WKTV Host Joey Sutherlin walks you through the qualifying rounds of the recent FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood High School (PART 1).
Our WKTV crew got highlights of the following local teams: East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics and Red Storm Rookies, Wyoming Demons, Grandville RoboDawgs, Kelloggsville Astrobots, Godwin Heights Robosnacks, Grand River Prep Titans and the West Catholic Enigma Robotics.
We also interviewed many student leaders and coaches!
Also take a look at Part 2 of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights Robotics Edition. Let us know what you think of our coverage mimicking Friday Night Highlights football and basketball.
WKTV Host Joey Sutherlin walks you through the playoffs and finals of a recent FIRST Robotics Michigan District event at East Kentwood High School (PART 2).
Our WKTV crew got highlights of the following local teams: East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics and Red Storm Rookies, Wyoming Demons, Grandville RoboDawgs, Kelloggsville Astrobots, Godwin Heights Robosnacks, Grand River Prep Titans and the West Catholic Enigma Robotics.
We also interviewed many student leaders and coaches!
Also take a look at Part 1 of our WKTV Friday Night Highlights Robotics Edition. Let us know what you think of our coverage mimicking Friday Night Highlights football and basketball.
With the return of spring comes another seasonal tradition – the annual Wyoming Carnival!
Families are invited to Lamar Park (2561 Porter St. SW, Wyoming) to enjoy carnival rides, food, games and prizes April 11 – 20.
“We’re excited for a week of food, fun and games to kick off spring,” said Brittani Stickler, Special Events and Marketing Programmer for Wyoming Parks & Recreation.
The carnival will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 – 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 – 8:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12 – 6 p.m.
(Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Individual ticket and unlimited ride wristband cost will be announced soon. Tickets and wristbands can be purchased at the ticket booth on site at the carnival.
Krashawn Martin, Director of Parks & Recreation, says this annual event is always “a great opportunity for families and neighbors to come out and enjoy the park, and enjoy the carnival at the same time.”
Impacting youth through family fun
Not only does the carnival provide fun for the whole family, it funds youth scholarships and programming through the Parks & Recreation Department.
Each year, T.J. Schmidt & Company donates a portion of their ticket sales back to the Parks & Rec Department for youth scholarships. The recreation program scholarships can be utilized by most any youth in Wyoming under the age of 18.
(Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Those interested in applying for a youth scholarship can fill out an application on the Parks & Recreation website, or visit the department office location.
The Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance distributes funds to the community through their annual grant awarding process.
Something for everyone
The Parks & Rec Department encourages the community to come out and experience this family-friendly event.
“Whether you’re here for the carnival classics or trying something new, there’s something for everyone!” (Parks & Rec website)
Woodland Mall will celebrate the start of spring and the return of bunny photo opportunities with a Bunny & Friends event Saturday, March 29.
The free, entertainment-filled event will feature a special appearance by the bunny, Elsa and Spider-Man, as well as face painting and balloon twisting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Macy’s court. The event will mark the return of bunny photo opportunities, available through April 19.
“Our Bunny & Friends event promises to be a fun-filled morning as we welcome our favorite bunny along with other popular characters to Woodland Mall,” Senior Marketing Director Lisa Wolstromer said. “Everyone is invited to join for activities kids will love while capturing photo memories with friends and loved ones.”
Photos with the bunny will be offered in a spring-themed photo set March 28 through April 19 from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For the last weekend, extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. will be offered on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19.
(Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Beginning March 31, pets can join in for photos every Monday noon to 8 p.m. through April 14. Feathered and whiskered pets of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Owners must also sign a release prior to visiting.
Digital photo packages are available with add-ons such as prints and frames. Online reservations are encouraged at VIPholidayphotos.com/event/WOODLANDE25. Walk-up visits are permitted when space is available.
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) will host the 41st Region 12 Michigan Science Olympiad tournament on March 29. The university is welcoming West Michigan middle school and high school students to compete in STEM-related events for a chance to advance to the state tournament.
Science, education and community
Students will test their abilities in a wide range of science-related activities (Supplied)
Nearly 60 teams from schools in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties will participate in the annual celebration of education and science on the university’s Allendale Campus, where students will test their abilities in a wide range of science-related activities.
Teams from 10 high schools and eight middle schools will continue on to the April 26 state tournament.
Grand Valley’s Regional Math and Science Center is hosting the competition, which will also feature an exhibition from 2-4:30 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena showcasing STEM opportunities and career paths with participating community and business partners.
