Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Going Batty: John Ball Zoo official offers insight into often misunderstood creature

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The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “Bats: Masters of the Night” features hands-on exhibits. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

From carrying diseases to being the source of COVID,  bats have gotten a bad rap.

“I think it is just popular opinion because of all the advertising around bats being spooky thieves.” said Jamie Racalla, an animal care supervisor with John Ball Zoo. “When in truth, half of them are pollinators, take care of those pesky bugs like mosquitoes, and don’t really carry all those diseases.”

Jaime Racalla is an animal care specialist at John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)

It is why such exhibits as the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s current “Bats: Masters of the Night” are so important, Racalla said, because it helps to dispel some of the myths around these very difficult to study and often misunderstood creatures.

“We really don’t know that much about bats,” said Racalla, who recently participated in a study on bats in Michigan hosted by the Detroit Zoo. “Think about when they are out, at night, which makes them difficult to study because it has to be dark.”

For a while, researchers would study bats during the day while they slept in bat houses or when they hibernated during the winter. Unfortunately, White-Nose Syndrome developed among North American bats, which is a fungus call Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that invades and ingests the skin of hibernating bats, causing them to wake up more frequently in the winter and use up their limited fat reserves. First found in North America in 2006, it is estimated that by 2012 more than 6.7 million bats in North America have died from the disease.

To help reduce the spread of the fungus, researchers have discontinued visiting bats in their homes, but instead are using sonar to help track the bat population in the United States, This past summer, Racalla drove around parts of Greater Grand Rapids using equipment to hear bat calls which helped determine what type of bats could be in the area.

Through her research, Racalla said she found several bat types such as the little brown bat, eastern red bat, big brown bat, and the silver-haired bat, all of which eat insects such as mosquitoes, beetles, flies, ants, and spiders.

   

Through the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s exhibit, residents can make their own discoveries about the creatures of the night. While there are blood-sucking bats — vampire bats live in Central and South America — a majority of the bats are gentle and much like the bats found in Michigan, beneficial to the ecosystem.

Bats are important to the environment in that they help to pollinate plants and eat pesky bugs such as mosquitoes. (Supplied)

Visitors can learn more about diet and flight of various bats around the world (The only place without bats are Arctic, Antarctic and a few isolated Oceanic islands). The exhibit includes lifelike models, multi-sensory interactive displays and environmentally lifelike settings. There also is a hands-on display showcasing the evening activities of bats, such as echolocation (sonar ability). In a demonstration of echolocation, visitors can use a joystick to maneuver a bat model in search of food using a laser to simulate sonar. In a visit to a bat nursery, visitors learn how caring bat mothers are by using sound to help the mother bat find her baby.

“I personally can’t wait to see the exhibit,” Racalla said. “I hope people go and it helps them have a greater understanding of just how misunderstood and unique they are.”

Also the importance of preservation of the bat community. Because of the White-Nosed Syndrome, most Michigan bat species are considered threatened or endangered. Because of state and federal productions, it is illegal to kill certain species of bats, according to the USDA Forest Service.

“Bats: Masters of the Night” will be up through January 2022 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “The Bats: Masters of the Night” is included in the museum’s general admission. General admission for Kent County residents is $5/adults, $3/seniors, and free/children 17 & under. For more information

Rodney Crowell, a founding father of Americana, comes to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Series

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,
Rodney Crowell’s “Triage” album cover. (Supplied)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

If you know Rodney Crowell, who will be coming to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium Nov. 12, you know how great a singer/songwriter he is. If you don’t, you have undoubtedly heard people that you do recognize sing his songs.

Crowell has won numerous awards, including two GRAMMYs and six Americana Music Association Awards as well as their Lifetime Achievement for Songwriter award. This last accolade resonates deeply with a man who has stacked up 15 number one hits including six of his own, and dozens of other chart-topping hits for an impressively diverse array of artists including Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Keith Urban, Bob Seger, Etta James, and the Grateful Dead.

Some of Crowell’s written classics include “Bull Rider,” performed by Johnny Cash in 1979, and “She’s Crazy for Leavin’,” co-written with Guy Clark and performed by Guy Clark in 1981. More recently, Tim McGraw performed “Please Remember Me,” written by Crowell and Will Jennings.

Often described as Nashville royalty, Crowell will be of the St. Cecilia’s Acoustic Café Series with a live performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.

Crowell does not dwell in the past, however, and he has an impressive list of his own recordings.

With more than 40 years of American roots music under his belt, Crowell has 18 albums to his name, with his most recent album, Rodney Crowell: Triage, released in June of this year.

Rodney Crowell in concert. (Supplied)

“This new collection of songs was written during the great political, climate and economic upheaval that has marked recent years,” it states on Crowell’s website in reference to the new album. “The noise of that chaos encouraged the songwriter to go inside for solace and answers. The result is this series of songs that contend with these themes but approach them from a place of healing love and solution. That they are being released while we find ourselves walking through a global pandemic, is a gift of perfect timing.”

   

On song is particularly personal to Crowell, and yet “expansive enough for everyone to relate” — “Transient Global Amnesia Blues” — as he explains on his website.

“One morning after a long walk, I asked my wife, Claudia, the same question nine times before she loaded me into the car and sped off to the hospital. The next thing I remember is being shoved into an MRI machine. Transient Global Amnesia, a benign form of amnesia that in ninety-eight percent of cases never returns, was the diagnosis — an overnight stay in the hospital the prescribed treatment.

“The next morning my daughter texted a photograph of a sunflower growing on a piece of driftwood on the Thames River. I had most of the song written before leaving the hospital at noon. Four days later I had a finished recording.”

After the Rodney Crowell concert St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Series continues through the fall, winter and into spring 2022. This fall, Leo Kottke is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 19; the Milk Carton Kids on Thursday, Dec. 2; and Watkins Family Hour on Thursday, Dec. 16.

“It’s so exciting to have traveling artists and live audiences back in the building,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center executive & artistic director, said in supplied material.

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.

WKTV’s K.D. Norris contributed to this story.

Remembrance and renewal: veteran home’s Hebe Fountain restoration campaign brings back memories

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  • The current state of the Hebe Fountain at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids. (Supplied)
  • Larry Arreguin Sr. was a proud World War 2 U.S. Navy veteran involved with many veterans organizations, and was loving family man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in the last years of his life. (Courtesy of Arreguin family)
  • Larry Arreguin’s sons, Aaron and Caton, after playing in the Hebe Fountain at what is now called the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids during a visit to the facility to visit their grandfather, Larry Arreguin, Sr.. (Courtesy of Arreguin family)
  • Larry Arreguin with his sons. (Courtesy of Arreguin family)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

For many people, memories of visiting the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, previously known as the Grand Rapids Veterans Home, are bittersweet — caring people caring for a father or brother; strolling the grounds, the veterans cemetery in the distance; sitting quietly around the historic Hebe Fountain.

For Larry Arreguin, memories of his father, Larry Sr., a proud World War 2 U.S. Navy veteran and loving family man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease before he died in 2004, are forever linked to the facility and the fountain.

“The Hebe Fountain and Michigan Veterans Home in Grand Rapids played a significant role” in his father’s and his family’s history, Arreguin said to WKTV. “Both of these places own a somber and joyful piece of my heart.”

Arreguin — a Detroit resident who has worked in a staff position for the City of Detroit and the office of U.S. Rep. John Conyers, Jr., as well as serving on the board of the Michigan Alliance of Latinos Moving Toward Advancement — spoke to WKTV as the Michigan Veteran Homes GR is embarking on a long-awaited restoration campaign of the historic Hebe Fountain on its campus.

The campaign hopes to receive 100 percent of the $120,000 in funds needed by this Veterans Day, Nov 11, of this year.

“My family and I would visit my father at the Home and we would often sit with him near the fountain and enjoy the day while my children would play nearby,” Arreguin said. “Every time we were there, we tended to gravitate towards the Hebe Fountain. During the warm months, my toddlers would splash in the fountain and my father and I would sit there, laughing at how much fun they were having.”
 

Larry Sr., was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2001 while he lived with Arreguin and his wife in in Detroit.

“A year before, we were fortunate to have twin boys (Aaron and Caton) join our family and was blessed to have a nanny staying with us. However, in 2002, my fathers condition worsened and another son (Cesar) arrived,” Arreguin said. “Trying to care for three babies and also an elder became too much for my wife and I.

“As we searched throughout Michigan for assistance, one place kept coming up and that was the Michigan Veterans Home at Grand Rapids. We knew there was a special wing at the facility that was designed to care for Alzheimer’s patients and after many days praying we decided to take my father there to visit. Once there, the nurses and other staff were so welcoming and pleasant that I felt confident in the quality of care that was being provided. I knew admitting him there would provide a much better quality of life than what I could back in Detroit.”

On Feb. 16, 2004, Larry Sr. passed away from complications from Alzheimers.

“He lived his life to the fullest and was always cognizant of the sacrifices made by others that served in the Armed Forces,” Arreguin said. “He did this through his work as Commander of American Legions Post 183, Chef de Gare of Voiture 946 of the Forty and Eight and his work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts 701 and 6132.”
  

In his travels, Arreguin said, he often stops by the home to “reflect on the wonderful experiences” and to express his gratitude to the staff for all they did.

“Although last year when I visited, I was saddened to see the condition of Hebe Fountain, and made it a point to agitate and advocate for repair,” he said. “I’m hopeful, my boys and I can return when the fountain is restored to its previous glory and once again feel that tremendous happiness that was felt when visiting my father.”

  • Lee Walton, veteran resident of the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, tours the Hebe Fountain at the facility with Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator at Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH). (Supplied)
  • The current state of the Hebe Fountain at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids. (Supplied)
  • The current state of the Hebe Fountain at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids. (Supplied)
  • The current state of the Hebe Fountain at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids. (Supplied)

History, deterioration over the years

The fountain, designated as a local landmark by the Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission in November 1990, has been adored by veteran members and visitors to the campus since it was established by J.L. Mott Iron Works in 1893.

But over the last three decades, weather and deferred maintenance has caused the fountain to erode, and it has remained inoperable since being shut off in 2019.

The first noticeable step in the hoped-for restoration process will be the dismantling of the fountain to send it to restoration experts for a much-needed refresh, set to begin this week.

The complete restoration of the Hebe Fountain will include a new water filtration system, structural repairs to the base and water reservoir and a restoration of the adjacent drinking water fountain. Any remaining funds will be dedicated to annual maintenance and landscape beautification.

“The Hebe Fountain has been part of our legacy in caring for our nation’s heroes both past and present since 1893,” Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator at Michigan Veteran Homes, said in supplied material. “We owe it to our members to restore this landmark to its former glory and continue to offer veterans a place to call Home that remembers and honors its history.”

The Hebe Fountain Restoration Campaign follows the opening of the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, a new state-of-the-art facility that consists of four unique neighborhood buildings and a community center on the campus in Grand Rapids. Veteran members began moving into the new “Home” in July of this year.

Persons who wish to donate to the Hebe Fountain Restoration Project can send a check payable to Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids at 3000 Monroe Avenue N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Persons can also visit michigan.gov/mvh, click on Support MVH, followed by Donate and then Donate Online and select Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids as your donation option.

For more information or questions about the restoration project, contact Tiffany Carr at carrt1@michigan.gov or 616-365-3834.

Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) is the entity that provides day-to-day operational oversight of the state’s veteran homes on behalf of the Michigan Veterans Facility Authority (MVFA) and is a branch of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The MVH operates the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR), the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti (MVHDJJ) in Marquette and the new Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township (MVHCT).

For more information visit: michigan.gov/mvh.

The Way Down Wanderers to bring new music, grass-fed comfort sounds to Listening Room

Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The Way Down Wonderers. (Supplied/Keith Cotton)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

When you first read anything about the Midwest-bred The Way Down Wanderers, the line “somewhere on the spectrum between Old Crow Medicine Show and Mumford & Sons” often pops up.

