Kent County Land for planned Sustainable Business Park, aerial shot that includes the property adjacent to the landfill, with the landfill in the background. (Supplied/Kent County)
Kent County’s efforts to reduce use of landfills has gained a big vote of support — in the form of a $4 million state allocation — as the county’s Department of Public Works announced this week that its Sustainable Business Park plans will now have initial funding for infrastructure improvements.
The Sustainable Business Park, planned for 250 acres adjacent to the South Kent Landfill in Byron Center, will be built on land that was initially purchased by Kent County to create a new landfill for Kent and Allegan counties. The goal of the park plan is to attract businesses which will lessen landfill use by diverting waste streams.
Trash being dumped at the Kent County landfill. (Supplied/Kent County)
The state funding will go toward infrastructure improvements on the site such as utilities, roads and stormwater to prepare it for initial tenants. The first phase of infrastructure development is estimated to cost $19 million, according to the county.
“The state investment in this important project will vastly reduce Kent County’s landfill usage and contribute to a circular economy, ,” Baas said in supplied material. “Landfills are not the legacy anyone wants to leave for future generations and this investment is an acknowledgement that we’re on the right path toward a more sustainable future.”
The $4 million coming to Kent County is an appropriation in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) budget. The Michigan Legislature approved a $69.9 billion fiscal year 2022 state budget last week.
“We want to thank our elected leaders,” Baas said, “including state Reps. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, and Bryan Posthumus, R-Cannon Township, and state Sens. Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, and Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, for their support of this project and moving us closer to our landfill diversion goals.”
Approved in 2018, the Sustainable Business Park Master Plan lays out a vision for transitioning away from landfilling waste in favor of placing value on components of the waste as feedstock for new products or fuel sources, according to the county announcement.
The Master Plan calls for an anchor tenant that will receive the mixed waste currently going to the landfill and separate it for secondary and tertiary tenants to utilize. The state funding will lay the foundation for additional private investment in the entire park.
For the Michigan Nov. 2 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here. For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
The office of the Mayor of Kentwood is voted upon by all of the City of Kentwood.
The non-partisan candidates are incumbent Mayor Stephen Kepley and current Ward 1 Commissioner Emily Bridson.
Stephen Kepley – Incumbent
Occupation: Kentwood Mayor
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I’m called to serve my community. I am also the experienced candidate with 8 years as Mayor and 10 years as the Director of Engineering and Inspections. I know the intrinsic details of how the city operates and can continue to lead Kentwood to a bright future.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Public Safety is job 1 — The city’s main function is to protect people and property and thus I am not for defunding police. Kentwood is in need to increase our police and fire staff to serve a growing population.
Business and employment will always be high on my initiative list. I will continue to support businesses and local job creation. Kentwood will remain open for business under my administration.
A unified community having a high quality of life is very important to me and our community. I have spent many of my days building relationships and uniting people together. I will continue to use this office to improve the quality of life for our residents and build bridges through bonds of love and understanding to keep Kentwood a unified and strong community.
Emily Bridson — Candidate
Occupation: I resigned from my full-time job as an Operations Manager for Republic Services in December to best run for mayor. My current job is campaigning for Kentwood Mayor, and my part-time job is for Spectrum Health as a Patient Services Representative.
Why did you decide to run for this position?
My concern for my community drove me to attend my first Kentwood City Commission meeting in 2014. I stood up during the general comments as a resident to inquire about the level of crime occurring in my neighborhood. My attendance became regular, and I became a vocal and engaged participant. This led to my appointment on Parks and Recreation and the Planning commissions. After further educating myself on how local government works and accumulating a “to-do” list of the changes I wanted to see, I decided to put my knowledge and passion to work for the people of Kentwood by running to become a City Commissioner. I realized that I needed to be part of the change that I wanted to see in our community. Now, after serving as a City Commissioner, I am ready to continue my passion and work for the people of Kentwood as your next mayor. I would be honored to earn your vote for Mayor of Kentwood to ensure we have safe neighborhoods, recycling, trails, and the support small businesses need to build a thriving, vibrant community for all.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Public safety: Crime rates have been soaring over the last five years, and our community members deserve to feel safe in their homes. I am committed to working with public safety officials to reverse violent crimes and car break-ins. My relationship with our public safety officials is strong, which is why I am proudly endorsed by Kentwood Professional Firefighter’s L3174, and I look forward to continuing to grow such relations within our community between safety officials and residents to ensure a strong and safe Kentwood.
Sustainability: Kentwood residents have shared with me that they would like to see recycling services, trails, and green spaces. Ensuring access to clean drinking water and preserving our natural resources for our children and generations to come will also be central to my work as your mayor. I value the voices and needs within our community, and I will work to ensure that your needs are met by Kentwood becoming an environmental and sustainability leader.
Supporting small businesses and growing our local economy: Small businesses and entrepreneurs play crucial roles in Kentwood’s economy and culture. It is up to us to ensure they have the needed resources to survive the current climate and bounce back as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic. As your mayor, I will support local businesses throughout this time and beyond to allow Kentwood to be a place that entrepreneurs and employers seek out and strengthen our economy.
“Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls.”
Nanette L. Avery
City Commission At-large seat
The City of Kentwood Commissioner At-Large, which is one of two commissioners at-large, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood. The non-partisan candidates are incumbent Commissioner Betsy Artz and candidate Leonica Riley Erwin. Go here for the story.
City Commission Ward 1
The City of Kentwood Ward 1, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 1-9, roughly the southwest areas of the city. The non-partisan candidates for the open Ward 1 seat are Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson. This is the seat currently held by Commissioner Emily Bridson, who is running for mayor. Go here for the story.
City Commission Ward 2
The City of Kentwood Ward 2, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. The non-partisan candidates, the top two vote-getters in an August primary for the position, are Jessica Ann Tyson andDan VanderMolen. This is the seat currently held by Commissioner Tom McKelvey. Go here for the story.
(Not-so) Fun fact:
12.5 percent
In the November 2020 election, 70.9 percent of white voters cast ballots compared with only 58.4 percent of nonwhite voters. Source.
The Kentwood and West Michigan community, both those involved in and those who support the city’s Adaptive Recreation Programs, turned out as the city’s Parks and Recreation Department put on its “The Vibe” event recently.
The annual celebration and fundraiser, held Sept. 16 at the city’s Kent District Library branch, was a night of inspiration — especially the story of guest speaker Brad Dion — as well as a chance to mix with like-minded people supporting the goals and continuation of local adaptive recreation programs such as waterskiing and indoor rock climbing.
(WKTV informational videos on the various programs, produced with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department for TheVibe event, are linked at the bottom of this story.)
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department team supporting the Adaptive Recreation at September’s The Vibe event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Adaptive Recreation Program coordinator Ann Przybysz talked to WKTV at the event about the importance and uniqueness of the program — “The program serves those typically underserved in other recreation programs. We appreciate offering very inclusive programs.”
However, the highlight of the event, other than the money raised for a special need for the adaptive recreation water skiing program, was clearly Dion talking about his life, his efforts to overcome disability, and his passion for helping others to overcome — to thrive — however disabled.
“I like to call it a different ability,” Dion told the gathering from his wheelchair. “I don’t know what the future will hold, but I do know I will continue to be involved with these programs. Continue to teach wheelchair tennis to Kentwood parks and rec kids. To be involved.”
(See his complete talk, recorded by WKTV, above. And you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.)
Dion, a longtime Grand Rapids resident and East Kentwood High School graduate, shared his life experiences of living with cerebral palsy, accomplishing goals and giving back to his community.
As a wheelchair athlete, Dion enjoys competing in wheelchair tennis. He also loves to mentor and coach wheelchair sports to kids with disabilities. While he spends his days inside the classroom teaching fifth- and sixth-grade general education as well as supporting special education. He has learned to use his life story, living with a “different ability,” to show others that “the sky’s truly the limit when it comes to what someone can do if they set their mind to it.”
Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward purchasing new jet skis for Kentwood’s adaptive water ski program — essential safety equipment as staff must be able to get to participants very quickly if necessary. The program includes various adaptive water ski clinics offered by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with community partners.
Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator Katelyn Bush and one of her Adaptive Recreation participants at September’s The Vibe event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming, according to supplied material, and does so in partnership with community partners such as Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers.
Adaptive programs available include archery, bike club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and water skiing, along with dances and other social events.
Open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond, the programs enable participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.
For the Michigan Nov. 2 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here. For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
The City of Kentwood Ward 2, which has two commissioners, includes voting Precincts 10-18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. For a precinct and ward map, click here.
The non-partisan candidates, the top two vote-getters in an August primary for the position, are Jessica Ann Tyson andDan VanderMolen. This is the seat currently held by Commissioner Tom McKelvey.
Note: Candidate VanderMolen chose not to record a new general election We The People video but instead use his video from the primary election.
Jessica Ann Tyson — Candidate
Occupation: Business owner of The Candied Yam — Delightful Southern Cuisine; JA PR Group, LLC; Pink Lounge Dry Salt Therapy
Why did you decide to run for this position?
As a long time Kentwood resident and business owner, I want to continue and expand my volunteer service to the community I love, work and live in. There are many opportunities for continued growth. This is why it is of the utmost importance that we elect qualified, caring servant leadership. I am active in our community. With the full support of my family, I know that I am the right person to represent for such a time as this.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Involved leadership — If you serve the community you must be genuinely and authenticity involved. You only know what the community needs if you show up. Lack of involved leadership will only cause further disconnect. Our community is changing and deserves elected leadership involvement.