The tournament’s events start at 8 a.m., ending around 3 p.m., at venues across GVSU’s Allendale Campus. The awards ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Fieldhouse Arena.
Competition events
Students will compete in events involving biology, geology, physics, chemistry and engineering.
Examples of the types of events include:
Build events: Students design and construct physical devices such as robot vehicles, towers or rubber-powered helicopters using specified materials and guidelines. These devices are tested during the competition to see how well they perform based on specific criteria.
Lab events: Students test their technical skills by focusing on identification, procedure, measurement and more.
Test events: Students will put pencil to paper and race against time to test their proficiency of science topics.
Cultivating a love for science
The competition’s leaders said they are excited to start the fifth decade of hosting the Region 12 tournament, which tops the state for participation numbers.
(Courtesy, GVSU)
“Michigan and GVSU have been involved with the National Science Olympiad organization since its beginning in 1984, allowing us to cultivate students’ love for science by supporting high-impact STEM activities for hundreds of students each year,” said Deborah Herrington, Director of the Center for Experiential Learning in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“We appreciate the numerous faculty and staff as well as the 200 Grand Valley students who volunteer their time and talents for each tournament, demonstrating GVSU’s commitment to education and the community.”
A sleepover at a friend’s house opened up an entire new world for East Kentwood sophomore Cadence Geemes.
Her friend asked if she’d like to come with her to robotics and she said, “Sure … and it just sparked my curiosity. I’ve always loved tinkering and robotics is just the place for it.”
Geemes is a project lead of the mechanical group on the East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics Team 3875. As Project Lead of the robot, she’s responsible for teaching and directing other students as the primary builders of robot mechanisms.
Red Storm Robotics Coach Trista VanderVoord said though Cadence is at the beginning of her journey in robotics, she’s “pretty good at teaching one-on-one with students and is very interested in learning.
“Her placement into a leadership role as a 10th grader is impressive.”
Geemes will compete with her team at East Kentwood’s ninth FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30 at the high school (6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood).
“We expect 40 teams from across Michigan to compete and 2,000 people to come to this fun, free, open to the public event,” said Wendy Ljungren, event coordinator of FIRST Robotics Competition and founder of Red Storm Robotics in 2010. “In the 2025 game REEFSCAPE, two alliances of three robots each compete to score coral (tubes) on their reef, harvest algae (balls) from the reef, and attach to the barge before time runs out.”
Opening ceremonies for Day 1 begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29 and on Day 2 at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 30 at East Kentwood High School. The complete agenda and more details on the competition can be found HERE. For a one-page game overview click HERE.
Always on her mind
Geemes talked about her love for robotics and how it never leaves her brain.
Cadence Geemes, Red Storm Robotics Team 3875 Project Lead. (Photo Courtesy, Trista VanderVoord)
“I’m always thinking about robotics,” she explained. “It’s a fun spot to be in. It’s taught me how to problem solve and think around the problem and go from different angles.
As for teaching people as a Project Lead, “I do enjoy guiding people. At first it was a little difficult because a lot of my friends are around the same age group as me. So, it’s weird them saying, ‘Why is my friend bossing me around?’ But I do enjoy having a leadership role, and I like checking things off and assigning people jobs.”
A bowler and tennis player, Geemes compares robotics to team sports.
“I would say it’s like you’re on a sports team because you’re so included and you do everything as a team together,” Geemes said. “At the same time they’re different because robotics is known as the sport of the mind and other sports are physical.
“I just love robotics so much because I love working with my hands and it makes me think, and I love to solve things and just figure things out.”
A mission to increase females in STEM
VanderVoord and Ljungren are on a constant mission to increase female participation in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.
East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics Founder Wendy Ljungren and Coach Trista VanderVoord. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
Red Storm Robotics consists of 55% female leadership, which is a good number compared to the global average that women comprise only 29% of the STEM workforce, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum.
Though the numbers are slowly rising, 40% of girls with a 4.0 GPA don’t think they are smart enough for their dream career and 28% avoid classes with low female enrollment, according to a 2024 survey of 17,502 girls through ROX and Battelle. Rox is the national nonprofit authority on girls that conducts large-scale national research with girls and delivers evidence-based programs in schools nationwide and equips adults to better support and empower girls.
“On our high school team, the 10th through 12th graders, there are 30 kids with nine student leaders they have selected and five out of the nine are female leaders, which is excellent,” VanderVoord said with a smile. “That comes from many years of developing a culture where female participation is encouraged and Wendy is an excellent example for these girls in this program. She has the strong engineering background and is the perfect example of being a woman in this industry with the kinds of things she’s gone through to get where she’s gotten.
