West Michigan families and their four-legged best friends are invited to attend Paws With A Cause’s fourth annual Retriever Fever! This free, dog-friendly gathering will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Riverside Park located at 2001 Monroe Ave NE in Grand Rapids.
What to expect
This event is centered around a friendly competition between Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever fans with retriever races, raffles, and merchandise sales contributing to deciding which dog breed is named “Top Dog” and raises the most money for PAWS.
Retriever Fever will also include food trucks, games and activities, local community vendors, Dog CPR/First Aid Demonstrations by Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, Pet Headshots by Tailwagger Dog Photography, and the opportunity to get your dog’s nails trimmed. Attendees will also be able to hear about the life-changing impact of a PAWS Assistance Dog from a Client Speaker and see PAWS Assistance Dogs in action through demonstrations.
Dogs enjoy the Retriever Fever Race on the day of the event (Courtesy, PAWS)
“We’re so excited to be hosting this event back to our community for a fourth year in a row,” said Kristy Blackmore, Special Events Manager at PAWS. “There are new additions this year including dog nail trims, CPR demonstrations, new community vendors, and new PAWS Dogs to meet.
“It’s going to be a fun day. We hope people bring their dogs join in on the excitement!”
Supporting the PAWS mission
Opportunities to support the PAWS non-profit in their mission to serve people with disabilities through assistance dogs are available through event sponsorships and donations.
A PAWS Assistance Dog rests at the feet of its owner (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Thank you to our incredible event sponsors, Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, Dan Vos Construction, Outfront Media, and Chrispy Media. With their support, we’re able to host events like these and continue our mission.”
More information about Retriever Fever can be found here.
Treasured Brown Girl aims to restore confidence, hope and belonging in brown girls with Alopecia by normalizing their condition and unlocking their confidence (Courtesy photo)
September commemorates Alopecia Awareness Month, and a Grand Rapids organization is looking to shed light on the hair-loss disease and bring awareness to those living with it in their day-to-day lives.
Treasured Brown Girl (TBG) was founded by Tyra Thomas after she witnessed a loved one dealing with Alopecia firsthand. TBG aims to restore confidence, hope and belonging in brown girls with Alopecia by normalizing their condition and unlocking their confidence.
Providing confidence and strength
TBG Alopecia wig box with custom contents (Courtesy, TBG)
TBG specializes in “wig boxes” for young girls living with Alopecia. Each box comes with a custom, age-appropriate, natural headband wig, and confidence-boosting supplies that include a mirror, nail polish, pens, and accessories for the wig. Also included in the boxes is a charming story about the impact of Alopecia on a little girl, and a guided journal for girls to process their emotions and examine their strengths.
Boxes can be curated to fit the needs of each individual.
“Treasured Brown Girl came to be because someone I love has Alopecia,” said Thomas. “Alopecia has several stages, and she tried different oils, different shampoo, but nothing was working and the condition kept getting worse.”
TBG journal (Courtesy, TBG)
Thomas, who previously owned a hair salon, found that many of the wigs they were looking into buying weren’t the right texture, or were not age appropriate. Even though vendors Thomas was familiar with through her salon could provide wigs, they did not supply them for children often.
“No one is looking at the whole emotional impact this hair loss has, or what support systems are out there,” Thomas said. “With the emotional toll that Alopecia takes, it’s important that the product feels like your natural hair.”
Giveaway registration details
To honor Alopecia Awareness Month, TBG is giving away a wig box and a makeover for a girl between the ages of 8-16 with Alopecia. The giveaway is supported by Opportunity Empowered.
Registration for the giveaway is online from Sept. 8-18, and the winner will be chosen Sept. 19.
The City of Kentwood is debuting its Fall Festival to celebrate the change in seasons with food trucks, a beer tent, live music, a farmers market and activities for community members of all ages to enjoy.
The free-to-attend festival will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, on the lawn of Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
“We look forward to celebrating the start of the fall season as a community with a variety of outdoor activities,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “We have something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to lean into your competitive side in the volleyball competition or scarecrow building contest or opt for a relaxing activity like visiting the farmers market or artist vendor booths.”
The farmers market will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the food trucks, beer tent, artist vendors will be available 11 a.m.to 8 p.m. The beer tent features craft beers and seltzers from Railtown Brewing Company as well as other local seasonal and domestic beers.
Food Trucks: from barbeque to kettle corn, and much more
There will be an array of food trucks offering cuisines like barbeque, tacos and burgers as well as sweet treats like kettle corn, cheesecake, ice cream, donuts and more.
Local artist vendors and farmers market
Local artist vendors will feature goods like jewelry, posters, woodwork, books, home décor and more. Farmers market vendors will sell everything from fruits and vegetables to coffee and baked goods and much more.
Live music starts at 11 a.m.
Live music will start at 11 a.m. with Hot Leslie, followed by DJ Snax, Astro Jackson and RocknSoul. Attendees will hear everything from rock and pop to blues and hip-hop.
The Fall Festival also will feature a scarecrow building competition for all ages. Each team of two to four people will have an hour to create a scarecrow. The straw, stuffing, and stake will be provided, but each team will need to bring all additional materials such as clothing and accessories to dazzle the judges at 4:30 p.m. Teams can pre-register online and are required to pay a $10 entry fee.
Free children’s activities: face painting, bobbing for donuts and more
Free activities for children of all ages also will be offered, yard games and face painting throughout the event. At 1:30 p.m. there will be bobbing for donuts and at 2:30 p.m. there will be pumpkin rolling.
The event’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank and Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics.
Volunteers are needed for helping at the Kids Fun Zone. Sign up to support this new community event and find additional event details and volunteer requirements at kentwood.us/FallFest.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS September Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Sept. 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHCWM) is calling on the community to help ensure families staying at the House have access to the comfort of home-cooked meals, easy meals and individually packaged snacks. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., RMHCWM will host a collection drive at 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Your generous donations keep families nourished with the comforts of home (Courtesy, RMHC)
During their stay, families of hospitalized children rely on RMHCWM for a comforting place to rest and eat. By donating essential food items, you can help ease their burden, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their child’s health. Your generous donations help stock the RMCHWM pantry and keep families nourished with the comforts of home.
Wish List:
Individually packed shelf-stable snacks: Chips, granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, mini-muffins, etc.
Easy meals: Kraft macaroni, ramen noodles, soups, hamburger helper, etc.
Rice: Plain and mixes
Pastas: All varieties – 16 or 32 oz. boxes
Pasta sauces: Red sauce and alfredo, jarred or canned
Canned vegetables and beans: tomatoes (all varieties), corn, green beans, black beans, etc
Broths: Beef and chicken
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, chili powder, cumin, etc.
Marinades and sauces
Baking chips: Chocolate, white chocolate, cinnamon
Dessert mixes: Cakes, brownies, etc.
If you cannot drop off your donations in person, you can still participate by shopping on Amazon and shipping your items directly to the House. Visit the RMCHWM Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/9nk0vfN to find the items most needed.
Let’s work together to keep the RMHCWM pantry fully stocked (Courtesy, RMHC)
Spread the word!
Share this collection drive with friends and family, and let’s work together to keep the pantry fully stocked, ensuring that every family staying at RMHCWM has access to the comfort foods they want during their stay.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan is to keep families together who travel to Grand Rapids when their child is receiving medical or mental health treatment in the hospital.
Since 1990, RMHCWM has been serving families throughout Michigan and worldwide. Families live at the House where they have access to a safe, clean, and comfortable room with bath plus hot meals and transportation to and from the hospital, all at no cost to the families.
Alana Springsteen will be coming to West Michigan with Tyler Hubbard’s STRONG World Tour in October (Courtesy photo, Alana Springsteen with Two Step Inn)
Released in August 2023, Springsteen’s first studio album is being described as groundbreaking and a “pathway to those seeking connection, solace, and understanding” by American Songwriter. Lead songwriter on all 18 tracks and co-producing nearly every track, Springsteen has put her heart and soul into TWENTY SOMETHING – and is connecting with millions of listeners because of it.
Authenticity on tour
Springsteen loves connecting with fans at live shows (Courtesy, Lily Mason)
The rising star is hitting the road with singer-songwriter Tyler Hubbard on his STRONG World Tour and will perform at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in Grand Rapids on Oct. 31.
Springsteen performed with Hubbard on the West Coast in 2023, prompting Hubbard’s invitation to join him on the STRONG tour.
“From the second I hit that stage, the energy I felt from his fans and his community was another level, and it felt like we just connected,” says Springsteen. “I loved those shows so much.”
Springsteen’s arrival in West Michigan follows 10+ years chasing a dream, performing and collaborating with Country superstars and GRAMMY Award-winning writers, over 200 million streams globally, and the accumulation of numerous accolades.
But the twenty-something singer is more concerned with finding her most authentic self than she is with awards.
A dream comes true
Growing up surrounded by cornfields and strawberry fields in a rural Virginia Beach community called Pungo, Springsteen began singing in church as soon as she could talk.
“Music is something I fell in love with really early in life. When I was seven years old, I picked up the guitar for the first time and fell in love with it.”
Springsteen wrote her first song at age nine, and calls it the turning point.
Springsteen processes the world through words and music (Courtesy, Alana Springsteen)
“I realized that I could say things in music and writing that I couldn’t say to even my closest friends and family,” says Springsteen. “Writing has always been my therapy. It’s how I process what’s going on inside me, and also in the world around me.”
Springsteen had her heart set on becoming a country music artist and told her parents she wanted to go to Nashville. At age 10, her parents took Springsteen to Nashville where she had her first experience co-writing a song.
“I got to see that there was this entire community that existed that loved the same things I love, or was passionate about the same things I was,” says Springsteen. “It felt like we spoke the same language, and I felt right at home.”
Springsteen’s first publishing deal came at age 14, officially making her a paid songwriter. Shortly after, Springsteen and her family moved to Nashville.