The community of Kentwood is facing space deficits. From crisis with housing to available land for zoning uses, the right leadership can support with expertise and knowledge. The city needs elected servants that are good listeners and appreciate input from constituents. The elected official need to serve by being active and forward thinkers in utilization and creation of spaces available that will make sense for our community and generations to come.
Kentwood has been granted several millions of dollars. It has to be used judiciously. However the funds are spent, those elected need to make sure that there is no legacy cost and minimum taxation to the residence. Vote Tyson to work for YOU November 2.
Dan VanderMolen — Candidate
Occupation: Project Coordinator at First Steps Kent
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I’m running for this position because I believe that the residents of Kentwood want a solutions-focused government that works for them, with them, to tackle the important issues facing the city. Kentwood has an incredible opportunity right now to establish a future of long term growth and development, and for that to happen we need to leverage all of our available resources and create intentional, strategic partnerships with the amazing people and organizations in our area. I have made community collaboration the focus of my career over the past ten years and know for a fact that If we work cooperatively we can create a thriving city that works for everyone. However, we’ll only be able to accomplish that if we pledge to focus on what brings us together, not what tears us apart.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
Affordable Housing: It’s no secret that Kent County currently suffers from an affordable housing crisis which extends to the community of Kentwood. Far too often our residents are faced with the difficult decision of whether to pay their rent or mortgage, or spend money on basic needs. As housing costs continue to climb, pricing many people out of the market, it is imperative that we provide effective measures to help people find safe, attainable housing no matter what the budget.
High quality, affordable child care: The Covid-19 pandemic illuminated a number of things about our world, one of which is just how important access to child care is to the health of our families, our community, and our economy. To address this crisis, we need to tackle it on two fronts: Lower costs for families and higher wages for providers. The only way to accomplish that is through targeted financial investment at the local, state, and federal levels.
Broadband internet: Another issue that became abundantly clear over the past year and a half is that not everyone in our community has equal access to the broadband internet services absolutely necessary to support remote learning and work. By working with local tech companies and internet providers we can develop the much needed infrastructure required to assure that nobody in Kentwood is ever left behind again.
East Kentwood High School head coach Anthony Kimbrough, shown at practice with his Falcons team, talks about the good and bad of a tough early-season schedule. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The 2021 high school football season did not start the way East Kentwood High School head coach Anthony Kimbrough and his Falcons team expected — going 0-4 as the team prepared this week to host Holland West Ottawa in a OK Conference Red game.
The Falcons did have a brutal early season schedule, by choice and by chance, with a home loss to state power Muskegon followed by road losses at another state power in Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice and then at Rockford (4-0), before falling to Caledonia (4-0) on Sept. 17, the last two in OK Conference Red action.
Rockford is No. 1 in Division 1 the first AP state football rankings. Caledonia is #3 in Division 2, Brother Rice No. 1 in Division 3, and Muskegon (3-1) is— everyone knows — always ranked by year’s end.
“We are just trying to improve every day: basic fundamentals, little things,” Coach Kimbrough said to WKTV this week. “We went into the season knowing our first three opponents were big-time programs … but we are tying to stay positive … just getting the kids to believe in themselves. We are working hard and hopefully it will pay off this Friday.”
And about that brutal season-opening schedule?
East Kentwood football senior Jakeilon Heard (33) awaits his turn at a Falcons practice. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“It is a combination of some people just don’t want to play us, so you are stuck playing the Muskegons and the Brother Rices of the world,” Kimbrough said. “But I do want our kids to understand that if you are going to win a state championship, you are going to have to beat those types of programs.
“It was a challenge going in. … (But) I never imagined us going 0-4. It’s been tough. But I have to give credit to our players and our coaches, they’ve stayed positive. We have a long season ahead and we have five games to get better.”
This week’s game, starting at 7 p.m., is not only this week’s WKTV Featured Game of the Week, with cable television and on-demand replays available, but will also be East Kentwood’s Homecoming Game.
Leaning on senior leaders
Coach Kimbrough said despite the rough beginning to the season, parts of the Falcon machine and several players are performing well on the field.
East Kentwood head football coach Anthony Kimbrough likes the positive attitude of his seniors, despite an 0-4 start to the season, including senior Bobby Durr (68) pumping up teammates as they start a practice. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“I got to start with (senior) Jeffery Perry, our running back. He probably had his best game of the year against Caledonia. He rushed for 93 yards. He ran hard,” Kimbrough said. “And we have offensive linemen that have really played well. Bobby Durr, he’s a senior. He’s stayed positive and he’s a captain on the team.”
“My quarterback (Casey Joppie). He’s a sophomore. He’s taken some licks and got back up. He’s very coachable … very proud of him. And there has been guys on the defensive side who have played well — I could name a bunch.”
And coach also credits many of his seniors, playing or not, as helping to keep the team focused on the past and future winning ways of East Kentwood.
“Jalon Fuller, one of our safeties, he’s played well. Brian Dinh, possibly an all-conference kid, cornerback. He’s played well,” he said. “Those guys just lead by example. Play hard in practice. Staying positive. … I think our underclassman are appreciative of what out seniors bring.”
Along the other seniors are Joe Stille, Reginald Brown, Carlo Russel-Dumani, Dakota Stephens, Felice Messina, Devontae Savage, Shawn White, Jakeilon Heard, Jack Izenbart, Mehki Baker, Anthony Nelson, Alonte’ Brandon, Shawn Dumani, Levi Robinson, Bryson Woods, Patrick MacDonald, Jake Tate and Zachary Vanoverloop.
Where, when to catch WKTV’s feature games
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Most people think of the YMCA as being focused on healthy bodies through exercise, programs and classes. Yes, but healthy eating is also a key part of promoting healthy bodies.
On Monday, Sept. 27, residents of Kentwood’s Tamarisk Apartments will gain the opportunity for both healthy food and healthy ideas when they get a visit from one of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Veggie Vans as part of its ongoing regional tour of Y’s new community program.
On board the van will not only be fresh, healthy food but also information on other YMCA efforts, and available social programs, designed to help underserved residents live a more health lifestyle.
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ new Veggie Vans offer up fresh produce and other healthy foods. (YMCA GR)
“Eating healthy is a critical part to having a healthy body,” Belisa Melton, GR YMCA community collaborations director, said to WKTV. “That is why the Veggie Van also promotes the YMCA’s Healthy Corner Stores initiative, which connects small-scale growers and distributors with urban corner stores to increase the fresh fruits and vegetables to households across West Michigan.
“The goal is to bring healthier and more affordable food options to communities that often have limited fresh options by making local produce more readily available at neighborhood markets.”
And the is just part of the YMCA’s offerings.
“The Veggie Van also provides visitors with opportunities to learn about and engage with the YMCA’s free community fitness programs and nutrition education classes,” Melton said.
The Veggie Van will also serve up conversation and education about how to use the produce or benefits such as Double Up Food Bucks or SNAP.
“The knowledge of these programs and the opportunity to learn more from a trusted resource is important,” according to a recent YMCA announcement.
The Veggie Van’s September schedule for Kentwood-Wyoming includes a stop at Tamarisk Apartments, 4520 Bowen Blvd. SE, Kentwood, from 10-11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 27.
Goal: fresh veggies; fresh ideas
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, knowing farmers markets are a summer favorite for many West Michigan residents but not everyone has access to one, developed the Veggie Van as the region’s first mobile farmers market.
The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ new Veggie Vans offer up fresh produce and other healthy foods. (YMCA GR)
The YMCA Veggie Van delivers locally grown, top-quality fruits and vegetables at cost directly to apartment complexes, senior living facilities and other locations in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, according to the recent announcement. The Veggie Van’s two vehicles run year-round, making stops in neighborhoods to provide “vulnerable communities with access to locally sourced produce when in season or sourced from local grocers.”
On a weekly basis, the YMCA supplements local produce suppliers to stock the vans by growing its own produce in a greenhouse and in raised beds at the Mary Free Bed YMCA branch.
Access to healthy, fresh food continues to be a significant issue for community members across the region, according to the announcement. While the pandemic has heightened awareness for the food deserts in our communities, the critical need for food security existed prior and continues now. Access to quality food can lead to improved work and school performance, healthy bodies and minds and stronger communities all while preventing chronic disease.
“The Veggie Van is a physical representation of health, wellness and community building,” Nicole Hansen, district executive director of community engagement and youth development, said in supplied material. “Through the availability of nutritious food, our teams help create access and success for those seeking to improve healthy habits.
“We believe strongly in building positive experiences with fruits and vegetables that lead to the consistent consumption of healthy meals by individuals and families throughout all neighborhoods in West Michigan.”
The YMCA Veggie Van is sponsored by the David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation, Spectrum Health, Nelson Neighborhood Association and The Mart Dock.
For the Michigan Nov. 2 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from all candidates. If they participated, their videos are linked here. For those who did not participate, either a candidate-provided biography/issues statement, or simply their name is listed. All videos are 5-minutes or less devoted to the candidate, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.
The City of Kentwood Commissioner At-Large, which is one of two commissioners at-large, is voted upon by the entire City of Kentwood.
The non-partisan candidates are incumbent Commissioner Betsy Artz and candidate Leonica Riley Erwin.
Note: Commissioner Artz chose not to record a We The People video.
Betsy Artz – Incumbent
Occupation: General Manager, Celebration Cinema, 27 years
Why did you decide to run for this position?
After serving this city for the last 8 years as a city commissioner, and more than 10 years in other volunteer positions before that, I feel that there is still so much to do. Serving on the Pension Board for the last 8 years, we now have a fully funded employee pension, something that only one other city in Michigan can claim. I want to make sure that our city continues on this fiscally responsible path.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
When I am meeting residents while going door-to-door in our city, these are the three most talked about concerns:
Speeding in the neighborhoods — Our commission has been working on different ways to combat speeding, including the purchase of new devices, and the addition of patrol officers.
