WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball will offer up three games this week, beginning with the Wyoming Potter’s House girls hosting Ravenna on Tuesday, Jan. 4, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Jan. 7, at Kelloggsville when NorthPointe Christian visits.
WKTV was originally scheduled to cover a game at East Kentwood, with the girls team hosting Muskegon, on Jan. 4. But the non-conference game has been cancelled due to a pandemic safety issue.
The Potter’s House Pumas girls enter the week 2-4 in early season play, including a 43-36 win at Cedar Springs on Dec. 21 in their last game, while Ravenna enters 2-3.
On Friday, and opening the team’s OK Conference Silver schedule, the Kelloggsville boys will begin the doubleheader with a 6 p.m. tip-off. Starting the week, the Rockets are 3-2 and the in early season action, with NorthPointe at 1-4.
The Kelloggsville girls will tip-off their OK Silver schedule at about 7:30 p.m., and enter the week with a 2-3 record before a scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 4 home game against Covenant Christian. The NorthPointe girls come to Kelloggsville with a 5-0 record.
Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)
The tentative WKTV Feature Game schedule for the remainder of January and February is as follows:
Tuesday, Jan. 11, girls basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 14, boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.
Friday, Jan. 21, boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming
Tuesday, Jan. 25, boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian
Friday, Jan. 28, boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Wednesday, Feb. 2, boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 4, boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 8, boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Feb. 11, boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 18, boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)
Tuesday, Feb. 22, boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 25, boys and girls basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Staying in this New Year’s Eve — for whatever reason you care to choose — and not into college football bowl games? Want to catch some great music concerts? WKTV will replay its entire 2021 Kentwood Summer Concert Series to ring in the New Year.
Starting at 5 p.m. and running until after midnight, WKTV Community Media’s Community cable channel will rebroadcast five concerts leading off with Bootstrap Boys and running through the stroke of the New Year with The Soul Syndicate.
Don’t know some of the bands? WKTV produced previews of each (follow the links to the stories).
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown. WKTV can also be found on AT&T U-verse 99.
The is no denying Wyoming Lee High School boys basketball team’s first-year head coach Dominic Shannon and his coaching staff have work in front of them to lead the Legends program out of some tough days.
But he has youth and talent on his side, both on and off the court. And he has his thin varsity team and still-building program buying into what he is teaching on and off the court.
“This program has been under construction for the past so many years, and just looking at the banners (on the gym wall) there has not been much activity. … we do have a lot of work to do,” Shannon said to WKTV at a recent practice. “But, at the same time, that is motivating us.”
What is also motivating the team is the communication, the trust, that is developing between a young team and a young coaching staff — Shannon is 35 years old and top assistant Landon Mitchner is 38.
“With us being younger, the relatability is there. The conversation is there. There is trust there,” Shannon said. “That is a buy-in strategy for coaches … they will understand the importance of what we say. I think our ages are a huge factor here.”
Another factor working in the favor of the Legends (or “Leyendas” in Spanish, a dominate second language in the district) is that while the varsity team is thin, with seven or eight players depending on injuries, there is talent on varsity and on the larger JV team.
And there, too, much of it is young.
Wyoming Lee High School boys basketball head coach Dominic Shannon at a team practice. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“We have a very low count this year, but instead of discouraging us it has been pushing us,” Shannon said “We have some young talent”, specifically senior captain Dominic Burrell, junior Keontae Taylor and freshman Troy Fox — who was also named captain of the team.
Taylor is “the most athletic kid I have coached so far. … He is our fuel to the engine. … He is offensively gifted … When he goes, the team goes. … Honestly, I think he is an all state caliber talent.”
Burrell is a big man, with a rebounder’s body and a way with words — “His presence on the defensive end has been felt in all three games. He’s been an anchor for us. Communicating, making sure guys are in the right place. And he is a rebounding machine.”
And Fox is “a very young floor general. He’s a freshman but he is also very physical, we love his presence on the defense.”
“When those three guys are firing on all cylinders, we will be competitive.”
And the leadership the three bring is in practice as well as in games.
“We are raw on the edges but at the same time we have been growing with this leadership that has been flowing through the team,” Shannon said. “These young men set the table every single day in practice. They embody everything we are asking of the student athlete in regards to the classroom, being a leader, and they are also carrying it over, using their voice on the court.”
The team is only three games into Shannon’s leadership, but after a 0-4 record last year in a pandemic-ravaged season and a 4-17 record the year before, the Legends (1-2 overall) gained their first win of the young season just before the holiday break — 55-48 at Wellspring Prep.
The Legends will return to action Jan. 4, at home against Holton, and are playing a partial independent and partial Alliance League schedule (the league the school is moving to). Lee will also be the WKTV Featured game Friday, Feb. 18, as part of a girls and boys doubleheader against Byron Center Zion Christian (also Hall of Fame night).
“The win before break, I think it is good for the program,” Shannon said. “That win, the energy it generated, has carried over to practice.”
Coach Shannon: player, coach, mentor
Coach Shannon’s journey to Lee is really a return to Grand Rapids.
He graduated from East Kentwood High School in the early 2000s, and in 2010 he graduated from Saginaw Valley State University, where he played one year of college basketball.
He was a graduate assistant at Salem University and has coaching experience at the high school level, two years at Saranac and one as a varsity assistant at Forest Hills Central.
In addition to his coaching gig at Lee, Shannon is program director of All-In Sports, a sports training program with travel basketball teams.
And his background, Shannon said, made him understand that leading the Legends program is more than simply what happens on the court.
“The main thing, outside of the Xs and Os, outside the game, we want to make sure we are feeding the young man, preparing them for real life,” Shannon said of his and his assistant’s work. “The basketball, the Xs and Os, competing, that is what we are here for. (But) the main component of this basketball team, for me and my coaches, is making sure that we are challenging these young men to be better young men every single day.”
Booklovers, and those with lovers of books on their last-minute shopping list, are in for a treat as several new releases from well-known authors, as well as debut writers, are available just in time for the holidays.
And how better to get that last gift than by buying local, or making a holiday roadtrip out of it?
“There are a ton of really solid, interesting books by well-known authors, as well as those who haven’t written before,” said Tim Smith, Operations Manager for Schuler Books.
Schuler Books on 28th Avenue is a big bookstore with a small bookstore feel. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Founded in 1982 by Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld, Schuler Books includes locations in both Grand Rapids and Okemos. The Grand Rapids location on 28th Street “offers a wide array of new and used books for adults and children, an extensive selection of book-themed gifts, and a café where shoppers can enjoy coffee and a bite to eat,” they say. And a “friendly, helpful staff contribute to the welcoming feel shoppers experience.”
And if you’re really into last minute Christmas shopping, Schuler Books invites all ages to come and enjoy the live reindeer that will be outside the store Christmas Eve.
Adding to the inviting atmosphere is the knowledge that the staff at Schuler Books have personally hand-picked each book lining the shelves.
“We have a team of buyers that meet with publishing reps (representatives),” Smith said, “and over time have curated our stock. There are core items, of course, but also items specific to each store and its location.”
Changes in readers’ tastes
Schuler’s Smith also mentioned a shift in what buyers are looking for in reading material.
“Over the past couple of years, but especially this year, it has been different because people are looking for books connected to particular current events that people are trying to understand,” said Smith. “People see the world is changing, that there are large changes happening, and people are looking to books to understand these things.”
Popular titles at Schuler Books this holiday season substantiate Smith’s observation, with several books addressing current topics prevalent in society today:
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith speaks to racial understanding.
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Michigan author Angeline Boulley concentrates on the indigenous community.
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman incorporates a call to action for people of all ages to use their abilities to make a difference.
Other popular titles offer inspiration, humor, and a connection with nature:
“Taste: My Life Through Food” by Stanley Tucci; “The Impossible Mile: The Power in Living Life One Step at a Time” by Johnny Agar; “All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings” by Gayle Boss; “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play” by Nick Offerman; “A Carnival of Snackery” by David Sedaris; “Get Untamed” by Glennon Doyle, a companion journal to Doyle’s 2020 release, “Untamed”; “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich.
Maybe make a day-trip shopping
If you like to do a little strolling around a small-town downtown with plenty of shopping, epilogue books, founded in July 2018 by Pat and Valerie Burkholder, is celebrating their fourth holiday season in Rockford.
Some of the staff picks at epilogue books in Rockford. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Tucked into a strip of stores just off East Bridge Street, epilogue books features a comprehensive selection of new books for readers of all ages, including several by Michigan authors.
“We try to support local Michigan authors and artists,” said Cindy Coats, bookseller at epilogue books.
Coats also said that the staff at epilogue books hand-picks each book that is placed on the shelves.
“We look at what books are projected to be top-sellers,” said Coats said, “as well as what people are asking for.”
And the staff also looks at trends: “People come in asking for books that are being made into movies, like ‘Dune’ (Frank Herbert) and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (Liane Moriarty),” said Coats.
Biographies and autobiographies have also proven to be a rising trend.
“People have been out of work, or not in their normal realm of work, for a year and a half and used that time to write their stories,” Coats said. “(Readers) like hearing where people came from, and especially about overcoming adversity.”
Several new releases on epilogue’s shelves cater to this topic, including “Will” by Will Smith, and “The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music” by Dave Grohl.
Pick one; all are worth reading. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown, a self-help book that focuses on how to develop meaningful connections with the people in our lives, is another popular title this holiday season.
Cookbooks are also a top seller this year. “Lots of celebrities are now writing cookbooks,” said Coats. “Pop culture is really interjecting into food.”
The bookseller pointed to “An Unapologetic Cookbook,” written by TikTok sensation Joshua Weissman. “We can’t keep these on the shelf,” Coats said with a laugh.
Other popular titles offered by epilogue books include: “Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone” (Outlander Series, Book 9) by Diana Gabaldon; “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides; “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid; “Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives” by Dav Pilkey.
A new reproduction of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling is also dazzling shoppers with its full color illustrations and eight interactive paper craft elements.