“She’s got a very successful business and she teaches them a lot of things beyond how you build a robot. She teaches them how to exist as a female engineer in this world.”
Geemes said sometimes you just see all guys, and, “you’re like, ‘Why am I the only one here?’ So if you see more females around you, you’re like, ‘Oh, I belong here. I can do this,’ like, that’s empowering.”
VanderVoord said she didn’t start her career in anything related to robotics.
“My education was in statistics and psychology, and I worked doing statistical reporting for an insurance company directly out of college until my kids were born and became a stay-at-home mom,” VanderVoord explained. “When I was going through college, I had absolutely no idea about robotics. This didn’t exist at Kentwood when I was in school.
“The goal was always that I was going to stay home with my kids, and then as my son was growing up he was interested in just about everything,” she continued. “And one of his interests, he saw a demo of robotics at his middle school and he said, ‘This sounds really cool,’ and I said, ‘Great, you and your dad can go do that robotics thing,’ and so that first year they did.”
The following year, however, her husband asked for help and VanderVoord jumped in and fell in love.
“I saw the growth in the kids and it wouldn’t have mattered to me if it was basket weaving or robotics.”
East Kentwood Red Storm Robotics Team 3875 robot that will compete in the upcoming competition. (WKTV/Cris Greer)
East Kentwood’s growth of robotics
“That first season was just a few kids and started by GE Aerospace and Wendy Ljungren in 2010,” VanderVoord explained. “The very next semester they started a high school level program.”
25 participants to start
VanderVoord said they had no supplies to start with and had to raise money, and had a teacher that came in to coach and a team of about 25 kids, “which was amazing that they got that much interest.”
And then 75
When VanderVoord took over as program coordinator, there were approximately 75 kids in the middle and high school program. However, COVID had just happened, and many of the kids didn’t rejoin.
“So we were starting very, very low then and one of my first objectives was to get robotics into the elementary schools in this district. We’re opening our 11th elementary school program this year. And I also needed to increase the number of girls in the program.”
A growth surge to 240, and now 330 and counting
“I was thrilled and that includes recruiting coaches for every single team, a lot more parents, some of them are staff … so the entire district at this point knows about this program.”
VanderVoord has now helped grow the program to 330 participants with a waiting list of 91, which exists because of a lack of coaches.
Ljungren on breaking the glass ceiling; “A long way to go”
“When I started it was at a facility with probably 350 engineers, and I was the first female at that time,” explained Ljungren, who’s been in the aviation business for more than 40 years in high profile roles in engineering for GE Aviation and AiRXOS, and recently formed a company called Anzen Unmanned. “It took years before there were many of us, and even now if you look at the number of women that are in engineering it’s pretty pathetic. The number of engineering graduates is getting better, but it still has a long way to go.”
It all began with recruiting more females in STEM
“Around 15 years ago, I was at GE Aviation leading the women in technology group and we were looking at how to get girls to take the math and science classes because they were not taking them to become engineers or scientists or going into those fields,” she explained. “That’s where we got started with FIRST Robotics LEGO League, then we were asked to start the high school team that spring, and now it’s our 15-year anniversary all because of trying to get girls excited about STEM.”
Ljungren talks about her passion for student led teams and giving them all the education and skillsets in technology, communication and teamwork that they can, and stresses how it’s for both females and males, “Because both sexes need all the help and maturing they can get … and opportunities to develop and grow.”
What sparked Ljungren’s career?
“I was always very good at math and relatively logical,” she explained. “I always had that skill, but I was thinking lawyer or architecture, and then my parents were very smart. They basically took me to see architecture and at that time women were just drafters, they didn’t do real serious architecture work … and my parents had me talk to both those professions. I really didn’t know much about engineering, but my favorite math teacher, my mom, highly encouraged me.
“And then I took engineering classes, was good at it, and I’m in the aerospace business and I really love the satisfaction of seeing airplanes that I help develop fly, and I’m very proud that I have not had any accidents with them.”
Senior Eva Mei
Building LEGOs as a child jump-started East Kentwood senior Project Lead Eva Mei into robotics.
“I’ve always been interested in robotics and any engineering related things since elementary school,” said Mei, who leads a team of three people on a certain aspect of the robot. “It started out with my elementary school having a program for Legos, like block coding, and it started from there. In middle school I got to explore in a lot of different fields from the programming to the designing to the actual hands-on manufacturing.
“I really enjoyed building a product … starting from scratch, working especially with other people to all create something that we’re proud of.”