Car break-ins — Kentwood, and all neighboring cities, have had a rash of auto break-ins. The Kentwood Police Department has stated that in these break-ins, over 90 percent of the cars are unlocked, and some even have the keys in them. I will continue to push a public service campaign to make residents aware.
Growing homeless population — about two years ago, Mayor (Stephen) Kepley and I began working with local agencies to help identify where our homeless population is, and what we can do to help. Since then, I have formed a Kentwood Coalition to End Homelessness. We are working with school administrators, City of Kentwood staff, the Kentwood Police Department, Kent County commissioners, Community Rebuilders, and private residents to find lasting solutions.
Leonica Riley Erwin — Candidate
Occupation: Social worker, Wellspring Lutheran Services
Why did you decide to run for this position?
I genuinely enjoy helping people and want to ensure that all of my Kentwood neighbors can achieve their full potential in life. I’ve spent my career helping Kentwood families resolve personal crises. That has given me a unique understanding of the issues that prevent families from achieving their goals. I want to help us come together as a community to solve some of the problems our neighbors are facing. Running for office is my way of being a part of the solution and taking responsibility for what happens around me.
Please list two to three issues you feel your voters are facing:
The greatest challenge in Kentwood is creating a sense of community. The pandemic, language barriers, and other issues prevent residents from getting to know their neighbors. I’d like our city to organize more neighborhood associations and social groups with a focus on community empowerment. We can provide residents with more cultural events, neighborhood picnics, wellness activities, volunteer projects, and community celebrations near our homes. We can celebrate each other’s successes and provide support when needed too.
Economic stability is another issue voters are facing. My neighbors are concerned about affordable housing, especially renters. Most landlords require a tenant’s wages to be three times the amount of rent. Rent prices are high. Food security is a related concern because there are only two grocery stores in Kentwood. That’s essentially a food desert for residents without transportation. The best-paying jobs in the city are not on the bus line so we need to expand public transportation. More residents need education about the resources available for entrepreneurship.
Environmental safety is a major concern in Kentwood. Voters want a sustainable recycling program. They want to ensure that there is clean water in EVERY Kentwood home. They want our city to be pedestrian-friendly with continuous improvements to our parks and trails. Voters want ALL Kentwood residents to feel safe in our neighborhoods. Discussions about community policing and mental health services for our community need to be held. Finally, voters want Kentwood to be an environment where everyone has access to high-speed internet.
Ever wanted to se if you can outrun a jet airplane? Probably not. But you can run with the jets and support a local non-profit as, after a pandemic pause in 2020, the popular Runway 5K will return to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport on Saturday, Sept. 25.
And the Ford airport’s two commercial aviation runways will still be operational during the race.
Register is still available to be one of the 1,200 walkers and runners given the rare opportunity to compete on an actual airport runway. For more information and to register, visit triviumracing.com/event/grr5k2021/.
The course will begin north of the economy parking lot, looping on taxiway Juliet and runway 8L/26R, the Airport’s general aviation runway, before ending back at the parking lot.
A runner during the 2019 Runway 5K. (Supplied)
Race-day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m. A one-mile fun run will begin at 9:05 a.m. Awards for the top three overall males and females, as well as age groups, will be presented at 10:15 a.m.
The race is being hosted by Trivium Racing, with this year’s charity partner being the Family Hope Foundation — a Jenison nonprofit which provides resources, activities, support and funding for therapies to families of children with special needs in West Michigan.
“The true impact of 2020 is beginning to come to light,” Jane Eppard, executive director of the Family Hope Foundation, said in supplied material. “Many children with special needs lost ground due to disruptions in school and routine in the past year. This was clearly evident in the 25 percent increase in scholarship requests we received this spring.
“The opportunity to be the charity partner for this year’s Runway 5K and the support it will bring to families in our community is deeply appreciated and gives the organization hope.”
In 2019, the Runway 5K raised nearly $14,600 for charity.
“We are delighted to welcome West Michigan back to the Airport for this year’s Runway 5K,” Torrance A. Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, said in supplied material.
“We are also honored to support the good work of Family Hope Foundation, which provides therapy scholarships, family fun, advocacy, education and resources to families of children with special needs. We encourage runners and walkers of all abilities to come out and see the Airport from a perspective you will only get once a year.”
Registration includes a T-shirt, post-race snacks and beverages, awards for top finishers and other giveaways.
Executive Chef Josef Huber at Gun Lake Casino shows off the popular burger, which comes with two 4.5-oz. patties. (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)
By John D. Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
WAYLAND, MI – If you’re looking for more than 100 craft beers in one place, big TV screens for the big game and a tasty steak dinner, then you’ll be happy about three new restaurant and entertainment concepts at Gun Lake Casino.
Located right off Exit 61 on US 131, the casino’s growth and build out phase has been evident to passersby and patrons for months. Now it’s show time.
Reps of the Gun Lake Tribe’s Tribal Council and Gun Lake Casino executive team celebrated the opening of Phase IV of its expansion with a special ribbon cutting on Friday morning.
Even though today (Sept. 17) is the official grand opening, the crew has been testing systems and serving hungry customers for a couple weeks.
Everyone is loving it, said Gun Lake Casino executive Chef Josef Huber, who spent 23 years in the same role at Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.
“I guarantee you’re going to have a great time out here,” he said on Thursday. “You’re going to be surprised by the amenities we offer, the food we serve and the quality of drinks.”
The new offerings at the 229,000-square-foot facility, owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi, include:
SHKODÉ Chophouse (ISH-KO-DAY), a flame-grilled steak and seafood restaurant open Thursday through Sunday, which offers a fresh take on American Cuisine and Artisan-crafted cocktails and curated wine list. Expect big flavors from a 32-oz. Tomahawk steak or 16-oz. New York Strip, said Chef Huber. Seafood lovers can delight in a platter for two, King Salmon and more. SHKODE is the Potawatomi word for fire and “honors Gun Lake Casino’s heritage through attention to flavor and quality with locally sourced and freshly harvested ingredients,” reps said.
CBK, a.k. “Craft, Bar, Kitchen” (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)
CBK, a.k.a. “Craft, Bar, Kitchen,” features more than 100 beers in bottles, cans and on draft. In addition, diners can check out the farm-to-table menu and shareables. Chef Huber said they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with 45 items on the menu; open daily. Favorites already include the burger, fish tacos and Chinese chicken salad. And they have pastas and sandwiches, too. He also brought back the popular Philly cheesesteak egg roll with a spicy aioli sauce from the former Sand Hill Cafe. CBK also has a new outdoor fireplace.
131 Sportsbar & Lounge, which has been re-imagined from its previous incarnation, offers floor-to-ceiling LED video walls and 180-degree panoramic views. Chef Huber said the video walls feature more than 28 million pixels and 1,000 square feet of HD viewing surface. “If you’re a sports fan, and you want to watch sports, this is the place to do it,” he said. As for the menu, he said fans can expect “great bar food, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and apps, and wash it down with some beer.” It also has a huge stage. The plan is to feature live music, comedy and sports entertainment. Local band Wayland and national act Blue Oyster Cult perform this weekend. (Both concerts are sold out.) In addition, 131 Sportsbar & Lounge has an outdoor patio area.
Along with the excitement of the official opening, those visiting the casino this weekend will see a variety of evening entertainment throughout the venue, including aerialists, stilt walkers, magicians, living statues, mimes and a speed artist.
But Chef Huber encourages guests to come out any day of the week.
“You can come on a Monday evening, on a Tuesday morning, on a Saturday or whenever you have a day off,” he said.
Whether it’s the highly touted burger, egg roll, wings, pizza or steak, “you’re going to have a hard time” deciding what to have first, he added.
SHOKÉ is the Potawatomi word for fire and the SHOKÉ Chophouse honors Gun Lake Casino’s attention heritage with attention to detail and quality. (Photo by John D. Gonzalez)
In addition to the new dining and entertainment options, the casino features 2,500 state-of-the art slot machines, 47 table games, a modern sportsbook, and keno.
Other dining options include the Harvest Buffet, which features fresh ingredients and cooked to order items. Chef Huber also oversees the buffet, as well an employee-only cafe where he serves more than 500 people daily. Each employee gets a free meal on their shift, reps said.
For more information about the offerings at the Gun Lake Casino, visit www.gunlakecasino.com.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs, part of the city’s Park and Recreation Department programing, includes summertime water skiing. (WKTV)
There are many reasons to attend “The Vibe,” the City of Kentwood’s community event this week to raise awareness and funds for the city’s Adaptive Recreation Programs.
Yes, it is a fundraiser — this year with the proceeds going to keep its adaptive waterskiing program even more participant-safety focused. But, also, it is a chance for the general public and program participants to mix and learn about the program and its importance to the community.
But this years event — on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the city’s Kent District Library branch — will have a much more “casual vibe” than in some past years.
“This years Vibe has a totally different feel than in years past,” Katelyn Bush, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator, said to WKTV. “It’s going to be more like a backyard barbecue. It is more informal … and is also going to be outside. It is like just hanging out with your friends. … It is going to have more of a casual vibe.”
And there will be some great new friends to be made at the “backyard barbecue,” for community members who want to support the programs and for program participants.
The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs includes summertime water skiing for all ages. (WKTV)
“The vibe is a fundraiser but it is also a celebration of what our department does for our community, specifically our adaptive recreation population,” Bush said. “We invite many of our participants that are involved with the programs and their families, so many of our athletes can come and be ambassadors for the program. They can answer questions and share their experiences.”