“They are stunning,” said Coats, touching the cover as she passed by.
And say ‘“Hi” to Tommy
epilogue books’ Tommy the Bookstore Dog. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Visitors to epilogue books will most likely be welcomed by the store’s most popular member, Tommy the Bookstore Dog, a mild-mannered golden retriever who loves to interact with customers.
“People come in just to see Tommy,” said Coats. “One woman drove all the way from Lansing after seeing him on a TikTok video, just to meet him.”
And after the holidays, an upcoming event that booklovers will want to mark on their calendars is a book signing with ABC’s chief meteorologist, Ginger Zee, featuring her upcoming release, “A Little Closer to Home.” A Rockford native, Zee will be at epilogue books Jan. 15 to meet fans and sign books.
The best of Kent County’s wrestlers, many of them state-ranked in their weight classes, will be on the mats at East Kentwood High School as the Falcons wrestling program hosts the Kent County Wrestling Championships Saturday, Dec. 18, with matches starting at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to the East Kentwood wrestlers, other local schools expected to attend are Wyoming, Godfrey Lee, Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights. In all, as many as 20 schools will have wrestlers on the mats.
The format, according to information supplied by East Kentwood wrestling coaching staff will have the top 16 in each weight class placed in “Championship Division” with double elimination format. The remaining Wrestlers will be placed in a “Beltline Division”. There will also be a bracket for female wrestlers.
The Championship Division will be pre-seeded based on Trackwrestling criteria including state tournament placement/qualification, regional qualification, and records.
The Beltline Division competitors are 1st or 2nd year wrestlers or the wrestlers who had a sub-.500 winning percentage the previous season.
Awards will go to teams, individual wrestlers and Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Championship finals, and third and fifth place matches will be wrestled starting at same time, 4:30 p.m.
WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball will offer up three games this week, with Wyoming high girls hosting South Christian on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Dec. 17, at South Christian when Unity Christian visits.
The South Christian girls enter the week with a 2-1 early-season record, all non-conference, including a 37-34 home win over Holland Christian Dec. 10. The Wolves girls will enter with an identical 2-1 non-conference record, including a 45-43 win over Northview, also on Dec. 10.
After this week’s games, the WKTV crew will then take the holiday season off, as do most local teams, but return in full force in January 2022.
Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)
The tentative January and February WKTV Feature Game schedule is as follows:
Friday, Jan. 14, Boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.
Friday, Jan. 21, Boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming
Tuesday, Jan. 25, Boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian
Friday, Jan. 28, Boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Wednesday, Feb. 2, Boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 4, Boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Feb. 11, Boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 18, Boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)
Tuesday, Feb. 22, Boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 25, Boys and Girls Basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
The family Watkins of Watkins Family Hour, brother and sister Sean and Sara Watkins, have performed separately and together for nearly their whole lives. Growing up near San Diego, they played countless shows at a local pizza place in Carlsbad, Calif., often with their childhood friend, Chris Thile.
What do they say? When it comes to music, it’s the company you keep. And if you know Thile, you know the quality folk company the Watkins siblings keep.
When Watkins Family Hour comes to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium Stage on Dec. 16, folk/bluegrass music lovers will keep company with the pair — as they perform songs from their 2020 album “brother sister”, and other songs from their catalogue — as well as special guest artist Courtney Hartman.
Hartman, who will lead off the evening starting at 7 p.m., with the Watkins siblings taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Tickets for Watkins Family Hour with Courtney Hartman can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224.
Folk/bluegrass in their blood
Sean and Sara Watkins grew up playing music alongside Thile in the hugely successful folk and bluegrass band Nickel Creek, an acoustic ensemble that sold millions of albums, won a GRAMMY, and toured the world.
Encouraged by a local club owner in Los Angeles, Sean and Sara formed Watkins Family Hour in 2002 “as an outlet to try out some original songs and a few covers that wouldn’t work in Nickel Creek,” according to supplied material. That club, Largo, has since become the home base for Watkins Family Hour.
When not with Nickel Creek, Sean and Sara have released multiple solo albums and pursued other collaborations, most recently with Sara’s involvement in the group I’m With Her — a GRAMMY nominated female folk trio comprised of Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan.
Sara has also toured with the Decemberists. Sean has also performed in Fiction Family and the supergroup Works Progress Administration.
Returning to the studio as Watkins Family Hour, the pair released “brother sister”, self-described as “a duo-centric record (but) one that feels bigger than just two people.” With Sean primarily on guitar and Sara on fiddle, and with both sharing vocals, the pair enlisted producer Mike Viola (Jenny Lewis, Mandy Moore, J.S. Ondara) and mixer-engineer Clay Blair to “harness the energy and honesty of their live sound.”
“From the beginning, our goal was to work on these songs to be as strong as they could be, just the two of us,” Sara said in supplied material. “And with a few exceptions on the record, that’s really how things were. However, brother sister remains exactly that – the result of a brother and sister creating music.”
Watkins Family Hour’s “Brother Sister” Album Cover. (Supplied)
On the new release, their musical chemistry is clear on songs like “Lafayette,” an ode to Hollywood as well as the hometowns left behind by its aspiring stars, and “Fake Badge, Real Gun,” about confronting authority figures as well as your own beliefs, according to supplied material.
The pair’s choice of covers on “brother sister” also speak to the musical company their have kept and the music they respect: Warren Zevon’s poignant “Accidentally Like a Martyr” and “Keep It Clean,” the rabble-rousing Charley Jordan gem from the 1930s.
Hartman is a Colorado-born guitarist, singer, writer, and producer. In 2009, Courtney left home for Boston to study American Roots music at Berklee College of Music. She was soon on the road, touring full-time with the Boston-born band, Della Mae. This fall and winter she is touring with her new album, Glade.
St. Cecilia’s folk series lineup continues in New Year
Things really get cookin’ in the Acoustic Café in 2022, starting with local fave May Erlewine on Thursday, Feb. 17 — if you didn’t catch Erlewine’s late 2019 socially/politically charged release “Second Sight”, which was unjustly lost in the shuffle of the pandemic, you missed one of the best local releases in years.
Following Erlewine, Shawn Colvin will make a much-delayed return on Thursday, May 12; followed by the incomparable Judy Collins on Wednesday, May 18.
Tickets for all remaining concerts are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
Special note: as of this day/time, SCMC will require proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert.
Also, given the current pandemic status, SCMC also “highly recommends” that all attendees wear a mask while in the building.
All ticket holders will be notified if mandatory mask requirements are in effect for a particular show by an artist. If you a have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
For complete information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit scmc-online.org.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Santa Parade will return on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 10 a.m., with the parade route running down South Division Avenue from 33rd Street to just before 44th Street.
Expected to be in the parade are more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — of course — Santa.
Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)
WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities, with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for the night of the parade, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and again Sunday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 p.m. WKTV’s coverage of the parade will also be available on-demand later.
Sponsors of the parade include Consumers Energy, Wyoming Moose Lodge, Car City, City of Wyoming, Diversified Protection and Investigations, The Chiropractic Doctor, Godwin Plumbing, Hobart Sales, HOM Flats, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Community Federal Credit Union, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, The Rapid and VanDyk Mortgage.
WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.
If you have seen the pandemic-inspired virtual productions of the Grand Rapids Ballet over the last year-plus, you know they are of exquisite quality in both production and filming.
So as the Ballet returns to DeVos Performance Hall after a 24 month hiatus for live performances of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” — scheduled for two weekends, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 — there is a virtual option “for those who can’t join in person.”
But there is something, almost indescribable, about seeing dance live.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Sarah Marley and Nathan Young in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
“There is just something irreplaceable about the magic of the theater, when the conductor cues the musicians, the lights dim, and the curtain opens to reveal a world of music, dance, and joy,” Ballet artistic director James Sofranko said to WKTV. “Live performance exists only in the present moment and is gone the next, and this immediacy is what makes attending the theater so special.”
The stage at DeVos Performance Hall will be in full holiday spirit with beautiful sets and beloved characters including Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Cavalier, and of course, the Nutcracker Prince. The production also features Tchaikovsky’s magical score, performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony with vocals by Grand Valley State University’s Department of Music.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ballet school members in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
“For professional dancers, the tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ is in our blood, we can’t imagine the holidays without it,” Sofranko said in supplied material. “It’s very special to return with this production that means so much to our organization’s history and our community.”
“The Nutcracker” was reimagined in 2014 by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, author of “The Polar Express,” and features set designs by Eugene Lee, a Tony Award winner for productions including “The Lion King”, and “Wicked”.
The Ballet’s company dancers, consisting of professional dancers from across the globe, will also share the stage with students from Grand Rapids Ballet School — all of which will come together to perform captivating choreography by Val Caniparoli, one of America’s most renowned choreographers.
And both young and experienced dancers will be on their toes to be back in front of a live audience at DeVos.
“Knowing that live performances are right around the corner, the dancers are filled with a renewed vigor and energy that is exciting to witness,” Sofanko said to WKTV.
Company dancer Nathan Young agreed, and noted that there is also a deep appreciation by the dancers of having a live audience.
“We are an extension of your community,” Young said in supplied material. “When you come to see Grand Rapids Ballet, you are seeing Grand Rapids community members who live close to you and nearby. All we want to do is share our talent with people in Michigan. We thrive on your support and applause, which is how we can keep this classical art form alive.”
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Yuka Oba-Muschiana and Josue Justiz in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
Tickets, other options and a kids party
For audience members who are not able to attend an in-person performance, tiger Ballet’s virtual option is available for $25 and will be available following opening night and can be viewed multiple times through Jan. 2, 2022.
Additionally, the Grand Rapids Ballet is once again hosting Clara’s Nutcracker Party, a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration made just for kids, on Sunday, Dec. 12. Clara’s Nutcracker Party will allow children to meet their favorite characters from “The Nutcracker” in a fun and festive fantasyland at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The holiday experience includes a fun arts and crafts activity, tea and brunch, a reading of “The Nutcracker” tale, as well as a live performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet School.