Cycles of life in song
Springsteen began writing and co-writing full-time. Prior to TWENTY SOMETHING, the singer released EPs relating to recent relationship breakups – but had more intricate plans for her debut album.
A self-professed romantic, Springsteen admits to feeling things deeply – and learning hard lessons through those breakups. Springsteen turned to writing and music to process her emotions.
Alana Springsteen in Dallas (Courtesy, Anna Clary)
“When I wrote ‘twenty something’ – the title track – it felt like exactly where I was in life. I was like, this is it.”
Springsteen’s album consists of personal experiences depicting the cycle of mistakes, figuring things out and getting things right.
“I wanted to release the songs in that order and take fans along that journey with me,” says Springsteen.
What people don’t know…
Springsteen shares her story through music with the hope it will encourage others (Courtesy, Lily Nelson)
What most people don’t know, Springsteen says, is that she is an introvert – and revealing her emotions is not easy.
“[The album] is some of the most personal songs I’ve ever written, and I was terrified to release a lot of it because it’s like putting yourself on display,” says Springsteen, likening the album release to that of sharing her deepest, darkest feelings with the world.
“What drove me was knowing that if I was scared to say these things, then there were probably so many other people out there going through the same things and needing to hear it.”
Springsteen lives by a code of authenticity.
“In your twenties, you’re pulled in different directions trying to find where you fit,” says Springsteen. “If I’ve learned anything through this process, it’s that the only thing we’re chasing is the most honest, authentic version of ourselves all the time.”
Springsteen’s song “Amen” is a promise to always stay true to herself and live on her own terms.
Alana Springsteen on stage in Toronto (Courtesy, Tyler Glasenapp)
“A lot of those lyrics are really hard for me to say,” Springsteen says. “But it was so healing just putting it on paper, releasing it, and being able to have these conversations with friends and family that I never would have been able to without this song.
“If I can help them take one thing from this album, it’s to chase the most honest, authentic version of yourself.”
Springsteen says she is a regular 23-year-old girl making mistakes, living life and working her way through it. Feeling seen and understood through the music community has felt like coming home – and she is grateful.
“That’s what makes music special. It’s so healing, and it can connect people in ways that nothing else can.
“There’s nothing better than getting through [life] together, sharing stories and being there for each other. That’s why I love live shows. I’m really excited to feel that energy again on the tour.”
Find out more about Alana Springsteen and her music here.
STRONG World Tour dates and ticket information can be found here.
The Kentwood Police Department responded to a personal injury accident at approximately 8:50 a.m. Sept. 12 in the 5100 block of Eastern Ave.
During the initial investigation it was determined that one pedestrian was struck while crossing Eastern Ave., along with a second vehicle immediately after. The pedestrian was treated and transported to a local hospital for serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Drivers and passengers of both vehicles involved were checked and treated for injuries, one of which was also transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. All the people involved have been cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department at 616-698-6580. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
Leticia Perez (Co-President of the Board for the 55th Annual Fiesta Mexicana, held this weekend at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids) was our guest on WKTV Soundbites Wednesday.
Be sure to check out the 55th Annual Fiesta Mexicana this weekend at the Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids, featuring everything from awesome music and food, karaoke, kids activities, arts and crafts, a Lowrider Show, and believe it or not, a cash prize soccer tournament.
“Typically, we expect between 25,000 and 30,000 people,” said Leticia Perez, Co-President of the Board for the 55th Annual Fiesta Mexicana, held Sept. 13-15 at Calder Plaza, 250 Monroe Ave. in Grand Rapids.
(Photo Courtesy, Fiesta Mexicana Board)
“This is our big event; planning definitely takes a whole year,” Perez added. “Our Board consists of nine very dedicated people. We do have a lot of volunteers and committee members that help, too.”
Many, many bands will grace the festival, including Los Morros del Norte headlining from 10 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. Check out the below poster for the entire weekend of bands and special events.
“On Friday we kick things off at noon … and with kids activities throughout the day in the ‘Kids Zone,’ and music from local bands,” Perez said. “We’re expecting a big attendance for the kickoff night.”
(Photo Courtesy, Fiesta Mexicana)
On Saturday the music, dancing, food and Kids Zone continues, along with karaoke from 4 to 5 p.m. and a cash-prize soccer tournament.
“We’re going to have the front of the Calder Plaza right on Ottawa Ave. shut down from Noon to 4 for the soccer tournament,” Perez said. “The kids putting it on are very talented.”
There also will be El Grito De Independencia (The Cry for Independence) from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, commemorating the actual day of Sept. 16 with the raising of the flag.
(Image Courtesy, Fiesta Mexicana)
According to the Mexican Heritage Association’s website, it’s the oldest ethnic festival celebrated in Grand Rapids. “Founded in 1969, a group of Mexican women shared a vision of celebrating their cultural heritage with the wider community. Thanks to her and the countless others who have planted the seeds over the past 52 years, we can now look beyond the struggle to validate the richness of our culture in the mainstream mindset.
“This vision eventually evolved into the modern-day Fiesta Mexicana.”
Perez added, “As an organization, we do other cultural events like Cinco De Mayo, bringing our culture to the community.”
Lowrider Show from Noon to 8 Sunday
Wrapping things up on Sunday, there’ll be more bands, another Kids Zone and a Lowrider Show from noon to 8 p.m.
(Photo Courtesy, Fiesta Mexicana)
“Last year was our first time having the Lowrider Show back; it used to be a staple,” Perez said. “It will be all along Ottawa Ave. with a category for Classic Cars, Fifties Cars, New Lowriders and Muscle cars. It’s going to be a very nice selection.”
Michigan mixed media artist Michelle Sider has created art her whole life, finding solace in the world of imagination. Now she is utilizing her art to tell stories of resilience and survival at ArtPrize 2024.
“I made a decision with my artwork that I’m going to be more autobiographical, doing a deeper dive into my heritage, particularly stories of resilience and pride from my family,” said Sider. “There are stories of survival I feel compelled to start telling.”
Sider was a finalist in the 2023 ArtPrize competition. This will be the artist’s third year participating in ArtPrize (Courtesy, Michelle Sider)
The annual, international ArtPrize competition featuring over 950 artists from 42 U.S. states and 53 countries will be held Sept. 13-28. Free and open to the public, art will be displayed in over 165 public venues throughout Grand Rapids.
Based in Huntington Woods and a 2023 ArtPrize finalist, this will be Sider’s third year participating in the art competition.
“This year’s pairing is called From Darkness to Light,” said Sider. “There are two pieces: Anna, sparked from conversations last year at ArtPrize; and Balancing Act, my own experience this past year.”
From Darkness to Light consists of glass mosaics representing a journey from fear and turmoil (darkness) to faith and hope (light).
“It’s a really important pairing,” said Sider. “Everybody has times when they go through darkness looking for the light, confused and trying to make their way through very difficult, dark times.
“I feel like there are a lot of people who can resonate with my piece, my own personal story of my fears, of my darkness.”
The initial spark
Inspiration for Anna came to Sider last year when several visitors asked about her ArtPrize entry featuring 10 portraits of Yemenite Jews.
“I’m very sensitized to stories of immigrants because my grandparents and relatives had to flee for their lives from thepogroms in Europe,” said Sider. “As a kid, I had nightmares because my great-aunt told the story of having to hide under a pile of dead bodies. Everyone that was left there died.”
Sider began sketching images of what she imagined her relatives experienced.
A difficult childhood
Anna portrays Sider’s maternal great-grandmother, who fled Odessa (now Ukraine) in 1910.
“Anna” is a glass mosaic by Michelle Sider based on her great-grandmother’s journey from Russia to the United States (Courtesy, Michelle Sider)
Anna ran away from home at age 12 to live with her brother in Odessa. Before she arrived, pogroms erupted, wiping out much of the Jewish population. Anna’s brother wrote poetry and pamphlets against the murderous Cossacks, landing him in jail – where he continued writing on toilet paper in his cell.
“My great-grandmother, at the age of 12, would sneak out his writings in her bloomers when she went to visit him,” said Sider.
Anna married a resistance fighter against the Cossacks at age 17. Their wedding present was a midnight passage on a rowboat across the Black Sea to avoid arrest. Sider’s grandparents eventually made their way to the Detroit area.
Sider’s glass mosaic is inspired by a photograph taken when Anna was 16 years old. Though nothing was left of Anna’s brother’s writings, Sider placed writings from her brother’s friend and Russian revolutionary, Leon Trotsky, beneath the clouds and translucent blue of her grandmother’s skirt.
The book Anna holds also carries significance.
“It was very difficult for females to get an education at that time, particularly if you were Jewish females,” said Sider. “The fact that she’s holding a book, representing how important her education was to her, is important to include.”
Gold threads through the mosaic, representing the rips and tears of the original photograph through the years. Sider borrowed the idea from the Japanese craft Kintsugi, where broken and cracked clay vessels are repaired with gold, ultimately strengthening the piece.
A personal balancing act
“Balancing Act” is Sider’s most autobiographical mosaic (Courtesy, Michelle Sider)
Sider’s second entry, Balancing Act, is her most autobiographical piece, portraying Sider’s reaction to recent anti-Semitism. With one child facing danger in Israel, and another facing anti-Semitism at college in the U.S., Sider felt broken by fear.
“I felt completely cracked open,” said Sider. “I was terrified, shaking; I was a mess.”
Balancing Act depicts a shadowy figure against a stormy sky with turbulent water beneath as it traverses a gold tightrope representing a lifeline.
Sider said the piece is purposely ambiguous.
“The idea [was] to capture those feelings of being terrified and trying to navigate my way through the storms to the other side.”
For Sider, diving into her great-grandmother’s story of resilience helped her through her own personal struggles – and she hopes it will help others.
A beam of sunlight…
Art brought Sider comfort even as an infant (Courtesy, Michelle Sider)
Sider has always found solace in art.