The Vibe will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will include food and cocktails, live music by Main Street Dueling Pianos, a silent auction, adaptive equipment displays and yard games.
The evening also will feature guest speaker Brad Dion, a longtime Grand Rapids resident and East Kentwood High School graduate, who will “share his life experiences of living with cerebral palsy, accomplishing goals and giving back to his community,” according to supplied material.
As a wheelchair athlete, Dion enjoys competing in wheelchair tennis. He also loves to mentor and coach wheelchair sports to kids with disabilities. He spends his days inside the classroom teaching fifth and sixth grade general education as well as supporting special education.
“We are grateful to have Brad Dion share his story at this year’s event,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome the community to join us to hear his journey and learn more about the value of inclusive recreational opportunities.”
Tickets for the casual-attire event are $40 per person, and tickets are still available. They can be purchased online at KentwoodVibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270.
(The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, which may require changes to events. Residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.)
Water skiing is fundraising focus this year
Funds raised at this year’s event will go toward the city’s adaptive water ski program. The program includes various adaptive water ski clinics offered by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with community partners. Kentwood also offers its own “Sibs Clinic” once a year, where friends and family members are encouraged to ski with their loved one with a disability.
The City of Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs includes summertime water skiing, which requires extensive safety support. (WKTV)
The clinics give youth and adults of all abilities an opportunity to experience water skiing “in a positive and safe environment with the help of trained staff and volunteers,” and equipment designed for individuals with cognitive or physical challenges.
That “safe environment” is, as always, a focus of the adaptive recreation staff and the programs they offer.
“The funds raised at this year’s event will go to purchase two new jet skis for our adaptive water ski program,” Bush said to WKTV, “These two watercraft are essential to the program. … They trail the skiers and many of our skiers have pretty severe physical limitations. So once they are in the water, their safety is really our responsibility and our top priority.”
If the skiers hit a wave or they fall off, those two jet skies have a trained person riding on the back to get to the skiers “in just a matter of seconds.” … We have to have that ability or we cannot run the program safety.”
Many adaptive recreation programs offered
“We offer a variety of adaptive recreation programs to meet the interests of all individuals — from those who enjoy relaxing leisure opportunities all the way to the biggest thrill seekers,” Bush said in supplied material.
Katelyn Bush, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. (WKTV)
“Because water sports are high-adrenaline activities, they are a great way for people to get out of their comfort zone, enjoy the rush of going fast and feel the wind in their hair. It’s no surprise we have a waiting list each summer.”
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming in partnership with community partners such as Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and dozens of volunteers, according to supplied material.
Adaptive programs include archery, bike club, boccia league, bowling, canoeing, downhill skiing, golf league, leisure club, kayaking, rock climbing, track and field clinics, pickleball, wake boarding and water skiing, along with dances and other social events.
The Vibe event will have stations where some of our adaptive equipment will be displayed, where educational information will be available — “Who might use it, why they might use it,” Bush said. “This is an opportunity for conversation and curiosity, and support for these programs. It’s a party. It’s an educational opportunity. It is just a unique way to connect to the community.”
Open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond, the programs enable participants to enjoy the benefits that come with any athletic or recreational activity, such as a sense of camaraderie, improved confidence and new skills.
To learn about current offerings of the Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation Programs, visit kentwood.us/adaptive.
Hamza Khan, one of several local Muslim American young persons who WKTV interviewed as it prepared for its series of video interviews “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, is in many ways an archetypal American success story in the making.
His family is of Pakistani heritage, but he was born in West Michigan after his parents immigrated more than 20 years ago. He was raised and attended high school locally and is currently a Michigan State University student, studying neuroscience.
And, as we learned when he agreed to host a short documentary based on the series of WKTV Voices interviews, he is poised to be a success in his chosen education/career field but also possesses a modern youth’s sense of humor.
When, during the filming of his documentary segments, a WKTV staff member commented that he was “very good” on camera — his quick retort was … “Well, if this neuroscience thing does not work out.”
During the past several months, preparing for the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, WKTV has been interviewing local Muslim Americans — from university professors, to local Islamic religious leaders, to immigrant and American-born citizens, including young people such as Khan.
WKTV’s goal was to let them tell their own stories.
This short documentary is a synthesis of those interviews.
For the complete WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 interviews, visit WKTVvideos on YouTube.
WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org.
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will again partner to offer a Food Truck Festival with more than 20 vendors to both help the community support small businesses and make the most of the end of the summer season.
The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 11, in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE, according to a Sept. 7 statement from the city.
The free-to-attend community event will run 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and feature 24 food trucks, live music and a beer and wine tent.
This year’s event will coincide with the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The event will include a moment of silence led by Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, at 5 p.m., to honor the victims of 9/11, followed by a brief performance by local bagpiper Tom Bradley. There will also be posters from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York on display in the Library Community Room.
“We’re looking forward to the return of our Food Truck Festival, which has become one of our community’s favorite events to enjoy great food and music as we near the end of summer,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. said in supplied material. “We’ve developed a great lineup of food trucks with GR8 Food Trucks, as well as several musicians for a full day of fun outdoors.”
There will be a wide variety of sweet and savory food options available for purchase, according to the statement, with participating food trucks including Bigfoot Burger, Big Mike’s Kettle Corn, Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, El Jalapeño, Fire and Rice Paella, Kool Breze, Kona Ice of Lowell, Lazy Man BBQ, Mapocho Fresh Sanwishes, Mexcellente, Nick’s Gyros, Olly’s Donuts, Patty Matters, PJW Creole Cuisine, Pressed in Time, Saladino Smoke, Sanse Filipino Cuisine, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch, Arcane Pizza, Whipped, a Brunch Truck, and UCC Desserts.
The City of Kentwood will continue to monitor public health guidance and orders, according to the statement, which may require changes to the event. Residents are encouraged to follow current public health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Wyoming Lee High School football team will be embarking a new era with its Wednesday, Sept. 1, season-opening game hosting NorthPointe Christian — the era of playing 8-man football.
The late change to 8-man, made just before the season started, has head coach Mark Smoes, and his staff and team, doing a bit of audible game planning and play calling however.
Lee Legends head football coach Mark Smoes. (WKTV)
“We’ve had to adjust quite a bit,” coach Smoes said to WKTV this week. “It is the same game but we are adjusting our time because, as coaches, we are learning to adjust to this game.
“It is a faster pasted game. It allows you the opportunity to get skilled players on the field. That kinds of plays to our strength. We are adjusting a little every day, for the players and for ourselves.”
The Lee vs. NorthPointe game, which will be a junior varsity game for the visitors, will be this week’s WKTV Featured Game with coverage on cable television replay and on-demand. The game kick off will be at 5:30 p.m.
The change to 8-man was one of the first decisions made by new Lee Legends athletic director Tray Crusciel, after he took a look at a football program which has struggled in recent years, including going 0-4 and being outscored 193-41 in games played in its 2020 independent schedule season.
“After seeing the numbers we had out for the program, seeing the low numbers currently at 7/8th grade level, and the strength of the program over the last 10 years, we felt this was best for our kids right now,” Crusciel said to WKTV. “Our move to the Alliance (8-man) conference will definitely help across the board, give us more level competition and, I think, with the conference move and the move to 8-man, this community and school will benefit from it greatly.”
The program which Crusciel looked at, and which Smoes coaches, has its fair share of senior leadership, but with less than 20 players total in the high school program and on the school’s only team, almost half are sophomores and freshman.
But, Smoes said, the change to 8-man not only works with the numbers on his team but also on the talent on his team.
The 8-man game “is a little more offensive (and) we like to run the ball, we like to throw the ball. And we just have more area to work in,” he said. “We enjoy that and our players enjoy that. And we have players who are multi-talented on the field play, players who can catch, players who can run, players who can block. It just makes for a faster game. … It plays to our strengths.”
Among the Legends strengths, Smoes said, is a group to seniors and juniors who will likely play both ways in the 8-man system.
Smoes said senior quarterback Kemijion Reed, who did not play last season due to his family’s pandemic concerns, will be back and is expected to trigger the offense. Fellow seniors Rogelio Martinez, Shamaari Hill and Juan De La O are also expected to be key players.
Junior running back Elijah Beckwith, who rushed for 1,000 yards as a freshman two years ago, and slot back Ke’Ontae will also be key offensive players.
“Those players are going to handle a lot of the work for us this season offensively,” Smoes said. “We (also) have a very strong freshman class, and sophomores as well. And the nice thing about 8-man is that before, when your playing 11-man and you are short on players, you played players in positions which were tough for them to play in.”
But this season, with the 8-man format, many of those young players will be eased into the high school game.
This week’s game is one of four currently scheduled for Lee, with two being varsity 8-man and another JV game. (The Legends will be at Martin Sept. 20, hosting Gobles on Oct. 1, and at Dansville Oct. 21. But Crusciel said more games are likely to be added.)
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
There was already roadwork being done Aug. 31 but there will be intermittent road closures during the next week in Kentwood on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved. (WKTV)
The City of Kentwood announced Tuesday, Aug. 31, that intermittent road closures are expected this week on 32nd Street SE from the west city limits, just west of Pheasant Ridge Drive, to Breton Avenue while the section of roadway is repaved.
The street will be totally closed between Pheasant Ridge Drive and Breton Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and Friday, Sept. 3. Additionally, the street may be closed in one direction or fully closed intermittently during construction.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, Sept. 8, according to the announcement.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and seek an alternate route or take the detour from Kalamazoo Avenue to 28th Street to Breton Avenue. Emergency, residential and business access will remain open. Area businesses and residents should utilize Breton Avenue or 32nd Street west of the project limits whenever possible.