“The Nutcracker” runs for two weekends with tickets starting at $20 online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at the Ballet’s Box Office, located at the Ballet’s home and offices, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids.
WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball — and an occasional prep hockey game — will kick into a full-court press in January 2022 when conference play starts.
But the crew will be out and about for a few pre-holiday-wbreak games beginning this week with girls basketball when Godwin Heights High School visits Wyoming Lee on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., then boys basketball when West Michigan Aviation Academy hosts Grand River Prep on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.
Two other December games are on the WKTV Feature Game schedule, including the Wyoming high girls hosting South Christian on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Dec. 17, at South Christian when Unity Christian visits.
Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)
The tentative January and February WKTV Feature Game schedule is as follows:
Always looking for volunteers in front of and behind the cameras, WKTV Featured Game sports crew includes volunteer announcers, from a 2020 game at East Kentwood, Ron Schultz and Mark Bergsma. (WKTV)
Friday, Jan. 7 , Boys and girls basketball, NorthPointe Christian at Kelloggsville
Tuesday, Jan. 11, Girls basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 14, Boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.
Friday, Jan. 21, Boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming
Tuesday, Jan. 25, Boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian
Friday, Jan. 28, Boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Wednesday, Feb. 2, Boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 4, Boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Feb. 11, Boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 18, Boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)
Tuesday, Feb. 22, Boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 25, Boys and Girls Basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Dec. 1, 2021, marks 40 years since the beginning of the HIV epidemic in the United States. Since then, more than 700,000 people in the United States have died from the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one-in-eight people living with HIV in the United States do not know they have the disease. And testing is the only way for someone to know their status and take the necessary steps to stop the spread of the HIV virus.
In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) will be holding a free walk-in HIV testing event on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the health department’s main clinic at 700 Fuller NE in Grand Rapids.
Certified test counselors will be at the clinic to provide testing, answer questions, and connect residents with needed services.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made testing difficult,” April Hight, Personal Health Services Supervisor at KCHD, said in supplied material. “This year we are hoping that more people will take advantage of our clinic and we will raise the level of community awareness about the importance of HIV testing.”
Great strides have been made in the treatment of HIV. While there is no vaccine for the virus, today’s treatments enable people with the virus to live long and healthy lives. One treatment is PrEP, a daily pill that is 99 percent effective at reducing the risk of acquiring the virus.
A person living with HIV who is on treatment and has an undetectable level of the virus in their blood are unable to transmit the virus to others. The prevention method is estimated to be 100 percent effective as long as the person living with HIV take their medication as prescribed, and gets and stays undetectable.
This concept, which the KCHD supports, is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
HIV testing and PrEP is available at the KCHD Personal Health Services Clinic. Residents are encouraged to call the KCHD at 616-632-7171 to schedule a test or to find out if PrEP is right for them.
The theme for the 2021 World AIDS Day is “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice,” which emphases the United States’ commitment to ending the HIV epidemic globally by addressing health inequities and ensuring the voices of people with HIV are heard.
Visit worldaidsday.org to learn more about this global health day.
The City of Kentwood will begin its the holiday season festivities this week with its annual tree lighting ceremony and parade, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 2, at the city complex off Breton Avenue.
The family-friendly event of all-outdoor events will take place from 6-8 p.m., at and around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The evening will include activities for all ages, including live music, carriage rides, a luminary walk, children’s crafts and photos with Santa, according to a Nov. 29 announcement from the city.
Entrance to the event and all activities are free.
“Many residents, including myself, look forward to Kentwood’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade as an opportunity to gather with family and neighbors to celebrate the season and spread peace and joy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Our annual event brings together the sights and sounds of the holiday season, making it a truly memorable experience for all ages.”
The parade will start at 6 p.m. and travel from the city’s Public Works Facility at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, north to the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of Breton and Walma will be closed 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the parade.
Groups interested in participating in the parade are asked to complete an entry form online. The cost to participate is $15.
The tree lighting ceremony will follow at 6:30 p.m. in front of the library. After the ceremony, community members will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa, mail a letter to the North Pole, go on carriage rides, enjoy live holiday music and more.
Attendees also will have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. A list of suggested items is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
More information about the tree lighting ceremony and holiday light parade is available at kentwood.us/TreeLighting.
St. Cecilia Music Center will host award-winning musicians The Milk Carton Kids, with their “beautiful songs and entertaining stage banter,” on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., kicking off the duo’s concert Trans-Atlantic tour through 21 U.S. cities and 5 performances in Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and England.
Despite the scope of the tour, The Milk Carton Kids are no stranger to Grand Rapids.
“The Milk Carton Kids were a big hit at St. Cecilia Music Center during their first visit here in 2019,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center’s Executive & Artistic Director, said in supplied material. “Their loyal fans and people who love folk and Americana music will appreciate Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale’s beautiful songs and entertaining stage banter.”
Tickets for The Milk Carton Kids are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
The duo’s newest release, The Only Ones, released in October 2019, takes The Milk Carton Kids back to their roots and the core of what they are musically, and features acoustic performances without a backup band.
“With ‘The Only Ones,’ The Milk Carton Kids go back to their roots: acoustic guitars and ethereal harmonies delivering lyrics that detail all the emotions love evokes,” Americana UK said about the album. “Musical duos will inevitably be compared to those that come before, and while The Milk Carton Kids conjure everyone from Simon and Garfunkel to the O’Kanes, ‘The Only Ones’ prove they can confidently hold their own, alongside their influences.”
This return back to their roots was prompted by several changes in the lives of Ryan and Pattengale. From professional to personal, these changes provided a break from years of non-stop touring that, Ryan says in supplied material, has yielded “space outside of the band that gives us perspective on what the band is.”
In the beginning, a perfect blend
When singers Ryan and Pattengale first connected, it was a pivotal moment for both of them.
Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, The Milk Carton Kids. (Courtesy of the band)
“For me, the striking thing about the first time we played together, even though it was just two acoustic guitars and two voices singing, was that it felt complete,” Ryan said in an interview with CBS This Morning, Saturday Sessions. Pattengale agreed: “Physically, the way that our voices blended in the air happened in a way where I had just never had that experience with another person.”
This powerful connection has led to three GRAMMY Award nominations for the duo: Best Folk Album in 2013 (The Ash & Clay), Best American Roots Performance in 2015 (The City of Our Lady), and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, in 2018 (All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn’t Do).
A few past achievements (among many) since Ryan and Pattengale began touring and performing include: performing on National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage, Daytrotter; touring with Old Crow Medicine Show and The Lumineers; having three unreleased tracks featured in Gus Van Sant’s film “Promised Land”, starring Matt Damon and John Krasinski; several TV and Radio performances; praise from Rolling Stone for the duo’s album All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn’t Do, with writer Luke Levenson noting the bandmates’ life changes as significant influences in its sound.
St. Cecilia’s pandemic policy
SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. All audience members are required to wear a mask while in the building.
If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
If you have family and friends visiting from out of town this weekend for the holiday, this would be a perfect time to entertain and show off our beautiful city.
This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal, focuses on two of West Michigan’s most popular events, plus a way to support local businesses.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
The military and veteran “Welcome Home” celebration of Operation Handshake at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport this holiday season. (GR Ford Airport)
5. Wyoming Wolves Band Craft Show
Help support the band program at Wyoming High School at its annual craft show, which is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 27). Many talented crafters and vendors will be on hand to showcase their hard work. Also, the band boosters are planning a bake sale. More information is available on the Wyoming Wolves Bands Craft Show Facebook Page. The school is located at 1350 Prairie Pkwy SW in Wyoming. (Masks are required indoors.)
4. Small Business Saturday
In the Gonzalez household we have really scaled back the last couple of years when it comes to Christmas gifts. We’re lucky. The kids are older now, and we don’t need much. But, we do love to support local businesses. This weekend — in Kentwood, Wyoming and most local communities — small mom and pop shops everywhere are hoping you stop in on Small Business Saturday. Our friends at Sunnyslope Floral will host an indoor mini holiday market with local vendors offering flowers, sweets, cookies, coffee and more. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 27) at Sunnyslope, 4800 44th St. SW in Grandville. More info on the event Facebook page. If you’re looking to support other locally owned businesses, check out a list on LocalFirst.com.
3. Rockford Brewing Co. 10th Anniversary
I can’t believe Rockford Brewing Co. has been around for 10 years. That’s like 100 in craft beer years. If you’re headed to the Rockford area this weekend, make sure to check out the 10th anniversary Pub Crawl where local restaurants/bars are showing off special RBC collaborations through the weekend. Some of those collaborations are with Mitten Brewery, Cedar Springs, Founders, Trail Point, Third Nature Brewing and more. The participating Rockford locations include Uccello’s Ristorante (Rockford), Grill One Eleven, Marinades, The Corner Bar, Kayla Rae Cellars, and Rockford Brewing Company, of course. On Small Business Saturday, RBC is offering a 16oz ceramic Camp Mug & RBC Mug Club Membership for only $34.99. More info about the 10th anniversary Pub Crawl on the event Facebook page.
2. Christmas Lite Show
I’m so excited for the return of the annual Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. The popular Grand Rapids event is celebrating 24 years in West Michigan, which means it’s been a part of our family’s tradition since it opened. (We raised our family just down the road so we got to see the lights and the lines every night.) You know the drill: Nearly two miles of Christmas magic with more than a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels and more. Tickets are available online or at the ticket window for $28 for most cars. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It runs through Jan. 1. More information at christmasliteshow.com.
1. Christmas at Meijer Gardens
Another West Michigan tradition returns this weekend. It’s the annual University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens, which runs through Jan. 2. You know the drill here, too: More than 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, rooftop reindeer and 46 international trees and displays. But that’s not all. Guests also can enjoy Sounds of the Season, as well as the companion Railway Garden exhibition with miniature buildings handmade from natural materials and model trolleys and trains. Oh, and you know Santa will be making several appearances. In addition to late hours on Tuesdays, Meijer Gardens is open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 20-23 and 27-30. Meijer Gardens is open daily for the holidays, but closed Nov. 25, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. More details at meijergardens.org.