“My mom tells the story of how, when I was an infant, there was a sunbeam shining through the window, and I started playing with it,” said Sider. “Literally my whole life I’ve been drawn to creating, making and getting my hands dirty.
“It’s my happy place. My world of imagination was always a great source of solace, comfort, energy and interest for me.”
At first, Sider’s art consisted mainly of painting and drawing. The first time she saw a mosaic, however, she fell in love.
Fascinated with glass and light, Sider incorporates both into her mosaics.
“To me, light represents spirituality and hope, and I play with that metaphor in my work a lot,” said Sider. “What I love about glass is that it’s metaphorically and physically representing light.
(Courtesy, ArtPrize)
“My pieces change color throughout the day. I put them at certain angles and use different types of glass. They all catch light, absorb light or reflect light in different ways.”
That change in color can be seen in the atrium of Uccello’s in downtown Grand Rapids where From Darkness to Light is displayed under the glass ceiling.
ArtPrize visitors can vote for pieces by scanning the QR code associated with each entry, ormanually entering the five-digit code on the ArtPrize mobile web app.
Information about ArtPrize artists, venues, events and more can be found here.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to The Vibe, an annual celebration and fundraiser to enhance the city’s adaptive recreation programs set for Thursday, Sept. 19.
The backyard party will run from 6 to 9 p.m. in the courtyard of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will be a vibrant night filled with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, live music, a silent auction and adaptive equipment displays.
Check out our WKTV video from last year’s event.
The evening also features guest speaker Jocelyn Dettloff, who will share her journey in learning how to navigate the world on four wheels after experiencing a spinal cord injury at age 26 that left her paralyzed.
While learning how to cope with and embrace her disability, Dettloff discovered a passion for wheelchair tennis and began playing competitively. Her love for being active led her to trying a variety of other sports, including participating in Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s water ski program.
After her injury, Dettloff began a career in fundraising and transformed into a passionate advocate. She then decided to candidly capture and share her experience in a memoir titled “It Rained in the Desert: One Woman’s Story of Spirit and Resilience.”
Jocelyn Dettloff will be the guest speaker at The Vibe. (Photo Courtesy, Jocelyn Dettloff)
“I have known Jocelyn Dettloff for a long time and have worked with her in our adaptive recreation program,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood’s parks and recreation director. “She is someone who doesn’t back down in the face of adversity, and we are looking forward to having her share her unique story of resilience and the ways adaptive recreation has positively impacted her life.”
Community members are encouraged to dress casually for The Vibe. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online at kentwoodvibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday. The deadline to register for the event is Thursday, Sept. 12.
The Vibe is sponsored by local businesses such as Macatawa Bank, a platinum sponsor, and Bloom Sluggett, PC and Sinclair Recreation, LLC, who are gold sponsors. The silver sponsors are MCSA Group, Inc. and Spark43 Architects, and the bronze sponsors are Metronet and Applied Innovation.
All money raised at this year’s event will help purchase new equipment for Kentwood’s adaptive recreation program. The program includes active sports such as archery, kayaking, rock climbing, downhill skiing and pickleball as well as social opportunities such as leisure club and dances.
Kentwood Adaptive Recreation Program’s waterskiing. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We offer a variety of activities to accommodate community member’s interests and abilities,” said Ann Przybysz, recreation program coordinator. “Our program enables individuals to safely participate in activities and learn new skills, challenge themselves and build connections with others.”
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming alongside several community partners. The program also is made possible thanks to the help of a strong volunteer network.
Kentwood’s adaptive recreation program is open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. Learn more and sign up for the various offerings at kentwood.us/adaptive.
The Sept. 11 Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute has been held annually from sunrise to sunset since Sept. 11, 2002 on the plaza at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (GRFPM).
9/11 Memorial & Museum North and South Pools are etched with the names of those lost during the terrorist attacks (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Honorary co-chairs of this year’s commemoration include: Col. James F. Grady II, Director, Michigan State Police; Kevin J. Sehlmeyer, Michigan State Fire Marshall; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Adjunct General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
“The Michigan State Police is honored to join this observance reflecting on our first responders, military members and those who tragically lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Col. James F. Grady II, Director of the MSP. “We shall never forget the sacrifices made.”
Those who cannot make it to the activities scheduled around the state of Michigan can participate by sharing photos of themselves saluting, or by viewing the activities at the Scouting America Michigan Cross Roads Council Facebook page. Various activities from all locations will be live streamed on the Facebook page.
For the 23rd year, the community is invited to join the Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America as they lead the West Michigan community in a day-long “Scout Salute” at the GRFPM to pay respect to all those who died during the terrorist attacks.
At sunrise and sunset color guards from the Grand Rapids Police and Fire Departments will lower and raise the flag outside of the museum to commemorate the opening (7:19 a.m.) and closing (7:59 p.m.) of day’s events.
At 5:30 p.m. the Salvation Army Band will perform.
At 6 p.m. there will be a program featuring speakers including Donald Shepard, CEO of Scouting American Michigan Crossroads Council; Carly Swanson, on behalf of Governor Whitmer; Tom Stephenson, himself an Eagle Scout, will share remarks on behalf of Senator Gary Peters; Kevin J. Sehlmeyer, Michigan State Fire Marshall; and Salvation Army Major Tim Meyer.
The final salute will take place at 7:59 p.m. with Echo Taps closing the event at sundown.
Schedule of events
The schedule of events for the Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2023, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum include:
(All Sept. 11 events will be held outside. Those wishing to visit the museum must purchase tickets in advance at www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov)
Community and Scouts continuously salute from sunrise to sunset.
7:15 a.m. Honor Guard Lowers Flag (GR Police)
7:18 a.m. Scout Salute Begins
7:50 a.m. Share Events of the Day/Close Program (Retired Firefighter Ken Chudy)
8:46 a.m. Ring Bell for South Tower (GR Fire)
9:03 a.m. Ring Bell for North Tower (GR Fire)
9:37 a.m. Ring Bell for Pentagon (GR Fire)
10:03 a.m. Ring Bell for United Airline Flight 9 (GR Fire)
5:30 p.m. Salvation Army Band Performs
6:10 p.m. Program Begins
6:45 p.m. Closing Benediction (Salvation Army Major Timothy Meyer)
Camp Blodgett has been providing youth with educational, recreational and fun experiences for over 100 years. On Saturday, Sept. 14, they are offering adults the chance to join in the fun with their annual For the Kids Soiree!
What started as a traditional sit-down dinner fundraising event has morphed into an activity-driven adventure that gives donors a chance to experience camp life firsthand.
(Courtesy photo)
“Our donors say their favorite parts are the experience and the camp activities,” said Lucy Dyer Joswick, Camp Blodgett Executive Director. “We’re giving people what they’ve requested, which is the opportunity to really immerse themselves in what Camp Blodgett does for kids by actually doing it.”
The soiree provides that adult summer camp experience by the shores of Lake Michigan with popular camp activities such as archery, arts and crafts…and playing with robots.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with camp alumni who have been impacted by Camp Blodgett.
A giant swing is one of the camp’s fun recreational activities (Courtesy, Camp Blodgett)
Camp board member and founder of Experience Granted, Carlos Kulas-Dominguez, has been a driving force behind the Soiree’s reimagining.
Kulas-Dominguez says his focus has been on developing and growing community by amplifying the experience for attendees so they feel empowered to be ambassadors.
Camp Blodgett’s camper population is extremely diverse in representation, which is part of what drew Kulas-Dominguez to the organization.
As a retired teacher, Kulas-Dominguez has always had a passion for helping inner city youth.
“I am a product of inner city Detroit public schools, so I can relate to a lot of the youth at Camp Blodgett, and not ever having that camp experience,” said Kulas-Dominguez.
“The way the youth, and even the staff, are able to show up very authentically is something really unique and really special – specifically to West Michigan. That’s been really fun to watch and be a part of.”
Dress casually…and have fun!
The soiree will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Camp Blodgett in West Olive.
A traditional happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the main event starting with an opening ceremony similar to that of summer camp at 6:30 p.m.
Archery (Courtesy, Camp Blodgett)
Attendees will be divided into groups and then go through three activity rotations.
Tie-dye and friendship bracelet crafts will be available, as well as archery. With the assistance of Camp Blodgett STEM teachers, 40 robot orbs will be available for event attendees to try their hand at programming an orb to simulate a day in the life of a camper.
If an activity doesn’t sound exciting, participants can buy a Fast Pass, skip a rotation, and try the giant swing or climb the rock wall.
“Attendees definitely want to dress casually,” said Joswick. “Come likeyou wouldplay at camp.”
A “first date”
Crafts (Courtesy, Camp Blodgett)
Donations are the driving force behind Camp Blodgett’s ability to operate.
The annual For the Kids Soiree is the most impactful event for sustaining camp supporters and recruiting new supporters.
“[The soiree] is where we meet all of our donors that sustain us through the year,” said Joswick. “This is really where a good 20% of our camperships come from.”
Joswick went on to say that the Soiree is often like a “first date” for many because supporters will bring friends to introduce to the organization.
“We are the one and only,” said Joswick. “We are blessed to be Michigan’s only public summer camp that focuses on serving kids who could not otherwise afford to go. A lot of people don’t know that we’re so unique.”
The upside-down model of Camp Blodgett
Since 1921, Camp Blodgett has worked to provide a fun, enriching summer camp experience accessible to all kids in Kent and Ottawa counties.
Founded by the Babies’ Welfare Guild, a group of women associated with D.A. Blodgett Home, the camp has since expanded to be a year-round youth development organization that provides recreational and educational experiences to children who could otherwise not afford them.
(Courtesy photo)
Camp Blodgett’s Summer Camp serves over 500 campers annually, of which 40 are STEM Academy campers. During the school year, the camp serves approximately 200 youth in free school year programs.
When there is a charge for programs, such as the summer camp program, a sliding scale based on family size and income is used.
“80% of our campers pay $40 or less when the cost far exceeds $750,” said Joswick. “[The soiree] raises that gap.”