Community members may sign up to receive biweekly updates on the City’s road construction projects by contacting Kentwood city engineer Brad Boomstra at boomstrab@kentwood.us or 616-554-0740.
The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28 in Wyoming and Kentwood. But Cascade will host a “Warm-Up” — with lots of fun and cars — on Thursday, Aug. 26. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
After being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up returns to Cascade Township where it will welcome classic car lovers and community members of all ages.
This year’s event will take place from 4:30-8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 26, in the parking lot at Fowling Warehouse Grand Rapids, 6797 Cascade Road SE. The free-to-attend event will feature activities for car enthusiasts, music lovers, families and children, including classic show cars, music by The Soul Syndicate, and face painting and balloon sculpting for the little ones.
There will also be variety of dinner and dessert options available from local food trucks, including Patty Matters, The Grilled Greek, O’Hana Ice and Mexcellente.
“The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up is a wonderful way for residents of all ages to get outdoors, have fun and connect with neighbors,” Sandra Korhorn, Cascade Township economic development director, said in supplied material. “We are beyond excited to return this year and gather with the community to listen to great music, grab a bite to eat and, of course, admire dozens of classic cars.”
The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up leads into the 28th Street Metro Cruise, West Michigan’s premiere auto cruise and car show set for Friday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 28, at Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.
Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm-Up will also feature a silent auction that will benefit the Kent County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office will auction off two ride-alongs with the K-9 Unit. Each ride-along will consist of a six-hour patrol shift that will “give participants the opportunity to see the role of law enforcement from a unique perspective,” according to supplied material. Participants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. The K-9 Unit will also perform a live demonstration at 7 p.m.
For more information on the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up visit the Township’s website or the event’s Facebook page.
Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, talks about the chamber’s Metro Cruise expanding out to a second location in 2021, at the Woodland Mall.
People who have a history of cruising with the 28th Street Metro Cruise know it once extended from Cascade to Wyoming, with Woodland Mall a good middle point turnaround for some.
Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the hosting organization of the Metro Cruise, would like to see those days return.
But this year, just having the event extend its footprint and have a presence at Woodland Mall is a big step in the right direction.
“Woodland (Mall) has been an endpoint for a lot of folks going east,” O’Callaghan said to WKTV. “We are trying to get more people in Cascade, or whatever, doing events that go all the way, the full 13 miles. But at this point Woodland has been a great way to do that.”
The 28th Street Metro Cruise officially kicks-off Friday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m., at its usual and main location at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming, and will continue Saturday, Aug. 28.
Rogers Plaza mall parking lot in Wyoming is always a focal point for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKACC)
As in past years, the Rogers Plaza mall parking lot will feature food trucks and concessionaires, hundreds of collector cars, a kid’s entertainment area, a community awards ceremony, the crowd-favorite Miss Metro Cruise competition finals, live music on the Metro-Main Stage, and the popular Dynamometer car testing area where attendees can see cars rev up to 160 mph. (For more information and schedule of events visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.)
But at the second Main Event site, located on the off 28th Street at Woodland Mall, on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will feature a wide array of collector, sports, and antique cars. It will also feature multiple food vendors including local food trucks, and official Metro Cruise merchandise.
“The good thing about this event here at Woodland Mall is that it is an opportunity for some of the folks in Cascade, Ada, who usually drive down to Rogers Plaza but don’t want to, have a closer venue,” O’Callaghan said. “We’ll have a lot of folks come into see the cars, and we’ll have a lot of folks just want see what it is. … It is a great opportunity for people to come in, park, look at the cars, and have a good time.”
O’Callaghan also expressed gratitude to the management of Woodland Mall for working with the Metro Cruise — “We are glad to have them be part of this for this year and hope it grows.”
And Woodland Mall is happy to be part of the festivities.
“We are looking forward again to welcoming the 28th Street Metro Cruise to Woodland Mall,” Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall, said to WKTV. “In addition to providing shoppers and guests with an excellent selection of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings, we also host many free events and programs for the community to enjoy year-round. … Metro Cruise is one of many events we’ve been grateful to be a part of again this year to bring the West Michigan community together.”
Five contestants, including at least two from Kentwood, pulled out their cutlery and their eye for beauty recently as the the Kentwood Farmers Market held its first-ever Charcuterie Challenge, which had the entries given 30 minutes to first buy items from the market and then prepare a charcuterie plater for pubic vote.
The Aug. 12 challenge, eventually won by Lisa Hopkins, included contestants Amy Richey, Marne Becker-Baratta, Trang Wilbur and Joshua Knepper.
The competition took place during the Kentwood Farmers Market, located weekly behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, with the finished boards on display and market-goers able to watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner received a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.
In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.
The market randomly selected five challengers out of a group of applicants to each receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.
“Charcuterie has become such a fun, popular way to display and enjoy a variety of food,” market manager Kristina Colby said prior to the event. “We are looking forward to seeing all the creative ways challengers showcase local foods found at the Kentwood Farmers Market and use the beautiful, handmade charcuterie boards Handcrafted by Fellow is suppling for the competition.”
The Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, farmers market manager Kristina Colby, center, prepares the chefs for the challenge. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Joshua Knepper is out shopping at the market. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Amy Richey (of Kentwood) is out shopping at the market. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, the contestants start their work. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Lisa Hopkins — and eventual winner — prepares her plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Joshua Knepper prepares his plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Marne Becker-Baratta (of Kentwood) prepares her plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
At the Kentwood Farmers Market’s first-ever Charcuterie Challenge Aug. 12, contestant Trang Wilbur prepares her plate. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
George Keen, left, and Ralph Baker on The Racing Show, taped by WKTV in January, 2020. (WKTV)
By Tom Norton, WKTV general manager
Whenever we receive news of the sudden passing of a colleague, friend or family member, it’s always a shock. All of us WKTV Community Media family were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of George Keen Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021.
George began his decades of volunteering and creating television at WKTV in 1992. I remember first meeting George and knew instantly that he was a natural for broadcast work. His easy-going, affable and conversational manner made him the perfect television host. We used to joke here that George was so good, he could give a play-by-play of paint drying. The ease from which George could take a guest’s answer and play it into the next question made his television appearances, not so much television, but more a conversation which is where television really shines. It seemed like it was an old acquaintance or friends talking and it was always a pleasure to watch.
And watch they did. In 1992 George and his team created “The Racing Show” to in George’s words, ‘give the racing fans something to talk about over the winter when they were at the races.” I asked him what they were going to talk about and he said, “racing, of course.” Within several months of its launch, “The Racing Show”, every Wednesday at 7 p.m., became appointment television for many in West Michigan. There was no internet or social media to push the audience (or divide it up), but the audience grew quickly.
The show sponsored sold out wintertime racing banquets at the K of C Hall and during a WKTV Buy a Brick telethon in 2002, we gave George and the racing community an entire night of the telethon. All night long the phones jangled with the sound of the racing community buying bricks to support WKTV. We knew, however, that they were really heeding George’s call and it showed that the racing community is a tight knit family.
George stayed with us through the early years of The 28th Street Metro Cruise, again providing that effortless style of good conversation when talking to any classic car owner. Gradually, though his talent led him to work more in radio and at Berlin Raceway and when “The Racing Show” went off the air in 2005 we were sad. For us it seemed an era had passed.
George returned occasionally to host a number of different shows including many years doing play-by-play for Golden Gloves Boxing. In February of 2020 George returned again to WKTV to tape the first installment of the new “The Racing Show” which would’ve also featured a podcast. He just couldn’t stay away from making television and it was a comeback we were glad to have. When the pandemic shuttered productions, things never did come back together, but we have the one episode that will stay in our archive forever.
I never saw the man use notes. He ability to wing it effortlessly always impressed me and we’re sure much more will be said of George who had so many friends and colleagues across so many facets of life. Something tells me that if Heaven has racing and they want the new guy to “call the race,” everyone back here who knew George would recommend him highly.
God speed George Keen. Thank you for 29 years at WKTV.
Since 2005, the 28th Street Metro Cruise has been an annual event put on by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, but “cruising 28th Street” has been a “thing” long before then — people have grown up cruising up and down 28th Street, maybe first with their father and now with their children.
Cruisers have long considered 28th Street a memorable place for car lovers, particularly around the Rogers Plaza area in Wyoming, and “Bringing car lovers together to celebrate this long-standing tradition was the foundation for the current event,” the chamber states on their website.
And WKTV Community Media has been covering the 28th Street Metro Cruise since its inception.
“WKTV Community Media has for nearly half a century been part of the Wyoming and Kentwood community and, with Metro Cruise being one of largest gatherings of our community, we have a long history with the event,” Tom Norton, general manger of WKTV Community Media, said. “We have covered it in many ways over the years. Rain or shine. Big and smaller. The cars change but our commitment to coverage has not.”
For just a sampling of WKTV’s coverage, and some recent YouTube highlights, see the following links:
The History of Metro Cruise
Even in the COVID-19 year of 2020, WKTV got creative and still offered up a show.
In 2017, a car show met Hollywood premiere as WKTV brought classic vehicles to the red carpet.
In 2018, WKTV looked at what “classic sports and performance cars” might look like in the future.
More than 20 regional businesses will showcase their goods and services during the return of the Black-Owned Business Showcase at Woodland Mall on Saturday, Aug. 14 — and there are still booths available.
The event enjoyed a strong response from the local community at its debut in 2020, according to an announcement from the mall, and will again feature booths with Black-owned businesses offering fashion apparel, food, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, kitchen items, gifts, stationery and cards, financial planning, health and wellness items, photography, home services and goods, and more.