Well, that’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend. Gobble, gobble.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
WKTV has been informed by the City of Wyoming that the planned Wyoming Gives Back event planned for next week has been cancelled due to health concerns for public gatherings.
This follows an announcement this week that the Kent County Health Department is alarmed by the rising COVID-19 cases which have led to local hospitals operating at “extremely high capacity.”
The health department is also encouraging residents to “do their part” and get vaccinated and take other measures to slow the spread of the virus. Among the statistics which have alarmed health leaders are current test positivity rate of 22.8 percent, as of early this week, as ell as a 7-day average for new cases is 645.
“This is a crisis for all of us who live and work in Kent County,” Dr. Adam London, KCHD Director, said in supplied material. “The capacity for hospitals to provide care, which is exasperated by staffing shortages, is at a tipping point. We should all expect increased wait times for emergency, urgent, and primary care as well as delays in ambulance transfers and some surgical procedures until we control the spread of COVID-19 in the community.”
Among the recommendations issued by county health officials are:
Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza. “Vaccines are widely available, safe, and effective. According to our local hospital leaders, most of the individuals who are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated,” according to the county health. “If more people get vaccinated, it will greatly help reduce the number of COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. We also strongly urge residents to get the influenza vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccines, talk to your health care provider and visit vaccinatewestmi.com to find a location for a COVID-19, booster, or influenza vaccine location.”
Wear your mask in public settings. “While masks are not perfect, they provide an additional layer of protection by reducing the spread of virus laden droplets in exhaled air. Masks are especially important for people who are not vaccinated, not fully vaccinated, may be infected and do not have symptoms, or have health conditions that make them more vulnerable to becoming sick if they are infected with COVID-19.”
Get tested. “To help mitigate the spread of the virus,” it is important to get tested if you have been around someone who has COVID-19, experiencing any symptom of COVID-19, before attending indoor gatherings with people above the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions, or if you have been around someone with COVID-19, get tested five days after exposure.
“I am thankful to everyone who has been following our recommendations since the onset of the pandemic,” London said this Thanksgiving week. “The current problems would be far worse if not for your actions. We are now asking for your consideration once again as we look to slow the spread of the virus, regain access to our hospitals, and continue to work to get this pandemic behind us.”
The lights are up on houses all over the place, and this week the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood begin sharing their Holiday spirits. (publicdomainpictures.net)
Some call it Black Friday — Friday, Nov. 26 — but for many in the community it is “dressing up the house for the holiday” day. And this year, the City of Kentwood is offering prizes to people who get their residences in the holiday mood.
The city is inviting residents to show off their decorating skills in its inaugural holiday light display contest, which will run Nov. 26 to Jan. 3, 2022, with the top vote-getters earning prizes, according to an announcement from the city.
“This is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit with neighbors and friends,” Katelyn Bush, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “It’s also a great opportunity for residents to tap into their inner Clark Griswold and show off their creative side while brightening the season for others in our community.”
(If you do not get the ‘Griswold’ reference … wait for it … wait for it …)
Residents interested in participating are asked to register online and then submit photos of their outdoor holiday light display. The city will post the photos on its social media platforms, where community members can vote for their favorite display.
The top three vote-getters will earn prizes and bragging rights for a year. The prizes include:
First place: Kentwood’s Clark Griswold Trophy — named after Chevy Chase’s character in the holiday favorite “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” movie — as well as a $40 gift certificate to any Kentwood Parks and Recreation program and department swag.
Second place: A $20 gift certificate to any Kentwood Parks and Recreation program and department swag.
Third place: A $10 gift certificate to any Kentwood Parks and Recreation program and department swag.
Kentwood residents may register for the contest at bit.ly/HolidayLightContest and submit photos of their display at eRecreation@kentwood.us or on social media using the hashtag #KentwoodLightContest between Nov. 26 and Jan. 3.
The Cascade Historical Society, in partnership with Cascade Township and the Cascade Township Downtown Development Authority, is inviting community members of all ages to its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony Sunday, Nov. 28.
The festivities will begin at 5 p.m., according to a Township announcement, with a tree lighting outside at the Cascade Historical Museum, 2839 Thornapple River Drive SE. The free event also will feature a musical performance by The Original Dickens Carolers, giveaways for younger attendees and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
The lighting of the 14-foot tree will take place in the museum’s gardens. A second 16-foot tree at the intersection of Old 28th Street SE and Cascade Road SE and the museum’s rooftop also will be lit for the holidays.
“The annual tree lighting ceremony is a wonderful way for friends and neighbors to gather and spread some holiday cheer throughout the community,” Sandra Korhorn, Cascade Township’s economic development director, said in supplied material. “From the beautiful decorations to the music from carolers to the visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, this special event is sure to kick off the holiday fun.”
After arriving by a Cascade fire truck, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stationed inside the museum for visits. There is no charge for visits or photos with them.
To stay up to date on the tree lighting ceremony, visit the Township’s website or Facebook.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport Director of Commercial Development Stephen Clark talks to WKTV about one of the reasons to be relaxed — and healthy — this holiday season when traveling through the Ford. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Yes, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is expecting passenger levels to equal or exceed 2019 pre-pandemic levels this Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday season.
But there is good news on several fronts — from an “all hands on deck” workforce at the airport, to COVID testing being available for travelers, to the local airport bucking a national trend to have crew issues causing flight delays or cancellations.
However, patience, as always, will need to be packed in your carry-on along with your tooth brush and credit card.
A recent forecast by Ford Airport management of 33,000 people traveling in and out, from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to the Sunday after, may well rise and come close to the 35,000 travelers experienced in 2019. And it should be much the same return to flying norms form the Wednesday before Christmas Day Saturday possibly thorough New Year’s weekend Sunday.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening areas at the Ford are expected to be at full strength this holiday season. (WKTV.K.D. Norris)
But airport Director of Commercial Development Stephen Clark told WKTV there will be plenty of reasons to be festive and relaxed this holiday season at the Ford.
“When we look at the holiday season, and trying to celebrate that with our guests, it starts when you come into the facility, creating that sense of place that is West Michigan, so you will see the decorations out here,” Clark said. “But more importantly this year, we are still in the pandemic, so cleanliness is our number one priority.
“As a team, we are cleaning the areas more frequently. You are going to see a heavy emphasis on high-touch areas. And the facility feels different, we are moving the air through the facility more … certainly we are doing everything we can got create a good environment.”
And, Clark said, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), and all the airports partners, are gearing up for the expected rush — TSA should have all security lines open during peak travel days, he said, and “that should ease one of the more anxious points for travelers, the security check point.”
Tips for travel, as always and due to pandemic
This holiday season is the first time the many people have traveled in a couple of years, Clark said, so, as a general reminder, the first tip for travel is arrive early and pack your checked bags and carry-on bags smartly.
The runway at the Ford International Airport. (Supplied)
“When you are packing your bags make sure you are keeping your medications, your car key and those items you will need right away he you get to your destination, or even come back home, with you,” he said. “Then when you come to the airport, make sure you get here at least two hours early — that is pretty common knowledge these days — but as we get to the holiday season, lines start getting little bit longer, folks start getting a little stressed out … That gives you plenty of time to get your bags checked, if you are checking them, and get through security.”
“Biggest thing we are asking is that people are packing their patience,” Clark added.
There are pandemic requirements to be dealt with as well, especially if you are traveling internationally — make sure you know the COVID requirements of your airlines and at your destination.
“We do have a COVID test site here at the airport that is available to the public, travelers or otherwise,” Clark said. “They can get that PCR Test, that is the gold standard that they will need … additionally when you come to the airport, we just ask that you pack a mask.”
And what about flight delays cancelations
While there has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about airlines needing to cancel flights due to scheduling and crew issues, and the Ford has not been immune to the problem. But there is a simple reason that it is not a big issue, even during busy travel periods — Grand Rapids’ airport is not a huge airport.
“One of the things we started seeing in the later part of the year were flight delays and crew issues. Fortunately, here at the Ford airport, we really haven’t had a ton of that,” Clark said. “That really speaks to the fact that we have so many non-stop destinations. As an airport, we have 30-plus non-stop destinations this holiday season … because we have so many non-stop flights were are not having as many crew issues because they are going right to that destination. … A lot of those issues (crew changes) are happening in major hubs.”
For more information on travel and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, visit grr.org.
Woodland Mall is all set to celebrate the holiday season and its traditions with special holiday shopping and festivities, starting this week with the return of Photos with Santa, an Angel Tree benefitting families and supporting the Salvation Army, and — of course — Black Friday deals looming.
“It’s exciting to see Woodland Mall transform again for the most exciting time of the year,” Alyson Presser, Woodland Mall marketing manager, said in supplied material. “In particular this year, we encourage our shoppers to shop early to ensure product availability and to exercise consideration to retail workers throughout the season.”
Santa, and more, ready for season
Santa will return to his seat in Macy’s court, from Nov. 17 to Dec. 24, to “listen to every child’s Christmas wish and can even read them a book,” according to an announcement from the mall. Reservations are encouraged but not required to have a photo taken with Santa. Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints and a family portrait.
There will be lots of photo ops with Santa and kids at Woodland Mall this season. (Supplied)
On Saturday, Nov. 20, the mall will host a welcome event for Santa with a parade lead by the Kentwood High School Dance Team. From 10 am. to noon, Santa will be escorted on a train alongside a holiday penguin, traveling juggler and magician. The parade route will start in the Von Maur wing, travel through the JCPenney wing and end at Macy’s court.
Beginning Nov. 22, “fur babies” — family pets — will again be welcome to visit with Santa for photos on Mondays through Dec. 20. Feathered and whiskered pets of all kinds are welcome — Santa has met dogs, cats, chickens and even goats over the years. All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.
Santa will again bring his friends for extra special photo opportunities. Shoppers are invited to join their favorite characters beginning Nov. 23 on Tuesdays through Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m. Reservations are encouraged but not required. To learn which characters are visiting, please visit ShopWoodlandMall.com.