And while the sounds of Old Crow, an Americana string band based in Nashville, and Mumford, a British folk rock band steeped in Americana, may be contradictory in some ways, there is that bluegrass-based heart-a-beating in both. And The Way Down Wanderers play the same tune but with a unique edge.

It will be all listening to the tune, and the vocal duo solos and harmonies of Austin Krause-Thompson and Colin Krause, when The Way Down Wanderers set up at Listening Room at Studio Park in Grand Rapids Friday, Oct. 29.

The Way Down Wanderers album cover for More Like Tomorrow.

The band’s eclectic blend of roots-based sounds — from rock, folk and bluegrass, to elements of pop, jazz and classical and pop — are on full display on their latest record More Like Tomorrow, released on Sept. 10 on Soundly Music.

“I love it when the song itself dictates the sonic arrangement — the pop sensibilities or Americana we can throw in there,” Colin says in supplied material about the new release. “I think just allowing the song to exist as its own entity is really important.”

Many of the songs on More Like Tomorrow do seem to take on a life of their own, both musically and intellectually. There are stories of loss and empathy (“Codeine Rest and Loneliness”), self-improvement and acceptance (“The Wire” ), becoming a new parent (“Forever” & “Two Parts One Heart), addiction and self-forgiveness (“Parkside Drive”) the fragility of life (“Everything’s Made Out Of Sand”).

“I think more so on this record than ever, the songs are just more direct, with acute meanings in our own situations,” Austin says in supplied material. “Each’s song’s story is less broad. I think, at least for me, writing is definitely growing more and more personal.”

The Way Down Wonderers. (Supplied/Philip Hosticka)

But, like Mumford’s songs at their best, the deep thoughts are carefully wrapped in catchy, driving tunes with a wall of bluegrass/Americana sounds carrying them.

In addition to Austin (lead vocals, guitar, keys, mandolin) and Colin (lead vocals, mandolin, guitar, fiddle), the Peoria, Illinois-based quintet Way Down Wonderers include John Merikoski (drums, percussion, piano, backing vocals), Travis Kowalsly (banjo), and John Williams (electric and upright bass, backing vocals).

More Like Tomorrow is the follow up to The Way Down Wanderers’ acclaimed 2018 sophomore album illusions, which garnered high praise from The Associated Press, Rolling Stone Country and others. More Like Tomorrow was recorded and produced by David Schiffman (HAIM, Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave), who also produced illusions.

Visit here for tickets to the show at Listening Room and more information.

The Listening Room is a 200-seat intimate venue with top-notch sound equipment and in-seat services for drinks. It is located at Studio Park, 123 Ionia Ave, SW. Indoor shows require proof of COCID vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours, according to its website.

 

Gonzo’s Top 5: Weekend on the run

Beer, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Food, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Well, we knew the warm weather wasn’t going to last.

Welcome to a chilly, Amway River Bank Run weekend, and another “Gonzo’s Top 5” list.

This is my weekly list of the “coolest” things happening in West Michigan. It’s a list I have compiled for about two decades, and I hope you enjoy it.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

The first two people to email me will get a special “treat.” No tricks. I promise.

I’ll share the results next week.

Ready for the weekend?

Here we go.


5. Arvon/City Built/Speciation Tap Takeover

Have you ever wondered about the beers at Arvon Brewing Co., City Built Brewery and Speciation Artisan Ales, but never had a chance to experience them? Here’s a great opportunity as these three Grand Rapids breweries will offer five beers at Horrocks Market Tavern in Kentwood. The event is planned from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 22). 

Here is a list of beers:

Speciation Artisan Ales – “Neontology” Barrel Aged Sour with Passionfruit, Lime, Matcha & Vanilla. “One of our more popular beers of 2021. It’s wild,” said owner Mitch Ermatinger.

Arvon Brewing – “Breakfast Bowl” Kettle Sour with Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Granola, Vanilla and Lactose.

Arvon Brewing – “Double Voyager” Double New England IPA, a “super hazy and super flavor forward” beer, according to co-owner Brett Bristol.

City Built Brewing – “Prague Underground” Czech Pilsner.

City Built Brewing – “TBD IPA” West Coast-ish IPA.

All beers will be available by the glass and to-go in howlers, growlers and crowlers. Click here for my WKTV Journal story about the event.

4. 5th Annual Nightmare on 84th Street: The Haunted Trail

Remembrance Ranch, a program to help troubled teens, is offering its annual The Nightmare on 84th Street haunted trail experience. Dates are Oct. 23 and 30. All proceeds from the event will help at-risk families receive scholarship funds to attend Remembrance Ranch next year. Hours are 9-11 p.m. A tax-deductible donation for $20 per ticket to Remembrance Ranch will gain you access. A special “no scare” edition is planned from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 30. It is free or by donation. Learn more about the trail on the Facebook event page. Learn more about Remembrance Ranch at Remembranceranch.org. It is located at 12307 84th Street, Allendale.

3. Chrysanthemums & More!

Can you say “Chrysanthemums” five times in a row? It’s not easy. What is easy — and exciting – is the return of Chrysanthemums & More at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. For the past 23 years it’s been a popular show and the largest of its kind in Michigan. Attendees can experience thousands of blossoms across 158 sprawling acres. “Each display is a visual spectacle of flowers and foliage, appearing to glow from within,” according to organizers. The exhibition is open through Oct. 31 at Meijer Gardens, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, MI 49525. Call 616-957-1580 for more info, including parking and admission fees, or go to meijergardens.org/calendar/chrysanthemums-and-more.

2. “Don Giovanni” at Opera GR

As part of Opera Week, Opera Grand Rapids returns for a new season with “Don Giovanni,” which follows the final day in the life of Don Juan, in an original production of Mozart’s Prague masterpiece. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 22) and 2 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 24) at DeVos Performance Hall. Individual tickets start at $27. For more details, as well as details on COVID protocols (proof of vaccination is required or negative test), go to operagr.org/don-giovanni.

Writers Amy Sherman and John D. Gonzalez at the 40th anniversary of GR’s Amway River Bank Run, which was in 2017. (John D. Gonzalez)

1. River Bank Run

If you’re not running in downtown GR’s Amway River Bank Run, you probably think, “What’s the big deal? I’m avoiding downtown Grand Rapids. Thanks for the reminder.” The truth is, even if you’re not a runner, you probably know a participant or two. And if you’re like me, you need inspiration in life to keep you motivated on your personal goals. Trust me, you WILL be inspired attending the Amway River Bank Run presented by Fifth Third Bank with Spectrum Health. More than 10,000 people are expected to compete Saturday (Oct. 23) in the largest 25K road race in the country. Yes, world class athletes will be on hand, but the bulk are your neighbors, friends, and moms and dads, who have all been training for months. Add special divisions like a 25K Wheelchair race, a 25K Handcycle division and 5K Community Walk, and soon you learn it’s about setting goals and accomplishing them. Come out, cheer, and be inspired. A Finish Fest is planned from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Calder Plaza. The first race (5K) begins at 8 a.m. The big 25K race begins at 9:30 a.m. More info on parking, start times and more at amwayriverbankrun.com.


That’s it. Have a great, safe weekend.


Be sure to email me!

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’s Week 8 prep football update: Wolves gain emotional win; Sailors in, Wolverines in hunt, for playoffs

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
The Wyoming high Wolves responded to an emotional final home game of the season with a 33-17 win over Union. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

It was a good night for local high school prep football teams Friday, Oct. 15, as Wyoming High School gained its first win of the season on an emotional night at home, playoff-bound South Christian gained its sixth win, Wyoming Godwin Heights kept its playoff hopes alive, and East Kentwood has now won two of it last four.

WKTV’s Featured Game coverage crew was at Wyoming, and will be at South Christian this week to close out the regular season. WKTV’s Featured Game of the week provides Wyoming and Kentwood cable television and on-demand replays.

Wyoming’s game against Grand Rapids Union was senior night as well as a special celebration for the school’s new stadium being named in honor of Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers to become Wyoming high in 2012.

And the Wolves (1-7) were able to block out a rough 2021 campaign and come out with “plenty of fight” — the result was a 33-17 win over Union (3-7).

“Friday night was in a special night for our community … Our kids had a ton of positive energy that night, and it showed on the field,” Wolves head coach Carlton Brewster II said to WKTV. “I was glad that I could witness the fight in our kids to win our first ball game.”

Brewster specifically pointed out the outstanding performance of senior Mateo Ledesma on both sides of the ball — he had 10 tackles, two sacks, and 65 yards rushing.

WKTV’s South Christian game a playoff preview

South Christian (6-2, 5-1 in OK Conference Gold) scored a 49-7 road win at Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (2-6, 1-5) on Oct. 15. This week, in the final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will be at East Kentwood for the Sailors’ season-ending clash with Cedar Springs (also 6-2, 5-1).

While both teams are playoff bound — as is OK Gold champion Grand Rapids Catholic Central (8-0, 6-0), which defeated both the Sailors and the Red Hawks earlier — both South Christian and Cedar Springs will be looking for better playoff seating when the playoffs are announced this weekend.

Past WKTV Featured Games from this season available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood), and East Kentwood’s home win over West Otttawa on Sept. 24, South Christian’s win over Kenowa Hills on Oct. 1, the annual Godwin vs. Kelloggsville rivalry game on Oct. 8, and the Wyoming vs. Union game on Oct. 15.

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.

Team-by-team update

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons (2-6, 2-4 in OK Conference Red) continued their late season resurgence with at 27-7 home win against Grand Haven (3-5, 2-4) on Oct. 15, and will close out the regular season at Jension (currently 2-6, 1-5) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, Rockford (8-0) sits alone in OK Red standings at 6-0 with Caledonia second (7-1, 5-1).

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (1-5 in OK Conference Green) will close out the season on the road at Mona Shores (currently 6-2, 5-1 in conference) on Oct. 22. After last week’s action, Muskegon (7-1) is 6-0 and alone atop the OK Green, with Muskegon Mona Shores second.

Godwin Heights

Wyoming Godwin Heights (4-3, 2-3 in OK Conference Silver action) is still alive in the playoff hunt after last week’s 42-34 road win at Belding (5-3, 2-3) on Oct. 15. The Wolverines can get to their fifth win of the season (giving them a chance at the playoffs)   with a win at home to close out the season against Grandville Calvin Christian (1-7, 0-5) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (9-0) undefeated in OK Silver action at 6-0, with Sparta (6-2) at 4-1 in conference.

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (2-6, 1-4 in OK Conference Silver action) scored 34 points in a their game at OK Silver leader Comstock Park (9-0, 6-0) on Oct. 15, but ended up losing 69-34. The Rockets will be at home to face Sparta (6-2, 4-1) on Oct. 22.

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Gonzo’s Top 5: Welcome to the weekend, friends

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

I’m back with another “Gonzo’s Top 5” list.

This is my weekly list picks for the coolest things happening in West Michigan. I hope you find something interesting, enjoyable, fun and in some cases downright spooky.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for upcoming events. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar

A caramel apple bar, Mexican food and cider! Why not? Our friends at Horrocks Farm Market in Kentwood have a Pux Tap Takeover and Caramel Apple Bar from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Oct. 15). The event will take place in the Tavern, which is located on the the westside of the market, and features the Mexcellente Food Truck, caramel apples, as well as several ciders. On tap: Whippersnapper (Pear, Cinnamon, Ginger Hard Cider), Pommander (Orange Liquor Barrel Aged Clove Hard Cider), Harvest (naturally fermented Hard Cider with French Cider Apples) and Pumpkin Pie (spiced Hard Apple Cider. Horrocks Farm Market is located at 4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. More info on the Tavern Facebook page or horrocksmarket.com.