Shoppers will be able to browse, sample, buy and connect during the day-long showcase from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“In response to strong consumer demand, we are so pleased to offer this showcase for a second consecutive year,” Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall, said in supplied material. “We appreciate the opportunity to open the mall’s doors to support Black-owned businesses serving our community. There will truly be something for everyone at this event, and we look forward to welcoming these entrepreneurs and their companies.”
Woodland Mall is owned by PREIT, which launched its Support Black-Owned Business and Brands 365 in February as part of an ongoing effort to spotlight Black-owned entrepreneurs and brands within its portfolio of top-tier and region-leading properties in eight states.
Woodland is one of 10 PREIT properties to offer a Black-Owned Business Showcase in August. PREIT properties have hosted activities throughout the year, including art exhibits, documentary screenings and food festivals, as a way to highlight the importance of Black-owned businesses and brands.
Gil Romeyn, a World War II veteran pilot and current resident of Kentwood’s Breton Woods of Holland Home, remembers in great detail his training to fly with the Army Air Corps in 1942. And he also remembers his first airplane with a bit of humor.
Romeyn was one of nine veterans from the local independent living facility who were treated to a flight in a restored 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane Aug. 6 as part of a Dream Flight event at the Sparta airport offered the non-profit Dream Flights program and Breton Woods of Holland Home.
A 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane in flight, at right, from another day of Dream Flights. (Supplied)
“That’s the type of plane I learned to fly in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II,” Romeyn, who served in the precursor of the U.S. Air Force from 1941-45, said to WKTV after his flight. “We started with that aircraft (the Stearman), then went to basic flight training — that’s the (Vultee) BT-13.
“Then we went to advanced, that’s an (Beechcraft) AT-10, a multi-engine (aircraft),” he said, going into great detail. “Then I went to a (Douglas) C-47 transport plane — that’s where I flew in the war zone. North Africa, Italy.”
And while the flight “brought back pleasant memories,” Romeyn said, he also found a little humor in his being in the back in the cockpit — how low he sat in the seat this time. (For a video of Romeyn detailing why he sat lower, and why it was humorous, see video above and here.)
The restored WWII-era biplane stop is part of Operation September Freedom, a barnstorming event led by nonprofit Dream Flights.
Dream Flights pilot Marcus Smith, left, with veteran Martin Sharda, after a flight on restored 1940 Boeing Stearman biplane. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The Holland Home veterans are among the 100,000 members of the “Greatest Generation” — World War II veterans — still alive today, according to supplied material. They are also among the 1,000 or so WWII veterans located in more than 300 US cities that will be honored during Dream Flights’ 61-day tour that began Aug. 1.
According to supplied material, when Dream Flights was told that Holland Home has 11 WWII veterans, the organization said they have never had so many veterans participate from a single senior living community. The oldest veteran participating in 98 and the youngest is 95.
Holland Home bused the veterans, as well as spouses and other veteran residents to the airport, and families and friends are also invited to attend. In addition to the flights, there was also a noontime ceremony with a color guard, national anthem and lunch served.
History in the air
Flying the Stearman out of Paul Miller Airport in Sparta for each of the about 30-minute Dream Flights was pilot Marcus Smith, who works for Dream Flights, out of Carson City, Nevada.
Dream Flights pilot Marcus Smith. (WKTV)
“It was a World War II trainer. … It was the original primary trainer, the first airplane that they flew,” Smith said to WKTV in between flights. “If they did not solo with the airplane within eight to 10 hours of flight time, they were washed out of the program. From there, they went into advanced training, after that they went into either bombers or fighters.”
And the history of this specific restored aircraft?
“This specific airplane was used by the U.S. Army Air Corps for training pilots. Then afterwards it as sold for surplus and in 1946 it was bought by the president of our foundation’s grandfather,” Smith said. “So this specific airplane has been in the family ever since. From then on, it was a crop duster — they put metal wings on it, they put 600 horsepower on it, and they dusted crops in Washington state for a long time. And then after that, it was restored to its original condition and now it is on the road with us fulfilling our mission.”
According to Dream Flights official webpage, the mission of the organization is “honoring military veterans and seniors with the adventure of a lifetime: a flight in a Boeing Stearman biplane.
“As we make these heroes wishes come true, our Dream Flights inspire them to share their stories. We collect, preserve and share those stories of how they survived through times of great strife to remind us of our shared humanity, our connection to each other and the value of listening. Our Dream Flights close the generation gap and open us up to a clearer understanding of ourselves and our world.”
The City of Kentwood Farmers Market is seeking five competitors for its first-ever Charcuterie Challenge, described in a city statement as “a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients” and slated for Thursday, Aug. 12.
Individuals who are interested in the competition must submit an online application by Monday, Aug. 9. The market will select up to five challengers out of the group of applicants to each receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.
The beauty of food will be on display and the Kentwood Farmers Market’s “Charcuterie Challenge”. (WKTV)
“Charcuterie has become such a fun, popular way to display and enjoy a variety of food,” farmers market manager Kristina Colby said in supplied material. “We are looking forward to seeing all the creative ways challengers showcase local foods found at the Kentwood Farmers Market and use the beautiful, handmade charcuterie boards Handcrafted by Fellow is suppling for the competition.”
In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.
The “friendly” competition will take place during the Farmers Market, from 5-5:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the boards will remain on display until 7:30 p.m. Marketgoers can watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.
Handcrafted by Fellows, a husband-and-wife duo, will be on-site selling their charcuterie boards and other handmade wood decor items. An additional 20 vendors will be at the market, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., selling staples such as fresh produce, cheese, honey, jam, bread and more. Food trucks El Jalapeño and Ohana Hawaiian Ice will also be on-site. Live music entertainment by Just Jill will be available 6-7 p.m.
In its seventh season, the Kentwood Farmers Market provides the community weekly opportunities each summer to buy a variety of goods from local vendors. This year’s market is offered every Thursday, 4:30-7:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall. In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy free classes and special events tied into the market’s schedule.
Other special events planned in August include: On Aug. 19, Makers and Crafters Day featuring more than 40 vendors, with a free concert at 7 p.m. featuring The Soul Syndicate; and on Aug. 26, free yoga at 6 p.m.
Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Police and the community mixed at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue as part of the City of Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The City of Kentwood’s National Night Out community celebration this week had police and other city personal at more than 15 locations throughout the city, but events at three local churches clearly showed a shared desire to engage the community after a long period of pandemic distancing.
On the evening of Aug. 3, at Ada Bible Church on East Paris Avenue — which along with Faith Baptist Church and Pentecostals Church on 44th Street hosted special large scale events — Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible pastor Jason Ross talked to WKTV about their shared focus on the community.
Kentwood police Chief Richard Roberts and Ada Bible Church Pastor Jason Ross, at the church’s National Night Out event. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“What we share, is we desire to connect with the community in a positive way,” pastor Ross said. “We can do that as a church. We can also do that with the people, within Ada Bible Church, as well as in the community. … We want you to feel like you are welcome here.”
Chief Roberts also talked about the shared focus and the great opportunity of interacting with the community at local churches.
“We are privileged to be invited to Ada Bible Church … This just gives us a great opportunity, especially given this past year, for us to all come out and celebrate in a special way on National Night Out,” Chief Roberts said.
McGruff and a future Detroit Lions fan had a moment at Woodland Mall. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The City of Kentwood was truly bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities — including a special presence at Woodland Mall — on National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.”
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders joined residents, who had the opportunity to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at events, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics.
“Positive interactions with residents are invaluable for fostering strong community relationships and safer neighborhoods,” Chief Roberts previously said in supplied material. “National Night Out creates a wonderful opportunity to bring officers and community members together in a fun and relaxing setting. Members of our department always look forward to getting to know residents better and encourage more open lines of communication.”
National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It began with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.
City of Kentwood incumbent Ward 2 commissioner Tom McKelvey finished third in a three-candidate primary election Tuesday, Aug. 3, with Jessica Ann Tyson leading the vote — but not enough to avoid a runoff — and Dan VanderMolen coming in second.
With 100 percent of City of Kentwood’s seven Ward 2 precincts counted, Tyson gained 986 votes, VanderMolen 711 and McKelvey 576, according to final unofficial results supplied by the Kent County Elections Office. Tyson’s total was not 50 percent plus 1 of the votes, which would have given her the Ward 2 seat outright.
Of the 19,867 registered voters in Ward 2, only 2,301 voters cast a ballot, or 11.58 percent, according to the county elections office.
“I am honored and humbled that Kentwood residents took the time to vote for me. To others who supported our campaign, I am thankful that you understand how passionate I am about my community,” Tyson, an owner of three local businesses, said to WKTV.
“Everyone is talking about ‘diversity’. Sad it has become a buzz word made popular to tingle ears to sound more WOKE. With more than 51,000 residents and over 80 different languages spoken, Kentwood is a beautiful melting pot. The people who live, work and play in Kentwood need an authenticity diverse representative who is already involved in the community.”
VanderMolen, who is a project coordinator for First Steps Kent, praised both McKelvey and Tyson as he looked forward to November.
“I want to thank everyone who turned out tonight in support of my unique vision for Kentwood,” VanderMolen said to WKTV. “I also want to thank Tom McKelvey for his dedication and service to the city these past four years, and Jessica Ann Tyson for the experience she’s brought to the campaign.
“The three of us might not agree on everything from a policy standpoint, but we all share a love for our community and desire to help Kentwood thrive. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue having a productive, issues-focused conversation with the people of Kentwood over the next three months as we build towards the future together.”
