“The Sunday Night Funnies has always been a diverse show,” says Brian B., MC and Founder of the SNF. “I wanted to celebrate the contribution women comedians have brought to the show through the years.”
Brian B. went on to say that, locally, women performing standup comedy was rare.
“Over the course of the last few years, that number has been steadily growing,” Brian B. says. “We’re featuring seven extremely funny women comics for this show.”
The lineup
The March 3 special performance will feature Grand Rapids comedian Kim Cook, a Second City alumni and semifinalist in the 2022 Kingpin of Comedy competition; Nicole Melnyk, voted Lansing’s Best Comic three times; Lauren Corbett; Cheryl Stoner; Amanda VK; and SNF first-timers Lucky Lee and Cinda DeBolt.
Lucky Lee (Courtesy, SNF)
Kim Cook (Courtesy, SNF)
Cheryl Stoner (Courtesy, SNF)
Amanda VK (Courtesy, SNF)
Cinda DeBolt (Courtesy, SNF)
Lauren Corbett (Courtesy, SNF)
Nicole Melnyk (Courtesy, SNF)
Mark your calendars for upcoming SNF events!
The following Sunday, March 10, is SNF’s annual LaughFest show. Comics 50+ will celebrate Older American Month with a show on Sunday, May 5. Soon after will be the start of SNF’s sixth annual Kingpin of Comedy competition.
About SNF
The creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. (Brian Borbot), the SNF is a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country.
Noted author and award-winning mental health speaker Ross Szabo will offer the keynote presentation at Wedgwood Christian Services’ (WCS) annual State of the Child (SOTC) event Feb. 23.
Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids will host the SOTC event from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Youth mental health declared national emergency
SOTC will feature conversations with local teens, presentations and panel discussions from community experts, and breakout sessions addressing the most demanding challenges facing kids today.
Learn how to support and empower our youth at this SOTC event (Courtesy, WCS)
The event’s goal is to educate the community on the realities of the challenges kids and families face and empower people to provide support and seek out services.
“The state of youth mental health has been declared a national emergency, so candid conversations around hard topics, with caring, solutions-minded community members, are crucial to the well-being of West Michigan’s children and our community at large,” said Dr. Daniel Gowdy, WCS President and CEO.
Registration and additional information
Tickets are $75 each. Registration is available on the Wedgwood website: www.wedgwood.org/sotc.
Gilda’s LaughFest is in need of volunteers to support the 2024 festival set for March 6-10.
Volunteer Registration
Volunteers can help in numerous ways leading up to and during the festival. There is no minimum requirement regarding amount of time or number of events needed to volunteer.
General volunteers can help with ushering, ticket-taking collecting donations, and wayfinding. Specialized volunteers are needed to photograph events (Photo Team); run audio, video and lights (Production Team); move supplies and people (Transportation Team); and more.
Those interested in volunteering can register at laughfestgr.org/volunteer/. New and returning volunteers can register through Feb. 16. Orientation will be provided for all volunteers on Feb. 17.
LaughFest 2024 Details
Shows and entertainers announced for the 14th annual LaughFest include: Tammy Pescatelli, Josh Johnson, Piff the Magic Dragon, Demetri Martin, and returning festival favorite – the Clean Comedy Showcase.
LaughFest 2024 includes over 40 free and ticketed shows in Grand Rapids, Holland, Lowell and Wayland’s Gun Lake Casino.
LaughFest individual tickets are available for purchase at laughfestgr.org, and at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids pop-up LaughFest stores from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Feb. 17 and March 2.
Proceeds from LaughFest and LaughFest’s High Five campaign support the free cancer and grief emotional health program offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS February Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Feb. 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.
The Rapid transit system provides a seamless bus network connecting visitors to and from downtown Grand Rapids.
DASH offers free rides around downtown every 15 minutes. Download the ‘Transit‘ app for the nearest stop and real-time info.
Area 9 Parking is also available for just $3 a day, and offer use of a free shuttle.
Many installations have lights that give a different look and feel to the exhibit during night hours (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Accessibility
It is advised to refer to each individual event for accessibility information.
Crowd sizes fluctuate and may impede visibility of certain installations for individuals with mobility issues. Most locations provide sidewalk accessibility. However, some installations are in park areas without pavement pathways. Please use caution during your visit.
WoW continues to work to make the festival experience as accessible as possible for all visitors, and are looking at accessibility improvements for the 2025 WoW festival.
Plan your visit ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any fun activities or art installations (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Snow gear tips
Elevate your WoW experience by being prepared with winter essentials! See the recommended list of gear from the WoW team.
This list is recommended but not required to attend or enjoy the festival.
Snow gear checklist:
Base Layers like leggings or long sleeved shirts (Wool/Silk/Polypropylene over Cotton)
Snow Pants (or a pair of pants over your bottom base layers)
Youth mental health has been declared a national emergency by the surgeon general.
“Far too many young people are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need,” stated the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2021 Advisory. “We all have a role to play in supporting youth mental health and creating a world where young people thrive.”
“We feel State of the Child is extremely important,” said Brooke Jevicks, Chief Advancement Officer for WCS. “It’s about increasing awareness, educating ourselves on these important topics and strengthening yourself as an advocate.”
Prevention matters
WCS believes prevention is a key component to helping our youth.
“People need to understand how much prevention can matter. How many things are being caught sooner,” said Jevicks.
SOTC brings together local teens who will express their thoughts to the audience in pre-recorded messages.
The teens will touch on their own personal thoughts and experiences with mental, emotional and physical health. What they are seeing peers deal with regarding stress, anxiety, family life, life online and recognition of healthy v. unhealthy relationships will also be part of the local teens’ message.
Local teens share their experiences and concerns (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
A panel of community leaders will discuss the concerns raised by the teens. Maranda, Children and Family Services Manager for WOOD TV8, will guide the conversation.
The SOTC panel will consist of representatives from the local court system, school system, and healthcare system. A community therapist and a WCS therapist from their residential care program will also join the panel.
An audience Q&A session will follow the panel discussion, succeeded by deep-dive breakout sessions.
Participants will be able to attend a breakout discussion from both Session A and Session B.
Session A topics:
Panic Attacks 101
Understanding & Overcoming Digital Addiction: A Deep Dive into the Digital World
Breath of Fresh Air: The Truth About Vaping
Session B topics:
Dating: Then v. Now – Teen Relationships in the Age of Technology
Changing the View and Narratives Surrounding Mental Illness & Suicide
Unpacking the Invisible Backpack: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Young Mental Health
Personal testimony
SOTC is thrilled to feature award-winning mental health advocate and speaker Ross Szabo as keynote speaker.
One of the most sought after mental health speakers in the country, Szabo has spent over half his life finding ways to make mental health approachable.
Diagnosed at age 16 with bipolar disorder, Szabo attempted to take his own life at age 17.
“He really knows what it’s like to suffer internally, and he’s worked hard to turn all of his personal trials into testimonies,” said Jevicks.
“It will be amazing to listen to him talk about how to navigate life’s challenges, and his perspective on how to aid today’s youth,” Jevicks said.
Expert care and services
In addition to the annual SOTC conference, WCS – one of the most highly regarded mental health and behavioral health facilities in Michigan – offers a variety of services and care.
WCS is committed to supporting children and families (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
WCS is known for their residential care, and for taking on the toughest cases for children who have been chronically neglected and physically or sexually abused. All WCS services offer expert, trauma-focused, evidence-based, therapeutic care…and love.
“We are committed to supporting children and families through mental health, emotional health, behavioral health and spiritual health,” said Jevicks. “We have a deep love for the people in our care [and] want to extend Christ-like love and grace to them.”
Among WCS services is a home for youth saved from human trafficking, and an entire certified staff dedicated to helping children overcome addiction.
WCS’s school prevention program, Positive Youth Development (PYD), teaches kids to understand and value their worth through a variety of programming.
“We are doing a lot of really important work to help each child in our care find their true self,” said Jevicks. “Our team reaches thousands of teens with preventative programming.”
Kids = The Future
Support children by educating yourself first (Courtesy, First Steps Kent)
“Kids are our future,” said Jevicks. “They are future leaders, future decision makers, our future coworkers.
“We have to take care of them. In order to take care of them, we have to be doing things like this event. Raising our awareness, educating ourselves, and becoming stronger advocates. Too many people are struggling with their mental health, and it’s not just kids. It’s adults too.”
“There’s been a lot of effort put into it, but there’s still quite a ways to go,” said Jevicks, adding that there is a lot to be said about businesses being involved in SOTC.
“Businesses should be sending their leaders to [SOTC], and getting a grasp on what today’s youth are facing and dealing with so we can have better benefits in place and better support systems [for] our future employees.”
Value of SOTC
Jevicks said that hearing local kids candidly share their realities at SOTC each year is eye-opening.
“Then community experts and leaders get insight into those barriers and provide practical ways to face those barriers together,” said Jevicks. “You always walk away knowing more than before.”
“Ultimately,” Jevicks continued, “if you have kids, if you work with kids, care about kids, or are invested in the future of our community, you want to attend Wedgwood’s SOTC.
“It takes all of us to positively impact each other and tackle this topic.”
Registration, Sponsorships and Notes
Attendees can receive continuing education credits for attending SOTC. SCECHs are available. CEUs are available pending approval.
WCS says they are grateful to all their sponsors, but specifically Title Sponsor, Fifth Third Bank.
“That’s really helped us be able to bring the speaker in and grow this event, providing more information to people,” said Jevicks.
Register for SOTC and/or become a SOTC sponsor by clicking here.
The Valentine Dance, formerly called Daddy/Daughter Dance, will be held at the Wyoming Senior Center from 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.
This event is for all children and the special adult in their life: a parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc.
A DJ will be pumping out the jams for a fun evening of dancing. Attendees can also enjoy crafts and a free professional photo to capture this special memory.
Pizza will be provided by Jet’s Pizza of Wyoming, and attendees can also enjoy a dessert bar.
Cost per ticket is $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Register by Feb. 8 by calling 616-530-3164 or online.
A champagne toast on Jan. 24 marked the 100th birthday of the Women’s City Club (WCC) of Grand Rapids.
A century of friendship and community outreach was celebrated with a centennial birthday luncheon in the Blythefield Country Club ballroom. The event served as the kick-off event for a year of planned activities highlighting WCC’s legacy.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
And though some may think that the WCC is simply a social club, a closer look reveals that the Club is much more than a “coffee clutch,” as WCC President Wendy Sturm says.
“The City Club has had a great impact on the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “Not only have we lasted, we’re relevant.”