Flannel Fest with the Muskegon Lumberjacks

Dig out the flannel for a street party as the Muskegon Lumberjacks celebrate the opening of a new season. Activities include axe throwing, games, live music and Lumberjacks hockey at Mercy Health Arena. Performing Friday night (Oct. 15) is the AC/DC tribute band “Let There be Rock.” On Saturday (Oct. 16), a cornhole tournament begins at 11 a.m. with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Other activities include hayrides, live music from Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys (5 p.m.) and craft vendors. Games are at 7:10 p.m. each night. Mercy Health Arena is located at 470 W Western Ave Muskegon, MI 49440. More info at muskegonlumberjacks.com.

“Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together”

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “Bold, Black and Beautiful – Onward Together,” an historical journey through musical expression. Performances are at 7:30 p.m Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 15-17). According to the show’s producers, the “concert features Black artists from all over West Michigan in a celebration of African and Black music, dance, and spoken word in America.” The show includes songs by Louis Armstrong, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder and more iconic Black artists throughout American history. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is located at 30 N. Division. More info at grct.org.

Zoo Goes Boo

A popular, longtime favorite West Michigan event – “Zoo Goes Boo” – returns to John Ball Zoo the next two weekends (Oct. 15-17 & Oct. 22-24). It’s a fun Halloween destination for the whole family with decorations, costumes, candy and Zoo animals. The kids can experience spooky treat stations located throughout the Zoo, along with strolling entertainment. Because it is a children’s event, organizers ask “that no masks cover faces and that adults in costume dress appropriately.” Oh, and bring a bag! Zoo Goes Boo presented by Meijer. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St. W. More info at jbzoo.org.

AlePrize, presented by Beer City Brewers Guild

You’ve heard of ArtPrize. But what about AlePrize? The city-wide competition pairs local artists with local breweries, who transform their spaces into galleries while patrons enjoy a pint of locally crafted beer. Winners receive $1,000 each for Public Choice Award and Juried Award categories. AlePrize runs from Oct. 15-Nov. 19 and features popular breweries such as Founders, City Built, Harmony, Elk, Brewery Vivant, Perrin, Speciation, Broad Leaf and many more. A full list including the artists can be found at aleprize.com.

That’s it for this weekend. As I said earlier, email me if you have an event you want to promote down the road.

Be safe everyone. Have a great weekend.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’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.

Allegan County lawmaker proposes mental health crisis line merger

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By Kyle Davidson
Capital News Service

LANSING — As the federal government works to roll out a 9-8-8 suicide hotline, one lawmaker is looking to expand crisis line services within Michigan.

Rep. Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Township, wants to  incorporate the Michigan Crisis and Access line and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline under the same three-digit phone number.

 

“It’s just to make it really simple. No matter where you live in Michigan, you have one number that you can call to find local help,” Whiteford said. 

Whiteford had introduced the Michigan Crisis and Access Line that was signed into law in January 2020. The 24/7 phone, text and chat line serves the Upper Peninsula and Oakland County and is rolling out statewide.

It can be accessed at 1-844-44 MICAL.

With the national designation of 9-8-8 as the new phone number for the National Suicide Hotline, Whiteford wants to designate the Michigan Crisis and Access Line as Michigan’s crisis hotline center. That would provide intervention services and care to anyone accessing the 9-8-8 hotline.

 

“We’ve always talked about aligning (the Michigan Crisis and Access Line) with 9-8-8, but that was the next step,” Whiteford said.

There are 46 community mental health centers in the state that operate local crisis lines.

 

The advantage of the Michigan Crisis and Access Line is you can advertise one number statewide and receive referral to local mental health resources and the local crisis line, said Robert Sheehan, the executive director of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan.

 

The Crisis and Access Line is also working to provide other resources, including referral to substance abuse recovery centers and the psychiatric bed registry.

“That’s not been available statewide, so that would be a real great cataloging of mental health resources on a statewide level,” Sheehan said.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Michigan residents age 10 to 34, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In 2020, 76.5% of Michigan communities did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents, the foundation reported.

In addition to incorporating the state’s crisis line under 9-8-8, Whiteford also introduced a companion bill to create a fund to support crisis services.

It would gather funds from a monthly 55-cent charge to the cell phone bills of all Michigan residents and a 2% charge per retail transaction for prepaid wireless calling services. That charge can be adjusted to fund program operations, expansions and maintenance.

 

“I really wanted to get that out there to have a conversation about something we could do to have sustainable funding for crisis services for the state,” Whiteford said.

The state Department of Health and Human Services would be responsible for managing the fund. It could be used to set up additional crisis stabilization units and to offer more services because the fund does not lapse into the state’s general fund at the end of the year, Whiteford said.

While Michigan has a very comprehensive mental health system, it receives about 95% of its funding from Medicaid, a public health insurance program for low-income people, making it inaccessible to most residents who do not qualify for Medicaid, Sheehan said.

 

By taking a public utility approach in providing a crisis response line and crisis response teams, anybody can call and get the care they need, he said.

While Whiteford is the sole sponsor of these bills, she said she expects they will receive broad, bipartisan support in the Committee on Health Policy. Both bills are pending committee review.

 

ABOUT KYLE DAVIDSON

Kyle Davidson is an MSU Junior working to complete his degree in Journalism. Kyle currently works with both The Spartan Newsroom and Capital News Service covering public safety, criminal justice, politics, and women’s issues in the political sphere.

East Kentwood sophomore ready, physically and mentally, for run at state girls golf title this weekend

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East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell talks about preparing for a run at a state title. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Even people in the know about the state of the State of Michigan high school girls golf might have overlooked East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell last year — until she finished her freshman season a solid fourth in the Division 1 individual finals.

And following her consistent, quality play this season, and with her dominating the field at a very tough Division 1 Regional 1 last week — shooting a 73 at Thompsonville’s Betsie Valley course, six stokes ahead of the second place individual finisher — she may well be the golfer to beat this week at the 2-day state Division 1 finals at Grand Valley State University.

East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell will be seeking a state title Oct. 15-16. (Supplied)

While the 15-year old speaks softly and humbly when asked about her approach to the state finals, to be held Oct. 15-16 at The Meadows, she sounds quietly confident in her game. And her Falcon coach, Mike Ketelaar, says the same thing, a little more loudly.

“Just trying to get ready, mentally, more than anything,” Fennell said to WKTV this week, as she prepared for a practice round at Stonewater Country Club in Caledonia. “Physically is not as important as your mental game. I’m just trying to prepare for what I am going to do. Course management decisions. Everything like that.”

Ketelaar, too, says his prize young player is “hungry” to prove herself to be among the best in the state while she is already establishing herself on the national stage in youth golf by playing in “a lot of serious tournaments in the summertime with some of the best players in the country.”

“Playing in the state finals last year … I got to watch every shot and she was very composed. She enjoyed herself,” Ketelaar said to WKTV.  “At the state tournament last year, there was a little bit of nerves but there was nothing she wasn’t used to. I think this year she is very excited for this state tournament coming up, because it is 36 holes, its at Grand Valley, where we’ve had a lot of events.

“I think she is hungry. Fourth place (last year) was really good for her but I think she has higher aspirations this year.”

Growing into her game, individual and team

Fennell has been playing since age six, and competing since she was about 10. And like a lot of young players, when she started there as a parent and a Tiger involved.

East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell is all smiles … until there is a club in her hands. (Supplied)

“I was like six, and my dad and I would watch Tiger (Woods) on TV, all those guys on TV, and he introduced me to the game,” Fennell said. Her first lesson, however, was later — “I was nine and it was here, (at Stonewater) from Jimmy (Wisinski).”

It was right about that time that she knew she could — and should — compete with the best in her age group, and higher.

“When I was 10, I was winning a lot of stuff in my age group, just because it was small, there was not a lot of girls in my age group,” Fennell said. “My scores were similar to the older girls, so I started moving up. And every time I moved up, all my scores were right there with them. … When I was like 12, I ended up playing with high schoolers and I said ‘Okay, this is where I am meant to be.’”

And that is about the time Falcon coach Ketelaar started hearing about the talent that would he would have the “privilege” and “responsibility” to be working with.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with Elise for the last two years, as her coach at East Kentwood High School,” he said. “But, prior to that, I knew about her pedigree and her ability. … Hearing about her name around the country club here and seeing her scores in different newspapers and stuff, I knew I had a huge responsibility as a coach to make sure I took care of that talent and help develop it to the best of my abilities.”

And despite her growth, physically, it is her mental game where she and her coach continue working to improve.

Her game changed, physically, she said as she grew from 10 to her current 15 years old “because I kept growing, so I needed new clubs, and my yardages changed, and but the same mentality stayed where I just wanted to focus on each shot, stay in the moment and not get too far ahead of myself. Otherwise it would be downhill from there.”

She has also grown both in her individual game and her team game, her coach said.

“I’ve noticed a huge growth in (her), she wants to do well individually still, she’s very hungry and competitive. But I think she is seeing the larger picture of the importance of helping team members,” Ketelaar said. “She obviously has more golf experience than a lot of girls on the team. She has really taken it upon herself to pass on that knowledge and teach them about course management. How to remain calm. Just to enjoy the moment.

“I know she knows high school golf is four years. I think the first year she was really concerned about learning about it and having success herself. It is very apparent now that it is not so much about her as it is about the whole team.”

Falcon team making improvements

While the East Kentwood girls golf team did not advance past the regionals, Fennell’s coach said her impact on the team this year and in the future is certain. Not only on the courses but at practice.

East Kentwood High School head girls golf coach Mike Ketelaar. (WKTV)

“I text and call Elise a lot to get a vibe on what’s the team thinking,” Ketelaar said. “Obviously I’m not a high school girl and I try my best to figure out the climate of the team is. But a lot of time I bank on her relationships, her friendships, with them all to say ‘Hey, are they enjoying themselves? Is there a practice we are doing, is it worthwhile?’ She comes back with really good advice of how she thinks we can improve our program.”

Looking at this year’s team, outride of Fennell, coach starts with his senior leader, Chandler Baillie — “She was a really a consistent player for us,” and then goes from there.

“Morgan Lee is a sophomore, she played our Number 2 this year — I know she is really excited to work in the off season, to improve. So, I’m looking forward to seeing what Morgan can bring to the table next year.

“And Aish (Aishwarya Kasaju) is a junior this year, she had huge improvements, she’ll be a senior leader. And Cam (Camryn) Kolzow came out as a freshman and never played school golf before and now has a real itch. So I think we have a great squad coming in for next year.”

East Kentwood High School sophomore Elise Fennell at practice. (Supplied)

Wyoming football community set to honor Coach VerDuin with stadium naming, 100 yards of memories

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The football stadium at Wyoming High School, which will be filled with fans Friday as the school and the community honors Jack VerDuin, who coached football at Wyoming Park High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

If you ask someone in the Wyoming-area high school football community to name a few people whom long-time Wyoming Park coach Jack VerDuin impacted as a coach, teacher, friend and mentor be prepared for a long list.

And, as Wyoming High School is set to honor the late VerDuin by naming its new field in his honor this week, it is probably no coincidence that the first two people who talked to WKTV were more than happy to do so and are also now respected educators.

A photo of Jack VerDuin when he coached football at Wyoming Park High School. (Supplied/Wyoming High School)

“For me, it was a lot of things outside of football … as a teacher and an athletic director,” said Oogie LaMar, who was on VerDuin’s state title football team and is currently Director of Adult Education and Community Relations at the Kent ISD. “Many of my memories of him were the times off the field. Back in the day, in study hall. He was my study hall teacher, and so a lot of the discussions we had were just about life and team-ship — being a good person, being a good teammate. Being committed to principals … about the team, but (also) families and how to treat other people.”

VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers into Wyoming high in 2012, was given many honors in his lifetime and after he died in 2007.

He coached the Vikings for 38 seasons beginning in 1962. During the years, Wyoming Park won 19 conference championships and the Class B state championship in 1984, a 33-20 victory over Monroe Catholic Central. The Vikings were then the state runner-up in 1985.

VerDuin is a member of the Wyoming Hall of Fame, Grand Rapids Hall of Fame, Michigan High School Hall of Fame and the Michigan Football Hall of Fame.