Tyson also commented on the low voter turn out.
“With low voter turn out, it is apparent the community has voter fatigue and is tired of politics,” Tyson said to WKTV. “This is a nonpartisan race. It is directly about the residents of Kentwood. There is way too much at stake for our future, so we must not be weary now.”
Mayoral race tops ballot at November field is set
Mayor Stephen Kepley was out and about on Tuesday, primary election night — at Kentwood National Night Out events. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
In addition to the City of Kentwood Ward 2 runoff election set for the Nov. 2 non-partisan Kentwood ballot, city voters will also pick a mayor, two other council members, as well as vote on the city clerk and city treasurer positions.
Incumbent Mayor Stephen Kepley is being challenged by current City Commissioner Emily Bridson, incumbent Commissioner-At Large Betsy Artz is challenged by Leonica Riley Erwin, and two candidates will look to fill the Ward 4 seat vacated by Bridson, Clarkston Morgan and Meochia Thompson.
Running uncontested in the City of Kentwood elections is incumbent Treasurer Laurie Sheldon, and, now, incumbent City Clerk Dan Kasunic, will be unopposed as previous challenger Taylor VanderLaan is no longer on the ballot.
Mayoral candidate, and current Kentwood Commissioner, Emily Bridson was also out and about on National Night Out. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
All City of Kentwood seats are for 4-year terms.
WKTV’s We The People available to candidates
As always, WKTV Community Media’s election season candidate coverage will include our We The People candidate videos. We The People gives all candidates the opportunity to record up-to-5-minute videos using their own scripts and unedited by WKTV.
For the November election all candidates (including unopposed candidates) will be invited to record videos in September for run and posting in early October.
Continuing WKTV Journal’s series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, Loie Ghannam was born locally and is a Grand Valley State University student studying supply chain management and non-profit administration. His family is of Palestinian heritage and his parents immigrated to American 25 years ago.
He, however, was born and raised in Grand Rapids — “My Palestinian heritage, very proud of my Palestinian heritage … (but) I really have known nothing but Grand Rapids,” Ghannam said to WKTV.
And all his life, it seems, he has needed to defend his religion and his heritage, and dispel the misguided perception of some that being Muslim is somehow akin to being a terrorist. But it has not always been easy.
“I was a baby when 9/11 happened,” Ghannam said. “It was something that really set the stage for Muslims, not just in the United States but, I guess, in the West. What I’ve been told, my whole life, is that because of this you are going to be put in certain situations that might be a little difficult. You are going to be, sometimes, confronted in public. You are going to have questions asked that might not be comfortable.
“It has always been ‘This (9/11) happened, but always make sure you distance yourself from it.’ And that is simply because it got to a point where, for the lack of a better term, your safety depended on it.”
Ghannam, however, says as he has grown he often welcomed the opportunity to discuss Islam, his heritage and why 9/11 must not define an entire religion. (See the video clip above.)
For the complete WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 interview, including Ghannam’s view of the historic and continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, visit WKTVvideos on YouTube.
Loie Ghannam, on set at WKTV Journal In Focus. (WKTV)
This special WKTV Voices project presents video interviews, and online/print stories, covering a range of personal stories of the 9/11 attacks and their impact over the following two decades. Following previous background interviews dealing with American Islamic history, global politics, and the current Islamic world, WKTV has presented the voices of Muslim community leaders and, most importantly, local Muslim American citizens, especially young people who grew up in the age of 9/11.
WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org. You can also search Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the Hashtag #voices9/11at20.
The Accidentals, talking to WKTV early this year, said they could not wait to leave their pandemic quiet places in their hometown of Traverse City and get back on the road — but they were productive in their time off.
“We found things that work for us and found things that didn’t work for us,” Savannah “Sav” Buist — who along with Katie Larson and Michael Dause make up The Accidentals — said to WKTV in May. “But I think it was just nice to have the time … We toured so consistently that when we come home Katie and I just tend to spit out songs within a week and then not really look back. It was nice to look back … I learned to take my time, to come back to a song.”
Back on the road with their usual hectic pace of concerts across Michigan and the region, the band will be making a stop Thursday, Aug. 5, at the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concerts free series hitting the stage at 7 p.m.
And songs familiar and new will be on the set list.
The Accidentals (Supplied/Courtesy Aryn Madigan)
“Might As Well Be Gold” is one of the new songs, included on the “TIME OUT (Session 1), which was released May 7. The EP is a collection of songs which includes the single “Wildfire”, co-written by Kim Richey — who has worked with the likes ofTrisha Yearwood, Radney Foster, Brooks & Dunn — and which is getting The Accidentals a fair amount of national notice and airplay.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has one more Thursday night date, a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.
While most of the series of concerts have been livestreamed by WKTV, contractual restrictions by the band’s record label will prevent The Accidentals from being shown live or on-demand.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
“Democracy is about voting and it’s about a majority vote. And it’s time that we started exercising the Democratic process.”
Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow
Voters at the voting booth. (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison)
Voting in Kentwood and Wyoming
There will be contested primary elections happening in both Kentwood and Wyoming, with a Kentwood City Commission race possibly settled, and local Democrats and Republicans set to decide who from their part will be on the ballot for a State Senate seat up for final vote in the fall. Go here for the story.
National Night Out is all about getting people out and mixing with local public service employees including police and firefighters. (NATA.org)
Night out in Kentwood
The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities as part of the city-and-community celebration of National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.” Go here for the story.
Night out in Wyoming
A change for this year’s Wyoming National Night Out event will be that the city will host two main sites — Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW, and Grace Christian University, 1011 Alden St. SW. Both locations will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
71
Number of cities in Michigan which have registered to be involved in National Night Out. Source.
At a special announcement at Woodland Mall this week, new mall movie-theater tenant Phoenix Theaters’ management team made clear that “big company” high-tech visuals, solid sound and premium seats will be the standard when the mall’s theater building reopens as early as this fall.
But Phoenix Theatres CEO Cory Jacobson also made clear to the small crowd at the mall Tuesday, July 27, that, in his “small” movie-theater company, families come first at Phoenix and in its theaters, and COO John Scanlan, talking to WKTV, made clear that Phoenix’s nimble “small” company structure is one of the reasons they were able to take advantage of the Woodland Mall opportunity.
Phoenix Theatres CEO Cory Jacobson. (WKTV)
The company is a 21-year-old independently owned movie theatre company that plans to invest $4 million to refurbish the 14-screen theatre, according to supplied material, a project which will expand a company which operates several theaters in Southeast Michigan as well as one each in Iowa and Massachusetts.
It is also a company which prides itself on having employees who have worked their way up from taking tickets and popping popcorn, to top-level management.
“All these people have something in common. They have all worked for our company for many, many years,” Jacobson said as he introduced his management team to the crowd at Woodland Mall. “All of the senior staff started out popping popcorn, ripping tickets, selling concession items.”
After Jacobson and others of the management team talked to the Woodland Mall crowd about his company’s “family” outlook, and his theaters’ amenities including plush twin seats that can be opened up for customer “families,” Scanlan also talked to WKTV about how being a now-not-so-small family-owned company allowed it to move quickly when the Woodland Mall opportunity presented itself. (See complete discussion in video below.)
“We are still nimble enough to pivot, and move, and we all work so closely together that we are able to make these decision fairly quickly,” Scanlon said. “We have one owner (Cory Jacobson), we do not have to worry about having a group thought. … Cory can make decisions on the fly and that allows us to make decisions on the fly as well.”
Phoenix Theatres at Woodland Mall is the first major post-pandemic theatre investment in West Michigan, “signaling renewed confidence in the strength of this property and the regional economy,” according to PREIT, the mall’s parent company.
For Phoenix Theatres CEO Jacobson, the Woodland Mall expansion just felt right from the moment he first visited.
“Phoenix Theatres has always been a neighborhood theatre company, and that’s something we’re very proud of,” Jacobson said in supplied material. “After spending several weeks exploring the city, we felt very much at home in the culture of the community. Movie theatres are places where people come together to enjoy themselves. Creating an environment that celebrates community has always been our highest goal.”
After the renovations at the Woodland Mall location, the theater will be a 14-screen theatre within the 47,000-square-foot building, and will feature all-new premium reclining heated seating, 4K digital projection, Dolby Atmos, first-run movies and “family-friendly pricing.”
The City of Kentwood will be bustling with block parties, neighborhood events and other activities Tuesday, Aug. 3, as part of the city-and-community celebration of National Night Out, a nationwide annual event that “promotes community-police partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer.”
According to information provided by the city, National Night Out encourages people to turn their porch lights on and come outside to meet their neighbors, as well as community leaders, police and fire department personnel who will be out and about. The city also “encourages residents to continue to follow current public health guidelines.”
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders will join residents at more than 15 gatherings, most of which will take place between 6-8 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at events, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics.
“Positive interactions with residents are invaluable for fostering strong community relationships and safer neighborhoods,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said in supplied material. “National Night Out creates a wonderful opportunity to bring officers and community members together in a fun and relaxing setting. Members of our department always look forward to getting to know residents better and encourage more open lines of communication.”
The Kentwood Police Department will once again partner with Woodland Mall to offer community members an up-close look at police vehicles inside the mall, from 3-5 p.m. Shoppers will be able to learn about and explore a police cruiser and motorcycle and enjoy giveaways.
In addition, several community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog. Among the major event locations are:
Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, which will offer food and activities from 5-8 p.m.
Faith Baptist Church, 1412 44th St. SE, which will have food trucks, live bands and prizes from 7-9 p.m.
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, which will host a party from 6-8 p.m., featuring a bounce house, food and games.