Celebrate the season for a good cause
Woodland Mall has partnered with the Salvation Army to give back to children in the community. Shoppers will find the Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Macy’s wing near the Apple Store starting Nov. 19 and running through Dec. 15.
Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the Mall Management Office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After office hours, gifts can be dropped off with mall security.
And, of course, Black Friday
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to allow retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their families. The mall will reopen at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, so guests can enjoy an early start to the traditional shopping weekend.
Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Woodland Mall continues to offer a contactless shopping experience through its Mall2Go: Contact-Free Pickup designated parking spaces.
Woodland Mall hours leading up to the holidays are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (But, hint to shoppers, to avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.)
On Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the mall will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Woodland Mall will be closed on Christmas Day. On Dec. 26, the mall will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Woodland Mall appreciates shoppers’ cooperation and understanding as several retailers and restaurants enter the busiest time of the year short staffed.
The safety of all guests remains a top priority for PREIT. Woodland Mall asks all visitors to follow Kent County Health Department, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and CDC recommendations to keep the community safe and healthy.
St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Series continues Nov. 19 with Leo Kottke, a legendary guitarist and always a Grand Rapids favorite for his music and his often humorous storytelling.
Kottke has been awarded two Grammy nominations, a Doctorate in Music Performance by the Peck School of Music at the U of Wisconsin, and — we are told — a “Certificate of Significant Achievement in Not Playing the Trombone from the U. of Texas at Brownsville with Texas Southmost College.”
Kottke, who has been described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “so good that he didn’t need a band” will entertain the West Michigan audience with his amazing six and twelve-string guitar picking genius. Kottke who has more than 42 years of touring under his belt, nearly 30 albums to his name and an astonishing array of material to choose from, will entertain the audience with his instrumental genius and engaging sense of humor.
Tickets for Leo Kottke are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
“Leo Kottke has a large fan base in West Michigan and it’s always a pleasure to bring him to St. Cecilia Music Center,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive &artistic director, said in supplied material. “Leo not only performs with genius guitar-picking precision on his 6-and-12-string guitars, he’s also a great storyteller recalling many humorous experiences.”
Remaining on the St. Cecilia folk music series are Milk Carton Kids on Dec. 2; Watkins Family Hour on Dec.16; May Erlewine on Feb. 17, 2022; Shawn Colvin on May 12; and Judy Collins on May 18.
Special pandemic policy
SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert.
In areas with substantial and high transmission, the CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, and to protect others. To that end, SCMC is requiring that all attendees wear a mask while in the building. They will continue to monitor the COVID environment and may change policies at any time if necessary.
If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
For more information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit SCMC-online.org.
There are many ways to honor American’s veterans on this year’s Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, privately with friends and family who are veterans, and publicly with ceremonies at several locations.
WKTV brings you a few of them:
City of Kentwood
While the City of Kentwood’s city offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day, there will be a Luminary Walk at Veterans Park on Friday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-8 p.m.
Located at 355 48th St. SE, the park will have approximately a half mile of pathway lit up with luminaries decorated by community members. This event is free and open to the public, but “the entire event is outside so please bundle up so you and your family can stay comfortable,” according to the city website.
Public invited to flag ceremony at local Michigan Veterans Home
(Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)
Michigan Veteran Homes will hold statewide Veterans Day activities to honor its veteran members and those who served before them, including at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, located at 3000 Monroe Ave NE.
While the veterans home will host several “members only” events on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, including a wreath laying ceremony in the memorial garden, the public is invited to a lowering of the flag ceremony led by the United Veterans Council of Kent County at 1 p.m.
‘Black Hawk Down’ author at GVSU
U.S. Army Rangers First Sgt. Matt Eversmann (Ret.) — whose battlefield experiences in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia led him to become an author (including the book on which the film “Black Hawk Down is based on) — will be the featured guest at a Veterans Day Celebration hosted by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Grand Valley State University’s Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center and GVSU’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.
The Veterans Day Celebration will take place Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m., in GVSU’s Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium, 401 West Fulton St., Suite 134 E, DeVos Center, Grand Rapids. For more information and to register, visit this gvsu.edu page. Free parking is available at the nearby Seward Ramp.
Gilmore Car Museum weekend of free admission to vets, active duty
To thank America’s veterans for their “endless service and dedication,” Gilmore Car Museum is inviting all active, inactive and U.S. military personnel to free admission to museum, car collection, and all its 90-acre historic campus in Hickory Corners, just outside of Kalamazoo. The special admission is available starting Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, and running through Sunday, Nov. 14.
Attending veterans and military personnel should be sure to take special notice of the 1941 Bantam BRC-40 Reconnaissance Car, which is currently on feature display in the museum’s Campania barn. Prior to Ford and Willys production of “General Purpose” vehicles that would become known worldwide as the “Jeep,” these early BRC-40s were first produced for the U.S. Army by American Bantam Car Company, in Butler, PA, and also under contract by Checker Car Company in Kalamazoo.
For questions or more information, visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call 269-671-5089.
Most county offices closed for Veterans Day
All Kent County offices and health department clinics will be closed on Thursday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day, with two exemptions are: the Kent County Correctional Facility will remain open with regular hours; the Department of Public Works administration offices will be closed; however, all disposal facilities will remain open. For more information about and contact information for Kent County departments, visit accesskent.com.
The Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team’s rushing attack was in stride Nov. 5 at Hastings as the Sailors totaled 386 total yards in a 38-14 road win. (WKTV)
The Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team rolled back into the state Division 4 Regional title game this week after running past host Hastings, 38-14, in a District championship game last week.
The Nov. 5 win, which is available in replay on WKTV video platforms, was the second playoff win for the Sailors (now 8-3 overall) after an equally impressive 52-7 road win at Plainfield in Week 1.
Awaiting for South Christian this week is familiar foe Edwardsburg, on the road of course, which has been equally impressive in the playoffs with a 58-0 win over Paw Paw followed by 50-0 win over Three Rivers as the Eddies remained unbeaten at 11-0.
And while the game at Edwardsburg is an encore of last year’s Regional final, when the Sailors’ season ended with a 47-7 road loss, South Christian head coach Danny Brown said he knows the importance of the game but does not see it as having any extra meaning.
Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team gained its second straight District championship trophy with a 38-14 road win at Hastings Nov. 5. (WKTV)
“I think it adds another level of excitement to play the team that ended your season the year before but it shouldn’t be our driving force,” Brown said to WKTV. “We need to prepare for Edwardsburg no different than we do any other team we play. We are just excited to get another opportunity to compete.”
And compete the Sailors have in the three seasons after Brown took over for Mark Tamminga following the 2018-19 season. In Brown’s first season, South Christian went 6-5 overall and lost in the district final; last year — in a pandemic-impacted, start-and-stop season — the Sailors went 8-1 before their loss at Edwardsburg.
“I think the big difference between the two years is the fact we get to play the game right away,” Brown said of his team’s rematch with the Eddies. “We had a lot of momentum last year and then the season was suspended. We had a month off before we played them. They did a better job of keeping their kids engaged during the down time and it showed when we played them.”
But, Brown also said, this year’s Sailors are not the same team as last year’s Sailors.
“Defensively we are bigger and stronger upfront which is something we will need against their high powered rushing attack,” he said. “We are more balanced from an offensive perspective.”
And while Brown has said he wants his team to be balanced when it comes to offense, the South Christian rushing attack was in full glory last week against Hastings.
Sailors break open a 14-14 game in 2nd quarter
Coming into South Christian’s game at Hastings, coach Brown told WKTV of his affinity for a balanced attack being borrowed from Urban Meyer, one-time Ohio State University and current NFL head coach, and how this Sailors team has that balance.
“Urban Meyer used to say, when he was coaching a game, … he wanted 200 and 200 hundred. 200 passing and 200 rushing yards, and we are pretty close to that,” Brown said.
His team did not play to script against Hastings, however, as the Sailors had 43 rushing attempts, gained 18 first downs and scored five touchdown on the ground en route to 302 total rushing yards. Junior quarterback Jake DeHaan led the rushing attack with 116 years on 13 carries with one touchdown, while junior Nate Brinks totaled 102 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns and senior Chandler VanSolkema added 78 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries.
The passing attack was effective when used, however, with DeHaan going 8-of-12 for 87 passing yards and one touchdown, that one going to senior Ashton Fennema on a 26-yard strike. Senior Jace DeMann led the team in receptions with four for 33 yards.
Sailors kicker Brinks scored eight points on one field gold and five points after touchdown.
On defense, DeMann and junior Cameron Post each had 6.5 tackles, while senior Clayton DeKam had six and senior Colton Schreur had five, as Hastings was held to 14 points, all in the first half, and 204 total yards on offense.
WKTV game replays available
WKTV featured games are on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Area residents will have the opportunity to explore a variety of different cultures during the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Ethnic Heritage Festival. (Supplied)
On All Saints Day, which is Nov. 1, it is a tradition in Poland to visit the cemetery and decorate your loved one’s grave with flowers and candles.
“From what I understand, you can see it for miles and it is very beautiful,” said Marilyn Lignell, who is a member of the Polish Heritage Society. It also sounds very similar to another tradition that is hosted halfway around the world in Mexico when on the same day, Mexicans celebrate Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a time when family and friends honor and remember those who have died.
“I think it is very interesting how the different ethnicities overlap in costumes, food and traditions,” Lignell said.
The similarities and differences of the various cultures that make up the Greater Grand Rapids area is something that residents will be able to explore this weekend as the Grand Rapids Public Museum hosts is annual Fall Cultural Celebration which includes the school-focused Anishinabe Culture Days on Friday and the public event, the Ethnic Heritage Festival, on Saturday.
Many of the local ethnic organizations will have items and other displays to help get conversations started. (Supplied)
“The Museum takes pride in valuing, honoring and celebrating the unique cultures, characteristics and perspectives of our community and beyond through engaging, community-oriented programming, and we are excited for the return of the Fall Cultural Celebration,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the GRPM’s Vice President of Science & Education. “The Museum proudly serves as a central hub, bringing culture to life within our spaces through community members who are deeply connected to their own culture and are eager to share their history, experiences and traditions.”