An historic footprint
“In 1924, a group of women in the community – the shakers and movers – got together and decided that there was a need for women to get together, be able to socialize, network with their interests, with their careers,” says Sturm. “And that was the very beginning of the Women’s City Club.”
Previous WCC President Kathleen Ray says that women were attracted to the WCC because it provided opportunities for women to learn, communicate and network with other women at a time when that option was scarce.
One of the WCC’s historians, Marcie Woods, is intrigued by the diversity of the founding members.
“Diversity today seems to be boiled down to a racial issue, but they were so diverse in education, background, social class and occupation,” says Woods. “But they were all united in wanting a place where they could just be women.”
The WCC has stayed strong throughout the years for many reasons.
“In addition to being forward-thinking, the members of the Club have always been strong, creative leaders who are willing to invest their time and talent in the organization,” says Ray. “Flexibility and ingenuity were regularly used when facing challenges.”
That ingenuity was seen in the early years when the WCC convinced the telephone company to conduct a survey of Club membership about what programs they would like to see aired. The Club also accepted military payment certificates (script) as payment for dues and lunches during WWII, and converted all programs and events to Zoom during the pandemic.
“The city is our clubhouse”
Judge Sara Smolenski, special guest and long-time favorite of the WCC, gave the keynote presentation in honor of her late mother, a WCC member.
“When you think about ‘Cheers to 100 Years,’ you’re thinking of all the things the Women’s City Club has done over the years,” says Smolenski. “You travel around this great city, and that’s where you have your celebrations.
“The enrichment programs you have, the community outreach…it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Judge Sara Smolenski, keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Enriching lives
Sturm says there is a lot of enrichment and fulfillment to be found in the WCC, with education being a primary Club goal.
“We attend these fabulous lectures, and learn together,” says Sturm. “It provides a lot of experiences that you might not otherwise have.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It stimulates you intellectually, socially, it provides a network of friendship that is really important.”
The WCC’s Enrichment Committee provides an abundance of programs for Club members. All programs relate to the Club’s mission statement: to provide educational, civic and social activities through study, community service and friendly associations.
“We have very well-rounded programming,” says Ray, citing programs about science and nature, arts and entertainment, philosophy, positive communication skills, fashion shows, book clubs, a Maj group, outreach opportunities – and more.
“We are not just little old ladies playing bridge,” Ray continues. “We are active, intelligent women who represent a wide variety of interests and passions.”
Making a difference
Equally important to the WCC is giving back to the community. This is accomplished through various nonprofits, charities and local schools.
The annual Impact Award was developed in conjunction with Union High School to provide an opportunity for high school juniors to win a cash scholarship.
WCC President Wendy Sturm welcomes members (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” says Sturm, adding that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.
To apply, students present a piece of work that reflects a person that has had a great impact on their life to that point.
“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” says Sturm. “We didn’t want to put people in a box and only have one type.
“We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”
The scholarship winner is honored with a celebration lunch where they have an opportunity to talk with the WCC members.
“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” says Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid, and their voices are very small – and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.”
Their greatest legacy
“Our greatest legacy is that, for over 90 years, we had a historic home in Grand Rapids called the Sweet House,” says Sturm. “That was our clubhouse, and we wanted that to be taken care of for perpetuity.”
Diane Jones (left) chats with a guest (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Sweet House Foundation was formed with the sole intent of preserving the Sweet House and its contents.
“The WCC donated property, house, and contents – which included valuable paintings, musical instruments, and architectural details – and established the 501 C3 foundation,” says Ray.
“Grand Rapids has a historic home built in the mid-1800s that is being preserved for the future generations of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “We do very impactful things in the community, and [the Sweet House] is one that will live beyond all of us.”
Friendship
Sturm went on to say that the Club women advocate for each other. “We respect each other; we really treasure each other.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Ray agrees, saying, “The Club has provided me with a group of friends who are supportive, interesting and fun! They are unafraid to be themselves and voice their opinion – even if you don’t agree – because they know it’s a safe place.
“They are respectful, encouraging, and highly motivated. This Club is all about relationships, and I treasure the ones I have at the Club!”
The WCC has adopted the pink rose – which symbolizes friendship – as their Club flower.
As a memento of the WCC’s 100 years and those friendships, the Club designed and launched a jewelry collection featuring the pink rose. Each piece is customized, personalized, and stamped with the Club’s birth year.
What’s next in the centennial celebration?
The 100-Year Planning Committee formed several years ago in preparation for this year, culminating in a variety of planned events.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
February will feature the launch of an online merchandise catalog for members.
“They are fascinated to have us as their guest to do this program and represent 100 years of women in the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm.
Kathleen Ray leads members in a toast (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
GRPM’s March 14 event will also feature the launch of “Our First 100 Years” history book written by WCC historians Carol Dodge and Marcie Woods. In addition to the book presentation, songs highlighting each decade will be performed on the piano.
The event is open to the public and free to attend. Free registration tickets for the event can be found here.
As 2024 progresses, the WCC will host a gala-style, red carpet event to recognize women throughout history who have been involved with the Club.
The centennial year will end with the WCC’s annual Evergreen Gala.
“We have a wonderful legacy that I hope people will come and learn about through our celebrations throughout this year,” says Sturm.
“Cheers to 100 Years” – a toast by Kathleen Ray (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Empowering women
“The group that we are today, we’re a very modern group of women,” says Sturm. “We’re shakers and movers in the community; we have a history of making things happen.
“And that was one of the reasons our group was founded. Leadership got together and wanted to socialize and make a difference – and they did.”
Interested in joining the WCC?
Individuals over 18 who are interested in becoming a member of the WCC may request an application from a member of the Club, the Membership Chair, or the Club Administer at wccgrbusiness@gmail.com.
“The Sunday Night Funnies has always been a diverse show,” said MC and SNF Founder Brian B. (Brian Borbot). “When putting together the lineup each week, I try to have a good mix of comedians-be it race, gender, or age-range. I think our audience appreciates that.
“I wanted to celebrate the contribution Black comedians have brought to the show through the years.”
The special show features six comics: Brianna Blackburn, a local favorite who has been part of several LaughFest shows; Sunday Night Funnies’ Kingpin of Comedy competition finalists JT Motley, Marcus Cusic and Silas Haley; Dionte Allen from Ohio; and Michael Chandler, a relative newcomer to the local scene.
Brianna Blackburn (Courtesy, Brian B.)
Michael Chandler (Courtesy, Brian B.)
Dionte Allen (Courtesy, Brian B.)
Silas Haley (Courtesy, Brian B.)
Marcus Cusic (Courtesy, Brian B.)
JT Motley (Courtesy, Brian B.)
But wait – there’s more!
“The Sunday Night Funnies has got a big 2024 planned,” said Brian B. “In addition to the Black History Month show, March 3 will feature a special all-women comedian show in honor of Women’s History Month.”
The following Sunday, March 10 is the SNF’s LaughFest show. Sunday, May 5 will be a celebration of Older American Month featuring comics ages 50 and up. Then begins the sixth annual Kingpin of Comedy competition.
About the SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B.
A weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country, the SNF is a free admission show that starts at 7:30 p.m. and is performed at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex.
Though the MHF has participated in the Expo for 10 years, this is the first time the Foundation will host the event.
“The reason that we decided to take it on after we were approached last year was because this is a winter event that focuses on family, togetherness and community connection,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for MHF. “Those are all aspects of our organization that we promote within families.
The Expo will focus on overall family wellness (Courtesy, MHF)
“We’re really trying to tap into the community and promote good mental health.”
The Expo will look similar to previous years with additional enhancements and a focus on overall family wellness. Community resources information, hourly wellness presenters, and fun interactive and educational experiences for the entire family will be available during the event.
“The Expo helps provide that little bit of escape from the winter,” said Jones. “Families are trapped inside together if the weather hasn’t been great. Changing the scenery in the winter can be more empowering than we realize.
“This gives the family an opportunity to get out, be together and have some fun.”
What to expect: new and original features
A new aspect to the Kids & Family Expo will be that all attractions and rides are included in the ticket price.
All attractions and rides are included in the ticket price (Courtesy, MHF)
“There’s no extra nickel and diming once you’re in, which was really important to us,” said Jones.
New attractions will include the Pirate’s Revenge swinging boat and Turbo Tubs, which can accommodate both kids and adults.
“The Empowerment Stage is something new this year, and we have a rotation of fun things that are happening there,” said Jones.
Included in that rotation is WOOD TV8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca presenting the popular Weather Experience. There will also be several story times for children.
John Ball Zoo will be providing animals for patrons to enjoy (Courtesy, MHF)
“We’re going to be pushing out the be nice.action plan: notice, invite, challenge, and empower,” said MHF Founder Christy Buck in an interview with eightWest. “We’re going to be reading books to kids, and they can sit and listen to a book being read and how N.I.C.E. is implemented in this book.”
Additional activities include: a petting zoo, ponies, jumbo activities, a fire engine and police car, a photo booth, archery, face painting, snake petting and more.
Various information from community organizations will be available at the Expo in addition to activities and rides. Each resource distribution station will also feature an activity.
“We’ve got all this good information, all these great resources packaged, and a whole lot of rides and fun and games for the whole family,” said Buck on eightWest.
Expo = Positive Impact
Activity and FUN can help improve mental health (Courtesy, MHF)
Everything that we do in our lives, Buck said, has to do with our overall health and mental health.
Weather, nutrition and finances are also factors that play into mental health. The Expo will have presentations and information about each of these factors.
Jones said that events like the Expo can help improve mental health for some people.
“Being active, having things to look forward to, feeling empowered following some kind of activity or event, anything that makes you feel good,” said Jones.
“For kids, these are memories that they’re going to make as they have fun with the rides. Parents are going to make memories by being with the kids and providing this experience for them.”
Families can find a multitude of resources at the Expo (Courtesy, MHF)
Resources and links
Tickets for the Kids & Family Expo can be purchased at the door or online here or here.
Food insecurity impacts over 261,000 people in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula alone. Wyoming High School (WHS) has teamed up with Feeding America West Michigan to provide free nourishing food for those in need.
There are a variety of reasons food insecurity exists, and anyone can experience a period of that insecurity and need.
“We are seeing the need for food amongst our families increase,” said Joy Pratt, Wyoming School Community Coordinator. “This past fall, we were able to feed 110-120 families monthly, but sadly, had to turn families away as we ran out of food.”
Working together to eradicate hunger
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry for several years, rotating locations between elementary school buildings.
For the last few months, WHS has become a consistent host site, and will continue to host the Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS January Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Jan. 22 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
WPS is working to help meet a basic need in the community (FeedWM)
“Moving the Mobile Food Pantry to the high school has allowed us to serve more families, cause less disruption to neighborhood traffic, as well as sort and package food inside the building versus outside in the elements,” said Pratt.