This camp model was created purposefully so all youth, regardless of income, can have access to camp opportunities.
The magic in saying “Yes”
“Come with an open mind, open heart, and the willingness to connect and be out of your comfort zone,” said Kulas-Dominguez, adding that some planned soiree activities are definitely out of his comfort zone – but he will still participate.
“I think that, as adults, you forget that there’s a lot of magic that happens when we just show up and say yes.”
Find more information and registration details here.
The event begins at 11 a.m. with a ceremony beginning at 12 p.m. Registration is FREE!
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for an individual to speak. Treatment includes intense speech therapy and sometimes other therapies to help individuals reach their highest communication ability. However, there is no cure.
Raising awareness is one of the most tangible ways communities at large can help children with apraxia thrive. Increased collective awareness means that children will be diagnosed faster, resulting in better, earlier intervention.
Celebrating apraxia stars
The Walk for Apraxia is the largest community event that celebrates the hard work of our apraxia stars, children diagnosed with CAS. The day includes family-friendly activities, a ceremony and a short, inclusive group walk to raise awareness.
Neil Kilby, father of an Apraxia Star, says, “Apraxia Stars need a team behind them. That team includes both parents, family members, SLP’s and organizations like Apraxia Kids.”
(Courtesy, Apraxia Kids)
Participating in the Walk for Apraxia helps show Apraxia Stars that there is a team of supporters surrounding them in their community. Invite friends and family to this community event to meet local Apraxia Stars and show support for all of their hard work!
Funds raised through the 2024 Walk for Apraxia benefit Apraxia Kids, the leading nonprofit that works to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with CAS. Apraxia Kids educates both families and speech-language professionals so that children with CAS can reach their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment.
Event registration
For more information on how to join the Walk for Apraxia, click here.
Prepare to be transported to a realm where imagination reigns supreme at the Fantasy and Fiction Gala, a dazzling evening that celebrates the worlds of fantasy books, movies, TV shows and anime.
The Fantasy and Fiction Gala offers a unique opportunity for attendees to celebrate their favorite characters and stories in a formal setting.
With a focus on creativity and community, the event will feature a variety of activities, including a DJ-led dance floor, a costume contest, and interactive experiences designed to engage and entertain guests.
(Courtesy photo)
Attire is formal with a twist of fantasy: Imagine Princess Leia in a full formal white gown, Hermione at the Yule Ball or Mr. Darcy in a Star Trek uniform.
All ages are welcome. Alcoholic beverages will be available for guests ages 21 and older.
Whether you’re an experienced cosplayer or simply a fan of fantasy and fiction, this gala promises a memorable evening filled with fun and excitement.
Click here to purchase Fantasy & Fiction Gala tickets.
It’s not just a gala!
This gala is not just a celebration of fantasy and fiction, but also a fundraiser for JCI South Kent, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing leadership skills in young adults through community service and events.
Catering to young professionals between the ages of 18 and 40, JCI South Kent provides its members with opportunities to enhance their skills, network, and make a positive impact in their community.
Sponsor this event!
We are currently seeking community sponsors to support this exciting event. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and supporting our mission, please contact JCI South Kent at jcisouthkent@gmail.com.
Summer is coming to an end and the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with its partners for a final summer bash.
This Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kentwood Parks and Rec is hosting a Back to School Bash in conjunction with the final Kentwood Farmers Market of the season located at 4900 Breton SE.
The event also includes the final concert of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series featuring the Sarena Rae Band.
Sarena Rae Band. (Courtesy, Sarena Rae)
The Back to School Bash includes plenty of activities for students of all grades: a Foam Party, a Bounce House and a petting zoo, along with a number of other games and activities.
There also will be free haircuts and braids provided, free hygiene kits and school supply giveaways. Also, community resource organizations will be on hand, including MSUE (Michigan State University Extension), Catherine’s Health Center, Treetops Collective, Soccer Buddies, the Kent Country Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and more.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Sarena Rae Band is the highlight of the evening with a 7 p.m. starting time. The band was originally scheduled to perform Aug. 15 as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series, but inclement weather postponed it to this Thursday.
“I’m so excited about the concert and performing for the students and their families” Rae said. “I was originally supposed to perform two weeks ago, but the concert was postponed due to the inclement weather. It’s actually a blessing in disguise because I am so excited to play for the Back to School Bash and perform for all the families and kids in Kentwood.”
Rae grew up in Grand Rapids and began to develop an interest in music at an early age.
“My mother sang in the church choir and I would tag along with her,” Rae said. “I actually had my first solo at the church when I was five-years old. I knew then that I wanted to be a performer. I’ve always had a love of music. We always had Motown on in our house, and when I was growing up, I always wanted to be a little Diana Ross.”
(Courtesy, Sarena Rae)
Since then, Rae has grown her musical career. She released her original debut single and music video, “You’re Beautiful,” at age 16. In 2019, she recorded her original EP entitled, “Heaven,” and released her EP in the fall of 2020. Last December, Rae released a new Christmas Album.
The Sarena Rae Band has been busy this summer with concerts across the West Michigan area. Rae and her band bring a soulful evening of original music and a variety of well-known songs that concert goers can sing and dance along to. The Sarena Rae Band also recently released a new original song, “Feel So Fine,” on July 26.
“I would say that my style is a mix of pop and R&B,” Rae said. “It is very Motown-inspired for sure. We are going to be playing my original music and some covers that the kids and their families can dance to. The concert will be a good time for everyone.”
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and take in the concert on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The final Kentwood Farmer’s Market of the season also promises to have a bumper crop of fruits, vegetables and more as the summer harvest is at its peak. Among the vendors that are scheduled to be at the Kentwood Farmer’s Market are Better Place Farm, Big Mitten Coffee, Crème Delights, Daily Indulgence, Golden Tumeric Paste, Grand Rapids Tea Company, Handbreadth Homestead LLC, Irie Kitchen, Latchaw Farms, Loaves and More by Alice, Mandoo (Korean Dumpling), Shalini Farms, Simply Rustic Dough, Sister Bees, Sophrona Teas, Sulugu Shea Butter LLC, Tenneyberry and That Sweet & Nutty Guy.
Food trucks also will be present to satisfy your hunger. Food trucks scheduled to be in attendance include Patty Matters, Tast of Toya’s World, El Jalapeno and Sugary Snowballs.
This exciting exhibit provides new insights into biology and technology with eight robotic animals of considerable size. Visitors will discover how chameleons change color, giant squids propel themselves, flies walk on the ceiling and more.
Over a dozen hands-on activities illustrate fascinating real-life animal characteristics. Cutaways expose the mechanical animals’ insides as a host of easily recognizable machine parts and gadgets that demonstrate what makes them work.
“By comparing the anatomy, environments, and size of the actual creatures to the mechanic counterparts, The Robot Zoo provides fantastic new insights into biology and engineering, and hands-on fun for all ages,” the website states. “This exhibit reveals the magic of nature as a master engineer.”
Plan a field trip!
Educators are invited to bring students to experience The Robot Zoo. GRPM’s Educator’s Guide can enhance your group’s visit with a fun collection of multidisciplinary activities.
Insect investigations, sensory experiences of the rhinoceros and additional crafts and experiments can be utilized before or after the exhibit experience.
Cutaways expose the mechanical animals’ insides as a host of easily recognizable machine parts and gadgets (Courtesy, GRPM)
Dive deeper with books!
The GRPM and Kent District Library have collaborated to expand learning opportunities about biology, robotics and biomechanics with a variety of English and Spanish book titles for all ages.
Explore the fascinating worlds of animals and machines with these books!
Close your eyes and imagine the sounds of shoulder pads popping, marching bands playing, stadium announcers calling touchdowns, fans loudly cheering.
Can you smell the hotdogs, pizza and popcorn floating through the air?
Imagine the youngsters playing catch behind the goalposts imitating their favorite player.
Sit tight. Local football games under the bright lights are just about here, which means our in-depth coverage of WKTV Truck Games of the Week, WKTV Journal web stories and our exciting Friday Night Highlights show will all be here shortly as well.
The first game of the season is Thursday, Aug. 29, and we’ll be there! Our WKTV Game of the Week is Sacred Heart at Lee at 7 p.m. Thursday. We also will get highlight clips from Hartland at East Kentwood, Mason County Central at Godwin Heights and Wyoming at Sparta on Thursday. On Friday, South Christian hosts Grand Rapids Christian at East Kentwood.
As always, WKTV plans to bring you another great season of local high school football coverage of your favorite area teams, including East Kentwood, Wyoming, Godwin Heights, Wyoming Lee, Kelloggsville and South Christian. Tri-unity Christian cancelled its season due to a lack of players.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Truck Game of the Week covers one matchup per week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, an occasional field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
You can count on our very experienced, exciting game announcers for both football and basketball to guide you through your local team’s games. If you are interested in volunteering at WKTV Sports for our Truck or Studio productions, please email me at greer@wktv.org
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream. You also can watch these games on our WKTV YouTube Channel.
WKTV Truck Game of the Week Sked
Thursday, Aug. 29: Sacred Heart at Lee
Thursday, Sept. 5: Northview at Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 13: Belding at Kelloggsville
Friday, Sept. 20: Wyoming vs. South Christian (at East Kentwood)
Friday, Sept. 27: Hudsonville at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct. 4: Zeeland East vs. South Christian (at Byron Center)
Friday, Oct. 11: Godwin Heights at Kelloggsville
Friday, Oct. 18: Jenison at East Kentwood
Friday, Oct 25: Catholic Central vs. South Christian (at East Grand Rapids)
WKTV Friday Night Highlights coming soon!
Just like during basketball season, every week we’ll bring you most of the local high school football home stadium action from the Wyoming and Kentwood varsity teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute Friday Night Highlights show.
As a bonus, we’ll occasionally have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and have them join us in studio for a live interview.