“National Night Out’s message of neighborhood connections and the importance of caring for one another is right in line with Kentwood’s community effort,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “The City’s leadership team is looking forward to a fun evening connecting with residents, celebrating community and learning about ways we can work together to keep Kentwood a wonderful and safe place to call home.”
More information about National Night Out events in Kentwood is available at kentwood.us/NNO.
National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the nation. It began with a goal to promote safer, better neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.
It is no coincidence that guitarist and vocalist David Gerald likes to call his tight, taught guitar-bass-drum group a “Power Trio” — seeing him on video, hearing him on vinyl, tells you he knows that his hometown Detroit blues, R&B and rock sound is all about bringing the power to the stage.
Which, we can assume, he and his trio will do, Thursday, July 29, as they visit the outdoor Kentwood Summer Concert free series for a 7 p.m. gig.
Gerald also knows all about the blues, coming from a family that lived it, and grabbing the power, from a father who grabbed it.
Gerald is the son of rural Mississippi born and raised parents, and while he was born in Detroit, the youngest of 11 children, six of his siblings were born and partly raised in Mississippi.
David Gerald. (Courtesy of David Gerald)
“Because segregation and racial discrimination were so bad in Mississippi at the time, my dad moved the family north to Detroit when he was 33, so we’d have a better chance at the American dream,” Gerald said in supplied material.
And Gerald’s version of the American Dream is playing his beloved Detroit-sound music — what he calls “blues-infused rock and soul hybrid” — with his lead guitar a central figure since he first pickup one up at age 14.
“I was lucky enough to have a neighbor who was a guitarist and gave me scrap guitars. I would piece them together and build ‘Frankenstein’ guitars,” Gerald said. “They were horrible to play and sounded bad, but I had to play music. It was and is my destiny. I finally scraped up enough money to buy an old amp and I was happy.”
After cutting his teeth and honing his guitar skills in the 1980s, he says he began to explore the music of blues guitar heavyweights like Albert King, ZZ Hill, B.B. King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan — and his sound “evolved and expanded to where it is today.”
His 2009 debut CD, “Hell And Back,” reached #1 on Roots Music Report’s Blues Chart for Michigan based artists and remained in the top 20 for many weeks in a row. His newest album, “N2U”, was released in April 2018.
“N2U” had “been a long time coming,” he said. “I put together these songs for myself, my friends and supporters. It’s all about new thoughts, new experiences and deeply felt emotions. I hope everyone who listens can find something that touches them. Something they can relate to.”
For more information on the David Gerald Band, visit davidgerald.com.
The Kentwood Summer Concert Series has two more Thursday night dates: The Accidentals on Aug. 5 and a rescheduled night with The Soul Syndicate on Aug. 19.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.
Before the music starts, get a little treat at Kentwood Farmers Market. (WKTV/K/D. Norris)
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosted candidate forums for elections in the Wyoming and Kentwood area. One of them was the City of Kentwood City Commission Ward 2 candidate forum. The forums were produced through the facilities of WKTV Community Media.
Kentwood’s Ward 2 includes voting Precincts 10-18, roughly the east and northeast areas of the city. For a precinct and ward map, click here.
The non-partisan candidates are incumbent Tom McKelvey and challengers Jessica Ann Tyson and Dan VanderMolen. The top two vote-getters will move on to the November general election (unless one of the primary candidates get 50 percent plus 1 vote in the primary, in which case they will win the seat).
Note: Commissioner McKelvey and Ms. Tyson were able to attend the forum via Zoom; Mr. VanderMolen was not able to attend.
Kentwood City Commissioner candidate forum will air on WKTV Government 26, Friday, July 23, at 8:50 p.m. (immediately following the rebroadcast of this week’s Kentwood Commission Meeting), on Wednesday, July 28, at 8 p.m.; Friday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday, July 31, at 1 p.m. It is also available on demand at WKTVvideos on YouTube.
Kent County Veterans Services recently, and quite literally, opened its office doors to all county veterans and families in need of support and services. And the office is making sure the “all” in “all county veterans” includes female veterans.
To that end, the office is hosting the first of what it plans to be annual Female Veterans Banquet, July 31, at the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club in Grand Rapids. RSVPs are requested by Friday, July 23.
The banquet, a semi-formal affair with the fun of dinner and dancing, and the distinguished speaking of the honorable Rosemary Aqualina, JD, and United States Air Force veteran; and Deborah Brown, DMD and MHS, and U.SA. Army Veteran. It will run 6-11 p.m.
It will also be a night to celebrate female veterans, an often under-celebrated group of veterans.
“The idea for the banquet came from former (Veterans Services Advisory Committee) chair Mel Bauman, and the committee … decided to go ahead with it as part of KCVS overall initiative to engage more female vets in activities and services that are available to them,” Martha Burkett, manager of Kent County Veterans Services, said to WKTV.
“This banquet is an opportunity to celebrate female veterans, to thank them for their service and to acknowledge them for the amazing people that they are and the sacrifices they have made.”
And while all veterans should be thanked for their service, and the sacrifices they have made, female veterans are often left out of the celebrations and recognitions. And the reasons are manyfold.
Female (and male) veterans at an art workshop. (KC Veterans Services)
“Women are less likely to publicly identify as veterans than their male counterparts, and the public does not make a great effort to engage them,” Burkett said. “Often in situations when veterans are being recognized, men will be noticed and commended — even in couples where the man and woman are both vets, the public assumes that he is a vet and she is not. If a woman is unaccompanied in such a situation, unless she is wearing clothing or patches /pins that identify her as a veteran, she is likely to be overlooked entirely.”
Another reason, just beginning to be recognized and addressed, is women in the military sometimes experience military sexual trauma, bullying, and marginalization, Burkett said.
“This is not to say that males to not have these experiences, but it happens less frequently and/or they are less likely to report. Women are also reluctant to report, fearing retaliation and invalidation by their superiors and peers. Often male colleagues will cover for each other, or the military will move the woman to another military base rather than sanctioning the man.
“They make the same sacrifices as men and often experience hostile work and or living environments. Some women have a wonderful experience in the military and are impacted very little by the concerns that I mentioned. Others are greatly impacted and often harbor un earned feelings of shame and guilt or failure about their ability or inability to cope in the environment.”
Female veterans attend an online workshop. (KC Veterans Services)
The bottom line is the a veteran is a veteran, regardless of gender, and the Female Veterans Banquet is addressing that fact.
“Women in the military are as essential and effective in their roles as men,” Burkett said. “Women in the military are smart, strong, capable, and courageous and should be recognized for their efforts accordingly.”
Kent County Veterans Services is located at 836 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids. For more information visit kentcountyveteransservices.com or call 616-632-5722.
“The most important office, and the one which all of us can and should fill, is that of private citizen” casting their vote.
Louis Brandeis, justice on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1916-39
2021 primary and general local election summary
When 2021 election filing deadline passed in April, the Kent County election office reported six candidates running for the open 28th District State Senate seat (more could be added if independents file) and there will be five contested elections in the City of Kentwood, including for mayor, city commissioners and the city clerk. Go here for the story.
Primary election, City of Kentwood, Commissioner Ward 2
The City of Kentwood Ward 2 includes three non-partisan candidates: incumbent Tom McKelvey and challengers Jessica Ann Tyson and Dan VanderMolen. The top two vote-getters will move on to the November general election (unless one of the primary candidates get 50 percent plus 1 vote in the primary, in which case they will win the seat). Go here for the story.
Primary election, 28th District Senate
Last year, Peter MacGregor stepped away from the 28th District Senate seat to take over the position of Kent County treasurer, leaving the seat open until the governor called a special election. Five candidates, two Democrats and three Republicans are seeking the nomination from their respective parties in the Aug. 3 primary. The top vote getters in each of the party elections (and possible independent candidates) will face off in the November general election. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
80 million
More Americans voted in 2020 than in any other presidential-year election in 120 years. About 67 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, but that still means a third did not. That amounts to about 80 million people. Source.
Continuing the WKTV Journal In Focus series “WKTV Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later”, Hamid Elmorabeti, who was born and raised Morocco, leads a classic American immigrant family.
He and his family live in a quiet neighborhood in Kentwood where everybody had great lawns and kids ride their bikes. After first operating a trucking company with his family, he now works in truck maintenance. His wife, Mirsada, also works locally, and their son, Marwin, attends Kentwood Pubic Schools.
In our interview, Elmorabeti talks about his and his family’s journey to West Michigan and American citizenship, about that fateful 9/11 day 20 years ago when his wife advised him to not leave the house, and about how things have gotten better for local Muslims as that tragic day has become more history than nightly news.
The Kentwood family of Hamid Elmorabeti, at home prayer during COVID-19 mosque closure. (Courtesy of Elmorabeti Family)
But Elmorabeti, who has deep roots in the community — decades-long roots, admits he often still feels like an outsider.
“Yes, sometimes I do,” Elmorabeti said in the interview. “Society, they choose how they look at us. We try as hard as we can to fit in. But sometimes it is really hard. I remember one time I was driving a truck … ”
This special WKTV Voices project presents video interviews, and online/print stories, covering a range of personal stories of the 9/11 attacks and their impact over the following two decades.
Following previous background interviews dealing with American Islamic history and global politics, we now present the voices of Muslim community leaders and, most importantly, local Muslim American citizens, especially young people who grew up in the age of 9/11.
WKTV Journal’s “Voices: 9/11 at 20 — Our Islamic neighbors 20 years later” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos. Online/print stories are available by searching “9/11 at 20” on WKTVJournal.org. You can also search Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the Hashtag #voices9/11at20.