With some families financially stretched to the breaking point, picking up 40-50 lbs. of food for free has a far-reaching impact. WPS has seen that impact firsthand.
“What we know to be true is that if we want our kids to learn, their basic needs have to be met first,” said Pratt. “Kids who are worried about not having enough food at home typically don’t learn as well as kids who don’t have that worry.
If something as simple as WPS/WHS hosting a monthly Mobile Food Pantry can alleviate that worry, even a little bit, it’s a no-brainer.”
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. Some examples include: yogurt, cheese, milk, almonds, grapes, bananas, potatoes, rice, beans, macaroni, baked goods, apples, onions, carrots, ham, bread, bagels, cereal, granola, strawberries, and cream cheese.
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.
Make an impact – volunteer!
Just a few hours of time can make a substantial impact (FeedWM)
Community volunteers are always welcome and can sign up for January and February Mobile Pantries using the following links: January 2024 / February 2024
“Just giving three hours a month of their time has a significant impact on 170 families in their community,” said Pratt. “When you consider the time you give, and weigh it against the impact you make, volunteering to help at the Mobile Food Pantry is a worthwhile endeavor.
“If we all give a little, we can make big things happen.”
Resources – learn more!
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.
Experience the enchanting allure of the classical ballet, Sleeping Beauty. Grand Rapids Ballet will perform the cherished tale at DeVos Performance Hall Feb. 23-25.
A traditional tale come to life
Sleeping Beauty shares the traditional tale of Princess Aurora.
From her birth, a curse by the evil fairy Carabosse foretells Aurora’s demise on her sixteenth birthday. Aurora enters a profound slumber, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss, as orchestrated by the benevolent Lilac Fairy.
(Courtesy, Kansas City Ballet / Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios)
With Devon Carney’s exquisite choreography that pays homage to Marius Petipa, the production will be accompanied by a live Grand Rapids Symphony performance of Tchaikovsky’s exceptional score.
Gorgeous costumes, sumptuous sets, and breathtaking dancing are a hallmark of this family-friendly classical ballet performance.
Come and celebrate!
In addition to the ballet, Sleeping Beauty’s Birthday Party will be held on Feb. 25 at DeVos Performance Hall.
(Courtesy, Kansas City Ballet / Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios)
The memorable royal gathering will be held from 12-1 p.m. Party guests can create enchanted crafts to take home, enjoy sweet treats, and meet Grand Rapids Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty.
Party wear, crowns and sparkles are encouraged to help celebrate Princess Aurora’s sweet sixteen.
Kent District Library (KDL) is inviting the community to share in a week-long celebration honoring MLK and the Civil Rights Movement.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Weeklong Celebration will take place Jan. 15-19 at local KDL branches. Programs for all ages will feature powerful reflections and action that supported the legacy of MLK.
“We chose to do the week-long celebration because [we] wanted it to be a variety of programs that patrons could enjoy,” said KDL Volunteer Event Coordinator Debra Schultz. “We didn’t want to just tie it into one day.”
Selma: heart-wrenching and eye-opening
As part of the celebration, the Wyoming Branch will host a special viewing of the movie Selma on Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 5:30-7:45 p.m.
(Courtesy, KDL)
“We wanted something that would touch a whole family and be an educational piece – but also an entertaining piece – and so we chose the movieSelma,” said Schultz. “It’s a great movie about representation of the need to understand each other, and to find equality in what we do.”
Taking place in Selma, AL, the movie speaks to the fight that Martin Luther King and his followers went through while striving to be treated equally.
“[King] was really looking for voting rights back in the 60s when this took place,” said Schultz. “African American people just wanted the right to vote…and they did it in a peaceful march.
(Courtesy, KDL)
“But even though their intentions were peaceful, there was still violence because the governor of the town did not want them to come to his town.”
Many people who supported the rights of African Americans to vote traveled to Selma from across the United States to march with MLK.
“They wanted to be there to say, ‘We stand with you.’” said Schultz. “It’s powerful because I don’t think we realize [that] the ordinary person didn’t know what was going on. A lot of them did not realize that African Americans didn’t have the right to vote, so this was an eye-opener for them.
“It was also dangerous for them because the people they were fighting against were also fighting against anyone who agreed with [MLK]. Some white people that went down for the march did end up getting harassed and violated.”
Schultz continued, “This movie is very moving and dramatic, heart-wrenching, and an eye-opener.”
Original artwork available for viewing
“Road Towards Equality” painting by Paul Collins (Courtesy, KDL)
KDL has also procured the loan of an original piece of art from a local Grand Rapids artist for the MLK celebration.
Artist Paul Collins has agreed to have his original painting titled “Road Towards Equality” hanging at several of the branches to honor MLK. It will remain on exhibit through February in honor of Black History Month.
“The reason that [Collins] chose to have it displayed in the library is because he thinks the library atmosphere is the right type of place to have this picture,” said Schultz. “Everyone has the ability to go in and see it because we are open to all, and it’s free to walk into a library.
“He likes the idea that anyone who walks in will have that opportunity to see it – and hopefully ask questions and learn from it. Learn what our heritage is, learn what our freedom is, learn about the men and the women that made changes to help our freedom.”
(Courtesy, KDL)
“Road Towards Equality” can be seen at the Kentwood branch for the first two in January. Alongside the painting will be a postcard with a description of the artwork that patrons will be able to take home with them.
From Kentwood, the painting will be on exhibit at the KDL Caledonia Branch from Jan. 29 – Feb. 2. The Walker location will display the piece the following week, followed by a week at the Sand Lake location, and then at the Rockford branch for the last week in February.
MLK celebration events
Though usually closed on Martin Luther King Day, KDL decided to stay open on Jan. 15 in order to provide a wider impact with carefully curated events.
“We wanted to make sure that there were eventful and educational programs going on that would tie into Martin Luther King and his legacy,” said Schultz. “We worked with Darius Quinn from Quinn Consulting to come up with a good schedule of events that would touch on the heart of what Martin Luther King stood for, and why it’s important that we still carry that on today.”
Other MLK events include a presentation by Randal Jelks, author of Letters to Martin, Jan. 15; a presentation by author, podcaster and retired Calvin professor Dr. Michelle Lloyd-Paige, Jan. 16; “Fear Must Not Be Our Future” presentation by Pastor Joe Jones, Jan. 18; and a Letters to Martin book discussion Jan. 19.
Each KDL branch will have a display of passive craft projects for children and families. The crafts include a silhouette of MLK that can be decorated with paint, markers, crayons. Various MLK quotes that had an impact on society will be available to cut out and adhere to the silhouette.
A small booklet will also be available for children at certain KDL locations. The booklet focuses on who MLK was, why his speech of “I have a dream” is important, and how children can live that out today.
A selection of books that represent Martin Luther King, his beliefs and what he was fighting for at that time, as well as books with similar messages relevant to current times will be available at all KDL branches for visitors to read and enjoy.
Our mission
“Our mission is Ideas, Information, and Excitement,” said Schultz about KDL, “and I feel like we have the ability to help people become more aware of our history and what we can do to become more united as a nation.”
*KDL thanks Darius Quinn for his extensive work and help on the MLK celebration, as well as Kendra McNeil, owner of bookstore We Are Lit, who provided copies of Letters to Martin for the library locations.
Arbor Circle is inviting the community to a conversation about the impact of incarceration on our community, barriers and challenges faced by returning citizens, and ways to support returning citizens.
As our community commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join Arbor Circle at their third annual Growing Together event from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 11 for a free panel discussion on the impact of incarceration in our community.
Honoring a legacy, impacting the community
Arbor Circle event panelists (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)
The panel discussion, presented in partnership with Civic Theatre, will take place at Wealthy Theatre with the option for guests to join in-person or virtually. While the event is free to attend, please register to help us plan: Event Registration.
Event panelists include Dee Dee Taylor, Founder and President of Taylor Made Re-Entry; West Michigan Works! Project Manager Wes Selent; Director of Cure Violence Grand Rapids and Member of City of Grand Rapids SAFE Taskforce Richard Griffin, and Mike Cole, Arbor Circle Clinical Manager.
“Bringing this important conversation to our community honors the legacy of Dr. King,” said Enid Gaddis, Director of Equity & Inclusion at Arbor Circle. “The impact of incarceration is felt by individuals, families, communities, and across systems.
“Our panelists will be exploring this impact from diverse perspectives, which include their lived experience and roles as service providers. I am excited to be part of the conversation.”
Don’t leave yet – there’s more!
As an extension of our Growing Together event, Arbor Circle is partnering with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre as they launch their production of Clyde’s, running Jan. 19-28.
(Courtesy photo)
This modern play explores the tremendous hurdles formerly incarcerated folks experience in life outside prison walls. Themes include safe housing, employment, specific support for women of color, and more.
Learn more about the show, Community Resource Night on Jan. 25, and the “pay what you want” opportunity here: https://www.grct.org/clydes/.
The panel discussion is sponsored by Veneklasen Construction, Fifth Third Bank, Grand Valley State University, Horizon Bank, Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors, Mika Meyers PLC, PCE Systems, Sytsma Wealth Strategies – Raymond James, and Urban League of West Michigan.
Curated by the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, “Concerts Under the Stars” is an immersive full-dome concert experience highlighting local musicians and visual artists.
Local West Michigan bands will perform their music, enhanced by original video art projected onto the Planetarium’s 50-foot dome. Upcoming local visual artists collaborate with the musicians to weave together an exclusive concert experience.
First to take the stage
GRPM is kicking off the 2024 series on Jan. 11 and 12 with Silent Spirit, a Grand Rapids electronic music sensation. Silent Spirit combines synthesis and contemplative rhythms to create organic atmospheres and reflective environments.
Performances will be accompanied by a full-dome visual display presented by local artist, iVy Garvey.
Attendees are invited to explore their inner selves and imagine themselves immersed in a world drawn from inspiration of the natural world.
Must-know details
Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to explore the Museum’s first two floors of exhibits during the cocktail hour before the concert.
Visitors can grab a drink and explore the first two floors of GRPM before the concerts (Courtesy, GRPM)
Performers will play two sets with a short intermission in between. Refreshments, beer, and other beverages will be available for purchase.
Parking is available through GVSU and the Museum’s parking ramp and will be validated for GRPM parking ramp guests.
Tickets are $20, with discounted pricing of $16 for GRPM members. Children must attend with an adult.
Details for February and March performances can be found here.
*Please be aware that shows may contain bright lights or dizzying visuals.
Kent District Library (KDL) is encouraging adults to get “On the Same Page” with reading. KDL is introducing a new initiative to bring people together around one book, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.