Eva Mei, Red Storm Robotics Team 3875 Project Lead, has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the past three years for her impact on the community through Red Storm Robotics’ volunteer activities. (Photo Courtesy, Trista VanderVoord)
VanderVoord said Mei is a very strong, mechanical minded person that wants to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University. Mei has received a merit scholarship for $25,000.
“Eva’s been involved in the program since middle school, and has consistently grown year to year,” VanderVoord said. “She volunteers over a hundred hours a year to share FIRST Robotics with our school district and the community and has received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the past three years for her impact on the community through Red Storm Robotics’ volunteer activities.”
Mei compares robotics with a sports team
“We’re all kind of rooting for each other and we want obviously to see ourselves win, but we also have to rely on each other as teammates,” Mei said. “I really enjoy passing my experiences along and my knowledge along to my other teammates so that in the future, when they are seniors, they can continue to pass that knowledge.”
Kudos to the teachers
“I have a lot of respect for Wendy, especially as a woman in STEM who started from way back when the balance was not as high as it is now,” she explained. “And even I still in this day and age struggle with some of the disparities that happen, and for them to be able to persevere through that, I have a lot of respect for them when they do that.
“With Miss V, she’s been leading our team for a pretty long time, and with her initiatives was able to break through in 2022 with boosting our stats of the percentage of women to men in robotics and STEM.”
Her plans are not only to major in mechanical engineering in college, but also to help improve the percentages of females in STEM fields.
“Right now, I’m looking into the automotive industry, but I really want to be able to succeed in a career, in a way, also as a woman,” Mei explained. “To be able to continue to extend the reach of STEM towards women, and not just reaching towards women more with STEM, but also creating a better environment and relationship between men and women within the field.
“I think robotics has allowed me to understand exactly what I want to do because it’s allowed me to experiment a lot with different aspects of engineering … but then in some aspect, it’s also allowed me to open my eyes into leadership, how to lead a team, how to manage different projects, and then has allowed me to see more of that balance between women and men in the STEM fields.
“I think that has made me push even more to want the field and the experience for women to be even better.”
BLOOM’s month-long festivities allow greater Grand Rapids community members to take part in sustainable practices and seasonal activities (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)
This spring, RiverTown Crossings is proud to present BLOOM, an innovative month-long event series dedicated to sustainability and community engagement.
Starting on March 15 and running through April 26, BLOOM will transform RiverTown Crossings into a vibrant hub of eco-friendly activities and events.
“BLOOM showcases RiverTown Crossings’ dedication to community connection, featuring eco-friendly initiatives and engaging family-friendly events,” says Melissa Brink, Marketing Manager at RiverTown Crossings. “We’re delighted to provide a program that brings together sustainability, creativity, and community to celebrate the season.”
BLOOM aims to inspire and educate visitors on sustainable living practices while fostering a stronger sense of community and promoting fresh beginnings.
A wide variety of fun activities are available for all ages, including:
Document Shredding & Recycling Programs – Saturday, March 15
In celebration of World Recycle Day and in partnership with West Michigan Shredding, the community is encouraged to bring sensitive documents for safe disposal at an on-site shredding truck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in the northeast parking lot near Dick’s Sporting Goods, guests may bring paper-based materials for shredding.
Participants who bring their documents to be shredded can text to enter a giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Uccello’s gift card.
Guests are also encouraged to visit several RiverTown Crossings tenants to support their recycling programs. Tenants include:
H&M – The retailer’s Garment Collection Program allows guests to drop off unwanted clothes from any brand, in any condition to recycle boxes in-store. The collected textiles are sorted for reuse, repurposing, or recycling to reduce waste.
American Eagle – Thinking of getting rid of that old pair of jeans? Bring them into an AE and get $10 toward a new pair! Shoppers must be a Real Rewards member to redeem this offer.
Sephora – Drop off your cleaned-out packaging to Sephora’s dedicated collection bins. In partnership with the nonprofit, Pact, the collected packaging will be repurposed into carpets, pallets, asphalt, new packaging and more.
BLOOM Bike Rodeo (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)
World Water Day – Saturday, March 22
In celebration of World Water Day, the center will host multiple environmental groups and vendors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level Center Court, to provide eco-friendly education and activities. Guests can also sign up to receive a free ‘RiverTown Crossings’ branded water bottle, with purchase at select stores and while supplies last.
Spring Affair – Friday, April 4 through Saturday, April 19
Capture season memories with Easter Bunny photo sessions taking place in Center Court. Fresh from the Home & Garden Show in Grand Rapids, DeHamer Landscaping will install a vibrant display of live plants and flowers for a beautiful spring backdrop. Guests are encouraged to reserve their spots and review photo packages, as space is limited. To reserve a photo session, visit whereisbunny.com.