But maybe the honor he would appreciate the most would be the special place he occupies in so many of the young people he influenced, on and off the football field.

“Jack influenced me as a person by helping me grow up. He had high expectations and a belief that if we all follow the process, we will all be champions,” said Thom Vander Klay, who played for VerDuin as well and is now a coach and teacher at Wyoming high.  “He rarely let his kids believe they were anything but unbeatable … and he was right.”

Teaching how to coach, how to succeed off the field

Vander Klay, to a large extend, also learned how to coach and how to lead an athletic program, from VerDuin.

“He was way ahead of his time regarding finding the right fit for positions for the football team seven years down the road,” Vander Klay said. “For example, he would watch the 7th grade sporting events (not just football) and find who he wanted for each position on his football teams. We generally all played the same position in the same system on both sides of the ball for 6 years. After that long people get pretty good at what they are trying to do.

“He was not concerned with younger teams’ records as it was all about getting better within the system,” he said. “I have worked as a coach to use Jack’s work ethic, attention to detail, and ways to work with each student athlete from where they come from in order to create synergy and teach them they can achieve when they believe in the process. Not just in athletics but when they are adults and are carrying out their plans.”

That idea, often-used these days, of “planning your work and working your plan” was just part of VerDuin caring more about his students as people than simply as athletes.

“Jack was a consistent professional and had great passion for kids and working hard,” Vander Klay said. “He was a big picture guy that would not accept excuses for falling short of his best.”

LaMar told much the same story — “He really just wanted us to do our best … he always expected that.”

Intentional or not, VerDuin was unique 

Of course, Coach VerDuin was not without his (occasional) mistakes, with his teams and with his style of dress, as both LaMar and Vander Klay reluctantly talked about.

“I do remember when I was coaching with Jack and he came back from Florida (he coached in Naples, Fla., for two seasons) and he thought he could have the same type of pregame speech to a team we had that was just outmatched that year,” Vander Klay said. “He told them how bad our opponent wanted to beat us and how hard they had prepared and how they were so ready for us. The problem was our kids, who were not that experienced and (were) young that year, believed him and we got drilled.

“We said ‘Maybe you can’t use that same speech for a bit coach’ and he smiled and said ‘I get it.’ Two years later he led Park to another championship.”

And that style of 1980s’ coaching attire?

“He did have those white shoes that he wore, the turf shoes,” LaMar said. “As I look back, and see he and all our coaches in their tight shorts, back in the day, but I guess that was just maybe the style.”

WKTV’s Feature Game crew will be at Wyoming high this week as the Wolves host Grand Rapids Union and also a special celebration for the school’s new stadium being named in honor of Jack VerDuin. The celebration — which will also be 1971-72 Team Reunion Night, Community Night and Senior Night — includes free admission. There will be a Wyoming High School open House at 6 p.m., then the Jack VerDuin Stadium Dedication at 6:45 p.m., followed by game kickoff at 7 p.m.

Wolverines win rivalry game, Sailors on playoff hunt in WKTV’s Week 7 update of local teams’ prep football seasons

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Wyoming high will be at home this week for the WKTV Featured Game of the week, and a special stadium naming ceremony will precede the game. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

With only two more weeks of the regular season remaining in the 2021 high school football season, results of Week 7 involving local teams found Grand Rapids South Christian High School (5-2 overall) all but assured a state playoff berth at the end of the month, and Wyoming Godwin Heights (3-3) kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating Kelloggsville.

The Sailors’ scored a 37-13 home win (at East Kentwood) over Ada Forest Hills Eastern. The Wolverines scored a 53-13 win in its annual rivalry game against the Rockets on a rainy night that was WKTV’s Featured Game of the week, with Wyoming and Kentwood cable television and on-demand replays available.

And talking about featured games, WKTV will be at Wyoming high this week as the Wolves host Grand Rapids Union and also a special celebration for the school’s new stadium being named in honor of Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers to become Wyoming high in 2012.

Then, in the final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will be at East Kentwood for South Christian’s season ending OK Conference Gold clash with current conference co-leader Cedar Springs.

Past WKTV Featured Games from this season available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood), and East Kentwood’s home win over West Otttawa on Sept. 24, South Christian’s win over Kenowa Hills on Oct. 1, and the annual Godwin vs. Kelloggsville rivalry game on Oct. 8.

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.

Team-by-team update

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons (1-6, 1-4 in OK Conference Red) lost 6-44 on the road at Grandville (4-3, 3-2) on Oct. 8. Remaining on the Falcon’s schedule are a home game against Grand Haven (3-4, 2-3) on Oct. 15, then closing out the regular season at Jension (currently 2-5, 1-4) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, Rockford (7-0) sits alone in OK Red standings at 5-0 after defeating Caledonia (6-1, 4-1) with Hudsonville (4-3) also at 4-1 in conference.

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (0-7, 0-5 in OK Conference Green) were on the road again last week and lost 34-65 at Zeeland East (5-2, 4-1) on Oct. 8. This week’s game, on Oct. 15, is a home game against Grand Rapids Union (3-4, 1-4), and then the Wolves close out the season on the road at Mona Shores (currently 5-2, 4-1) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, Muskegon (6-1) is 5-0 and alone atop the OK Green after defeating Muskegon Mona Shores.

Grand Rapids South Christian

The South Christian Sailors (5-2, 4-1 in OK Conference Gold) will be the road for Week 8 with an OK Gold game against Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (2-5, 1-4) on Oct. 15.

After last week’s action, Grand Rapids Central Catholic (7-0) and Cedar Springs (6-1) are both 5-0 in OK Gold action, with the Sailors one game behind. South Christian played and lost to Catholic Central on Sept. 17, but still have a home game against Cedar Springs to be played to close the regular season Oct. 22.

Godwin Heights

The Godwin Heights Wolverines (3-3, 1-2 in OK Conference Silver action), after last week’s win over Kelloggsville (2-5, 1-3), could still make the playoffs by winning out in their road game at Belding (5-2, 2-2) on Oct. 15, and then winning at home to close out the season against Grandville Calvin Christian (currently 1-6, 0-4) on Oct. 22.

After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (7-0) undefeated in OK Silver action at 5-0, with Sparta (5-2) at 3-1 in conference.

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (2-5, 1-3 in OK Conference Silver action) saw their 2-game winning streak come to an end on a rainy night at Godwin Heights last week, and now have two tough games to end the season: at OK Silver leader Comstock Park (7-0, 5-0) on Oct. 15, and then at home to face Sparta (5-2, 3-1) on Oct. 22.

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Return to (spooky) normal, Kentwood will host annual Trunk or Treat on Oct. 23

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The City of Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat event will return in full this month with all its family friendly fun. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

After a modified Trunk or Treat last year, when pandemic precautions allowed only a drive-through event for the Kentwood community, the City of Kentwood is once again inviting trick-or-treaters to don their costumes and come to the city’s Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 23.

Dress up is encouraged at this year’s Trunk or Treat in Kentwood. (Supplied)

“Trunk or Treat gives families a fun alternative to door-to-door Halloween activities while connecting with community organizations in a more controlled environment,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “It also offers holiday-decor enthusiasts the opportunity to get creative with their trunks. Halloween is such a spirited holiday, and we’re looking forward to seeing all of the costumes and trunks that come out of this year’s event.”

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE, where 20-plus city and community vehicles will be stationed with decorated trunks filled with candy.

In addition to collecting candy, participants will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk. Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and face coverings and bring their own bag for collecting candy.

Local businesses and community groups can participate in Trunk or Treat by registering for free online until 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15.

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department will continue to monitor public health guidance and state orders, which may necessitate changes to the event.

More information is available at kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat.

Modern music, live audience energizes dancers as Grand Rapid Ballet comes ‘Off the Canvas’

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Adam Hougland’s ballet, “Cold Virtues”, scored by Philip Glass, is loosely based on “Dangerous Liaisons”, and follows a story of a power couple, moved to manipulate society for their own entertainment. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Ballet, after a year of beautiful but somewhat distant virtual performances last season as the troupe and everybody else battled COVID-19 shutdowns, will return to the live stage this week with the first weekend of its 2021-22 season of live-audience (and still virtual) performances.

GR Ballet artistic director James Sofranko and his 19 dancers’ return to the Peter Martin Wege Theatre stage — with a live audience watching, and listening to the exquisite marriage of dance and music — is an opportunity to return to a sense of normal as much as it is to a live stage.

The 2021-22 Season will feature classical ballet favorites, including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as showcasing contemporary works such as Off the Canvas and Jumpstart 2022.

The debut program, Off The Canvas, will offer three modern dances, choreographed by modern masters, set to modern music — including Philip Glass — or at least modern takes on classic music.

The program title is a reference to the brush strokes of a painting coming “off the canvas,” and does not have any relation to the common pugilist term “getting up off the canvas” after being knocked down — or does it?

Katarzyna Skarpetowska’s work, “Off the Canvas,” is set to music by Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Vivaldi. (Supplied(

“The title of this program Off The Canvas is taken from one of the ballets we are presenting from choreographer Katarzyna Skarpetowska, which is in fact called ‘Off the Canvas’,” Sofranko said to WKTV. “Her piece is inspired by the Baccus paintings of abstract artist Cy Twombly, so I believe that the title comes from the movement of the brush strokes coming ‘off the canvas’ and brought to life in the movements of the dancers.

“I had not heard of the boxing reference, but I do like the idea that we at Grand Rapids Ballet were dealt a very difficult situation with Covid, but we have rebounded with spirit and energy to return to live performing this season.”

Off the Canvas features three different world-class choreographers “exploring art in motion, taking inspiration from the world of visual arts” — Adam Hougland, resident choreographer Penny Saunders, and Katarzyna Skarpetowska.

“The three choreographers in the Off the Canvas have a knack for moving the dancers around the stage in bold strokes the same way an artist might paint on a large canvas,” Sofranko said in supplied material.

Skarpetowska’s work, “Off the Canvas,” is set to music by Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Vivaldi. Saunders’ ballet, “In-Frame”, features music by Max Richter and explores the creative process cycle that coincides with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Hougland’s ballet, “Cold Virtues”, is scored by Philip Glass, loosely based on “Dangerous Liaisons”, and follows a story of a power couple, moved to manipulate society for their own entertainment.

Music and dance, as always, blend on stage

Penny Saunders’ ballet, “In-Frame”, features music by Max Richter and explores the creative process cycle that coincides with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)

When it comes to the marriage of music and dance, ballet — all dance classic and modern really — has always been closely tied to music in the minds of choreographers, dancers and Sofranko (who is both).

“Music is often the reason we dance, so selecting a piece of music to choreograph to is a big first step (usually) in the process of creating a new dance,” Sofranko said to WKTV. “When I choreograph, I like to listen to a piece of music over and over until I know every measure and nuance by heart, and I use that knowledge as a sort of road map to create the steps.

“Certainly, you can also create a dance in silence, and then put music on top of it, or leave it without music too, but most of my favorite dances marry the music and the movement.  A choreographer can come up with an idea for a dance and then find music to go with it, or they may be inspired by a piece of music first and let that lead them to develop ideas for the dance. There is no right or wrong.”

When, were and how to see (and hear) Off The Canvas

Off the Canvas will be presented Friday to Sunday, Oct. 15-17. Tickets are available, starting at $32, online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at the ballet’s box office, at Grand Rapids Ballet’s home, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids. Season subscriptions are still available for the 2021-22 season, as are tickets for all its individual programs.

And having learned from its season of virtual performances, and community feedback, the Grand Rapids Ballet will also begin a “virtual season” subscription for those who wish to see the GR Ballet dancers “differently” or are unable to join in person.
 

Additional program details and performance dates and times can be found at grballet.com/2122season.

Katarzyna Skarpetowska’s work, “Off the Canvas,” is set to music by Adrian Lim-Klumpes and Vivaldi. (Supplied)

Gonzo’s Top 5: Welcome to the weekend

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

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

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

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

Email me your events at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

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

Have a great, safe weekend.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

5. Greater Grand Rapids Fall Train Show

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

4. Wise Men Distillery Fall Fest

Food, fun and cocktails, oh my!