“At KDL, we love reading and we love people, and On the Same Page will bring two of our favorite things together,” said Hennie Vaandrager, Programming and Outreach Manager at KDL. “Many people feel lonely, and this program is designed to provide connection and enjoyment.”
On the Same Page will include numerous events around Kent County. There will be book discussions, programs featuring themes in the book, and a Meet the Author event at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, April 24 at the Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University.
Free registration for the Author Event will be required and will open on March 15. To sign up for updates and reminders, visit kdl.org/samepage.
Compelling storytelling and rich characters
Ann Patchett is a celebrated American author. Known for her compelling storytelling and rich character development, Patchett has received critical acclaim for novels such as Bel Canto and Commonwealth. With numerous literary awards and a reputation for thought-provoking narratives, she has made a significant impact on contemporary fiction.
Tom Lake has been described as both “quiet and reassuring” (New York Times) and “poignant and reflective” (Kirkus Reviews). It is a beautiful and moving novel about family, love and growing up that takes place on a cherry farm in Traverse City, MI during 2020.
How you can read Tom Lake
Because Tom Lake is now the book that everyone is reading, KDL has purchased many copies to keep the hold times as short as possible.
KDL has 670 regular print copies, 50 large print, 76 eBooks and 61 audiobooks in its collection. Tom Lake and Now is Not the Time to Panic are also available through KDL’s Talking Book and Braille Center in both audio and Braille formats.
On the Same Page participants should also sign up for KDL’s Let It Snow Winter Reading Club, which runs from Dec. 1 – Feb. 29.
(Courtesy, KDL)
Adults and teens (grades 6 and up) who read six books in various categories will receive a collectible mug. One of the categories is “Ann Patchett Title.” Those who read an additional four books will be entered to win a Kindle Scribe. Learn more at kdl.org/snow.
On the Same Page is offered in partnership with Calvin University’s January Series. To learn more, visit kdl.org/samepage.
WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed went behind the scenes with author Chavonne Mateen and her debut novel, Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots, on WKTV Soundbites (Courtesy, WKTV)
Set in an urban magical realm, Mateen’s middle grade novel contains everything the author loves about the fantasy genre – and about life.
“I have always been a huge fan of fantasy fiction,” said Mateen, adding that the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and the Children of Blood and Bone series by Tomi Adeyemi are among her favorite reads.
When not writing, Mateen fills her time as an HR Technologist for HRIS Streamline Consulting, is an Associate Integration Consultant for iCIMS, and is a self-professed serial entrepreneur.
Already living a life busy with the HR works she loves, this reporter couldn’t resist asking Mateen about the driving force behind her desire to pen a novel.
Living life to the fullest
“People go on journeys in life,” said Mateen. “One day I was writing down things I wanted to accomplish. Starting a business was one, finishing school was another, and writing a rap.
“The next one was to write a book. That’s how this was born.”
Mateen talked with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed about what lies at the heart of her debut novel (Courtesy, WKTV)
Not only did Mateen decide to write a book, she decided to create something groundbreaking that was also relatable.
Mateen wanted to write what she deemed was missing in the fantasy genre – a series featuring a beautiful, strong and present family that sticks together.
“I decided that I wanted to write something that I could relate to,” said Mateen. “This is more in an urban setting, and it’s characters that I can relate to.”
Shaylah’s journey is one of self-discovery.
Suddenly inundated with nightly visions of her deceased grandfather, Shaylah begins asking her mother some hard questions. As long-kept family secrets are revealed, the young teen realizes that she also holds magical powers and abilities.
Mateen chats about Shaylah Marston merchandise and fan art (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“When they begin telling her these secrets, that’s when the story begins to unfold and the magic occurs,” said Mateen.
The young heroine embarks on a mission with her family and friends, intent on saving a distant world and restoring her family’s name.
With a diverse cast of characters and a relatable and inspiring protagonist, Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots weaves powerful themes of friendship, courage and self-discovery throughout its pages.
Deemed “an exhilarating coming-of-age extravaganza” and “unapologetic fantasy fiction at its finest” by beta readers, Mateen’s novel will transport readers to a world brimming with adventure.
Interested readers can visit Mateen’s website to pre-order a copy of the novel, sign up for notifications regarding Shaylah Marston events and news, and purchase Shaylah Marston merchandise.
But Mateen isn’t stopping there.
Big screen goals
Bringing Shaylah Marston to the big screen as a Netflix series is a goal Mateen is already working to set in motion.
“That’s the ultimate goal, to bring it to the big screen, bring it to life, and bring the awareness to Grand Rapids that we do have offerings and more creatives in this space,” said Mateen.
Expanding worlds, chasing dreams
Mateen is currently working on the second Shaylah Marston novel (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Mateen plans to expand Shaylah Marston’s world through writing, though she admits that the writing process is not always easy.
“I’ve experienced roadblocks, setbacks, tumbles and stumbles,” said Mateen.
But she doesn’t let that stop her, and she encourages others to push through those difficulties as well.
“Just continue to write,” said Mateen. “Pick up that pen. If you don’t have a pen, pick up your phone. Jot those ideas down. You can always revisit and expand on it, but you have to start somewhere and keep at it because it’s a work in progress.
“It’s not going to always be perfect. But continue pressing forward.”
To learn more about Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots, visit the Shaylah Marston website and Facebook page.
Local nonprofit is determined to bring Christmas to thousands of Kent County children despite the fire at their storage facility (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
A recent fire destroyed over 5,000 of gifts intended for families in need this Christmas. But Santa Claus Girls (SCG) of Kent County is determined to keep Christmas alive for the 8,500 children registered this year.
At 9 p.m. on Nov. 24, multiple agencies responded to a fire at the DeltaPlex Arena in Walker that began in a west wall of the building.
Over 5,000 gifts were damaged by smoke (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
An event center for many years, the Arena closed in summer of 2022, but remained the donation drop-off site for SCG.
Though flames did not reach the area where SCG operates, smoke infiltrated the area for hours, causing damage to thousands of gifts.
SCG Vice President Nancy Ditta said they have not been able to go through the gifts yet, and therefore are not sure if anything is salvageable. SCG will go through their storage area after the first of the year, and will know more then.
Right now, SCG’s focus is on making sure all registered children in need receive a gift in time for Christmas.
A Christmas pivot
“We have 8,500 kids, with 3,500 families, registered to receive gifts,” said Ditta. “We were able to purchase gift cards through Meijer, so we will be delivering gift cards instead of gifts to all of our recipients.”
Santa Claus Girls wants every child to receive a gift on Christmas morning (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The number of registered children is a decrease from the 13,000 children serviced in 2022 due to an unexpected registration cutoff.
“With the fire, we had to stop registrations early,” said Ditta.
With a delivery date of Dec. 9, monetary donations to help purchase gift cards are needed.
While toys, books, and other physical gifts are accepted, Ditta said monetary donations are best since SCG volunteers are not at the DeltaPlex location to accept donations.
Monetary donations can be made via credit card, PayPal or check. Detailed instructions on how to complete donations can be found on the SCG website.
Children and families in need will receive gift cards personally delivered to their door by one of 300 volunteer drivers on Saturday, Dec. 9.
A century of giving
SCG was founded in 1908 by Arianna VanDoorn of Park Congregational Church.
Sponsored by the late Arthur H. VandenBerg, then editor of the Grand Rapids Herald, VanDoorn collected $85 to provide gifts for 150 children who, due to unfortunate circumstances, would not receive gifts at Christmas.
The goal of SCG is to ensure all children in Kent County receives a gift on Christmas morning. Each child receives one new piece of clothing, one new toy, a new book, and hats and mittens.
(Courtesy photo)
For over a century, SCG has helped thousands of Kent County children between the ages of one and twelve years of age – yet many people don’t know the group exists.
“This is our 115th year, [and] a lot of people aren’t familiar with Santa Claus Girls,” said Ditta, adding that the tragedy of the DeltaPlex fire has made more people aware of SCG and their mission.
How you can give
SCG accepts donations at any time throughout the year. Because every person associated with SCG is a non-paid volunteer, 100% of collected funds go directly to the program.
Wyoming City Center plaza rendering shows community gathering space and pedestrian access (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
John Shay, Wyoming City Manager (Supplied)
The City of Wyoming has [re]Imagined its future over the last two decades – and now has the funding to make those dreams a reality.
Recently under new leadership, Wyoming city staff are dreaming of big changes – one of the biggest being the implementation of Wyoming City Center.
“We have a really strong city staff, and I think they have the wherewithal, capability and desire to really start to implement some of the changes that we’re looking at with the City Center,” said John Shay, Wyoming City Manager since May 2023.
Patrick Waterman, Wyoming Deputy City Manager (Supplied)
With 25 years of local government management under his belt, Shay is no stranger to nurturing a sense of community.
Working alongside Shay, and bringing 22 years of local government experience to the table, is new Wyoming Deputy City Manager Patrick Waterman.
Prior to his time in Wyoming, Waterman worked on several projects involving economic development and transformative shifts to downtown areas similar to what Wyoming will soon experience.
Transformation to a traditional downtown
Shay says the Wyoming City Center is a transformational project geared toward creating a central gathering place accessible by walking.
Wyoming’s development is consistent with communities from the 50s and 60s that were developed around vehicles. This culminated in strip malls and large parking lots – and eliminated the traditional downtown area.
“What’s happened in recent years has been a calling for a return to the traditional development patterns of downtown,” said Waterman. “Main streets where people can get out and walk, and shop, and come together as a community.”
Wyoming city staff have worked to create a downtown area that will bring community members together (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
Unfortunately, Wyoming lacks those community gathering spaces. The Wyoming City Center will change that.
“The city has really worked on that, and came up with this City Center project that will enable us to create a gathering place that will connect certain parts of the city together,” said Shay.
Waterman agreed. “It will be Wyoming’s effort to try to create that more traditional development pattern that makes it inviting for you to step out of your car and enjoy the experience of being there,” said Waterman. “I think it’s a really exciting time.”
How it will happen
Shay and Waterman believe the City Center is not just about the core of the Center, but also how to provide access to it.
Trails and bridges
One avenue of accessibility will be 4.6 miles of new non-motorized pathways that will be completed in 2024.
“We’re trying to put the spokes into the hub to get people,” said Waterman. “Those [trails] will connect north to Grand Rapids and south to Byron Center.
“Looking at getting people around without having to get in the car is very important.”
The City Center project includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge over 28th Street (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The new trail will include an elevated pedestrian bridge over 28th Street that will help pedestrians cross safely.
Shay said that design work is ongoing, with finishing touches on wayfinding signs, lighting, and routes happening now.