Spring Break Activities – Saturday, April 12
Celebrating the end of spring break, families are invited to visit the RiverTown Crossings for a series of activities including crafts, coloring, face painting, balloon animals and an egg hunt.
The event will teach kids essential bike safety skills, including bike repairs, helmet checks and safe riding techniques, and a skills course will be available for those looking to challenge themselves. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes, though a limited number of loaner bikes will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families can also enjoy exciting giveaways including a wildflower seed in Center Court, and bike raffles throughout the event.
The 15th annual LaughFest Festival will offer 45 free and ticketed shows with venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Gun Lake Casino and Resort in Wayland (Courtesy, Gilda’s Club GR)
With Gilda’s LaughFest less than a month away, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids announced the 15th annual event will offer 45 free and ticketed shows with venues in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Gun Lake Casino and Resort in Wayland.
Included in the free events are a new LaughFest kickoff event, several LaughFest favorites, and a variety of family-friendly shows.
There is something funny for everyone at LaughFest (Courtesy, Gilda’s Club GR)
“LaughFest is very much a festival where there really is something funny for everyone,” said Wendy Wigger, President and CEO of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. “Now in our 15th year, we’re excited to bring some great free shows, as well as events that families can enjoy and join in the laughter together.”
What is LaughFest?
Laughter is celebrated at LaughFest (Courtesy, Gilda’s Club GR)
Launched in March 2011, Gilda’s LaughFest is the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter. The festival has quickly earned a reputation for being one of the nation’s marquee events for both participants and artists.
Based in Grand Rapids and including events throughout West Michigan, LaughFest celebrates and honors laughter as an essential part of emotional health and wellbeing.
Featuring stand-up, improv, showcases and more, LaughFest brings together a diverse audience of children and adults every March.
NEWLaughFest kickoff event:
Kicking off LaughFest is a new free event, Celebrity Clue Scavenger, on Feb. 26. The scavenger hunt will feature six teams comprised of 4-6 clever sleuths, embarking on a quest to decipher cryptic clues.
Handed out by local media celebrities, comedians Matt Lauria and Allen Trieu, and local celebrity chef Tommy FitzGerald, the clues will lead teams to six unique locations within a one-mile radius throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
Family Improv brings lots of laughs (Courtesy, Gilda’s Club GR)
Free LaughFest shows:
March 5 @ Midtown – The Cancer Survivor Showcase: Local comedians who have all experienced cancer share their stories – with a twist.
March 6 @ Midtown – We Are SO Lucky: Allen Trieu’s hybrid stand-up and stage show features his personal journey of heartbreak, love, healing and self-discovery during an unexpected divorce.
A VR Showcase participant engages on stage while audience members watch the simulcast (Courtesy, Gilda’s Club GR)
March 8 @ The B.O.B. – The Virtual Reality Showcase: See comedians live on stage through VR simulcasted to TV screens in Dr. Grins. VR headsets are not required to view the live performance and will not be provided.
March 9 @ Spectrum Entertainment Complex – Sunday Night Funnies: Features up-and-coming talent and a 50/50 raffle with all proceeds going to Gilda’s Club of GR.
Free family-friendly LaughFest shows:
Youth enjoy sharing their jokes on stage (Courtesy, Gilda’s Club GR)
NEW! March 6 @ Resurrection Fellowship Church – Gospel Fest: Hosted by the Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Sister-to-Sister Breast Cancer Support Group for Women of Color, the event consists of laughter, praise, and shared song with clean comedian Lena Green.
March 8 @ Gilda’s Club GR – Kids Joke Time: Young comedians from West Michigan have submitted their favorite jokes and will take the mic. Comedian Allen Trieu will host.
March 8 @ Gilda’s Club GR – Family Improv: Families get silly playing improvised games while finding new ways to use their imaginations on a rainy day. Led by local improv instructors at The Comedy Project. No improv experience required.
March 5 @ LowellArts! and March 8 @ Gilda’s Club GR – Drums for All with Josh Dunigan: This event is the product of conversations and collaborations Dunigan had with those living with various disabilities. Dunigan provides the drums, participants bring hands and smiles.
All ages enjoy Josh Dunigan’s Drums for All program (Courtesy, Gilda’s Club GR)
Event info / Ticket purchases
The full lineup of free events, as well as ticket information, can be found at laughfestgr.org.