Look for our fast-paced local highlights show every Tuesday! Thanks for tuning in.
WKTV Journal Website
And don’t miss our large footprint of local high school football on the WKTV Journal website.
Continuing from last season, we’ll have a huge presence with local high school football and boys and girls basketball. Beyond our fantastic Game of the Week Truck coverage, every week our sports staff will post football game stories, features, roundups and final scores and stats on most teams in the Kentwood/Wyoming area on our Journal website. You can plan on our local football coverage! Thanks for tuning in.
Click HERE for your school’s season football schedule.
A ’59 Cadillac basks in the sun at previous Metro Cruise event (Courtesy, WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Contributor
(Courtesy, Metro Cruise)
If you find yourself suddenly surrounded by some classic cars such as a 1957 Chevy Belair or a 1969 Dodge Charger this weekend, you have not traveled back in time: it’s the 28th Street Metro Cruise.
The popular car event kicks off this Thursday with the 14th annual Cascade Metro Cruise Warm Up, which is located in the parking lot of the Cascade Retail Center, 6250 28th St. SE.
The kick-off event runs from 4-8 p.m. with The Kennedy Affair performing from 5-7:30 p.m. and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office hosting meets and greets and K9 demonstrations.
Cruising into new events
Activities start to rev up on Friday and Saturday as the annual car event of West Michigan drives into full gear with plenty of cars and a few new twists.
(Courtesy photo)
“We’re excited to start bringing Metro Cruise back to its roots, with official events up and down 28th Street,” said event director Brandon Simmons.
“When the Cruise first started in 2005, there were over a dozen event sites. That was narrowed down over the years and eventually became just one site, Rogers Plaza. But now we are on the upswing with adding other event sites.”
Pit Stops
This year’s event has double the number of Pit Stops located in Wyoming, Grandville and Cascade. New this year are Baker Street Auto Group, 2901 28th St. SW; Car City, 1515 28th St. SW; and Sheraton Hotel, 5700 28th St. SE.
Returning Pit Stop locations are Oakestown-Borgman, 3000 28th St. SW; Grandville Plaza, 2905 Wilson Ave. SW; and Cascade Village, 6797 Cascade Rd. SE.
(Courtesy photo)
The Pit Stops, which will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, will feature collector cars, food vendors and a unique auto-related entertainment feature, some of which are monster truck displays, a 40-foot by 60-foot RC car race track, antique fire engine displays, an exotic and luxury car collection, and a car smash area.
Parking at the Pit Stops will be free with free reserved (temporary) collector car parking areas for those with a classic or collector car who are cruisin’ 28th Street.
Rogers Plaza
The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 22-24 in Wyoming and Kentwood (Courtesy, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Activities at the 28th Street Metro Cruise main event site, Rogers Plaza, located at 972 28th St. SW, will kick off at 1 p.m. Friday and continue through Saturday. Hours are 1-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday.
At Rogers Plaza, there will be 10 bands on the GRNCDA Main Stage. The GRNCDA Main Stage also will feature the Miss Metro Cruise finale at 3 p.m. Saturday followed by the West Michigan Sound Off, where six bands compete for a $10,000 prize.
Also at Rogers Plaza will be 24 vendors at the Honor Credit Union Food Court, the Cumulus Media Kids Entertainment Tent, a 30-foot climbing wall, Lucky’s Self Serve DYNO testing, a scavenger hunt with gift card giveaways and the official Metro merchandise collection.
Perfect weather + Fun events = A dynamic Metro Cruise!
Simmons said the weather forecast is looking good for the weekend with estimations of attendance being around the event’s usual 80,000-plus. So people should plan ahead if they are attending this year’s Cruise, he said.
Grand Rapids Auto Gallery donated the use of this 1954 Buick Century for the Metro Cruise film, “Horizon” (Courtesy photo)
“Your favorite restaurant, lot or event site will probably fill up faster this year,” Simmons said. “People know summer is coming to a close and we don’t get many perfect weekends like this.”
Ninety-eight competing comedians have been whittled down to 42 as the sixth annual Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its quarterfinal rounds.
The Kingpin of Comedy competition began May 12 with the first of 14 qualifying rounds. Qualifying rounds wrapped up on Aug. 11, and six quarterfinal rounds will run Aug. 18-Sept. 29, with the exception of Sept. 8. Three semifinal rounds will be held Oct. 6, 13 and 20, with finals held Oct. 27.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought it deserved its own stand-up comedy competition with the overall winner getting a prize package worthy of the title Most Humorous Human in Wyoming!” says Brian B., Founder and MC of the SNF.
Competition details
The seven quarterfinal comedians are given eight minutes to perform each week, with the line-up order drawn as the show progresses.
Audience members are given a ballot before the show begins. After the last comedian performs each night, the audience will pick three comedians they feel should advance to the next round. The ballots are counted while a non-competing comic performs. The comics moving on in the competition are announced at the end of the show.
The competition winner receives $500 cash, prizes from Spectrum Entertainment Complex and Craig’s Cruisers, gift cards from LaughFest and Midtown GR, a bowling pin trophy and a personalized “Kingpin” bowling shirt. The winner will also headline the SNF 2024 LaughFest performance.
The total prize package is worth over $1,000.
(Courtesy, Brian B.)
About the Sunday Night Funnies
The SNF is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. (Brian Borbot). The weekly live stand-up comedy performance features a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country.
The preliminary examination ruling for former Michigan State Police Det. Sgt. Brian Keely will take place Thursday, Aug. 22, at 3:30 p.m. at Kentwood’s 62-B District Court. The proceedings will take place via Zoom.
To observe the preliminary examination ruling, use Meeting ID: 428 094 0961 on the Zoom mobile app or at Zoom.us. The direct link is available on the 62-B District Court’s website.
Keely faces charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
During the proceeding, Judge Amanda Sterkenburg will decide whether there is probable cause to bind the matter over to the 17th Circuit Court for trial. At the preliminary examination on Aug. 12, Judge Sterkenburg determined she needed additional time to review evidence before ruling in the case.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS August Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Aug. 26 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to meet at Lemery Park in Wyoming at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 to help remove trash from Buck Creek during the Annual Buck Creek Clean Up event.
“This year’s clean up is expanding to new areas and is shaping up to be one of our best!” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, Founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC).
A family-friendly, active event, volunteers will remove trash and debris from various sites in the Buck Creek Watershed. Now under the leadership of FOBC board members Grant Simons and Lizzy Rozeboom, the clean up is expanding to include the area south of M-6.
Trash pulled from previous Buck Creek Clean Up event (Courtesy, FOBC)
An environment in danger
Buck Creek is a tributary of the Grand River found in Kent and Allegan counties in the U.S. state of Michigan.
Stretching 20.3 miles long, Buck Creek consists of 37.5 acres in nature preserve and 32,392 acres in watershed. The creek is a source of abundant wildlife and a habitat for many aquatic and semi-aquatic species. It is also integral for clean water.
However, Buck Creek is a cold water resource that continues to be threatened because of its urban location.
“A clean and healthy environment is critical to the overall health of our waterways and communities,” the FOBC website states. Removing trash within the community ensures a swimmable, drinkable, and fishable future for local waters.
Volunteers at the 2021 Buck Creek Cleanup (Courtesy, FOBC)
Several tons of trash have been removed from the rare urban trout stream’s waters.
Tires, shopping carts, microwaves and 55 gallon drums are only a few items removed from the creek. The most frequent and toxic trash recovered is plastic and styrofoam.
“Getting citizens up close and personal with Buck Creek reveals problems that a disposable society creates, and increases awareness to reduce and reuse,” said Vermeulen at a previous Buck Creek Clean Up event.
Clean up event details
Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at 8:30 a.m. clean up check-in at Lemery Park, along with gloves and bags. Insect repellant and poison ivy wipes will also be available.
Comfortable shoes or boots (that can get wet/dirty) and layered clothing are recommended. A long shirt and pants can help protect from bug bites and poison ivy.
Volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle. Work gloves, waders and grabber sticks are welcomed and encouraged.
Following clean up, lunch at Wedgwood Park in Grandville will be provided to volunteers, compliments of Grandville Mayor Steve Maas (tax money is not used for this meal).
It is not uncommon to find discarded tires during the clean up (Courtesy, FOBC 2021)
Registration and sponsorship
Register to attend the clean up here. FOBC will email additional instructions before the event.
Sponsors of the annual clean up are welcomed and can email mibuckcreek@gmail.com for more information.
Event details and updates can also be found on the FOBC Facebook page.
Join the FOBC board!
The purpose of FOBC is to inspire, initiate, promote and engage in activities that improve the environmental quality and beauty of Buck Creek.
Volunteers are invited to take a more active role in “Friends of Buck Creek” by joining the board. Those interested can click here.
The Kentwood Justice Center houses 62-B District Court and the Kentwood Police Department. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The preliminary examination for former Michigan State Police Det. Sgt. Brian Keely will take place Monday, Aug. 12, at 1:30 p.m. at the 62-B District Court. The parties are scheduled to appear in person.
Due to capacity restrictions, a limited number of observers will be allowed to attend the preliminary examination. Observers arriving after the capacity has been reached will be provided Zoom instructions and asked to watch virtually from another location. Cell phone use is not allowed in the 62-B District Court lobby.
To observe the preliminary examination, use the Meeting ID: 428 094 0961 on the Zoom mobile app or at Zoom.us. The direct link is available on the 62-B District Court’s website.
Keely faces charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. At the preliminary examination, Judge Amanda Sterkenburg will determine if there is probable cause to bind the matter over to the 17th Circuit Court for trial on the charges. The Court has been made aware of social media campaigns to draw attendance at the preliminary examination.
“Safety, fairness and efficiency are all of great concern at the upcoming proceeding,” Sterkenburg said. “We are taking precautions to ensure the preliminary examination is conducted with respect for all parties and in accordance with the law and court rules.”