Utility lines
Burying utility lines between Burlingame and Clyde Park is also a key component of the project.
Not only will it add to the aesthetic value of the Center, but removing overhead lines will allow space for the pedestrian bridge. It also allows buildings to be closer to the roads with parking lots stationed in the back.
Consumers Energy has already begun the process of removing their overhead lines. Telecommunication companies that also use Consumers Energy poles will remove their lines as well.
“That will be a three or four phase process,” said Shay. “When that’s all said and done, we would have all of those overhead lines buried underground.”
Housing
Due to Wyoming’s steadily increasing population, additional housing is also included in the City Center plans.
“Some have already been built, and much more is on the horizon,” said Waterman, adding that they are focusing on affordable housing. “The important part is to have mixed income housing along all income levels to make it an inviting place to come and live.”
From dream to reality
“We were very fortunate this isn’t just a pipe dream,” said Shay. “We’ve got over $36 million that is allocated with this project.”
Over four miles of new trails will connect areas between Grand Rapids and Byron Center (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
With $20 million from the state, $10 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from Wyoming, and $6 million of ARPA funds from the county, the Wyoming City Center is a reality.
“We made a very compelling case to the state that this will be a transformational project for the city,” said Shay. “It will really create a different look and different vibe for the city.”
“Our state legislators were instrumental in shepherding this request through,” Shay continued. “This isn’t something that we can do alone.”
Shay went on to say that the City of Wyoming is financially sound due to careful budgeting.
“We budget pretty conservatively, we spend very conservatively, and we’re going to continue to do that,” said Shay. “We’re spending taxpayer money, so we have to be very cognizant of that.”
Community strength
“Wyoming has many strengths, but one of the strengths is the diversity of Wyoming,” said Shay. “There are people of all different backgrounds, all different economic classes, all different needs, and I think that provides a really good mix for the city.”
Both Shay and Waterman have seen a strong pride in community from the residents of Wyoming.
A solid infrastructure system and wide diversity in the economic tax base are additional strengths voiced by the city officials, along with strong manufacturing, sound commercial retail, and a variety of residential housing.
Removing stumbling blocks
Though Wyoming’s diversity lends strength to the community, it also creates “a little bit of any identity crisis,” said Waterman.
Shay and Waterman said they plan to address that identity crisis via a rebranding effort currently in development.
The City Center project is located near the 28 West site and adjacent to Hom Flats (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
With water and sewer projects in the near future, Shay said the city is working to maintain reasonable cost for residents while also maintaining the current infrastructure.
Increasing skepticism of government motives and abilities is another stumbling block Shay intends to eliminate.
“The trust factor in government has really gone down,” said Shay. “That’s been disheartening to some extent, because you have many employees that are really working hard every day to provide services.”
A unified vision
Over the next decade, Shay would like to achieve the city’s vision of crowded sidewalks, shops and restaurants, and special events that will bring people together and strengthen that sense of community.
A unified vision is vital to move forward, and both Shay and Waterman believe that is happening in Wyoming.
“The City Council supports that vision,” said Shay. “They’ve been instrumental in charting that course. Having the political support from our local government by the City Council is absolutely vital.”
Waterman believes the reimagined Wyoming is imminent, saying, “We’ll get there together.”
From their GRAMMY® Award-winning 2004 Go Tell It on the Mountain and 2014 Talkin’ Christmas albums, this holiday performance has thrilled sell-out audiences across the United States.
Executive & Artistic Director of SCMC Cathy Holbrook says, “We are so excited to present the 5-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama in concert at SCMC this holiday season! Royce Auditorium will be filled with joy during their performance on December 5.”
Raising roofs and crossing boundaries
The Blind Boys of Alabama perform live shows that are roof-raising musical events that appeal to audiences of all cultures. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material.
Since the original members first sang together as kids at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in the late 1930s, the band has persevered through seven decades to become one of the most recognized and decorated roots music groups in the world.
“Seeing the Blind Boys of Alabama in concert is part living history, part concert, all uplifting experience…the best moments come when the group join forces for stirring harmonies,” claims The Washington Post.
Achieving dreams and world recognition
The Blind Boys’ career spans over 75 years (Courtesy Photo)
The Blind Boys’ music has not only endured, but thrived during seven decades of world events and is recognized worldwide as living legends and modern-day innovators.
Band members Jimmy “Jimster” Carter, Ricky McKinnie, Paul Beasley, Rev. Julius Love, newest addition Sterling Glass, and led by Music Director and lead guitarist Joey Williams helped create a new gospel sound for the 21st century.
Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) with Lifetime Achievement Awards, and inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Blind Boys of Alabama are also winners of fiveGRAMMY® Awards.
Tickets for The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show are $60, $45 and $30 at scmcgr.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
Support local businesses by shopping small on Small Business Saturday (Courtesy, SBA)
By SBA, Geri Sanchez Aglipay and Laketa Henderson
Michigan’s 14th annual Small Business Saturday is just around the corner (Courtesy, SBA)
Make big moves in Michigan! Shop and dine small at local independent businesses for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 and through the holiday season.
Saturdays are often set aside for errands such as haircuts, gift shops, or to pick up supplies for a DIY home project. Making fun memories with family and friends at corner coffee shops or local restaurants, grocery stocking at the neighborhood grocer or a Michigan farmer’s market, and self-care fitness time are also popular Saturday activities.
More often than not, consumers go to small independent retailers that provide these goods and services.
The value of small businesses
Nov. 25 is the 14th annual Small Business Saturday. Droves of American consumers will shop small or dine small in support of small businesses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is proud to be a co-sponsor of Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010.
Small businesses are economic engines, creating two-thirds of net new jobs. In Michigan, 537,058 small businesses employ 1.2 million people. Small Business Saturday advances equity by leveling the field so that small businesses capture a larger piece of the holiday season consumer spending.
“The United States has experienced a historic small business boom being led by women and people of color at a rate 65% faster than the pre-pandemic average,” says SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator Geri Aglipay. “By shopping small, we help create and preserve jobs which expands opportunities for inclusive prosperity and generational wealth building in communities.”
Shopping small online is also encouraged. E-commerce is a priority of SBA Administrator Guzman because it helps make small businesses competitive across global markets.
A catalyst for growth
The SBA Great Lakes Regional Office and the SBA Michigan District Office are thrilled to promote Small Business Saturday!
Independent businesses are a catalyst for community growth (Courtesy, SBA)
“Everybody should know that independent stores and dining venues are pillars of our communities,” said Laketa Henderson, SBA Michigan District Director. “Small Business Saturday is a day to show appreciation for the unique character of these businesses across the diverse communities in Michigan, from Motor City and Grand Rapids to the UP. They’re a catalyst for neighborhood growth.”
Season tickets for the Circle Theatre 2024 productions are now on sale (Courtesy, Circle Theatre)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Circle Theatre in Grand Rapids celebrates 2024 with their 71st season of Main Stage productions and Summer Concert Series.
Dedicated to enriching the quality of life in West Michigan, Circle Theatre uses an intimate setting and exceptional theatrical arts to educate and entertain.
(Courtesy, Circle Theatre)
The only community theatre in West Michigan specializing in summer theatre, the Theatre allows community performers of all ages to hone their craft. The Theatre also provides employment for directors, choreographers, musicians, designers and technicians.
Circle Theatre boasts more than 300 loyal volunteers and employs approximately 127 local independent contractors annually. Circle also provides nine paid internships to college students, three college scholarships, and arts scholarships to children grades PreK-8 each year. An Environmental Leadership contest for ages 6-14 is also available.
How it all began
Grand Rapids Community Summer Theatre, also known as Circle at the Rowe, was founded in 1952 by Norma Brink, Ted Brink and Sydney Spayde. Its first season was held in 1953.
The Rowe Hotel housed the Theatre for eight years. Due to the shape of the rented room, the play performance area was arena-style with the audience seated around the actors.
Over the years, Circle moved to various other locations, finally finding a home at the Pavilion in John Ball Park for 40 years. Growing audiences and a need for more technically adequate facilities, Circle Theatre searched for a new home and found a partnership with Catholic Secondary Schools and Aquinas College, opening of a new Performing Arts Center at the College in 2003.
Purchasing tickets
Tickets for the 2024 season can be purchased online at circletheatre.org, the box office at 616-456-6656, or in person at the box office (1703 Robinson Road SE, Grand Rapids).
WUW will be the kickoff event to a donation drive that runs throughout the month of December. Attendees are asked to donate new, warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots. The collected items will be donated to Wyoming area schools.
Meeting a need through change
“This is a reimagining of Wyoming Gives Back, [with] some of the same elements that were there previously,” said Martin, adding that the most noticeable variation is the giving element.
Previously, donations consisted of toys that were then given to the Salvation Army. Martin said the City is still accepting toy donations internally, with drop-off sites located at all City buildings.
After talking with school partners and other community members, however, a greater need was revealed.
“What a lot of the schools need more than anything are coats, hats and boots for their students,” said Martin. “Things that go well beyond the holidays into the colder months.”
What to expect at WUW
(Courtesy, Wyoming Parks & Rec)
The WUW event will feature musical acts from Godwin Heights High School Percussionists and Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, and several crafts.
Several holiday displays will highlight different holiday traditions reflected in the Wyoming community.
Wyoming Public Safety will be in attendance with their vehicles for a Touch-A-Truck opportunity, and attendees can look forward to a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus – and live reindeer from GG Reindeer Farm.
“We are going to utilize the whole space,” said Martin of WSC. “Most of the crafts and musical performances will take place inside, but we’ll have a staging area set up outside with the reindeer. It will be a good opportunity for kids and families.”
A community effort
The Parks & Rec Department is working with several local organizations to ensure WUW is a success – and to also provide a unique opportunity for a certain group of community members.
Empower U, a Kent ISD program for individuals with special needs who have aged out of the K-12 system, provides specialized instruction, employment opportunities and independent living skills.
“They have been coming and doing some volunteer work at the senior center, providing them with job training,” said Martin. “After the event, they are going to come and go through all of the warm items and sort things for us so they are ready for us to take out to the schools.”
Let the festivities begin!
Lend a hand, give back, and ring in the holiday season at WUW (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
WUW is open to everyone to attend, so come join in the spirit of giving and fun festivities.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, WUW donation bins are available at City Hall now through the month of December.
“This event is a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season and spend quality time with friends and family,” said Martin. “It’s the perfect opportunity to talk to your little ones about the importance of lending a hand and giving back to your community.
“We hope to create a fresh, even newer holiday tradition for everyone in Wyoming.”
For more information about Wrap Up Wyoming, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation team at 616-530-3164, parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or www.wyomingmi.gov.