Dinner and show tickets for the Red Door Gala featuring Preacher Lawson are available at gildasclubgr.org/red-door-gala.
AnchorPoint Christian School in Wyoming is entering PaperGator’s first-ever Paper Recycling Contest in celebration of Earth Day (Courtesy, AnchorPoint Christian School)
AnchorPoint Christian School in Wyoming has entered PaperGator’s first-ever Paper Recycling Contest in celebration of Earth Day!
(Courtesy photo)
PaperGator is offering participating locations the chance to earn exciting rewards by increasing their paper recycling volume until April 11. Locations that show the greatest improvement will be awarded up to $5,000, with the option for bonus prizes. All participants earn double the usual payouts during the contest period.
Investing in the future
Located in urban Wyoming, AnchorPoint has been providing faith-based education to Preschool-6 students since its inception in 2010.
The PaperGator contest teaches students about the importance of recycling while also supporting education (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
AnchorPoint serves a diverse student body, including 44% of students from low-income households. The payouts from PaperGator have helped support the school for the past 15 years by providing funds for educational resources, learning materials and physical activity tools.
Holly Gomez, AnchorPoint teacher, said this contest is important to the school for two main reasons.
“First, we value teaching students about the importance of recycling and sustainability, which is crucial for the environment and for the future of our community,” said Gomez. “Second, it offers us an opportunity to raise funds to purchase Classroom Cruiser Bike(s) for our library.”
Gomez went on to say that the bikes will help create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment by allowing students to merge physical activity with academic work.
“Recent research highlights the benefits of movement in enhancing cognitive function and academic performance in young learners,” Gomez said. “Many of our students face challenges with staying focused during extended periods of seated instruction.”
Gomez believes the Cruiser Bikes are an innovative resource that will make a significant impact on AnchorPoint students.
“The introduction of Classroom Cruiser Bikes will allow students to engage in light physical activity while reading, researching, or participating in library-based activities, fostering both academic and physical well-being.”
The double participation payouts will significantly boost AnchorPoint’s incoming funds, helping meet the cost of the Classroom Cruiser Bikes and possibly provide additional support for other educational tools that will enhance students’ learning experiences.
“Providing equitable access to innovative learning tools like Classroom Cruiser Bikes ensures that all students can benefit from cutting-edge educational resources, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” said Gomez.
Contest award details
Winners will be determined based on the largest percentage increase in paper recycled from January to April 11, compared with the same period in 2024.
Grand Prizes:
1st Place – $5,000
2nd Place – $2,000
3rd Place – $1,000
Top 10:
Double Earnings for the entire year of 2025!
Bonus Prizes:
5 randomly selected participants will win $500 worth of school supplies (to be awarded at the start of the 2025 school year).
All participants will earn Double Earnings from January 2025 through April 11, 2025.
Winners will be announced on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22.
Contribute to the environment and education!
Recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment for future generations (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
In 2024, the school averaged 1,000 lbs. per month, the equivalent of half a PaperGator full of recyclable material.
AnchorPoint is reaching out to their business partners, the community and local churches to let them know about the opportunity to recycle with the school in order to increase their volume.
AnchorPoint encourages everyone to participate in the PaperGator Recycling Contest and consider recycling their paper products.
“Beyond helping our school, recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment for future generations,” said Gomez. “By supporting us in this contest, you’re not only helping AnchorPoint, but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the children we serve.”
AnchorPoint’s PaperGator bin is conveniently located in their parking lot at 601 36th Street SW in Wyoming.
Learn more about AnchorPoint Christian School here.
More information on how to support AnchorPoint’s mission of inspiring and educating the community through innovative, Christ-centered learning can be found here.
Join the Frosted Frenzy, a hilariously sweet challenge where participants dash around a scenic loop while devouring delicious donuts and balancing a beverage in hand! (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks & Rec)
This hilariously sweet challenge will find participants racing around a scenic loop, while devouring delicious donuts and balancing a beverage in hand. Frosted Frenzy is perfect for families, friends and anyone with a love for fun and frosted donuts
Enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, and more donuts at the finish line!
The sweetest challenge:
Will you savor every bite and make it to the finish line without spilling?
How to join in the fun!
Registration cost includes t-shirt available in sizes Youth Small – Adult XL. Individuals can sign up for $20 each or register up to five people for only $50.
The City of Kentwood needs help finding the yeti again – this time on Friday, Jan. 17 at Stanaback Park.