Keely’s defense team is currently seeking to have the matter removed to federal court. In July, a federal judge ordered briefs on the issue of removal. Unless there is an order of removal to the federal court, the matter will proceed in state court. Briefs have been filed, but as of today, there has not yet been a decision.
Nearly 100,000 Michigan high school student-athletes are anticipated to begin Fall 2024 practices on Monday, Aug. 12, across nine sports for which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors postseason tournaments.
The fall season includes the most played sports for both boys and girls; 35,174 football players and 19,119 girls volleyball players competed during the Fall 2023 season. Teams in those sports will be joined by competitors in girls and boys cross country, Lower Peninsula girls golf, boys soccer, Lower Peninsula girls swimming & diving, Upper Peninsula girls tennis and Lower Peninsula boys tennis in beginning practice next week.
Competition begins Aug. 16 for cross country, golf, soccer and tennis, Aug. 21 for swimming & diving and volleyball, and Aug. 29 for varsity football. Football teams at all levels must have 12 days of preseason practice – over a period of 16 calendar days – before their first game.
In girls volleyball this season, for the first time, the top two teams in each District bracket will be seeded based on Michigan Power Ratings (MPR) that take into account a team’s regular-season success and strength of schedule. Those two seeded teams will be determined the Sunday prior to the final week of the regular season and placed on opposite sides of their District brackets.
Boys soccer also will see a slight change to its seeding this fall, as the entire bracket will be seeded based on MPR, not just the top two teams as in previous seasons.
The 11-Player Football Finals schedule at Ford Field also will have a slightly different lineup and earlier start times. On both Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, the first games of the day will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the final games of both days slated to start at 7 p.m. On Nov. 29, Division 8 at 9:30 a.m. will be followed by Division 4 at 12:30 p.m., Division 6 at 4 p.m. and Division 2 at 7 p.m. to conclude the day. On Nov. 30, Division 7 kicks off at 9:30 a.m., followed by Division 3 at 12:30 p.m., Division 5 at 4 p.m. and Division 1 at 7 p.m. to finish the weekend.
A few more game-action rule changes will be quickly noticeable to participants and spectators.
In football, uniforms now must have clear contrast between the colors of the jersey body and numbers; for example, white numbers with blue outline on a white jersey are no longer allowed. The visiting teams must wear white uniforms, and home teams must wear dark jerseys that clearly contrast with white.
In soccer, the eight-goal differential rule remains but with the addition of a running clock during the first half if the differential reaches eight.
In volleyball, line judges beginning this fall will switch sides of the court between sets.
The 2024 Fall campaign culminates with postseason tournaments beginning with the Upper Peninsula Girls Tennis Finals during the week of Sept. 30 and wrapping up with the 11-Player Football Finals on Nov. 29 and 30.
This original exhibit honors the 50th anniversary of Gerald R. Ford’s ascent to the Oval Office, and focuses on the pivotal and often controversial decisions that shaped Ford’s administration. “Ford at 50” can be viewed at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids.
Never-seen artifacts and new insights
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Opening on August 9, “Ford at 50” features a blend of immersive set pieces, unique artifacts, and historic film footage, providing an unparalleled window into the critical moments and challenges that defined President Ford’s administration.
Highlights of the exhibit include his difficult decision to grant clemency to draft dodgers, his controversial pardon of Richard Nixon, his aid for Vietnamese refugees, his decisive action following the Mayaguez Incident, and more.
“‘Ford at 50: Decisions That Defined a Presidency’ offers a comprehensive exploration of Gerald R. Ford’s leadership during one of the most turbulent times in American history,” said Brooke Clement, Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum.
“We invite visitors to gain new insights into the complexities and nuances of Ford’s presidency through this richly detailed exhibit.”
The exhibit will showcase nearly a hundred artifacts, many which have never been seen by the public before, including items from children who came to the United States via Operation Babylift, military medals sent to the President by veterans in protest of Ford granting of partial clemency to draft dodgers, and Head of State gifts given to the President and First Lady as they traveled throughout eastern Europe prior to the Helsinki Accords.
“My goal in developing this exhibition was to create a multifaceted experience for visitors, allowing an in-depth exploration of some of the pivotal moments that shaped Gerald R. Ford’s presidency and legacy,” said Dr. Mirelle Luecke, Supervisory Curator of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum.
Audio visual elements of President Ford’s speeches pertaining to each of the major events and new, engaging set pieces at each section of the exhibit will help visitors experience these historic moments.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Stay tuned…
In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum will host a series of special events honoring the 50th anniversary. Events will include expert panel discussions, film screenings, and invited speakers such as journalists, historians and other scholars to provide deeper context and engagement with the themes of the exhibit.
#WOODYWALKS in Murg, Switzerland (Courtesy, Ellis)
One man, 2 feet, 2+ years, 2,000+ miles – and a cause.
Woody Ellis begins his trek across the United States with the Mackinac Bridge Walk on Sept. 2 in an effort to combat stigma surrounding mental illness.
With a family history of dementia and schizophrenia, losing family and close friends to suicide and struggling against depression himself, Ellis often feels overwhelmed by the prevalence of mental illness.
“I’m seeing a lot of these types of things,” said Ellis. “The older you get, the more stuff you see, and more stuff happens to your loved ones. It’s starting to be a lot.”
And when Ellis feels overwhelmed, he travels.
“It takes my mind off things,” said Ellis. “I just need a reset.”
Though that “reset” is an act of mental self-preservation, Ellis battles guilt when he travels and leaves loved ones behind. That feeling of selfishness prompted Ellis to found #WOODYWALKS.
“How can I explore but also help some of the causes that are affecting so many people I know?” said Ellis. “I figured a way to do both things was to do something extreme that would draw attention and raise money for some really good organizations related to these causes.”
#WOODYWALKS was born.
Ellis is expecting the #WOODYWALKS journey to take anywhere from 2 to 3 years. Though he plans to hike an average of 10-15 miles per day, they may not be consecutive miles.
“A big part of it for me is enjoying the experiences I have along the way,” said Ellis. “So I’m going to be open to saying ‘yes’ to things along the way because part of it is interacting with strangers and spreading joy, smiles, laughter, hugs and all that kind of stuff.
“I also may stray away from the trail at times, and then pick back up where I leave off.”
#WOODYWALKS in Guatape, Columbia (Courtesy, Ellis)
Daring to be different
Forty-three-year-old Ellis has never been one to follow the beaten path.
“I’ve always been a unique individual. I really fly by the seat of my pants,” said Ellis, adding that he was not made for the 9 to 5 way of life.
“As soon as they started telling me that’s the only way to do it, I started exploring other ways. That was my initial inspiration to be different.”
In 2016, Ellis took a 60-hour train ride from Chicago to Vancouver, where he lived on a floating wharf on an uninhabited island. He has been solo traveling around the world ever since.
The upcoming #WOODYWALKS adventure will, in large part, also be traveled solo.
“It’s never been a problem to be by myself…that’s the type of person I am,” said Ellis.
#WOODYWALKS in Toubkal (Courtesy, Ellis)
Where’s Woody?
Ellis decided to begin his cross-country adventure with the annual Bridge Walk.
“I looked at the date and it fit my timing,” said Ellis. “Because I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life, I felt like that was a really good way to send me off.”
Ellis will then travel west through the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. From there, he will head south, then west again to take advantage of better weather.
#WOODYWALKS in Zambujeira, Portugal (Courtesy, Ellis)
Walking trailers and…a hammock?
“For the most part I’m going to be hammock camping and exchanging services, or cooking dinner, for strangers if they can provide a couple of trees for me to hang my hammock.”
Not only will Ellis be toting a hammock, he will also be hauling a variety of hiking supplies.
Those supplies include a sleeping bag, camping pillow, Jetboil cooking system, one pot, utensils, a headlamp, an extra blanket, clothes, a water filter, a water pouch, hiking boots and camera equipment.
Ellis realized carrying that much weight on his back would not allow him to travel far and began searching for solutions.
Specializing in walking trailers, HipStar designed a hands-free trailer with a belt that fastens around the traveler’s waist.
“It takes all the weight off your back and puts it on your lower half,” said Ellis. “This trailer is definitely a game changer.”
#WOODYWALKS in Hawaii (Courtesy, Ellis)
Smile for the camera!
Throughout his journey, Ellis plans to capture the experience with his iPhone camera and share pictures and short videos.
“I’ll be doing diary videos where I’m talking about my experiences,” said Ellis.
He plans to include footage of setting up camp, making dinner (“I always have to get creative with meals”), getting water from a river with a water filter, interactions with people, campfire interviews related to mental health…and, of course, walking.
“Pretty much a little bit of everything so people can vicariously come along,” said Ellis.
#WOODYWALKS footage will be posted to Ellis’ social media channels and in the #WOODYWALKS newsletter. Social media and newsletter links can be found on the #WOODYWALKS website home page.
#WOODYWALKS in Dubruvnik (Courtesy, Ellis)
Join Woody’s adventure!
#WOODYWALKS is a community endeavor, with several options for people to support mental health charities and interact with Ellis on his journey.
“There are multiple ways on my website to support,” said Ellis. “I have charities picked out and have pages for each charity. They can donate directly to the charity.”
There is also an option to donate directly to the #WOODYWALKS project to help alleviate trip expenses.
“I’m not going to be working any of my current jobs; this is going to be my full-time job. I’m going to be editing movies and content, which is work on its own.”
People can support the charity of their choice by signing up to walk with Ellis. “If people join me, whether it be for a week or a month at a time, I will focus entirely on the charity of their choice during the time they’re with me.”
#WOODYWALKS in the village of Mousehole in Cornwall, England (Courtesy, Ellis)
“If people are aware that I’m coming ahead of time, they can tell me where they are along my route and I can stop for a night or two,” said Ellis.
Brand sponsorships are available for businesses, and #WOODYWALKS t-shirts are available for purchase as well, with proceeds supporting the #WOODYWALKS mission.