With over 1,200 submissions in 2022, Michigan’s statewide short story contest is already garnering new writers and seeing submissions from veteran entrants.
Open to Michigan residents of all ages, the Write Michigan (WMI) competition is accepting submissions through Nov. 30.
Author Joel Armstrong, and a WMI judge of the Adult English category, encourages all those with a love of writing to enter the contest.
“The beautiful side of [writing] is your story can affect people differently,” said Armstrong. “There could be people who are not drawn to the other stories, but really resonate with yours.
“That’s the really cool thing about putting your stories out there. Someone is going to read it and respond to it, they are going to be thinking about it, and that’s the whole point.”
The power of perspective
A publishing house content editor and product developer, Armstrong has written multiple novels, published short stories in science fiction and fantasy magazines, and has entered short stories in WMI for the last few years.
The written word draws people in different ways (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Armstrong said he has been writing since he was young.
“It’s always been what I’ve wanted to do,” said Armstrong, adding that the draw of the written word is “the ability to see different perspectives and worlds. I’ve personally always read fantasy and science fiction, partly because I want to get outside of my own perspective.
“I think it’s really the power of really putting yourself into someone else’s shoes, seeing the world from their perspective, and just understanding how different people’s lived experience can be.”
Wodehouse, Dante, and Shakespeare – oh my!
First time WMI entrant and Grand Rapids resident, Joshua Boers, said he entered the contest because he was looking for a new writing project, and “the contest will keep us accountable to actually finish a story.”
Boers likened his fantasy/humor/historical fiction submission as “P.G. Wodehouse meets Dante’s Inferno.”
Experimenting with different forms of writing can lead to great things (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I was reflecting one day that Wodehouse’s stories are so relaxing because his characters are all obsessed with pointless, low stakes things, and I wondered what would happen if you gave a Wodehouse story the highest possible stakes,” said Boers.
Boers admits that he likes making people laugh, which has been the primary goal of his stories to date. Experimenting with tone and voice also intrigue the publishing editorial assistant.
That particular urge is satisfied by writing Shakespearean sonnets based on random Wikipedia articles once a week with his wife and cousin.
Taken hostage by voices
Frankfort resident, Maggie Roberts VanHaften, will be entering WMI for the second time this year.
“I enter to get used to putting my work out for review and judging by people I do not know,” said VanHaften. “It is important to be comfortable with the fact that the judges may not be drawn to my style. Also, because I write from my heart, it is important for me not to take rejections personally.”
Creativity from the heart can inspire others (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
And writing from the heart is what drives VanHaften to put pen to paper as she gives voice to others who are unable to find words to express their stories.
“Many of my short stories are about people who have faced challenges and found a way through them,” said VanHaften.
“I write because I have to,” VanHaften continued. “I don’t have a choice, really. My stories generally come to me as my head hits the pillow, with a voice saying ‘write my story,’ and I can’t rest until I get it written down.”
VanHaften admitted that she has tried to give up writing at times, feeling she “wasn’t any good.” But “the hiatus has never lasted long. I just need to do it.”
Addicted to creativity
Full-time writer and artist, Mary Jane Pories of Grand Rapids, says she enters writing contests because it is one more way for her to get her writing out into the world and receive feedback.
The creative process is an opportunity to learn and grow (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Reading the work of contest winners also helps Pories “gain insights into how to craft my work and discover what stories/poems are moving readers.”
Though Pories hasn’t yet decided on her WMI submission genre, she says her works usually fall among the literary fiction, bildungsroman, or realistic fiction/creative nonfiction categories.
“Mostly, I write because I am addicted to the creative process because when I create, I learn things about myself and my world,” said Pories. “At the very least, the process raises more questions and increases my empathy for others.”
But Pories admits that her connection with writing often borders on a love/hate relationship.
“It can be hard and confusing at times,” said Pories. “But when a piece works, or surprises me, or makes a reader laugh, cry, or discover something about themselves or the world, writing can be immensely gratifying.”
Understanding chaos through stories
Teacher and previous WMI Reader’s Choice Award recipient, Marcie Woods, has entered the WMI contest every year since its inception in 2012.
The written word can be cathartic (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I took advantage of it to teach a short story unit with my accelerated middle school class,” said Woods. “And I believe in writing along with my students, so I wrote one, too.”
Woods said she loved reading student writing, especially student narratives, as a teacher.
“They are honest in their writing,” said Woods. “They pour out their souls on paper, and that is an awesome responsibility to read and to comment on.
“I myself love to write to help understand the chaos of my thoughts, to organize my life, and to tell myself stories.”
Winning the WMI Reader’s Choice Award, Woods said, was a boost to her spirits, but the real honor was knowing that “no one, without showing a good deal of quality and talent, can get into the semi-finals. [It was] sort of vindication of my right to teach writing.”
A WMI judge of Youth and Teen categories, Woods will judge in the Adult category this year as well.
The magic in our own backyard
Judging WMI contest submissions has been interesting and challenging for Armstrong, who currently works with non-fiction pieces every day. But Armstrong says he enjoys the contrast in genres.
“Fiction can be more subjective,” said Armstrong. “It’s more about how the story hits you emotionally. It’s an interesting change of pace from my normal work.”
The community aspect of the WMI contest and its submissions is why Armstrong looks forward to participating as a judge.
“Paying attention to what’s happening locally, and thinking about the writing that is happening in my own ‘backyard,’ is very exciting to me,” said Armstrong. “A lot of the writing is Michigan-specific, and it shows up in a lot of different ways. It’s interesting how location shows up for different writers, and what about Michigan they want to highlight.”
Believing the experience
Though there is a rubric for judging based on certain themes – such as character, themes and passion – Armstrong says for him, it’s all about believability.
Human connection is a large part of believability in writing (Courtesy Photo)
“Do I understand why the characters are doing what they are doing, do I understand their feelings…do I have that human-to-human connection with the people in the story?” said Armstrong. “And even if I don’t share their experience in the story – if I haven’t had what happened to them, happen to me – if I feel like I can experience it along with the characters, that’s often what I find most important in the story.
“That’s what is going to keep me reading and interested.”
To find out more about the WMI contest, or for guidelines on submissions, visit Write Michigan. The deadline for all submissions is Nov. 30.
In Gabon, like many places around the world, sometimes the personal note inside the shoebox gift is the most appreciated (Courtesy, OCC)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
More than 4,500 locations will open to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 13–20.
A Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts—filled with school supplies, personal care items and fun toys—to children worldwide since 1993. In 2023, OCC hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children.
Kristeana Veenstra, OCC Area Coordinator for the West Central Michigan Team, and her husband Tracey have been packing shoeboxes for the past 15 years.
A life-changing impact
Tracey (left) and Kristeana Veenstra have packed shoeboxes for children for 15 years (Courtesy, Veenstra)
After hearing an announcement at church, Veenstra packed three shoeboxes that first year in 2008.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Veenstra. “We don’t have kids, but we love kids, so it was fun shopping, picking stuff out. Even if it’s practical, [I thought] how can I make the school supplies fun.”
In April 2009, Veenstra received a letter and picture from the mother of the little girl who received the very first shoebox Kristeana and Tracey packed.
“The mom was so thankful and appreciative that now her daughter has someone who cares about her in America,” said Veenstra. “[She] invited us to come visit in Burkina Faso (West Africa). It really made an impact.”
Such an impact that Veenstra started taking up more of a role alongside the OCC team leader at the time. Eventually, Veenstra found herself stepping into that leadership role.
Christmas…all year long
“Five years in, I found out there were year-round volunteers and I got super excited,” said Veenstra.
Sheer gratitude exudes from this boy’s face after receiving a shoebox gift in Antigua (Courtesy, OCC)
Part of the year-round team for the past 10 years, Veenstra has served as area coordinator for the last three years. With over 300 participating churches in West Michigan, that is no small feat.
“We help guide churches and businesses [through the process],” said Veenstra. “We love to come alongside the project leaders of those churches and make sure they feel supported and have all the resources they need.”
With 11 drop-off sites for shoeboxes in West Michigan, Veenstra strives to recruit even more sites.
“Sometimes we will discover a need in an area that doesn’t have one, so we will start looking for churches to see if we can recruit a new church that might be interested in being a drop-off,” said Veenstra.
Anyone can pack a shoebox!
Individuals, families, and groups still have time to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
“Children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
Veenstra added, “There is a part that anybody can play. There are so many different things and ways you can be a part of this ministry, that anybody can be part of it.”
The passion behind the shoebox
Kristeana’s team consists of 19 additional team members.
“My team is amazing, they are rockstars,” said Veenstra. “It is a passion of theirs to see kids who have maybe never received a gift, receive a gift, and to spread the love and joy that comes with them. You can really see the passion in them for this ministry.”
Veenstra and her team with Bonny (center) who received a shoebox as a child (Courtesy, Veenstra)
Veenstra remembers a woman who called her local location on the last day of drop-off to see if they would be willing to stay open late so she could deliver her packed shoebox.
“She took way longer to get there than they had expected,” said Veenstra. “It turns out, she had walked seven miles to get this shoebox dropped off because it was that important to her.”
Another project leader continued to lead shoebox packing on her own during COVID. Even though her church had shut down, the leader managed to collect over 300 boxes.
A year-long volunteer and project leader organizes a packing party each year.
“People tell me that they [help] because she has found a way to give them a purpose,” said Veenstra. “It gave them a sense of purpose they didn’t know they had.”
Responses from around the world
While it is rare to get a written letter back from a shoebox recipient because of the high postal cost in some areas, Veenstra said one volunteer’s daughter has email pen pals from all over the world.
“She has grown up doing this with her mom, so she has friends all over the world that she has gotten to know because they have received a shoebox that she packed,” said Veenstra.
After meeting with shoebox recipients in person, Veenstra says, “If that opportunity ever arises, I would tell somebody to drop everything and do it, because it will change your perspective on not just packing shoeboxes, but in so many things.”
“Love” notes
Veenstra said that receiving a shoebox reminds the recipient of Jesus’ love, and shows the recipient that someone else in the world is caring and loving as well.
Desire (crouching, center) received a shoebox as a child (Courtesy, Veenstra)
One gentleman received a shoebox containing a note that said: “Jesus loves you, and so do I.”
As a refugee, that man grew up believing and feeling that everyone hated him.
“They had no home, and he grew up with a lot of hate in his heart,” said Veenstra. “He received this shoebox, and he questioned whether or not his hate was justified because clearly not all people were bad.
“Notes are so incredibly important in shoeboxes because it creates that extra impact and connection.”
However, shoeboxes can be dropped off at any of the shoebox drop-off locations.