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the day-long activities will feature music, art, food, visual presentations, and performances from an array of different organizations such as the Polish Heritage Society, the Grand Rapids Scottish Society, Shimmy USA, Gaelic League/Irish-American Club of West Michigan, Picardo Colours which features Carribean art, Mystic Spirits Art, Les Clay, the Korean Connection, and the Motherland Cultural Connections, which focuses on the history and cultures of the continent of Africa.
“We participate because we want people to know that Africa is here and that we are very much a part of the diverse community that makes up West Michigan,” said Myra Maimoh, founder of the Motherland Cultural Connections.
Maimoh said people tend to not realize that Africa is a continent made up of many different cultures all with their own traditions
“Through the Festival, we have an opportunity to showcase the different cuisines and music,” Maimoh said. “It is so cool because people come asking questions and you see the cultural immersion that happens right there. To be able to explain and share and make a connection and build new friendships is very humbling and fulfilling.”
Costumes will be just some of the items on display during the Ethnic Heritage Festival at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)
Even though Polish people have been interwoven into the history of Grand Rapids since about 1870 when many were trying to escape German rule, Lignell admits that like Maimoh, residents don’t fully understand the history and culture of the county and its people.
“People come up to the tables and it opens up discussions, giving us an opportunity to talk about the country, the history and the culture,” Lignall said, adding that this year she plans to focus on Wigilia or Poland’s Christmas Eve traditions, which will include a take-and-make ornament activity. “The result is you discover a lot about the different cultures and gain a greater appreciation of the people who make up our community.”
For more information about the Ethnic Heritage Festival visitgrpm.org/EHF and for more information on other events and activities taking place at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit grpm.org.
After reviewing 14 applications for its Superintendent of Schools position, the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education is moving forward this week with its selection process by scheduling interviews with three West Michigan educators.
The interviews will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9, and Wednesday, Nov. 10, with the interviews open to the public and the public “encouraged to attend.” Interviews will be held at the Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW, Wyoming.
The interview schedule for Nov. 9 will have Dr. Michael Burde, current Deputy Superintendent at Kenowa Hills Public Schools, scheduled for 6:45 p.m.; and Brevet Bartels, current Middle School Principal at West Ottawa Public Schools, scheduled for 8 p.m.
On Nov. 10, at 6:45 p.m., Ana Aleman-Putman, current Principal at Grandville East Elementary School, is scheduled to be interviewed.
“We were pleased with the applicant pool and interest demonstrated in the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, especially with the large number of superintendents retiring in Michigan over the last two years and all the difficulty facing school districts during the pandemic,” Board President Eric Mockerman said in supplied material. “We believe these quality candidates may meet our needs and expectations.
“We look forward to finding out more about the candidates’ leadership abilities and what each candidate has to offer our students, staff, and community. The Board continues to appreciate the input from the public and encourages people to attend the interviews.”
According to a statement from the district, 19 educators responded to the posting with preliminary applications for the position. Five candidates eventually withdrew or did not complete the application fully. Applicants consisted of current superintendents, central office administrators, principals, intermediate school district employees, and a teacher. The position attracted interest from California, Illinois, Michigan, and Canada.
The superintendent search became necessary as Kevin Polston accepted the position of Kentwood Public Schools superintendent after serving the district for four years. Interim Superintendent Dirk Weeldreyer has served the Godfrey-Lee Schools for the last several months. The process has been facilitated by the Michigan Leadership Institute.
“It is our hope to have a new superintendent in place by January 3 (2022), realizing we may have to be somewhat flexible regarding that date,” Mockerman said.
A district description made as part of the initial search process states that total enrollment is about 1,761 students with Hispanic/Latino students at about 1,398 of that total. Staff includes 123 instructional staff, 61 support staff and 13 administrators. Its most recent budget expenditures were $27,605,217.
Also, district voters approved a Godfrey-Lee Public Schools bond request in 2020 to fund a wide-ranging building, reconstruction and technology effort. The project went out to bid in October with construction slated to begin in late winter/early spring of 2022. The current construction/renovation timeline calls for all projects to be completed by early 2024.
U.S. Army Rangers First Sgt. Matt Eversmann (Ret.), whose battlefield experiences in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia led him to become an author, is also an advocate for “teaching the next generation of leaders through his experience with the atrocities of war.”
In that and many other ways, Eversmann is the perfect person to be the featured guest at a Veterans Day Celebration hosted by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Grand Valley State University’s Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center and GVSU’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies — a center named for Col. Ralph W. Hauenstein.
Hauenstein — a journalist, war hero, entrepreneur, philanthropist and so much more — was also a strong advocate for educating leaders on the impact and aftereffects of military conflict.
The Veterans Day Celebration, with Eversmann speaking, will take place Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m., in GVSU’s Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium, 401 West Fulton St., Suite 134 E, DeVos Center, Grand Rapids. For more information and to register, visit this gvsu.edu page. Free parking is available at the nearby Seward Ramp.
U.S. Army Rangers First Sgt. Matt Eversmann (Ret.), now an author and speaker. (Supplied)
“In October of 1993, First Sergeant Matt Eversmann led a group of Army Rangers in a UN peacekeeping operation in Somalia,” it states in event promotional material. “Having been trapped, outnumbered, and marked for death, Eversmann’s survival and heroism earned him a Bronze Star Medal with valor device. He’s since been immortalized in the film Black Hawk Down.
“Upon returning from Somalia, Eversmann committed to teaching the next generation of leaders through his experience with the atrocities of war – not unlike our namesake, Colonel Ralph W. Hauenstein. His story highlights the importance of leadership, followership, and responsibility in our age of tribalism.”
While the Veterans Day Celebration will be a live event, the Hauenstein Center continues to offer a digital alternative for all of their events “as we consider the health and safety of our members, students, and the community.” The program is available virtually by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87222394732 or call 929-205-6099 to gain access to the webinar ID: 872 2239 4732 to view the live broadcast.
In addition to members of the Hauenstein Center, all community members who are veterans or military-connected are invited to an hors d’oeuvres and drinks event at 5:30 p.m.
Eversmann — soldier and author
Eversmann is the co-author of two military-related books, The Battle of Mogadishu and Walk in My Combat Boots, and he knows what he writes about. But he is also a strong advocate for veterans rights and post-military employment and other services.
In Eversmann’s supplied biography, it states that: On October 3, 1993, Matt was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers to lead a daytime raid against an eager enemy militia. His inspiring story of survival was immortalized in the epic film, Black Hawk Down, which recounts the harrowing experience. For his actions on the battlefield he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with valor device.
During his remaining time in uniform, he worked at the Army War College, taught at The Johns Hopkins University and was finally deployed to Iraq where he lived with the Iraqi Army for 15 months during The Surge. He remained on active duty until May of 2008, when he retired after 20 years of service.
His frustration with the typical hiring process for veterans fueled his desire to help others avoid the “veterans predicament,” where servicemen and women are overlooked because of a broken hiring system. Since his retirement from active duty, he has worked in several industries in mid-level to senior-level positions. He was an operations officer in healthcare, an executive director in a non-profit and a VP of leadership development for a data management company.
Tickets are now available for “Disney on Ice celebrates Mickey and Friends” which will be at the Van Andel Arena Feb. 10 -13.
Mickey Mouse is joined by Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy on a journey to discover Mickey’s favorite memory of all time. Using Mickey’s “Mouse Pad,” show hosts encourage fans to be part of the action and help the gang venture through Disney stories, sharing memorable moments from treasured tales. Along the way, families sail away with Moana as she displays courage to save her island on a high-seas adventure with the demigod Maui. Families will continue the journey to the wintery world of Arendelle as royal sisters Anna and Elsa discover true love is the most powerful magic of all and experience the mysterious magic of “Fantasia” as a Sorcerer’s Apprentice makes brooms come to life.
Show times are 7 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., Feb. 12; and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 13. Tickets start at $20. For tickets. visit www.DisneyOnIce.com.
Note, health checks are required by the event organizer. This means that attendees may need to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test prior to entering the event, a rapid onsite COVID-19 test, or participate in a brief health questionnaire. Face masks are encouraged. For more information, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com.
Two separate exhibits one in Saugatuck and the other in Muskegon, explore relationships in two different forms, human connection and materialistic.
Saugatuck [Has Heart]
“No Man Left Behind” is one of the logos created through the [Has Heart] program.
The Grand Rapids-based [Has Heart] was born over a cup of coffee between U.S. Veteran Michael Yacinthe and artist and designer Tyler Way in 2010. The two realized the disconnect between their two worlds and in the process created [Has Heart], a non-profit organization that brings veterans and civilian designers together for coffee and to create art. Through the process the duo design a logo that helps shares the veteran’s story.
[Has Heart] has since traveled around the United States with the goal of visit every state in the country and working with veterans to create a badge which visually showcases his or her story. Twelve of these personal and inspiring stories will be on display at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts until Dec. 22. There also will be a free all ages exhibition celebration on Friday, Nov. 12, in honor or Veterans Day (which is the day before). That event starts at 6 p.m. and features Michigan bluegrass performance Mark Lavengood.
Also at the SCA is the mixed media works of Mariah Meawasige in “How 2 cCean Fish.”Measwasige is an Anishinaabe/settler creative, dedicated to sharing the traditions that have built, morphed, and supported her community.
The SCA is located at 400 Culver St., Saugtuck. For more information visit sc4a.org.
Muskegon gets adorned
The work of Detroit artist Tiff Massey will be featured at the Muskegon Museum of Art.
This Thursday the Muskegon Museum of Art opens the 1980s hip-hop fashion-inspired exhibiting “Jewelry Box,” which will run through Feb. 20. The exhibit features the work of Detroit artist Tiff Massey, who will use large-scale jewelry pieces, gold, and mirrors to transform the MMA’s Olthoff Gallery into a flashy display of dynamic exploration, self-identity, and fashion. Massey uses the concept of adornment as an examination of African diaspora and issues of race, class, and popular culture.