The annual Flashlight Yeti Hunt will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the park, 3717 Whitebud Drive SE. Participants of all ages will use flashlights to search for clues leading to the yeti – also known as the Abominable Snowman – along a walking path around the park.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the Flashlight Yeti Hunt again this year,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This is a great opportunity for community members to get outside during the winter and explore one of our beautiful parks.”
At the end of the walking path, participants can enjoy warm drinks, light refreshments and a chance for a photo with the yeti.
Due to the popularity of the event, this year community members can choose from four 30-minute sessions. Participants are encouraged to register early as spots are expected to fill fast. General admission is $7 per household, and participants are asked to bring their own flashlight. Advanced registration is required.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program, the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, strives to build courage, confidence and character in girls all over the world (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Purchase your favorite Girl Scout Cookies by visiting FindCookies.org. Girl Scout Cookie booths can be found at local supermarkets beginning Feb. 28.
Empowering youth
The Girl Scout Cookie Program, the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, strives to build courage, confidence and character in girls all over the world.
Purchasing a box of cookies is not just about savoring a nostalgic sweet treat – it also supports a program that funds girls’ adventures, builds entrepreneurial skills, enhances their leadership experiences and empowers the next generation of leaders.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls fund exciting adventures and meaningful programs while also teaching five essential life skills (Courtesy, Robert Couse-Baker)
“Each box of cookies you purchase helps build a brighter future for our Girl Scouts,” said Vivian TerMaat, CEO of GSMISTS. “Through this program, girls gain the courage and confidence to embark on new adventures, acquire valuable skills, and make a positive impact in the world.
“From learning to run a business and manage finances to giving back to their communities, the skills they develop today are shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”
The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls fund exciting adventures and meaningful programs while also teaching five essential life skills. Through goal setting, money management, decision-making, people skills and business ethics, girls gain the tools they need to thrive as confident future leaders within their communities.
More about Girl Scouts
GSMISTS is a high-capacity council formed by GSUSA, comprised of over 30 counties, that provides the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls throughout western and northern Michigan.
To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit www.gsmists.org.
Growing Dreams: A New Community Garden for Families & Neighbors (Video courtesy of H.O.P.E. Gardens)
By AnchorPoint Christian School Youth Contributors
AnchorPoint students help plant garlic in the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
H.O.P.E. Gardens stands for Help Other People Eat. Located in Grand Rapids, H.O.P.E. Gardens is dedicated to making a positive change in local communities by helping families and individuals grow their own food.
Teaching community members how to cultivate fresh and sustainable food resources gives individuals and families better access to nutritious and affordable food.
Founded in 2015 by Rich and Julie Brunson, who each experienced food insecurity problems early in their lives, H.O.P.E. Gardens has expanded to educate local communities and organizations on the importance of sustainable food resources.
Family Network of Wyoming (FNW) has partnered with H.O.P.E. Gardens to provide that resource for local families.
“When we have gardens, and when we have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, it helps impact health,” said Javonte Tubbs, Executive Director at Family Network of Wyoming.
“If you eat healthy fruits and vegetables all day, you’re going to be in great health. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a lot of nutrients and vitamins and good things for your body.”
This garden came to fruition as a way to honor Theresa Drost, a valued employee of Express Pros who recently passed away.
“Theresa’s passion was having a garden and a beautification place around the garden,” said Tubbs. “Janis and Julie got together to find a location to have a garden in memory of Theresa. Family Network of Wyoming had the space and wanted to do a garden as well. It was a perfect partnership.”
That dream was realized as AnchorPoint students prepared the land to begin a new garden where local families will come together to grow food and community.
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
“The Kent County Needs Assessment states that one out of six adults experiences food insecurity,” said Tubbs. “That means we need more community gardens, we need more access to healthy fruits and vegetables. Pantries and gardens are places that provide that access.”
Tubbs says there will be people from the community who come to help plant the food, and who will also receive some of that food for their families. And Tubbs plans to join in the fun.
“I love to help,” Tubbs said. “What makes people want to help is a sense of community, a sense of togetherness.”
Butterfly gardens and toad houses – both excellent contributors to the environment – can also be found at H.O.P.E. Gardens.
A willingness to help
Tubbs joined FNW in October of 2023 and said he enjoys both the people and the work.
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
“I like Julie and H.O.P.E. Gardens because they have a passion to connect people with healthy fruit and vegetables,” said Tubbs.
“My favorite part of working at Family Network is the volunteers,” Tubbs continued. “Their passion to help, their willingness to be there, to be present, and to be there with smiles. There is a lot of great energy there; everybody is willing to help.”
Growing food…and passion!