Ellis will be wearing #WOODYWALKS t-shirts throughout the journey to ignite curiosity and interest.
“I want [people] to ask me what I’m doing and strike up conversations.”
Where will Woody walk next?
Though Ellis has no concrete plans after completing #WOODYWALKS, he will continue to travel – and give back.
“I would like to do other projects similar to this where it involves giving back, and also related to things that I’m passionate about,” said Ellis. “It’ll definitely involve traveling and doing something good for communities.”
World traveler Woody Ellis talks about his upcoming 2,000+ mile hike across the United States with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed
Approximately 20 regional businesses will showcase their goods and services during the fifth annual Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall Saturday, Aug. 10.
The annual event will feature booths with Black-owned businesses offering baked goods, health and wellness products, jewelry, apparel and more.
A previous Black-Owned Business Showcase. (Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Participating vendors include:
Uniquely Made Kreations
TLC House Of Beauty
Dulce-T’s
Keys Scented Candles
Unique Hair by Shay
Dr. Diva Accessories
Misha’s Boutique
K’s Kloset LLC
The Shoe Boss
Dessy Delights
Nick Nak Treats
Bessette Designs
GloWorld
Kenyons Creations
Dejure Essentials
Pretty Girl Collection Boutique
Shoppers can browse, sample, buy and connect during the day-long showcase from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Von Maur wing. The event is again presented by Britney Sylvester, owner of Uniquely Made Kreations.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the showcase again and welcoming new vendors to the lineup,” said Marketing Manager Kennedy Vancalbergh. “The Black-Owned Business Showcase is always a popular event that introduces our community to incredible products and services available right here in West Michigan. We’re honored to continue to host this event, which brings great exposure for the vendors.”
PREIT properties across its footprint has hosted activities throughout the year, including art exhibits, documentary screenings and food festivals, as a way to highlight the importance of Black-owned businesses and brands year-round.
Consumers Energy is holding its annual National Night Out Kickoff Event from 6:15 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 6, at the Consumers Energy Grand Rapids Service Center, 4000 Clay Ave. SW, Grand Rapids.
Everyone is welcome to arrive as early as 6:15 a.m. There will be coffee, donuts and Consumers Energy bucket trucks. Neighborhood associations and other community leaders are welcome to join.
Here’s the Agenda:
6:15 a.m. – Bucket Trucks and Police Cars Set Up On-Site
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series continues in Byron Center with three August shows starting on Thursday, Aug. 1, with country band Prior Noon at Bicentennial Park at 7 p.m.
(Courtesy, Sounds of Summer)
The FREE community concert also will have food available from Tony’s Tacos.
“Tony has helped us out for a couple of years now,” said Patty Williams of P. Williams Productions. “He’s part of the family now.”
P. Williams Productions, which also includes William’s son Lare, prides themselves on providing an entertaining night of not only music, but rounds of Name That Tune and trivia emceed by Lare.
“I’ve had this group of ladies come to me and say that the music is great, but they really come to see Lare,” Patty said. “He’s very entertaining and also takes care of all the sound engineering.”
Sounds of Summer garners fans from far and wide throughout the state of Michigan and even from other states.
“We had a couple drive seven hours from Paducah, Kentucky, to watch our show at Cutler Park,” Williams said. “We have people come from Mackinac, Charlevoix, South Haven, even Detroit. We have many people that have been coming to shows for many years; they own it and make it feel like it’s theirs.”
90’s cover band Project 90 will perform Aug. 8, and Brena will be the grand finale on Aug. 15 to close out the series.
Brena, West Michigan’s premiere party band, is led by duo Craig Avery and Steffan Copenhaver and closed out the Sounds of Summer series at Cutler Park last month.
(Courtesy, Sounds of Summer)
“Cutler Park had a great-sized crowd, if I had to guess, it was more than 500 people,” Avery said. “We have a completely different setlist planned for Byron Center, so we hope to see many familiar faces there.”
Bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket, sit back, relax, and get ready to be entertained by the Sounds of Summer.
“People enjoy going out on a summer evening bringing their lawn chairs and listening to good music,” Patty Williams said. “There’s excitement from the moment you park your car to the time you get to your seat.”
The stadium will be designed as a multi-purpose, professional, high-performing venue driving economic growth and development in a vital urban district. It will become the home of professional soccer in West Michigan and also serve a broader community asset supporting youth, colleges and amateur clubs, according to the Grand Action 2.0 website. (Image Courtesy, Grand Action 2.0)
Kent County voters will have the opportunity to give the proposed new soccer stadium in downtown Grand Rapids an assist when they head to the polls on August 6.
Among the items on the ballot is a proposal to increase the tax rate for hotel rooms in Kent County. The current hotel tax rate for hotels and motels in Kent County is 5%. The proposal calls for a 3% raise in the hotel tax bringing it up to 8%. Combined with other state and local taxes, this would bring the total tax for a hotel room in Kent County to 18%.
The money raised from the increased hotel tax would be used for part of the construction costs of the proposed new downtown Grand Rapids soccer arena. The increased hotel tax revenue also will be used for improvements, enlargements, repairs and maintenance of existing stadiums, arenas and sports complexes downtown along with construction costs for any new projects including a possible new aquarium.
Stadium hinges on upcoming Aug. 6 vote
Passing the proposal to increase the hotel tax will be crucial in keeping the process of building a new soccer stadium in downtown Grand Rapids going.
“I’m not so sure we will have a soccer stadium and a soccer team coming in if this proposal fails,” said Josh Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. “Increasing the hotel tax is a big, big component of the funding for the new soccer stadium. This is a key part of it.”
Increasing the hotel tax will have ramifications that not only include the new soccer stadium.
“The new soccer stadium will have a huge impact on the community,” Lunger said. “It will create 100s of new jobs. The soccer stadium will keep the downtown area vibrant and growing. Passing the proposal will give the current generation an opportunity to leave their mark on the community like previous generations had the opportunity with the DeVos Convention Center and the VanAndel Arena.”
Proposed stadium planned near downtown YMCA and former Big Boy
The ball has already starting rolling on the proposed new soccer stadium. In March, the Grand Rapids City Planning Commission approved rezoning land for the stadium. The proposed stadium is planned to be built near Lake Michigan Drive and Winter Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. This land is near the downtown YMCA and the former Big Boy restaurant.
A special land use request was submitted by Grand Action 2.0. Grand Action 2.0 is creating plans and securing funding for the stadium while the Grand Rapids Kent County Convention/Arena Authority will own and operate the new soccer stadium. Grand Action 2.0 is a not-for-profit economic development organization. Its primary mission is to identify downtown and adjacent neighborhood building and transformational capital-intensive projects, galvanize public opinion and support, leverage public/private investments and formulate and implement funding strategies including securing private sector funding in support of request for primary public sector funding.
$175 million estimated cost
The soccer stadium project is estimated to cost as much as $175 million, with $115 million in public money and a plan to raise $60 million from the private sector.
The stadium will be designed as a multi-purpose, professional, high-performing venue driving economic growth and development in a vital urban district. It will become the home of professional soccer in West Michigan and also serve a broader community asset supporting youth, colleges and amateur clubs.
The stadium will be flanked by an open plaza and space for pre-game gathering and easy entrance flow. It will include multi-levels of tiered seating, including suites, loge boxes, and options at various price points. It will have an open and active concourse that connects guests to the game.
The stadium site is intentionally embedded within a thriving urban network creating multi-season activation and use.
All this progress hinges on Kent County voters giving the okay to increase the hotel tax to provide funding for the project.
A major element that proponents of the hotel tax increase want the public to understand is that this proposal is not a millage.
“Not a millage … Not an increase in property taxes”
“This proposal just increases the hotel tax by 3%,” Lunger said. “It is not a millage. It is not an increase in property taxes. It is a small increase in the current motel/hotel tax paid in Kent County. This will not impact property taxes.”
The West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) is also looking forward to the proposed 8,500-seat soccer stadium coming to fruition. The WMSC is already working with ASM Global to help formulate a booking policy for the new stadium.
The WMSC already puts on several regional tournaments in sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, lacrosse, ice hockey, field hockey and rugby in the West Michigan area and is looking forward to the opportunity to host events at a new soccer stadium.
“It would be great to add a new facility to the downtown area to hold events at,” said Katy Tigchelaar, Vice President of Operations for the WMSC. “When people come to Grand Rapids who have never been here before they are blown away by what we have to offer. A new soccer stadium would be a great potential venue for us to bid on events to bring to Kent County.”
Don’t miss our WKTV Journal Chili & Cheers fundraiser from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 Division Ave. S, Wyoming.
If you enjoy reading the WKTV Journal, help us keep local journalism alive by attending our Chili & Cheers fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 Division Ave. S, Wyoming.
Enjoy delicious chili and local microbrews while supporting local journalism, the WKTV Journal, from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. Tickets are $20 apiece and will be available Aug. 8. They include unlimited chili from the different vendors plus one beverage ticket. To purchase tickets click HERE.
Our Chili & Cheers fundraiser is a chili cook-off between competing restaurants and individuals – with the best in microbrews from the area as well.
Project 90 to perform from 1-3 p.m.
“Project 90 is West Michigan’s 90’s Rock band – playing all of your favorite hits from the 90’s. Not just your average 90’s cover band, but a tribute to the 90’s. This all-star lineup band brings together combined decades of experience and a dynamic sound and light show to give audiences an unforgettable live event.” Click here for more info on Project 90.
Support the WKTV Journal while having fun
The Chili & Cheers benefit helps support the WKTV Journal, a non-profit community digital newspaper in Wyoming and Kentwood that averages nearly 11,000 views per month. As many people know, countless metro regions are now in a “news desert” where local newspapers with trained journalists have closed their doors or severely cut back. This leaves many people less informed about where they live and what actually affects their daily lives.
