the 7 p.m. meeting, there is a meet-and-greet with council members and city officials available to talk to residents, answer questions about the process, and enjoy a summertime treat. The council meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and will follow the city’s meeting guidelines. Public comment time is provided during the meetings. Click here to see the official agenda for the meeting.

A Wyoming resident talks to the Wyoming City Council about traffic concerns at a previous outdoor summer city council meeting. (WKTV)

As with all the city council meetings, WKTV will be at the outdoor council meetings, broadcasting it live on Facebook and on the WKTV Government Channel 26.

The Wyoming City Council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. throughout the year. Regular meetings are at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. For more information about the Wyoming City Council or the various city committees, visit wyomingmi.gov.