Participants can find the nearest drop-off locationand hours of operation with the online lookup tool that is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off.
“I don’t think people really realize that such a small shoebox can make such a huge impact,” said Veenstra. “This is such an amazing ministry, and I love being part of it.”
Let’s crush that goal!
A trio of girls in Mongolia rejoices over their shoebox gifts (Courtesy, OCC)
Since 1993, OCC has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
West Michigan packed 33,346 shoeboxes in 2022. Veenstra and her team have a goal of collecting 35,500 shoeboxes for 2023.
“We would love to completely crush that goal,” said Veenstra. “There are millions more children to get shoeboxes to.”
The KDL millage offers a lower rate and immediate savings (Courtesy, KDL)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
On Nov. 7, Kent County residents in the Kent District Library service area will be asked to consider renewing the millage that funds its operations for another 15 years.
A lower millage rate and immediate savings
KDL works to save residents money while offering a variety of programs and services (Courtesy, KDL)
KDL is asking voters to consider a new, lower rate of 1.1 mills, which reflects a reduction of 10.9% off KDL’s current millage rate of 1.2355 mills. Taxpayers will see immediate savings as the KDL Board has committed to lowering the millage rate effective Jan. 1, 2024.
“Kent District Library is able to lower its millage because we are part of a thriving and growing community where new taxable real estate has produced more revenue,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner.
“As good stewards of your tax dollars, we can reduce the millage while still continuing offer our current slate of programs and services,” Werner continued. “The reduced rate will allow us to add new materials, programs, events and services as we have always done.
“If voters reject the millage, though, we would be forced to close our doors since the majority of our funding – approximately 90% – comes from millage dollars.”
How the millage will help KDL serve you
KDL serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs and a host of patron-focused services, from in-branch printer/Wi-Fi access and loanable mobile hot spots to early literacy initiatives and an extensive collection of talking books and Braille resources.
KDL is a multi-award-winning public library service (Courtesy, KDL)
If approved, the millage will generate $26.6 million in its first year, which will cover the expense of physical and digital collections, employees, programs and events, tech tutoring and other library services, rent and other expenses. The new millage will expire Dec. 31, 2039.
If approved, the lower millage will save taxpayers $3.1 million annually or $46.5 million over its life. With the new lower rate, the average homeowner in the KDL service area will pay $145.75 annually for access to library services – or $2.80 per week, less than the cost of most cups of coffee.
How KDL helps you save
KDL exists to further all people and is an open and welcoming hub for everyone. Last year, the award-winning library system logged more than 2.1 million interactions with patrons, including branch visits, event participation and virtual program attendance. KDL has nearly 140,000 patrons, adding 20,395 new card holders last year.
KDL Millage (Courtesy, KDL)
In 2022, KDL saved individual library users an average of $1,348 in value for physical and digital items they would otherwise have had to purchase. During that same period, library users saved $85.2 million by checking out physical materials and digital items.
KDL’s collection is extensive, with more than 700,000 physical items and 15.6 million digital items. These include books, e-books, apps, magazines, movies, television programs, audio books, video courses, video games, music, online databases, research materials and at-home learning materials, as well as access to statewide materials and collections. In 2022, total circulation rose 6% to more than 7.1 million while computer and Wi-Fi usage grew 26%.
Known for its family-friendly programs, KDL offers more than 5,600 programs and outreach events each year. Baby/toddler/preschool story times, learning labs and craft classes, book clubs, concerts, and special activity and interest groups are all part of KDL’s outreach.
Program and outreach attendance grew more than 61% in 2022.
A leader among libraries
KDL employs 346 people and receives more than 4,000 hours annually from more than 500 volunteers. KDL is governed by a board of trustees who are appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners for four-year terms and represent various geographic regions of the county.
Recognized as a leader among libraries, KDL has won numerous awards and accolades for its collections, programs, services and team.
The fifth annual Veterans Breakfast will be held at the Wyoming Senior Center (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Community members are invited to honor all veterans at the event (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department is honored to host the fifth annual Veterans Breakfast set for 9 – 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Wyoming Senior Center (2380 DeHoop Ave SW).
Sergeant Katelynn Y. Morrison will be the keynote speaker for the event.
Morrison enlisted into the United States Army Reserve in 2012, transferred to Active Duty Army in 2017 and completed Initial Entry Training at Fort Leonard, MO. She first served as an Army Internment/Resettlement Specialist, at Camp Humphreys, South Korea then served as a Team Leader and as the NCOIC for the Control Center at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Most recently, Morrison joined the US Army Recruiting Command in 2022 and was assigned to the Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion, Wyoming Station.
“The City of Wyoming is committed and proud to recognize those who have served and continue to serve our country in the armed forces and protect our freedoms,” said Krashawn Martin, director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Wyoming. “Our Veterans Breakfast and Memorial Day ceremonies are tributes to that service and protection.”
All veterans will be honored for their service at the Veterans Breakfast (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Pre-registration by Nov. 2 is required for the event. Register by calling 616-530-3164 or stopping by the Parks & Recreation office in Wyoming City Hall (1155 28th Street SW). Registration is free for veterans; all others are $5.
A press conference will be held Nov. 1 in hopes of gaining additional information on 2022 homicide (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Wyoming Police Department
deborah@wktv.org
Wyoming Police detectives are seeking additional information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide that occurred on Nov. 1, 2022.
A press conference will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 at the Wyoming Police Department.
Wyoming Police Department detectives will provide updates and seek more information regarding Kane Coronado’s homicide along Indian Mounds Drive in 2022.
A representative from Silent Observer will also participate and provide information about a reward and how to submit tips anonymously.
KDL has offered the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program since 2015 (Courtesy, KDL)
By Kent District Library
deborah@wktv.org
Kent District Library (KDL) has offered the program 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten since 2015. This year, KDL is pleased provide a new and improved version with the same great outcomes.
The updated program introduces an online tracking option, includes a book with early literacy activities and features Michigan woodland animals.
Reading to children helps them learn early literacy skills (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
All children, infant to kindergarten, are encouraged to participate in this program designed to prepare kids for school. For every 100 books read, kids will earn an animal sticker for their tracking poster. When you reach 1,000 books, your child will be awarded a certificate of achievement and their very own book bag!
Repeating books, listening to audio books, paging through a board book, books read at storytime and reading books in any language all count toward the goal.
“Last year, we committed to creating new inspiration for this popular reading program to ensure that it would remain a fun, relevant and engaging way to encourage early literacy for this generation,” said Dawn Heerspink, Branch Librarian at the Byron Township Branch.
Completing the program is simple, Heerspink continued. “Start or continue reading at least one book a day with the child in your life and see how one book multiplies into many books, all helping that child learn the early literacy skills they need to grow into a reader who enjoys books.”
Stop in to any KDL branch to pick up a tracking and activity booklet for your child that includes a progress poster. Track your reading using the book, online at kdl.beanstack.org, or on the Beanstack app.
Learn more about 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten at kdl.org/1KB4K.
SNF’s Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its final round Oct. 29 with the final nine comedians (Brian B. SNF)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The original lineup of 91 comedians is now down to nine as the Sunday Night Funnies Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its final round Sunday, Oct. 29.
“We have a good mix of comedians performing in the finals this year,” says Brian B., MC and founder of the Sunday Night Funnies (SNF). “The Grand Rapids metro area is obviously represented, but we also have a comic from Niles, Michigan, one from Detroit – even one from Canada!
Sunday Night Funnies presents Kingpin of Comedy competition (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
The lineup is diverse too. Not only in terms of race, but age-range as well with comedians in their 20s up to sixty years old.”
Along with the nine competing comics, comedian Seth Lee – the 2022 Kingpin of Comedy winner – will close the show while votes are counted.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought that the eventual winner deserved a prize package worthy of the title Most Humorous Person In Town,” said Brian B. “The package includes prizes from local businesses including Craig’s Cruisers, LaughFest, Midtown GR, and from the host of the show Spectrum Entertainment Complex.
“The winner will also receive $500 cash, a tricked-out bowling pin trophy and a personalized Kingpin bowling shirt. The total prize package is valued close to $1,000.”
The SNF is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. A weekly live stand-up comedy performance, SNF features a variety of comics from Michigan and across the country.
SNF performances are a free admission shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. and performed at the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, 5656 Clyde Park SW, in Wyoming.
Processed medications will be transported to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility and incinerated (Courtesy Photo)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue by participating in the semiannual “Drug Take Back Day” event Oct. 28.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are designed to make communities safer and healthier by providing a way to turn in unneeded medications, removing them from potential harm. This reduces drug addiction, overdoses, overdose deaths, and drug-related violence.
Millions of Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Drug Take Back Day events are a joint effort between DEA, law enforcement, wastewater treatment facilities and government agencies to provide residents with safe, convenient access to proper medicine disposal.
“Medications collected in West Michigan are transported to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility, where they are incinerated,” the City of Wyoming website states.
In 2009, the City of Wyoming Clean Water Plant developed a new initiative called WyMeds designed to reduce the amount of medicinal waste from entering the wastewater system and our environment. The overwhelming success of this program led to its adoption by Kent County in 2010.
Now known as West Michigan Take Back Meds, the program serves the entire Kent County area as well as parts of Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan Counties.
Year Round Safe Medication Drop-Off
Drop off your unused medication all year round at one of these SafeMeds drop-off locations:
Wyoming Public Safety (2300 De Hoop Avenue) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CVS Pharmacy (5603 Byron Center SW) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances (No syringes, no inhalers) Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Meijer Pharmacy (5500 Clyde Park SW) Takes: Controlled and non-controlled substances (No syringes, no inhalers, no liquids) Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
“The Best Me Is Drug Free” writing contest is open to all West Michigan 7th-12th grade students (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Submissions for the writing contest will be accepted until Oct. 23 (Courtesy: pxhere.com)
“The Best Me Is Drug Free” is the theme for the student-led Teen CHARGE program’s writing contest currently underway – and that is still accepting submissions.
Wedgwood Christian Services’ Teen CHARGE program is celebrating Red Ribbon Week (RRW) with a writing contest that focuses on drug abuse awareness and living drug-free lives.
All 7th-12th grade West Michigan students are invited to submit an original written work to the contest. Submissions can be in the form of a poem, story, song, rap, essay or personal narrative that relates to the theme “The Best Me Is Drug Free.”
Submissions can be emailed to teencharge@wedgwood.org, and will be accepted until Oct. 23. Winners will win gift cards and will have the chance to have their piece published on the Teen CHARGE website if they so choose.