From local sports and city events to human-interest stories and diverse cultures
The Journal began publishing daily in 2014 just as the Advance Newspapers were closing their doors. We cover everything from local high school sports in Kentwood and Wyoming to mental health issues, entertainment, human-interest stories and education to police reports, cultural events, the successes and struggles of our communities, and much, much more. We believe this is all vitally important information for one reason: It’s about where we live and who we are.
Have fun and donate to a good cause
Please join us, and support the WKTV Journal at this crucial time. Plus, we’re not just asking for a cash donation, we’re making it fun! Chili & Cheers is a great opportunity to enjoy amazing chili and craft brews, meet neighbors and watch the community come together.
Be a part of the solution to local journalism surviving in an age when trained journalists are simply not there to report on a community and cover local events. Your support makes a real impact in the day-to-day operation and will help keep the lights on at the WKTV Journal. For more info, check out our Chili and Cheers Facebook page.
The Grand Rapids-based group celebrates Black female artists and their impact on music history.
The show began as a one-time event during Women’s Month to empower women in the local arts. It has since become a staple for promoting diversity, belonging, equity, and inclusion in the arts, according to the group’s website.
Paying tribute
What began as a one-time performance became a community staple (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Sarena Rae is the artistic director and writer of the performance, as well as a vocalist with the group.
In 2022, Rae began formulating an idea for a show that would pay tribute to Black female artists, both local talents and well-known pioneers of the music industry.
“Music is as effortless as breathing – it’s a part of me,” said Rae. “I’ve been songwriting since I’ve been a little girl. My mom was in the church choir, and that’s what inspired me.”
Music That Raised Us is a genuine tribute to the Black female pioneers of music history. Trailblazers highlighted in the show include rock and roll pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, singer/songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone, as well as legends such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner.
“It’s all about celebrating the music we know and love, but also learning the story behind that music, and the stories behind the voices that we admire and love,” said Rae.
Unique, fun…and educational
On stage with Rae will be R&B singer and opera vocalist Avalon Cutts-Jones, WYCE Album of the Year Jammie winner Karisa Wilson, “musical mama” and international performing star Dr. Charsie Sawyer, vocal powerhouse Serita Black Rose, Kathy Lamar, and Grammy Award-nominated songwriter Debra Perry.
“This is truly made possible by the incredible talent in this show…this is our show,” Rae said. “We are all connected through music, and we have all been raised by the lyrics and melodies of our favorite songs.”
To Music That Raised Us, music is more than just notes and lyrics (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
To Rae and the rest of the group, their performance is more than just a concert; it’s a time where they can educate and bring to life those who came before them.
“The show is really unique and fun,” said Rae. “It not only features music that people know and love, but it’s also educational. We start with Spirituals, then move on to Blues and Jazz.
“As we pay tribute to each artist, we also discuss the time period and the adversity that black female artists had to go through during that time, and how they paved the way for us today.”
Each concert will feature a food truck with food and beverages available for purchase. Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food, however alcohol is not permitted in the park.
All concerts are free of charge and open to the public.
Well-known among young readers throughout the state for his Michigan Chillers and American Chillers book series, Rand believes in the power of storytelling.
(Courtesy photo)
“Reading is great for everyone, and the earlier we begin, the better,” says Rand. “I think reading/storytelling is what really fires our imaginations, at least early in life.
“Fun events like Garfield Park keep kids engaged and reading throughout the summer months.”
Reading is a must – growing up is debatable
(Courtesy photo)
Keeping kids engaged is vital in preventing “summer slide.” Summer slide refers to a decline in reading, writing, math and science skills during the summer months when youth are not in school.
Storytime in the Park was founded by Dr. Barbara Lubic, GVSU Associate Professor, and Barbara Bush of Sundaes in the Heights in an effort to keep kids active in learning throughout the summer months.
Now in its 15th year, Storytime in the Park takes place at Garfield Park every Tuesday, June through August, from 6:30-8 p.m. A special event is featured each week, along with read-alouds throughout the night.
Each attending child receives a free book, and every family member gets free ice cream.
Rand traces his own love of reading back to when his parents read to him as a child.
“I loved stories, and was fascinated by the other worlds I was transported to. Additionally, both of my parents read for pleasure, and I saw them reading quite often. We had books readily available all over the house, and I thought that books were cool.”
Rand admits that he began reading at an early age because he thought that was what all grown-ups did.
“I wanted to be a grown-up as quickly as possible. Whether or not I actually grew up is debatable, but my love of reading and stories continues to grow even to this day.”
Creativity = Freedom
A love for reading, Rand says, is far more than just enjoying a story.
“When children read a book that excites them, often they desire to write their own stories,” says Rand. “They begin learning how to create, how to plan and form stories in their head even before they put them down on paper.
Reading can ignite many forms of creativity (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Years ago, Frederick Douglass said that reading is ‘the path from slavery to freedom.’ Over 100 years later, the late Carl Sagan quoted that phrase and added that ‘there are many types of slavery and many types of freedom, but reading is still the path.’”
Rand’s experiences as a writer and instructor have shown him that the word successful carries a different meaning for him than it does for others.
“One of the most exciting things I’ve seen in kids who attended Author Quest (our summer writing camp for kids), is how so many of these children have grown up to be happy, successful adults,” says Rand.
“And when I say ‘successful,’ I’m not talking about good jobs with a stable income. I’m talking about true happiness, living life creatively, with a fulfilling, worthwhile purpose.”
Rand continued to say that while many of those children did not embark upon a path of writing, the reading and writing skills they cultivated in their youth had a direct and positive effect on their future.
Funny, offbeat and irreverent
Sparking creativity can lead to lifelong success (Courtesy, Ken Wright Author Quest)
The Michigan author is looking forward to the Storytime event and says he hopes to meet many parents because he believes the love of reading begins in the home.
However, the author also simply enjoys talking with youth of all ages. This has led Rand to speak at thousands of schools and teach writing skills through Author Quest.
“I make it no secret that I take a very guilty pleasure in my presentation to kids of all ages,” says Rand. “It’s important for me to get my message across, and that message really has nothing to do with the books I write.”
Though Rand loves hearing that children enjoy his books and appreciates the ability to earn his living through storytelling, he is aware not all children will enjoy the books he writes. And that is fine with him.
“I designed my program to be funny, a little offbeat and irreverent, and engaging. The message that I want to drive home is very clear: if you can read well and you can write well, you’re on your way to doing anything.”
When Rand speaks at schools, he takes it very seriously and gives it his all.
“I know it sounds strange, but the more I give, the more I seem to get,” says Rand. “It really is give and take, and my programs for kids have become a big part of what I do.”
Sharing creativity and a…Bigfoot Beast?
Rand plans to share some of his own background as well as read from his new Michigan Chillers novel, #21: Boyne City Bigfoot Beast, set to be released this summer.
Rand’s new Michigan Chillers novel is set to release in summer of 2024 (Courtesy photo)
“I’d like to combine a little bit of background information about myself in order to give kids a jump start with their own creativity, to let them know that they can do the same thing,” says Rand. “They can write a book, right here, right now.”
Registration and more information about Storytime in the Park can be found on their website and Facebook page.
Dean Transportation is hosting hiring events at two locations in Grand Rapids this Thursday, July 25, for interested applicants to learn about the company’s openings for school bus driver, school bus attendant and service technician positions for routes supporting Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Kent Intermediate School District.
Attendees will learn about Dean’s family-driven culture as well as its comprehensive benefits, paid training and flexible scheduling. For Grand Rapids-area positions, Dean is offering starting wages up to $24 per hour for school bus drivers, $17.50 per hour for school bus attendants and competitive wages for service technicians based on certifications. Dean will hold on-the-spot interviews and make job offers to qualified candidates.
Who should attend: The events are free and open to all interested individuals with or without prior experience.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25
Where:
4155 Trade Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
900 Union Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Important note: Job seekers are encouraged to bring a valid driver’s license.
More information: Call Grand Rapids 44th Street at 616-885-1678, ext. 1688 or Union Ave. at 616-819-3000, for directions or answers to any questions, or visit deanjobs.com.
In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Reggie Macon of Battle Ground is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
Globally, an estimated 736 million women aged 15 and older—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical violence at least once in their life, according to UN Women. This figure does not include sexual harassment.
Reggie Macon, owner and instructor of Battle Ground JKD LLC, is dedicated to ensuring women and children are able to protect themselves from these senseless acts of violence.
In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Macon is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class. The class will take place at Boston Square Christian Reformed Church on Friday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m.
Why self-defense is important
At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
“As an instructor, I think it’s important to learn some type of self-defense skill,” said Macon. “I’d rather have the women know it and not need it, than need it and not know.
“With everything that goes in the world, it will also give them a sense of awareness and confidence in their everyday life.”
At the EmpowerHer event, women will learn basic strikes, situational awareness, how to read body language, and tips on maximizing verbal and nonverbal communication.
“Self-defense is important as a woman because it gives you the confidence to defend yourself against an attacker,” said Macon’s wife and co-owner of Battle Ground, Chandra Macon.
“As a mother, it’s important to make sure our daughters have the knowledge of how to get away from an attacker as we cannot be with our children all day, everyday – especially as they get older and want to hang out with friends at the mall.”
A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Chandra went on to say that class participants will gain a better understanding of the tools they can use when in uncomfortable situations, generating confidence.
“This can also help you in everyday life where you may have been struggling to speak up before, but now have the confidence to speak up for your piece,” said Chandra.
“I’ve seen firsthand at sporting events where other kids navigate toward the larger crowds to fit in. Not my child; she decided not to. Proud moment for sure, because that tells me she’s okay to stand on her own – as that’s what leaders do! Anything can happen in larger crowds, and you don’t want to be guilty by association.”
Macon encourages local women to attend this free event and gain tools and resources to help protect themselves and their loved ones.
Battle Ground offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, and personalized experience to fit the needs of each individual.
Whether looking to get in shape, build self-discipline, defend against an attacker, or become the next boxer or MMA fighter, individuals can reach their goals through Battle Ground JKD.