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

3. Downtown Grandville Fall Fest

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

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

2. Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail

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


1. Downtown Holland Fall Fest

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

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

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

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

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

Be safe everyone.

John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, 2021 General Election: Kentwood City Commissioner races

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Election, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Politics, Upcoming Events, We The People, ,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted candidate forums for elections in the Wyoming and Kentwood area. Among them were the City of Kentwood City Commission At-large, Ward 1 and Ward 2 candidate forums. The forums were produced through the facilities of WKTV Community Media.

The At-large commission seat, one of two at-large seats, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. Kentwood’s Ward 1, which also has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9, roughly the southwest areas of the city. Ward 2, which also has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. For a precinct and ward map, click here.

The non-partisan candidates for the At-large seat are incumbent Commissioner Betsy Artz and candidate Leonica Riley Erwin; candidates for the Ward 1 seat are Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson (this is the seat currently held by Commissioner Emily Bridson, who is running for mayor); and candidates for Ward 2 are Jessica Ann Tyson and Dan VanderMolen (this is the seat currently held by Commissioner Tom McKelvey).

Note: Commissioner Artz and Mr. VanderMolen were not able to attend their respective forums.

To view the on-demand video replays of the forums, visit the following links:

City of Kentwood Commissioner At-large forum.

City of Kentwood Ward 1 forum.

City of Kentwood Ward 2 forum.

The City of Kentwood City Commissioner candidate forums will air on WKTV cable television, Government 26. See the initial schedule of days and times below. Visit here for a WKTV Weekly Schedule of all programs.

They are also available on-demand at WKTVLive.org.

 

For more information on the candidates in the City of Kentwood City Commission elections, see these WKTV Journal stories on our We The People videos of the race: Commissioner At-large seat, Commissioner Ward 1 seat, Commissioner Ward 2 seat.

Initial schedule for commissioner forums on WKTV Government 26. The will continue airing the following week with times TBD.

Kentwood Commission At Large: Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 15 at 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m.

Kentwood Commission Ward 1: Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 8:15 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 15 at 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Kentwood Commission Ward 2: Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 9:05 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.

Improving Godwin Heights ready for challenge, but confident, entering Kelloggsville rivalry game

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
As the Wolverines prepare for the annual Kelloggsville rivalry game, 1st-year Godwin Heights football head coach Sydeon Harvey talks with WKTV about his young team’ s progress this year — what has worked (his senior captains) and what do they need to get better at (penalties, penalties, penalties). (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Godwin Heights High School’s 1st-year head football coach Sydeon Harvey is pretty sure his senior-led but still young team will continue to improve this week when the Wolverines host Kelloggsville. He is absolutely sure his team will be pumped-up for the cross-town rival Rockets.

While records don’t really matter in a game like this one — Godwin Heights is 2-3, 0-3 in OK Conference Silver action while Kelloggsville Rockets is 2-4 and 1-2 — bragging rights do, now and in the future.

Godwin Heights High School head football coach Sydeon Harvey. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“The records mean nothing. That’s really true,” Harvey said to WKTV this week at a team practice. “This is my first here here but I’m not an idiot. When you have a rivalry, that’s what it is all about. That’s the one game that, when you look back 20 years, you’ll say ‘We won that game!’ A lot of these kids are just like a stone’s throw away” from Kelloggsville.

“This will be a big game this week. I expect both teams to play really hard, but I’m confident we’ll do well. … We are on the cusp. I feel really confident about this week against Kelloggsville. They are not going to lay down for us, but it’s homecoming, it’s a rivalry. I think our guys are going to be up for that.”

The “big game” between Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights — which is also the Wolverines’ Homecoming game — is this week’s WKTV Feature Game, on Friday, Oct. 8, with cable television and on-demand replays available.

Godwin Heights, after a week off from action, returned to the field and OK Conference Silver acton last week but lost a tight road game at Sparta (4-2, 2-1 in conference). Kelloggsville has seen their offense in high gear for three straight weeks, the last two being wins, as they followed up a win at Calvin Christian in conference action with a non-conference road win at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard.

After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (6-0) as the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 4-0, with Hopkins (3-3) at 3-1 and Sparta (4-2) at 2-1 in conference. While a conference crown is not likely for either Godwin or Kelloggsville, either could finish with five wins and a possible playoff birth.

Young, improving team is senior led

“The thing we are doing really well is that the kids are getting better every week,” Harvey said, looking at his team’s up and down season so far. “We are getting better doing some of the little things — better with our discipline, penalties are going down. But we are not penalty free yet.

The Godwin Heights High School football team will be out to protect their house against Kelloggsville. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“You talk about stuff we can be better at, we have to be better at those little things. We can’t have penalties at critical times. But that is part of being a young team. We got 31, 32 guys on varsity and 10 of them are seniors. We are pretty much a young team. But I have been really pleased that we are getting better at all the little things, running the ball, throwing the ball, getting everybody involved.”

Another thing coach is pleased with is his senior captains.

“All our captains are playing really, really well,” he said. “Kaleil (Harris) is a two-way player, he plays rover (on defense) and plays wide out (on offense) — he’s made a lot of real good plays for us. Jeremiah (Drake), our starting quarterback — he was missing  for three games and that hurt us a little bit, it was just a change. He’s a great leader, and been doing really well for us.

“Javeon (Lyons), who is our defensive captain, has played really well for us. And then there is Jabari Crump(-Moore), he’s great leader for us and been playing extremely well for us. We have four captains and they have played great as captains, they’ve been great leaders and they’ve been great on the field.”

The Godwin Heights High School football team at practice this week preparing for a game against Kelloggsville. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Where and when to see WKTV game replays

WKTV featured games will be 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.

Themed music nights announced as part of zoo’s “IllumiZoo Wild Hues”

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

B WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

IllumiZoo Wild Hues at John Ball Zoo is announcing five themed music evenings on Wednesdays to mix up the fun for this popular illuminating event.

The first of the five music themed evenings begins with We Love the ‘80s on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Guests can take a totally rad step back as the top music of the 80s guides guests through IllumiZoo Wild Hues.

Set for Wednesday, Oct. 20 is the second music event with Here Comes the Beatles. Guests can twist and shout their way through IllumiZoo Wild Hues to the famous beats of the Beatles!

Grab a seat as we time travel back to the 1970s with a 70s Flashback set for Wednesday, Oct. 27. An evening of rock to disco and punk to funk, where the groovy music of the 1970s will transform IllumiZoo Wild Hues.

The fourth music theme takes a classical turn with It’s All Classical on Wednesday, Nov. 3. This evening of captivating selections of classical music will create a unique visual and auditory experience as guests make their way through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched with rich lighting and sounds.

The final music themed evening is Wednesday, Nov. 10 with Boy Bands Unite!. This fun night will get guests movin’ and groovin’ to the iconic music of boy bands. Sharing the “stage” for this evening will be BTS, NKOTB, NSYNC, The Jackson 5 and more!

Along with the themed music, IllumiZoo Wild Hues will continue to tell a conservation story by creating illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places. Showcasing how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals, big and small, with the power to make a positive change in our world.

IllumiZoo Wild Hues tickets are $20 for adults, $13 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and under with Zoo members receiving a discount on admission. The themed music nights are the same admission price.

Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee their preferred date and time to experience these music nights at IllumiZoo Wild Hues. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org/tickets.

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

Kentwood opens fall leaf and brush drop-off, continues work with local landscaping, disposal companies

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Environment, Recycling, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
A past pile of leaves at the City of Kentwood Department of Public Works as the city’s fall leaf and brush drop-off programs returns later this month. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

As the City of Kentwood’s fall leaf and brush drop-off programs returns later this month, the Kentwood Department of Public Works continues its work to recycle much of what is dropped off by working with local businesses.

“The city works with landscaping and disposal companies to haul the leaves and brush away, which the contractors then use for composting and other recycled uses,” according to a statement from the pubic works department.

Starting Monday, Oct. 18, residents may drop off loose leaves, brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs and grass clippings at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE.

A past pile at the City of Kentwood Department of Public Works as the city’s fall leaf and brush drop-off programs returns later this month. (City of Kentwood)

The drop-off services provide residents with a convenient way to keep their yards clear of leaves and debris, according to the statement. The accumulation of leaves and debris on a property or in the right-of-way is prohibited in the City of Kentwood, as is burning leaves and brush.

“We look forward to helping residents with their fall yard cleanup and making sure our roadways and storm drains remain clear of leaves and other tree debris this season,” Jim Wolford, Department of Public Works supervisor, said in supplied material. “The City of Kentwood is pleased to offer these services to our community in the spring and fall each year.”

Drop-off is available noon-8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon-6 p.m., Sundays, through Dec. 5.

The services are available to Kentwood residents only, and proof of residency is required. Materials that cannot be accepted include trash, paper and plastic bags, dirt, concrete, asphalt, tires, rocks, stones, construction materials, glass and metal.

After closing for winter in December, both drop-off sites will reopen in the spring.

More information about the City’s leaf and brush drop-off services is available at kentwood.us/BrushLeafDropOff.

Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail takes places this Saturday

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Entrance and parking area for the upcoming Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kelloggsville Rockets offense on full thrusters as traditional rivalry game at Godwin awaits

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Kelloggsville head football coach Brandon Branch talked to WKTV this week about his team’s impressive offensive production and what the keys have been … hint, hint … getting his two best athletes the ball. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Two things are just about locks when it comes to this week’s OK Conference Silver football contest when Kelloggsville High School visits Godwin Heights in their annual cross-town clash.

The first is the two team’s records don’t really matter in rivalries like this one, and the second is the Rockets’ dynamic duo of senior Jabari Campbell and junior Camron Townsend will get their touches.

Both teams come into the contest with up and down seasons: The Rockets are 2-4 overall and 1-2 in conference, the Wolverines are 2-3 and 0-3. But Kelloggsville has won two in a row after last week’s 34-24 non-conference road win at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, while Godwin has played tough teams really tough, including last week’s 29-14 loss at Sparta, in a game what was tight until the fourth quarter.

Both could also still could get to five wins and have a shot at the playoffs.

The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

So, of course, the Friday, Oct. 8, contest — which will also be Godwin’s Homecoming Game — will be this week’s WKTV Feature Game. With local cable television and later on-demand replays available.

“Records don’t matter,” Kelloggsville head football coach Brandon Branch said to WKTV at a practice this week. “It’s like playing your brother in pick-up basketball. You always want to win, regardless of the score, regardless of the age difference, regardless of everything that has happened before. This game is the most important one. It’s doesn’t matter what the records are coming into this one.”

For Branch, who has brought stability and now emerging success to the Rockets program in, this, his second season leading the program, the key factor this week as it has been all season — keeping his high-scoring offense in high gear to keep them in games.

Led by Campbell and Townsend, who each have 500+ yards and at least 8 touchdowns receiving, and junior quarterback Zachary Zerfas, who has thrown for 1,500+ yards, Kelloggsville’s offense has scored 26+ points in five of six games.

“Jabari and Cam are our best athletes, by far,” Branch said. “Those are the guys we are trying to get the ball to. We try to find as many unique ways to get the ball to them as we can. Zach does a great job finding them, but he’s not just staring those guys down. He’s spreading the ball round pretty good. … but I’d be lying if I said we were not trying to get Jabari and Cam the ball.”

And sometimes Townsend just takes the ball himself — he has three touchdowns on interceptions while playing defense this season.

A combined effort of players, coaches

There is a lot more happening on the Rockets offense than simply pitch-and-catch between the three leaders, however.

The scoring success is “really just taking advantages of the strengths that we have. We use our strengths to expose the other team’s weaknesses as well,” Branch said. “I’m the offensive coordinator, but really it is coaching by committee,” pointing out assistants James Gentile, quarterback coach, and Justice Wright, receivers coach. “They get those players in the right place to make plays.”