Massey was the first black woman to earn a master’s degree in metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art and maintains her studio space practice in Detroit.
The opening reception will be Thursday form 5 – 6 p.m. followed by an Artist Talk at 7 p.m.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
Action from 2020’s City of Kentwood Freeze Fest disc golf tournament, and pantry food drive — the weather is expected to be better this year, but … (City of Kentwood)
Rain or shine, cool or downright wintery, the City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc will again partner to offer the annual Fall Fling, a disc golf tournament and food drive set for Saturday, Nov. 13.
Community disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to bring a partner for a best-shot doubles tournament at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE. Each participant will receive a player package at check-in with opportunities for extra prizes during the event.
On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m, but pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/FallFlingDiscGolf. The cost is $40 per team plus one canned food donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
A disc golf player in action from the 2019 Fall Fling event. (City of Kentwood)
“Our Fall Fling has become a popular event for disc golfers to continue playing during the fall season and join together to support a good cause,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “Our disc golf tournaments with Great Lakes Disc have helped restock Kentwood’s Little Free pantry with dozens of canned goods again and again. We are very grateful to the local disc golf community for its continued generosity and participation.”
Players will meet at 9:45 a.m. to begin the first round of the tournament.
Patty Matters food truck will be on-site with a variety of gourmet burgers, fries and dessert and soda options available for purchase.
“It’s always great to be involved with the community,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “Old Farm Park has served as a meeting place for friends and family for many years. This event is a great way for us that have some to give to give back to those in need.”
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr, according to supplied material. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.
The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry has steadily increased since its opening at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE — and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help meet the growing need, the City of Kentwood launched another Little Free Pantry this year at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
More information about the pantry, including hours and a suggested list of donations, is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
I turned on Christmas music for the first time last night as I was driving down U.S. 131 and seeing the lights at LMCU Ballpark, which is prepping for the annual Christmas Lite Show display. I can’t believe it’s their 24th year this season.
You know, I’m ready for the holidays.
How about you?
This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5 includes holiday events, a sports card shop opening, a chili cook-off and great Grand Rapids restaurants.
Enjoy.
Oh, and Winter Wonder Walks at the Christmas Lite Show in Comstock Park are next weekend (Nov. 11-14). For ticket information, click here.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Here we go.
Craft season has started. This week’s featured show is Jenison Christian School. (Photo from Pxhere.com)
5. Craft Show Season
Many craft shows are returning this year, which is exciting for those who love to shop local and get some unique items. If you have a favorite show, please let me know. I plan to include them in our weekly list here on WKTV Journal. This weekend you can check out the annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at Jenison Christian School. The event is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 6). You will find both original handmade crafts and baked goods. More info on the school’s Facebook page.
A sampling of items available at the Thornapple Sports Cards & Games opening on Saturday. (Thornapple Sports Cards & Games)
4. Thornapple Sports Cards & Games Grand Opening
I’m so nostalgic about sports cards. I collected them as a kid. Got back into the hobby after college. Then I got excited all over again when my kids were kids. Today, I don’t keep up with it like I used to, but I know there is a resurgence in collectibles, especially as NFTs become all the rage. (That’s another topic for another day.) This weekend Thornapple Sports Cards & Games in Hastings has its grand opening with special guest, outfielder/catcher Eric Haase of the Detroit Tigers. He’ll be signing from noon-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 6). Autographs are $20. I talked to owner Austin Ball the other day who is so excited to open his store, and bring in one of his favorite Tigers players. Learn more about what specials and deals you can get this weekend on the Thornapple Sports Cards & Games Facebook page. It is located at 107 E State St. Suite B., Hastings. Grand opening is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dan and Lis Verhil bring back their famous Chili Cook-Off this weekend.
3. Chili Cook-Off at the Ballpark (Sullivan Field)
It’s back! Lisa and Dan Verhil, former owners of the Cottage Bar in Grand Rapids, are excited that Fans of Valley Field wanted to bring back their popular chili cook-off. After a five-year hiatus, it returns Saturday (Nov. 6) at Sullivan Field, 650 Valley Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Proceeds benefit Kids’ Food Basket and Fans of Valley Field to help restore and renovate Sullivan/Valley Field.
“Dan and I are truly excited to bring back the chili cook off, especially when we’re raising money for two great causes, Valley Field and Kids’ Food Basket,” Lisa Verhil told Gonzo’s Top 5. “We’re also excited to see our favorite Chiliheads who have cooked with us during our previous chili cook-offs. Several of them are returning, and it will be great to see them.”
The event is from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday with live entertainment beginning at noon. Chili tasting and judging begins at 3 p.m. Traditional Red & Homestyle categories, with more than 30 teams. Admission is $5 in advance (includes 3 chili tastes), and $10 at the door. Tickets for chili tastes are $1 each. Yes, there will be adult beverages, too. More info, including a schedule of events, at ballparkchili.com.
2. Bridge Street Makers Market + Bar Hop
In the mood for some early holiday shopping? Traverse to the Stock-Bridge Neighborhood of Grand Rapids to shop 35 makers. Locations Include Harmony Hall, One Bourbon and Bridge Street Market. Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles, and more. The event is FREE to attend! You only pay for items you purchase, and the drinks, of course. This is designed as a family-friendly event. More info available on the Bridge Street’s Maker’s Market Facebook event page.
1. Restaurant Week GR
This is an event I have supported since it debuted more than 10 years ago. I’ve done many stories, judged events, dined with the Lovely Pam (we just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary) and taken contest winners to some of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids. One thing I’ve learned over all these years: These chefs ALWAYS deliver. Restaurant Week GR begins today and runs through Nov. 13 with more than 50 restaurants offering some incredible meals. This year you can sign up for Restaurant Week GR’s Digital Pass, then use it to check in to at least three participating restaurants for a foodie-themed gift. Plus, you’ll earn a digital coupon for a return visit to each restaurant you visit. For a list of restaurants and more details go to experiencegr.com/restaurant-week.
Please let me know if you make any great restaurant discoveries during Restaurant Week GR.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
South Christian High School senior leader Jace DeMann talks to WKTV about how he and his team deal with the Sailors playing all their games on the road. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team has, in some ways, an offense built for a November playoff game, and they are certainly of the mindset that playing on the road is just another bus trip to their next game.
The Sailors followed up a 6-3 regular season with an impressive 52-7 road win at Plainfield (also 6-3 in the regular season) in Week 1Division 4 District semifinal state playoff game.
Such a scenario often means a home game in the second round, but South Christian will be on the road again this week, at Interstate 8 Athletic Conference champion Hastings (9-1 after a 56-18 opening round win over Charlotte) — a game which will be the WKTV Featured Game of the week with both cable television and on-demand replays available.
Of course, going on the road is nothing new for head coach Danny Brown or Sailors senior leader Jace DeMann, as the team currently plays their home games at East Kentwood High School as South Christian fully builds out their new campus in Byron Center.
Grand Rapids South Christian High School’s home football field does not have the Sailors’ logo on it and still requires a bus to get there — for the time being, it is at East Kentwood High School. (WKTV)
“Obviously, we’d love to have our own field and home field advantage,” Brown said to WKTV this week as he team practiced — at Kelloggsville High School’s field. “We get home crowds, when we play at East Kentwood, but it is not like having all our true fans. … But what it (playing on the road) really helps us to do is just focus on the moment at hand.
“It really doesn’t matter if we are traveling or not, because as you say, we are getting on the bus to play our home games. I think, for us, I am big on preaching that week, that game. Let’s only worry about the task at hand. I think that little bus ride, no matter where we are going, helps dial that in. It’s never about the travel, or who we are playing. It’s about us, and I think that kind of bus ride, going wherever, kind of sums that whole philosophy up.”
DeMann, also talking to WKTV this week, said in some ways the bus trip is valuable as a moment of personal reflection in anticipation of playing a game he loves to play.
“Leaving the campus it’s pretty normal … it’s a normal bus ride, but when we get there, we do a quiet time. Just think about what your roll is for the game. What you have got do in the game to prepare yourself,” DeMann said.
“We are definitely not intimated by it (playing on the road), once we get between the white lines it’s just playing the game we love, football. Every week we put our passion into it … It is just the next game up. … It’s just another week of football.”
Resilient defense and balanced offense
South Christian High School head coach Danny Brown talks to WKTV about his team’s ability to both run and pass the ball on offense — and why that is even more important in a early November playoff game. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Two things have been clear this season for the South Christian football team: the have a bend-but-don’t-break defense and, for a team that has averaged almost 36 points a game this season, the Sailors are not a high-powered passing attack — unless they need to be.
First that defense, which allowed an average of 17.7 points per game so far but which Coach Brown says has improved as the year has gone on.
“Even though we are giving up 17 (points per game), we feel we weren’t as good as we needed to be,” Brown said. “The biggest thing for us is we have a couple of really good playmakers up front. We’ve struggled at times just a little bit, but we’ve been good enough that we kind of have the ‘bend but don’t break.’ Teams are getting yards on us, but we are just not letting them score. … It’s impressive that we are not letting teams in” the end zone.
And, Brown says, he likes to see his team having a balanced attack — which they do, rushing for 2,192 yards, averaging 219 per game, with 37 touchdowns, while passing for 1,727 yards, averaging 172.7 per game, with 12 touchdowns.
Part of that affinity for a balanced attack is borrowed from Urban Meyer (one-time Ohio State University and current NFL head coach) and part is Coach Brown knowing that his team can adapt to changing defenses and changing weather.
“I think the beauty of this team is that depending on the team, the scheme we are playing against, we have the ability to either run or throw … it is huge that we are not heavy one way or another, especially being in the spread (offense),” Brown said. “Urban Meyer used to say, when he was coaching a game, … he wanted 200 and 200 hundred. 200 passing and 200 rushing yards, and we are pretty close to that.”
And “for us, as the playoffs roll, we continue to win, with the cold weather, being able to run is a huge asset. Just because you never know what the weather is going to dictate.”