“Every year we try to do things to recognize Red Ribbon Week,” said Gina Boscarino, Wedgwood Christian Services Group Specialist. “I wanted to do something they would be excited about, and I have a lot of students who enjoy writing, specifically creative writing.”
Raising awareness, making a difference
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program (Courtesy: h9images, Freepik.com)
RRW is an annual, nationwide drug abuse awareness campaign that takes place during the last week of October. The campaign began after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was brutally murdered in 1985 by a Mexican drug cartel.
Camarena was known to say, “I’m only one person but I want to make a difference.”
The RRW celebration was created in 1988 by the National Family Partnership (NFP) to honor and acknowledge Camarena’s sacrifice by recognizing the harmful effects of drugs on our communities and making commitments to live a drug-free lifestyle.
Authentic and true
Boscarino says many of the written RRW submissions received to date have been “very powerful.”
Many students pledge to live drug-free lives during Red Ribbon Week (Courtesy: storyset, Freepik.com)
“Some of them are talking about why they are not going to do [drugs], or why they don’t feel the need to do drugs or alcohol,” said Boscarino. “And the other half is looking at it from the other perspective, showing the dangers of it [and] how a person loses themselves once they become addicted to something.”
“We are looking for [pieces] that are authentic and true,” Boscarino explained, adding that students do not have to have a personal experience with drugs in order to create a powerful and authentic written work.
Though this is the first year having a writing contest for RRW, Boscarino says they will definitely be doing it again.
“I think one of the great things about writing is that it is a confidence builder for a lot of people,” said Boscarino.
Blog submissions always welcome
Teen CHARGE promotes creativity and accepts blog submissions regularly (Courtesy: pxhere.com)
In fact, students interested in writing are encouraged to submit to the Teen CHARGE blog at any time.
“If kids are interested in writing, we are always taking submissions for the blog even if they’re not a specific Teen CHARGE brand representative,” said Boscarino. “We just really want to promote creativity and making healthy decisions.”
To find out more about Wedgwood Christian Services, visit wedgwood.org. To learn more about Teen CHARGE, visit teencharge.org.
A satellite view of Site 36 shows location of the forthcoming 36th Street Marketplace five-acre parcel of land (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
The City of Wyoming is making steady progress with plans regarding the forthcoming local marketplace at Site 36 Industrial Park.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Nicole Hofert, Wyoming’s Director of Community & Economic Development. “I think that we are going to be creating a really nice hub for families. Somewhere where they can feel safe and want to be.”
Formerly a General Motors stamping plant, Site 36 North is directly adjacent to the Godwin High School athletic field (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Site 36 Industrial Park is an 80-acre parcel of land with 75-acres on the south side of 36th Street, and an additional five acres on the north side.
The 36th Street Marketplace will be located on that five-acre parcel.
Formerly a General Motors stamping plant, the 75 acre parcel of Site 36 was sold to commercial real estate investment company Franklin and Partners (FP) with an agreement that FP would help Wyoming develop a community marketplace on the north side.
“What’s also fortunate about this property is that Godwin High School sits just across the street, and their athletic field sits directly adjacent to the site,” said Hofert.
Hofert went on to say that the City has acquired a parking agreement with the school that will benefit both school and marketplace events.
Marketplace planning sneak peek
The marketplace design incorporates a long rectangular building with a flexible layout that will allow for up to 24 vendors.
Farmers markets have become increasingly popular and offer more than just fresh produce (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“You could have a farmers market one day and then maybe an artisan market later in the week that requires a slightly different layout,” said Hofert.
Garage doors on all sides can be raised or lowered as needed, allowing the market to function year-round.
Programmable outdoor space is also included in the design.
A designated food truck parking area will allow food truck and other similar events to proceed even when the market isn’t in operation. A smaller outdoor space on the front of the market will allow for music events and other outdoor activities.
“We’ve had a tremendous team working on it,” said Hofert. “We’ve been very lucky with our internal partners as well as our external partners, and they were very thoughtful in a lot of their recommendations.”
Hofert went on to say that the City did a large amount of market research leading into the planning process. They also traveled to several farmers markets, which led to the rationale for the garage doors.
36th Street Marketplace planning has involved large amounts of research, including on-location visits to similar venues (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
With West Michigan’s variant weather, Hofert said the question was how the City could “bring something to the community that they can ultimately embrace, and is available to them 365 days out of the year and not just a limited 3-month window.”
Conversations with local entrepreneurs provided feedback on what would be helpful for vendors. The City also sought support and feedback from the Division Avenue Business Association.
“Hopefully we’ve designed something that’s reflective of their needs to really maximize the benefit of this,” said Hofert. “There are opportunities to expand beyond just fresh fruit or vegetable offerings, and we really wanted to make sure that we were providing for those opportunities.”
Once the marketplace is built, leadership of design and vendor needs will pass to Krashawn Martin, director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
A family and community hub
The City’s goal is to make the marketplace a venue where people want to spend time and that is accessible from every direction.
Families and other community members will be able to access the marketplace from multiple routes (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Marketplace planners hope that the south side of Site 36 develops quickly, creating a natural magnet that will draw people to the north side.
“It’s also an area of the community that still has a very tight grid system,” said Hofert. “We have a very walkable neighborhood surrounding it and we are hoping…it becomes part of the neighborhood’s aesthetic.”
The Silver Line runs along Division Avenue, creating broader access for neighborhoods. Site 36 and the Silver Line are only a quarter mile apart, allowing visitors to easily walk to the marketplace.
A reconfigured trail network will bring the non-motorized trail off of Buchanan to Site 36 and also around the site.
“Anyone using the trail is going to have to go through the marketplace,” said Hofert. “You now have families that can bike to the marketplace, get some fresh fruits, vegetables, some artisan goods, maybe a cup of coffee, and then head home.”
Timeline and extra perks
Farmers Market (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I am hopeful that we will be breaking ground late this year, into early next year,” said Hofert. “We’re finishing up due diligence. We have to complete a Brownfield Work Plan, and then obviously construction will have to begin.”
Hofert is remaining conservative in the City’s expectations on project completion, however, knowing that there are often delays in the current construction industry.
A generous grant will provide an extra marketplace perk once construction is complete.
The City plans to solicit a local artist to place public art that will honor the site for what it is.
Community renewal and healing
Hofert said the loss of the GM stamping plant was significant for Wyoming and greater Grand Rapids families who worked there.
“It was a tremendous loss to the area when that plant left,” said Hofert. “To be able to bring something to the community, that’s for the community and not just a development asset for a private company, is something that we at the City are really excited about.”
Self-Care Day, offered by The Healing Nest of Western Michigan, is intended to help cancer patients find rejuvenation of both mind and body (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Self-Care Day will offer alternative therapies by trained and certified volunteers (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
A day of renewal and pampering for women receiving cancer treatment will take place at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids on Friday, Oct.13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Offered by The Healing Nest of Western Michigan and with collaboration with Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, the free Self-Care Day event will include a variety of self-care opportunities. Massages, Healing Touch, Reiki, yoga, and meditation will be available options.
Attendees are welcome to join one or all of the relaxing offerings.
Benefits of self-care
Founded by Reiki Master Laurel Williamson, The Healing Nest is a group of volunteers with specialized training and certification in the above listed alternative therapies.
“People just need a lot of love when [they are] struggling with [cancer],” said Williamson. “You’re vulnerable, you’re scared, you don’t feel good, and you’re worried about the next test or the test results. It’s a constant strain mentally and emotionally. The things we are offering just help take you out of that space and into a place of relaxation, peace, and less anxiety.”
A partnership that was meant to be
Laurel Williamson hopes to continue offering self-care events in West Michigan (Courtesy, Laurel Williamson)
Williamson had grown up watching actress and comedian Gilda Radner with her mother and sisters and knew she had died from cancer.
“I’d heard of the organization that Gene Wilder put together in her honor and memory, and my son-in-law mentioned that I give them a call,” said Williamson.
Needing a place that would allow her to host The Healing Nest event, Williamson visited the renovated farmhouse accommodating Gilda’s Clubhouse (1806 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids).
“It’s an incredible place,” said Williamson. “It was taken down to the studs and [they] invited the community in and asked them if they would write their prayers and intentions on the studs before they put the drywall over. It’s just full of prayers and intentions for healing.
“You can feel the love in the building, you can feel the love on the grounds, and you know their doors are open for anyone affected by cancer in any possible way,” Williamson continued. “Their doors are open to anyone experiencing grief. I’m honored that they would like to work with us.”
Gilda’s Club provides a variety of free opportunities for local cancer patients (Courtesy Photo)
Director of Program Operations of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, Lindsay Jousma, said the Club’s desire is to provide a multitude of free service opportunities for local cancer patients.
“Cancer can take a toll on one’s emotional and physical wellbeing,” said Jousma. “By partnering with Laurel and the volunteers at The Healing Nest of Western Michigan for Self-Care Day, we hope to give women living with cancer a special day to care for themselves and their emotional wellbeing.”
How to help someone who is struggling
Williamson said that simply giving a cancer patient a ride to the event is helpful.
“If they were feeling sick from the effects of the chemotherapy…it [takes] a lot for them just to get up and put lipstick on that day,” said Williamson.
She continued to say that help and encouragement can become a matter of “just holding space for them with this pure intention of nothing more than love and helping them.”
Slowing down mental chatter, unwinding the nervous system
Self Care Day is intended to provide relaxing, peaceful effects of slowing down mental chatter, breathing deeply, and allowing the nervous system to unwind.
Reiki, one of the event offerings, is intended to help slow mental chatter (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Yoga and meditation and Reiki and healing touch all kind of go about it in the same way,” said Williamson of the event’s offerings. “And that is to bring all of the mental chatter to a place of stillness. It’s slowing everything down so that person can be inside their body for a moment, feel their heart beat, and concentrate.
“As a volunteer at The Healing Nest of Mid-Michigan, I saw how its healing resources can rejuvenate a person’s mental outlook,” Williamson continued. “That’s the idea of The Healing Nest, to bring people in and allow them to take that deep breath, sigh, and just be. Now, local women living with cancer have a peaceful place where they can visit and receive free services that target their mind, body and spirit.”
Looking ahead
The Healing Nest is looking for local volunteers (Courtesy Photo)
It is Williamson’s intention to host self-care events regularly. Many of her volunteers, however, travel from the east side of the state to help put on the events.
Because of this, Williamson said they will begin by offering self-care days quarterly.
“I would love to offer it much more often, so I am open to local volunteers,” said Williamson, explaining that volunteers would need to be licensed or certified in their field.
Register for Self-Care Day services
Slots for services are still available for Self-Care Day. Interested participants can register by contacting The Healing Nest by phone: 248-762-2883, or email: laurel@healingnestwest.com.