Assistant coach Will Gooch, center, works a drill with the Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And the offensive line coaches, including Rob Fron and Will Gooch, are seeing their work paying off as the season has progressed — “Our offensive line has really grown in the last couple weeks.”

Branch pointed out junior tailback Brendon Tuinstra and junior center William Howard II as also being key to the offense.

And other players are playing well but don’t have the stats to show it, Branch said, including sophomore Jeremie Tsoumou and junior DeMarreon Rodriguez.

“Those guys play positions on offense that because they are running their routes tough, the safeties have to make a decision. So if the safeties have to make a decision that makes it an easier decision for Zach,” Branch said. “Because those guys, the nine other guys besides Jabari and Cam, are working their butts off each week, those two have the opportunity to do what they do.”

  • The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
  • The Kelloggsville High School football team in practice this week as the Rockets prepare for Godwin Heights. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Team is young but not too young

As the Rockets have started to see success, so has the entire program started to see success.

The current varsity has nine seniors, 13 juniors suited up, a sign that the program is growing but young players are not being rushed to play varsity too soon.

“I definitely think we are headed in the right direction,” Branch said. “ Our numbers are growing. We have the biggest JV team we’ve had in a long time this year. 26-27 kids coming out every week. And our kids are doing the job in the classroom, making sure they are staying eligible and able to play.
 

“Having those nine senior and 13 juniors just make it easier (for the coaches) because we can just pick the one or two sophomores that are ready. … We are able to let those (other underclassman) continue maturing.”

Can’t be there live? Catch it on WKTV

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.

A short day’s drive — Kent County showcases colors, natural beauty of the county with 2021 Color Tour

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Environment, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local History, Our Cities, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
One highlight the 2012 Color Tour’s Eastern Kent County Route, and the three historical covered bridges in that area, is the Fallasburg Covered Bridge which is celebrating its 150-year anniversary. (Kent County Road Commission)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Road Commission knows the county’s rural roads really, really well. So who better to give residents advice on where to venture to parts of the county they might not normally think to explore our local annual color tour?

The county recently unveiled the first two routes of its annual color tour, with additional routes to be announced soon.

The road commission began producing the color tour in the 1950s and continued for over 30 years before being discontinued. While the reason for the suspension is not clear, the color tour was revived again in 2016 with much excitement and success.

“The Color Tour has really taken off in popularity over the past couple of years, so we definitely look to add new stretches for our repeat travelers,” Maura Lamoreaux, Communications Manager for the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC), said to WKTV.

Lamoreaux said that, while KCRC does make adjustments from year-to-year, the routes remain similar. The road commission tries to avoid any late-season construction and keeps a close eye on the project schedule. Part of the reason the tour routes are revealed in stages is not only to maximize an area’s particular peak color, but to make sure the roads are free of construction when possible.

One highlight the 2012 Color Tour’s Eastern Kent County Route, and the three historical covered bridges in that area, is the history Ada Covered Bridge. (Kent County Road Commission)

The initial KCRC list has chosen to highlight the Eastern Kent County Route and the three historical covered bridges in that area during the 2021 Color Tour, with the Fallasburg Covered Bridge holding a special place of honor as it celebrates its 150-year anniversary.

Similar to the Fallasburg Bridge, the Ada Covered Bridge and Whites Bridge were also constructed using Brown truss design, with all three bridges being built within four years of each other. While Fallasburg Covered Bridge and Whites Bridge are open to vehicular traffic, Ada Covered Bridge welcomes only pedestrian traffic.

The Western Kent County Color Tour Route showcases apple orchards and the fall harvest over 35 miles of road. Drivers must exercise caution as they may encounter slow-moving farm equipment moving from field to field, so patience is requested as motorists enjoy an unhurried drive.

The White Pine Trail is also accessible from the western route with miles of scenic enjoyment for cyclists and those wishing to participate in a leisurely stroll or nature hike.

The 2012 Color Tour road ways are filled with rural roads soon to be bursting with color. (Kent County Road Commission)

All routes provided by the KCRC can be driven individually for shorter trips or connected if a longer outing is desired. As day trippers enjoy the beautiful vistas and diverse topography throughout Kent County, they can stop at nearby public parks for nature walks and picnics or partake in the many other local stops and activities.

This fun and inexpensive outing is one that residents can enjoy alone or with family and friends, according to the road commission. KCRC also urges motorists to utilize the color tour as a way to visit parts of the county they have not yet seen.

“Personally speaking,” Lamoreaux said, “I threw my dog in the car and drove the entire color tour last year. We walked the parks and stopped for cider and donuts. I was simply amazed at the beauty of the county and how much fun it was to experience all corners of it.”

Kent County Road Commission hopes the color tour routes will help infuse a sense of pride for the gorgeous county that residents call home, and also for the road network that leads them to their destinations.

For more information on Kent County’s 2021 Fall Color Tour and maps detailing the various routes, visit here.

South Christian, Kelloggsville score wins in WKTV’s Week 6 update of local teams’ prep football seasons

Area Education, Education, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

As the 2021 high school football season winds down, results of Week 6 had Grand Rapids South Christian High School (4-2 overall) still in-line for a state playoff berth at the end of the month — and the Sailors’ 49-12 win over Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills was WKTV’s Featured Game of the week with Wyoming and Kentwood cable television and on-demand replays available.

But the does not mean there are not games of importance coming up for local teams down the stretch.

First, Kelloggsville has won two in a row after last week’s 34-24 non-conference road win at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard, and records won’t really matter as Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights play their traditional crosstown rivalry this week — and WKTV will be there. (And both still could get to five wins and have a shot at the playoffs.)

Then, Wyoming high will be at home next week as the school hosts Grand Rapids Union and also a special celebration for the school’s new stadium being named in honor of Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers to become Wyoming high in 2012.

This week’s WKTV Feature Game will be the Friday, Oct. 8, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights clash, and on Friday, Oct. 15, WKTV will be at Wyoming high for the game and the ceremony.

The final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will select a game of most importance to local fans and local team in pursuit of the playoffs the week after.

Past WKTV Featured Games from this season available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood), and East Kentwood’s home win over West Otttawa on Sept. 24 — and now last week’s South Christian win over Kenowa Hills.

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.

Team-by-team update

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons —1-5, 1-3 in OK Conference Red action after last week’s 6-42 road loss at Hudsonville (3-3, 3-1) — will again be on the road this week, playing at Grandville (3-3, 2-2).

After last week’s action, Caledonia (6-0 overall) and Rockford (6-0) are both 4-0 in OK Red standings.

Remaining on the Falcon’s schedule after Grandville on Oct. 8, East Kentwood will be at home hosting Grand Haven (currently 3-3, 2-2) on Oct. 15, then closing out the regular season at Jension (currently 0-4, 1-5) on Oct. 22.

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (0-6) last week traveled to OK Conference Green foe Zeeland West (3-2, 2-2 in conference) and lost 6-72. Wyoming will be on the road again this week at Zeeland East (4-2, 3-1) on Oct. 8.

After last week’s action, Muskegon (5-1) and Muskegon Mona Shores (5-1) are each 4-0 in OK Green action. The Wolves are 0-4 in conference.

After this week’s game, The Wolves will be at home for the final time this season facing Grand Rapids Union (currently 3-3, 1-3) on Oct. 15, and then close out the season at Mona Shores on Oct. 22.

Grand Rapids South Christian

The South Christian Sailors (4-2, 3-1 in OK Conference Gold) will be at home (at East Kentwood) in Week 7 hosting Ada Forest Hills Eastern (3-2, 2-2) in OK Gold action.

After last week’s action, Grand Rapids Central Catholic (6-0) and Cedar Springs (5-1) are both 4-0 in OK Gold action, with the Sailors one game behind. South Christian played and lost to Catholic Central on Sept. 17, but still have a home game against Cedar Springs to be played to close the regular season Oct. 22.

After this week’s game against Ada Forest Hills Eastern on Oct. 8, the Sailors travel to Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (2-3, 1-2) on Oct. 15, then finish the regular season against Cedar Springs.

Godwin Heights

The Godwin Heights Wolverines (2-3), after a week off from action, returned to the field and OK Conference Silver acton last week but lost a road game at Sparta (4-2, 2-1 in conference), 14-29, on Oct. 1.

After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (6-0) as the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 4-0, with Hopkins (3-3) at 3-1 in conference. Godwin is 0-3 in conference.

The week, the Wolverines will host cross-town and conference rival Kelloggsville, then travel to Belding (currently 4-2, 2-2 in conference) on Oct.15, before finishing the season at home against Grandville Calvin Christian (1-5, 0-3) on Oct. 22.

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (2-4) have now seen their offense in high gear for three straight weeks, the last two being wins, as they followed up a 70-22 road win at Calvin Christian in OK Conference Silver action with the road win at Father Gabriel Richard.

After last week’s action, OK Silver standings have Comstock Park (6-0) as the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 4-0, with Hopkins (3-3) at 3-1 in conference. Kelloggsville is 1-2 in conference.

Kelloggsville after this week’s game at Godwin Heights (2-3, 0-3), will be at Comstock Park on Oct. 15, and then at home to face Sparta (3-2, 1-1) on Oct. 22.

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Used book sale this Saturday at KDL Wyoming branch

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Calling all book lovers, there will be a used book sale this Saturday at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.

The sale will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the library. An array of titles will be available. The $3 a bag of books will start at 2 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Friends of the Wyoming Library.

Kentwood Glow in the Park returns with fun run, Glow Dance Party and other themed activities

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

In 2019 the City of Kentwood hosted its initial Glow in the Park 5K and the community liked it so much the upcoming Glow in the Park event, set for Saturday, Oct. 16, will feature more activities in addition to a fun run/walk, including games, crafts, music, food and dancing.

As always, however, community members are invited to “illuminate the night” — participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the-dark clothes and accessories — for the event, taking place 7-9 p.m., at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE.

Among the glow-themed activities planned are light-up playground games and crafts, music, food — and, of course, the self-timed fun run/walk.
 

Proceeds will help keep Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s youth programs affordable for all children to participate, have fun and learn with their peers, according to a city announcement. Donations also will be accepted during the event.

The City of Kentwood will host a Glow in the Park event Saturday, Oct. 16. (City of Kentwood)

“Ever since the great turnout we had for our first after-dark running event in 2019, we have been looking forward to offering another Glow in the Park night in Kentwood,” Spencer McKellar, lead recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “This time, we’re including a variety of additional activities to encourage all ages to dress up and join us outside with friends, neighbors and loved ones.

“In addition to being a fun way to soak up the fall weather before winter comes, our Glow in the Park event is also for a good cause — helping more families be able to participate in our youth programs.”

The “lighthearted” — pun intended — run/walk will start at 7:30 p.m., with on-site packet pickup beginning at 7 p.m. Participants can choose to do either a 0.3- or 1-mile run/walk along a park path that will be lit with glow sticks and other colorful lights. Volunteers in glow wear will also help light the way. A water station will be provided at the course start/finish line.

Light-up playground games and crafts, music and snacks will be available throughout the event. The fun run will be followed by an after-party with dancing. The evening will conclude at 9 p.m.

Two levels of registration are available online at kentwood.us/GlowInThePark. For entry to the event with a goody bag full of glow supplies, registration costs $5. For those who also want to take part in the fun run/walk, registration costs $20 and includes a goody bag, T-shirt and race medal.

The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events.

For more information on City of Kentwood event’s visit kentwood.us.

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

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Business, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,
The theme of this year’s Pulaski Days. (Pulaski Days Facebook)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

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

The theme of Pulaski Days 2021 sums it up best:

“Keep Calm and Polka On!”