Where and when to see WKTV coverage
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
When it comes to getting young students engaged with robotics as part of their STEM technology education — including Kentwood Public Schools Red Storm Robotics program — it can’t wait for high school.
So Kentwood Public School’s middle school robotics program will send its teams, five of them, against others schools when it hosts the FIRST Tech Challenge Kentwood qualifier, hosted by Red Storm Robotics, on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The challenge will take place at the East Kentwood Freshman Campus, 6170 Valley Lane Dr. SE, and the public is invited to the free event. (There was no in-person challenge in 2020 due to the pandemic. There was a virtual challenge.)
“I’ve been impressed with the FIRST robotics programs,” Wendy Ljungren, Chief Operating Officer for Anzen Unmanned and one of the adult leader of Red Storm Robotics, said to WKTV. “The students that go through FIRST have the STEM and teamwork skills needed for our country to continue to advance.”
The FIRST Tech Challenge is a national program of FIRST Inspires where “students learn to think like engineers,” according to program material. Teams design, build, and code robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Robots are built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming.
This year’s tech challenge, Freight Frenzy, is presented by Raytheon Technologies and will have students race against time to transport “essential goods and explore the future of transportation,” according to supplied material.
The City of Kentwood and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will provide a no-cost COVID-19 vaccine clinic Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The clinic will offer COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, from 2-5 p.m., in the library’s Community Room.
The clinic will be open to all community members and no appointment will be necessary.
The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available for first, second and third doses, as well as boosters. Vaccine and booster eligibility is determined by the current CDC guidelines.
For information about COVID-19, community members may visit michigan.gov/coronavirus or call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1). The hotline is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s artistic directors cellist David Finckel (right) and pianist Wu Han, as well as violinist Arnaud Sussmann and violist Paul Neubauer, will be on stage at the St. Cecilia Music Center. (Supplied)
As if it were not enough of an attraction to have the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s musicians return to St. Cecilia Music Center as the center begins its chamber music series mid-November, inbound from New York to the Royce Auditorium stage is chamber music’s power couple.
In the first of three 2021-22 concerts during their 10th anniversary of partnership with St. Cecilia, CMS of Lincoln Center’s artistic directors cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, as well as violinist Arnaud Sussmann and violist Paul Neubauer, will present a program titled “From Prague to Vienna” on Thursday, Nov. 18.
The program includes selections from the works of Brahms, Dvořák, and Suk. Future programs in the series include “Romantic Perspectives” on Jan. 27, 2022; and “The Jazz Effect” on March 31.
Tickets are available and can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia at 616-459-2224.
The last time CMS performed for a live audience at St. Cecilia was early 2020, and Cathy Holbrook, SCMC executive & artistic director, could not be happier — for the performers, the music center, and its audience.
“We are thrilled and thankful to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center,” Holbrook said in supplied material. “We are also thrilled to welcome back our loyal supporters and music lovers in person to experience this exquisite evening with these outstanding musicians.”
As for the “outstanding musicians” — an understatement , perhaps — pianist Wu Han, recipient of Musical America’s Musician of the Year Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization, enjoys a multi-faceted musical life that encompasses performing, recording, and artistic direction at across the nation. Married to cellist Finckel since 1985, Wu Han divides her time between concert touring and residences in New York City and Westchester County.
Finckel, in addition to his work with CMS, cellist of the Emerson String Quartet for 34 seasons, and has performed and recorded chamber music that includes virtually the complete string quartets of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Dvorák, Brahms, Bartók, and Shostakovich. He teaches cello and chamber music at both the Juilliard School and Stony Brook University.
Violinist Sussmann is the winner of a 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and has distinguished himself with his unique sound, bravura, and profound musicianship. Minnesota’s Pioneer Press writes, “Sussmann has an old-school sound reminiscent of what you’ll hear on vintage recordings by Jascha Heifetz or Fritz Kreisler, a rare combination of sweet and smooth that can hypnotize a listener.”
Violist Neubauer has gained widespread praise, including the New York Times calling him “a master musician.” In 2018, he made his Chicago Symphony subscription debut with conductor Riccardo Muti and his Mariinsky Orchestra debut with conductor Valery Gergiev. He, too, is on the faculty of The Juilliard School, and Mannes College as well as a visiting professor at DePaul University.
Special pandemic policy
SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert.
In areas with substantial and high transmission, the CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, and to protect others. To that end, SCMC is requiring that all attendees wear a mask while in the building. They will continue to monitor the COVID environment and may change policies at any time if necessary.
If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
For more information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit SCMC-online.org.
The author and her daughter with Bert and Ernie at the Henry Ford Museum’s “Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited.” (Photo Courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“I have news and you need to be sitting down” is how I told my daughter, a Muppet fan, that the Grand Rapids Art Museum would be bringing “Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” to Grand Rapids next fall, with an opening date of Oct. 1, 2022.
This past summer, the two of us made the trek down to Detroit to see the exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum. This was after me stalking the dates for months to determine when I could get there.
Jim Henson (left) and company as Muppets. (Courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“Hey maybe you’ll be able to get your t-shirt.” she said in response.
Yes, my daughter got her love for the Henson creations from me. I grew up on “Sesame Street” with Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, The Count, and of course, the lovable, iconic green frog named Kermit. She and her sister had a tickle-me “Elmo” that they would sit with as they watched the iconic television show. “Sesame Street” is where most of us discovered the Muppets, which is said to be a blend of the word marionette and puppet.
But by the time, Henson and “Sesame Street,” which debuted in 1969, came about, Henson had already made a name for himself, having created Rowlf for the “Jimmy Dean Show” (I never knew Rowlf was that old) and he received an Academy Award-nomination for his nine-minute experimental film “Time Piece.”
TV producer Joan Ganz Cooney and her staff at Children’s Television Workshop were impressed with Henson’s quality and creativity and asked him to be a part of the show. At first, Henson was not that interested because he was afraid of his Muppets being pigeon-holed for only children, but he eventually agreed. “Sesame Street” would help launch Henson into TV stardom.
But it was Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, Fozzie Bear, and Kermit along with the rest of “The Muppet Show” cast that would cement Henson, along with partner Frank Oz, into television history.
“The Muppet Show” ran from 1970 -1978 and produced several Muppet movies, the most famous and loved being the 1979 “The Muppet Movie.” I loved it so much, that I purchased the soundtrack on cassette tape and wore it down on the song “I Am Going to Go Back There Someday,” preformed by Gonzo. Today, it remains part of my regular playlist on my iPhone.
Henson would go on to create such cult classics as “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth,” which starred David Bowie. Some also may remember “Fragile Rock” and the animated “Muppet Babies.” By 1990, Henson had sold his company to The Walt Disney Company and completed a few more projects for Disney before his untimely death in 1990.
Organized by the Museum of Moving Image, the upcoming exhibit explores how Henson and his team of designers, writers, technicians, and performers brought to life his many creations. It will feature more than 170 historical objects including iconic puppets, historic costumes, character sketches, storyboards, photographs, annotated scripts, film and television clips, and behind-the-scenes footage. The focus of it all is, of course, center’s on Henson’s ultimate goal, to spark the creativity in all of us.
“The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” will be open through Jan. 15, 2023. Currently at the GRAM is “An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018.” and “An Interwoven Legacy: the Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish.” For more on current exhibits and activities at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, visit artmuseumgr.org.
The characters of Kira and Jen from Jim Henson’s “The Dark Crystal” at the recent Henry Ford Museum exhibit of Jim Henson’s work. (Courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The David Bowie’s costume from the film “The Labyrinth.” (Courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
With Halloween now past, many see the holiday season upon us, and local vendors and crafters are gearing up to help holiday shoppers with their early shopping needs.
After widespread and disappointing cancellations in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, West Michigan crafters and vendors are excited to announce that they are bringing back their holiday craft shows this fall. And the month of November is filled with must-shop events that not only deliver handcrafted items, tasty treats, and unique gift ideas for local communities, but provide funds and support for many area school programs.
The Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters (BCFAB) are especially thankful to be able to host their annual craft show on Nov. 13 at Byron Center High School, as it is the largest fundraiser for their school’s fine arts programs. (For a extensive list of local craft and vendor fairs, see bottom of story.)
“All funds raised will go directly to support our students in the school district,” Kim Kohlhoff, president of Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters, said to WKTV.
All Byron Center public school fine arts programs, grades K-12, are impacted by the success of this fundraiser, Kohlhoff said, and the craft show fundraiser supplements the general budget given to each school to fund the main requirements of the fine arts programs.
The Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters’ annual craft show at Byron Center High School supports the schools fine arts programs including the jazz band. (Supplied)
“Funds raised through the annual craft show help support guest artists who come in from all over the nation to teach and perform with our students, as well as help with financial support for those students who take private lessons and attend fine arts camps,” Kohlhoff said.
The ability to provide financial support to students and give them the opportunity to perform with experienced musicians are only a small part in maintaining the Byron Center Fine Arts programs.
Life skills are also a central theme in the Byron Center Fine Arts objective — “Students learn to become a better person and grow as an individual,” said Kohlhoff.
Handcrafted items are always holiday gift worthy, as these from the Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters’ annual craft show at Byron Center High School. (Supplied, from previous year)
This year’s craft show boasts over 200 vendors and something new — food trucks. Instead of the usual concessions, several food trucks will offer a variety of food for shoppers. Stationed outside next to a protected sidewalk, food truck vendors will fill food orders that shoppers can then take into the school cafeteria to eat if desired.
“We have great community support,” Kohlhoff said of the craft show. “Vendor places are highly sought after and we have several veteran (returning) vendors who come every year, often calling the day after the show has ended to apply for a spot in the show for the following year.”
The Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters Craft Show will be held on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame SW, and offers free parking. Admission fee is $3 at the door, with children 12 and under admitted for free.
Additional November craft and vendor events include:
The Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters’ annual craft show at Byron Center High School supports the schools fine arts programs including the jazz band. (Supplied)