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

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

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

 

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

What does Sypniewski love most about Pulaski Days?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Walker Boy Scout facility to host family fun event in October

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
Adventure Point is hosting family fun days in October. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Outdoor adventure center Adventure Point, the region’s premier youth and adult adventure center focused on team building, sustainability, STEM, leadership and outdoor adventures for all ages, is hosting Fall Harvest Days Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10 at the 35 acre campus at 3213 Walker Avenue, just 2 miles northwest of downtown Grand Rapids.

Visitors must purchase tickets in advance for a morning or afternoon session. Saturday has two sessions: 9am-Noon and Noon-5pm. Sunday’s session runs from 11a-5pm.

This fun, family-friendly event is 100% outdoors and will incorporate safe social distancing and strict safety guidelines. Masks will be worn/required upon entry and in any area where 6 feet of distance cannot be guaranteed while on property.

Visitors are invited to come explore the beautiful 35+ acres that is Adventure Point during Fall’s most beautiful color display, with a wooded campus where Mill Creek runs along groomed trails.

ACTIVITIES (included with admission)

  • Apple Target Practice on the Archery Range –  Test your skills or learn a new one!
  • Apple Cider and Doughnut Cafe -Your admission includes a delicious snack of cider and freshly made doughnuts!
  • Fall Harvest Photo Shoot  – We will provide a beautiful Photo Shoot area where we will take your Fall photo and send you the digital copy, or bring your camera!
  • Visit Pumpkin Hollow – For guests 5 and under.  Games, Climbing Wall and even some tasty snack prizes!
  • Trick or Treat Trail  – Follow the clues and you can’t lose!  Trick or Treaters will love finding treats along our non-scary trails! 

EVENT PRICING

Family Pass – $75

  • Up to 6 members of same household.
  • Includes cider and doughnut for each person.
  • Includes visit to Pumpkin Hollow, Fall Photo Booth and Trick or Treat Lane.
  • 10 activity tickets (good for zipline, climbing wall, choice of shooting sports).

Individual Pass – $15

  • Admission for 1 Adult and 1 minor (4-17) child. 
  • Children under 4 admitted free.
  • Includes cider and doughnut.
  • Includes visit to Pumpkin Hollow, Fall Photo Booth and Trick or Treat Lane.
  • 2 activity tickets (good for zipline, climbing wall, choice of shooting sports).

Additional activity tickets can be purchased on site for $5.

Registration and more information can be found here: https://scoutingevent.com/272-FallHarvest2021

https://scoutingevent.com/272-FallHarvest2021

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

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, , , ,
Horrocks Market Tavern offers a ranger of fall beers from local breweries and beyond. (John D. Gonzalez)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And it’s tasty.

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

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

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

Other popular Oktoberfest beers available this weekend:

On Tap:

3 Floyds “Munsterfest” Oktoberfest

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest”

In Bottles or Cans:

Fair State “Festbier” German Style Festbier 

Rake “FESTIVōL” Oktoberfest Style Farmhouse

Hacker Pschorr “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Hofbrau “Oktoberfest” German Marzen Lager

Brew Detroit “Corktoberfest” Marzen Style Lager

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at

Muskegon Museum of Art opens contemporary art awards exhibition, plans appraisal fair

Entertainment, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
2nd Place, “Under Siege”, by David Feingold. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Friends of Art Award, “Rain After Dark”, by Carolyn Sowa of Caledonia. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

The Muskegon Museum of Art’s 92nd Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition this fall continues the museum’s “well-established legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals in the longest running juried show of its kind in Michigan.”

The exhibit opened Sep. 23, with a public reception and awards program, and the show will be on display until Nov. 10. Also coming up at the museum is its annual Appraisal Fair fundraiser on Oct. 16. (See more information later in this story.)

“The (contemporary art) exhibition presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists,” Art Martin, MMA Director of Collections and Exhibitions/Senior Curator, said in supplied material. “The artwork is meant to engage, challenge, and inspire conversation.”

Best of Show winner, “Kellie Looks Left”, by Bryan Hoffman of Saugatuck. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

Several west Michigan artists are among the artists honored and having their works on display.

The Best of Show winner, “Kellie Looks Left”, is by Bryan Hoffman of Saugatuck; Honorable Mentions of the exhibition include, “silenceINsojourn” by Ralph “Nunzi” Annunziata of Grand Rapids, and “Ebb and Flow” by Henry Droski of Grand Rapids.

The Curator’s Choice, “The Waters Began at Home,” is by Lee Ann Frame of Fruitport. The Friends of Art Award, “Rain After Dark”, is by Carolyn Sowa of Caledonia. The West Michigan Potters Guild Eleanore Smith Memorial Ceramics Award went to Jamey Limbers of Lowell (for Untitled #2), and the Docent’s Choice Award, “Desperate Times”, is by Nathan Margoni of Benton Harbor.

Juror (and artist) of exhibition

Juror Karen Hampton selected the works in the exhibition. Hampton is an internationally recognized conceptual artist whose work “addresses issues of colorism and kinship within the African American community,” according to the announcement.

Hampton is a weaver, dyer, painter, embroiderer, storyteller, and teacher whose work exhibits nationally and internationally. She taught at Howard University in Washington, D.C. from 2007-2011, and in 2017 was an assistant professor and Critical Race Issues Resident Artist at Michigan State University.
 

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located in downtown Muskegon at 296 W. Webster Ave. For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org or by calling 231-720-2570. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays.

MMA Appraisal Fair returns October 16

The Muskegon Museum of Art will host its returning (usually annual) Appraisal Fair on Saturday, Oct.16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appraisers from DuMouchelles Art Galleries in Detroit will be at the event to evaluate collectibles, jewelry, art, and antiques. DuMouchelles appraisers combine decades of professional experience in many areas and have regularly appeared on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow.

Director’s Choice. “Dream Lake Sunset”, by Peter Blackburn. (Muskegon Museum of Art)

The event provides an opportunity to help participants decide if a formal appraisal (apart from this event) should be sought for high-value items.

All proceeds benefit the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Appraisals will be available by advance-ticket reservations only as the system should decrease wait times and crowding. The cost is $30 per item for non-MMA member ($20 per item for members) and tickets are available at the Museum Store counter or by calling 231-720-2580.

Each ticket includes a 10-minute verbal evaluation for one item, one museum admission, and free coffee and cookies. Ticket holders must check in at Museum Store upon arrival. Customers will receive notification of their turn with a text message from museum staff.

County animal shelter one of many local animal welfare groups part of Bissell’s ‘Empty the Shelters’ campaign

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
Kent County Animal Shelter’s Angela Hollinshead with “George” — who has since found a home. But there are many more like George awaiting. (KC Animal Shelter)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Animal Shelter’s staff members are always enthusiastic about participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” fall event, which starts next week, not only for the funding provided to support the adoption event but also for the publicity to make people aware of the event.

But they also know there is always a need for sheltering needy animals, and a year-around need to support current and possible future animal lovers in finding their perfect housemates.

“Bissell is wonderful in that they provide all the resources shelters need through media sites to make people aware of the event, as well as funding it,” Angela Hollinshead, division director of the Kent County Animal Shelter, said to WKTV. But “we will always need adopters. There will always be a need for people willing to adopt the pets that come through our door.”

Who could resist? (KC Animal Shelter)

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

Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, Bissell Pet Foundation began its “Empty the Shelters” campaign in 2016 by sponsoring adoptions across the country and in Canada.

“Shelters are in dire need of support in the wake of natural disasters and overcrowding due to obstacles such as increased length of stay and slowed adoptions for mid-to-large sized dogs,” Bissell said in supplied material. “Our fall ‘Empty the Shelters’ will support the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this time of crisis. Opening your home to a shelter pet will save a life and create space to give another pet a chance.”

Among the participating West Michigan shelters are Al-Van Humane Society, Crash’s Landing, Faithful to Felines, Harbor Humane Society, Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven, Humane Society of West Michigan, SPCA of Southwest Michigan, Van Buren County Animal Control and Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance.

Because every shelter is not participating for the full event, potential adopters are encouraged to visit the “Empty Shelters” website to find the nearest participating shelter and confirm their adoption day details.

Animal rescue, adoption efforts are year-round

“The pets who come to us are not broken or damaged, oftentimes coming to us through circumstances that are no fault of their own,” Hollinshead said. “We have met some truly wonderful animals.”

While the pet intake numbers fluctuate from month-to-month, Hollinshead said that they take in approximately 142 animals per month.

Need a little, or big, companion while working from home? Kent County Animal Shelter may have a perfect match awaiting. (KC Animal Shelter)

“These events help us a lot because we don’t turn away stray animals,” she said. “The reduced adoption fee helps us find homes for pets who have been here longer.”

Since 2019, Hollinshead has also noted a 48 percent decrease in pets coming into the shelter due to resources they are now able to offer current pet owners. Some of the resources available include spaying and neutering, food resources, and a behavior specialist who can help pet owners with training for their animals.

“These options allow us to focus more on each individual pet and its needs and provide better outcomes,” Hollinshead said.

If an individual or family is not able to adopt, Hollinshead also encourages community members to consider fostering shelter animals, volunteering at the shelter, and raising awareness of the need for continued help from the community.

Located on Fuller Avenue in Grand Rapids, the Kent County Animal Shelter will be participating for the full duration of the event, Oct. 4-9. Potential adopters may contact the shelter at 616-632-7300 if they have any questions.

For more information on BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” fall event, visit here.

Fall Fest set to return to downtown Holland in October

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,
Professional pumpkin carvers will be helping to decorate Holland for the fall season during Fall Fest. (Supplied0

By Kara de Alvare
City of Holland

After being cancelled last year due to Covid, Downtown Holland’s annual Fall Fest is back…and this year is bigger and better than ever before! Downtown Holland and the Holland Farmers Market have partnered with the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens to expand this year’s Fall Fest offerings. During this two-day event held Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, the entire community is invited to celebrate everything there is to love about fall, with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, family hayrides, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and more.

Fall Fest kicks on Friday, Oct. 8, with Community Tulip Planting from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., hosted by Tulip Time. Visitors and community members can visit the Tulip Time website (www.tuliptime.com) to sign up for a time slot to help plant 75,000 of Holland’s famous tulip bulbs at Window On The Waterfront in Downtown Holland. All volunteers will be treated to complimentary donuts from Bowerman’s Blueberry Market and coffee from Biggby Coffee of Holland. Gardening gloves are recommended, but all other tools and instructions will be provided onsite.

Fall Fest continues on Friday, October 8 with eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, appearing in Downtown Holland from 3 – 7 p.m. The carvers will spend the afternoon and evening carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street in Downtown Holland. At 7 p.m., the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10 p.m. that night for visitors to explore while strolling through Downtown Holland.

The professional carvers also will be assembling 3D pumpkin sculptures. (Supplied)

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the professional pumpkin carvers will appear at the Holland Farmers Market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., carving 3D sculptures onsite. Children can also paint their own pumpkins to bring home during that time for just a dollar per pumpkin, with all painting supplies provided by Fris Supply Shop in Downtown Holland. Market vendors Visser Farmers also will be offering hayrides from the Holland Farmers Market to Downtown Holland and back again from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hayrides are just $3 per person for the round trip.

The Holland Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. that day. Visitors will find seasonal décor items, including pumpkins, gourds, mums, and corn shocks at the Market, along with apples of every variety, squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. And as always, you can pick up bread and baked goods, farm-raised and fresh caught meat, honey and maple syrup, and a wide variety of specialty foods and beverages while you’re there.

The Community Tulip Planting will continue on Saturday morning at Window On The Waterfront from 8 a.m. – noon. Tulip Time also will be offering guided fall walking tours throughout Downtown Holland that day from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Each tour is approximately an hour and a half long and covers one and a half miles. Tour highlights include Hope College, Dimnent Chapel, Pillar Church, Centennial Park, and unique architecture sites. Tours are $25 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tuliptime.com.

Tulip Time will also be hosting an all-new Artisan Market at Windmill Island Gardens from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. as part of Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 9. More than 50 local artisans and crafters will be selling their works as part of this juried show. Visitors can shop for hand-crafted jewelry, home décor, artwork, clothing, specialty foods, and more. Entry to the Artisan Market is just $5 per person, which also includes the opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens at Windmill Island and to visit the Dutch attractions, including the DeZwaan Windmill, the historic Dutch carousel, the miniature Dutch village, and much more. Professionally-carved pumpkins will also be on display throughout Windmill Island Gardens during the Artisan Market.

The Fall Fest fun continues in Downtown Holland on Saturday, October 9 too! The professional pumpkin carvers will return to 8th Street from noon – 7 p.m. that day to continue carving 3D pumpkin displays. Watch these talented artists at work all afternoon long, then be sure to return later on in the evening from 7 – 10 p.m. to see their finished masterpieces. To add to the fun for families, street performers will also be performing on 8th Street from noon – 4 p.m., including musicians, face painters, balloon twisters, and more.

GR Public Museum hosts virtual backyard stargazing in prep for James Web Space Telescope Launch

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events
The fully assembled James Webb Space Telescope with its sunshield and unitized pallet structures (UPSs) that fold up around the telescope for launch, are seen partially deployed to an open configuration to enable telescope installation.
Credits: NASA/Chris Gunn

By WKTV Journal
joanne@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will host another installment in their Backyard Stargazing virtual program will take place Oct. 21 at 6 p.m., focused on the upcoming launch of NASA’s James Webb Telescope.

Virtual attendees will join the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium staff to learn about the James Webb Space Telescope’s current mission to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope, its history, and the potential risks of this endeavor. The James Webb Space Telescope has a 6.5-meter-wide mirror with a honeycomb-like pattern of 18 gold-coated mirror segments; these hexagonal segments will unfold in space to form the largest and most powerful space telescope. This ambitious space telescope is expected to open doors to a new field of possibilities in infrared astronomy, although the project has undergone numerous delays, including a major redesign in 2005. The expected launch date is set for Saturday, December 18, 2021.

“We’re excited to continue expanding on the space and science curriculum we present for our virtual Backyard Stargazing programs,” said Jack Daleske, the GRPM’s Planetarium Manager. “Our planetarium team is so excited about this historic mission and we want to share as much information as possible leading up to the launch, while providing viewers with the tools they need to continue expanding their curiosity about this topic.”

 

Backyard Stargazing programs are only $2 for GRPM members and $4 for the general public. One ticket link is needed per household. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Tickets can be purchased at grpm.org/Calendar.

Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation. 

The Chaffee Planetarium is open with shows playing daily for all ages. To see the current show schedule and learn more, visit grpm.org/Planetarium. 

Wyoming Tree Commission looking for volunteers to help plant

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Environment, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , ,
Tree Commissioner Estelle Slootmaker holding the tree. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.staff

The Wyoming Tree Commission is looking for a few more people to help with tree plantings this weekend and next.

Plantings are set for the morning of Oct. 2 and 16, which are both Saturdays. For more information on helping, email treeamigoswyoming@gmail.com.

Recently, the Tree Commission received a DTE Energy Tree Planting Grant of $3,000. With an additional $1,000 from the commission’s funds, was able to purchase about 25 8-foot and 10-foot trees. More than a dozen residents have signed up to receive a tree. The trees are free to residents but they are required to help plant it and commit to maintaining the tree.

The city’s recently revised Master Plan calls for the city to set a tree canopy goal. the Tree Commission recommendation was a goal of 40%, the same goal as many cities have set such as the City of Grand Rapids. Currently, Wyoming has an approximate tree canopy of 13.5%, as determined by an iTree survey that looks at aerial photographs. 

The Tree Amigos is a volunteer City of Wyoming commission seeking to improve the city’s overall tree canopy. They meet every second Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. 

Sailors roll; Falcons, Rockets break out in WKTV’s Week 5 update of local teams’ prep football seasons

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local History, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
From WKTV Featured Game action from Sept. 10, South Christian in a goal-line stand against Middleville T-K. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Last week, in Week 5 of the 2021 high school football season, East Kentwood High School broke into the win column in a big way with a 37-20 home win over Holland West Ottawa. And WKTV’s Feature Game coverage team was there, with Wyoming and Kentwood cable television and on-demand replays available.

In other local action, South Christian stayed in the OK Gold title hunt with a 62-20 conference win at Wayland, and Kelloggsville also broke in the win column with a 70-22 win at Granville Calvin Christian.

The Week 6 schedule of local teams will find WKTV at East Kentwood this week for a WKTV Featured Game, but this time for a “home” game for South Christian as they host Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills on Oct. 1.

Jack VerDuin. (Supplied)

Upcoming games on the WKTV Featured Game schedule include the Friday, Oct. 8, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights traditional cross-town rivalry game; and the Friday, Oct. 15, Union at Wyoming high game — which is scheduled to be a special celebration as the high school’s new stadium is named in honor of Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers to become Wyoming high in 2012.

The final week of the regular season, on Friday, Oct. 22, WKTV will select a game of more importance to local fans.

Other WKTV Featured Games available on-demand include the Aug. 26 Forest HIlls Northern at Wyoming High game, the Sept. 1 NorthPointe at Lee 8-man game, and the Sept. 10 Middleville T-K at South Christian game (played at East Kentwood).

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.

Team-by-team update

East Kentwood

The East Kentwood Falcons —1-4, 1-2 in OK Conference Red action after the win over West Ottawa (0-5, 0-3) — will be on the road this week, playing at Hudsonville (2-3, 2-1).

After last week’s action, Caledonia (5-0 overall) and Rockford (5-0) are both 3-0 in OK Red standings, with Hudsonville and Grand Haven (3-2) at 2-1.

Remaining on the Eagle’s schedule after Hudsonville is Grandville (2-3, 1-2) away on Oct. 8, at home hosting Grand Haven on Oct. 15, then closing out the regular season at Jension (0-3, 1-4) on Oct. 22.

Wyoming high

The Wyoming Wolves (0-5) last week hosted OK Conference Green co-leader, and always tough, Muskegon (4-1) and lost 0-62.

After last week’s action, Muskegon (4-1) and Muskegon Mona Shores (4-1) are each 3-0 in OK Green action. The Wolves are 0-3 in conference, with a road game this week at Zeeland West (2-2, 1-2) on Oct. 1.

After this week’s game, Wyoming will be on the road at Zeeland East (3-2, 2-1) on Oct. 8, at home for the final time this season facing Grand Rapids Union (3-2, 1-2) on Oct. 15, and then close out the season at Mona Shores on Oct. 22.

Grand Rapids South Christian

The South Christian Sailors (3-2, 2-1 in OK Conference Gold) will be at home (at East Kentwood) in Week 6 hosting Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (2-3, 1-2) in OK Gold action.

After last week’s action, Grand Rapids Central Catholic (5-0) and Cedar Springs (4-1) are both 3-0 in OK Gold action, with the Sailors one game behind. South Christian played and lost to Catholic Central on Sept. 17, but still have a home game against Cedar Springs to be played.

After this week’s game against Kenowa Hills, South Christian will host Ada Forest Hills Eastern (2-3, 1-2) on Oct. 8, travel to Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (2-3, 1-2) on Oct. 15, then finish the regular season against Cedar Springs on Oct. 22.

Godwin Heights

The Godwin Heights Wolverines (2-2) had a week off from action last week but will return to the field and OK Conference Silver acton this week with a road game at Sparta (3-2) on Oct. 1.

After last week’s action, Comstock Park (5-0) is the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 3-0, while Belding (4-1) and Hopkins (2-3) are each 2-1 in conference. Godwin remained at 0-2 in conference while Sparta is 1-1.

After this week’s game at Sparta, the Wolverines will host cross-town and conference rival Kelloggsville (1-4, 1-2) on Oct. 8, then travel to Belding on Oct.15, before finishing the season at home against Grandville Calvin Christian (1-4, 0-2) on Oct. 22.

Kelloggsville

The Kelloggsville Rockets (1-4) saw their offense in high gear two weeks in a row last week as they followed up a 38-point effort Sept. 17 in a 38-42 loss to Hopkins with the 70-22 road win at Calvin Christian in OK Conference Silver action.

After last week’s action, Comstock Park (5-0) is the only undefeated in OK Silver action at 3-0, while Belding (4-1) and Hopkins (2-3) are all 2-1 in conference. Kelloggsville is 1-2 in conference.

Kelloggsville will be at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (2-3, 2-0 in Catholic High School League Intersectional #1) in a non-conference game this week, Oct. 1, before finishing the season with conference games at Godwin Heights (2-2, 0-2) on Oct. 8, at Comstock Park on Oct. 15, and then at home to face Sparta (3-2, 1-1) on Oct. 22.

Lee (8-man football)

The Lee Legends are playing a non-conference 8-man schedule which includes both 8-man varsity and junior varsity games.

Garage Bar & Grill hosting open interviews for new Ada location

3-bottom, Food, Local Business, Our Cities, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, , ,
Garage Bar & Grill recently expanded to Ada and is now looking for staff for the new restaurant. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Just four months after Third Coast Development and Garage Bar & Grill owner and operator Kevin Farhat announced plans to open a Garage Bar & Grill in Ada, the team is now setting their sights on hiring 47 workers to staff the establishment. To help expedite the hiring process, Garage Bar & Grill is hosting open interviews every Saturday in October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new location, 518 Ada Drive. Applicants will be interviewed by Farhat and executive chef and general manager Joe Peebles and potentially hired that day or by the end of October.

Garage Bar & Grill is looking for hospitality-minded people to help Garage “run a good party” as its tagline says. Farhat is looking to fill part-time and full-time staff, ranging from dishwashers, cooks, servers, bartenders, and other front-of-house staff. Wages for some positions will start at $15 per hour. Once hired, staff will receive training at the Ottawa Avenue location before starting at the Ada location.

“We take pride in running a good party, and the main ingredients are delicious, never-frozen food, tasty drinks, great prices and amazing customer service,” Farhat said. “We take pride in hiring some great people who want to give each customer a great experience at Garage Bar & Grill, so we’re hopeful there are some cool food service pros around the region that are ready to take the party to Ada!”

Peebles, who Farhat brought on in July to overhaul the menu and manage the Ada location, is eager to open the new location with great staff.

“The new Garage Bar & Grill location will be very inviting to visitors who are looking for a fun atmosphere, great food and drinks and comfortable vibe,” said Peebles in a July news release announcing his arrival. “We would love to staff the new location with people that know how to provide that experience. We offer a high-volume environment, but we try to be low volume on drama!”

Input meetings for Marquette Park are this week

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,
The City of Wyoming is seeking input on a redesign of Marquette Park. (supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming’s efforts to collect as much input from residents about Marquette Park continues as the city hosts two public meetings this week.

The first meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Godfrey Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW, and the second one is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. 

“We need the facility of Marquette Park to align, not only with the community needs of today, but well into the future,” said Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt. “We really look to our community and area residents to guide this process so Marquette Park can be exactly what is needed for the neighborhood and city overall.”

The 40-acre Marquette Park, which is located at 1414 Nagel Ave. SW, is one of the city’s oldest parks. The eastern section, which includes Kimble Field and the Dog Park area, was originally purchased in 1938 when the city, which was a township at the time, paid $2,800 for sewage disposal site from the estate of William F. Keeney. The western portion of the property, which currently features soccer fields, the Grand Rapids Rifle and Pistol Club, and a playground, was added to the park in 1946. Marquette Park was officially designated as a city park in 1971.

The park is surrounded by an ethnically diverse, dense residential neighborhood and adjacent to industrial properties. Plaster Creek flows through the northeast corner of the park and the park generally serves the city residents attending the Godfrey Lee Public School district.

“With a significant increase in Spanish speaking residents, the City has taken steps to move language barriers in this process,” Rynbrandt said. All public meetings will have simultaneous Spanish interpretation services in addition to English presentation.

The September meetings are the first round of community input the city will be having for Marquette Park. The city also is conducting a 15-question survey, which is in both English and Spanish. For the survey, click here.