H.O.P.E. Gardens is making a change that begins with our youth and fostering a passion for growing food through interactive, eco-friendly learning experiences.
That passion is evident in the students at AnchorPoint. These local students will continue helping with the FNW garden by planting seeds in the spring and participating in the harvest.
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Resource links
For more information about H.O.P.E. Gardens, visit hopegardensgr.org. To learn more about the Family Network of Wyoming, visit fntw.org.
*View the “Growing Dreams” garden photo gallery below, courtesy of Kim Omanchi, APCS:
AnchorPoint students are welcomed and receive instruction on how to begin the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students begin laying the foundation for the garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students receive instruction on how to plant garlic (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students plant garlic in the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students plant garlic in the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students enjoyed donuts after their hard work (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Contributors
This article was written and produced by the 3rd-4th grade students of Wyoming’s AnchorPoint Christian School under the direction of Team 2 teacher Kim Omanchi.
Team 2: Henry Bloomer, Elijah Ducher, Henrik Gagnon, Leonard Gagnon, Jaxon Glas, Logan Henderson, Toby Lehnen, Alan Perez, Nathan Simeon, Joseph Vasquez and Kareen Zuiderveen
Kent District Library is launching new booster packs that will help kids develop an early love of reading – and is asking for community assistance!
“Early literacy is the foundation for so many aspects of life and developing an early love of reading helps children in school and throughout life,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner in supplied material. “This, in turn, has a huge impact on our community. By supporting activities that are fun and effective, you are transforming lives.”
About KDL booster packs
(Courtesy, KDL)
Each $100 gift covers the cost of a typical booster pack, which is tailored for preschool and school-age kids in home-based activities. They include educational games, books and activities that make learning fun for children in kindergarten through third grade.
According to the KDL website, booster packs were created in response to the Read Before Grade 3 law, opens a new window. The kits were crafted to help improve specific reading areas including fluency, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.
The 600 booster packs KDL already provides across their 20 branches are exceptionally popular, which means that the activities are well used and need to be replaced from time to time so they are fresh.
Also, additional funding can help KDL expand the availability of booster packs. Currently, most booster packs are checked out and have a waiting list, so having the ability to add more packs will have a profound impact.
How to sponsor booster packs
To sponsor one or more booster packs, give online and designate your gift for “Booster Packs.” For more information, contact Randall Goble, Kent District Library Director of Engagement, at rgoble@kdl.org.
A chilly Friday evening was filled with fun and festivities on Dec. 6 at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The annual event kicked off with a light parade, followed by the tree lighting and numerous activities for all ages, including take-home children’s crafts, cookie making, caroling, a snow globe photo booth and a visit from Santa. Patty Matters food truck also was on site.
From Left: Endeavor Elementary student Carter Washington and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley pose after the tree lighting. Washington was the grand marshal of the parade after winning the City’s essay contest. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
After the tree lighting, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley explained why he thinks the holiday event is so special.
“It’s where community comes together for special moments,” Kepley said. “It’s where we can gather no matter the age, the culture, we can come together and celebrate a time of, we pray, joy and peace for all. This has become a tradition for many families and kids.
“What’s so amazing as we were in the parade, is seeing the faces of the little ones, it’s just amazing. We were in the trailer with Santa, and when they saw Santa, we saw their little faces light up and glowing; it’s just a special time.”
“We want people to know they belong here”
Mayor Kepley also talked about the importance of residents feeling like they belong to the community, stressing that Kentwood represents 90 different countries and 116 languages.
“Our goal is not for people just to be welcome, but to belong,” Kepley said. “We want people to know they belong here and are part of this community; it’s really important. Over the years and decades of having formed these relationships with people who were not born here, this is their home. It’s really absolutely special.”
Grand Marshal Carter Washington
Endeavor Elementary student Carter Washington was the grand marshal of the parade after winning the essay competition. For the third-straight year, the winner was chosen to be grand marshal with Mayor Kepley and helped light the tree. Students ages 5-18 who are Kentwood residents or attend school in Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills or Caledonia school districts were eligible to participate.
Don’t miss these fun photos of the Kentwood holiday event!
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
(WKTV)
(WKTV, Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
(WKTV, Cris Greer)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Kentwood Tree Lighting and Parade 2024. Patty Matters food truck. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Attendees also had the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. If you’d still like to donate, or want more information, log on to kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Sgt. Shellenbarger decorates a cookie for a fellow law enforcement officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Reindeer, live music and cookie decorating were only a few highlights of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department’s second annual holiday event, Wrap Up Wyoming (WUW), that took place Friday, Dec. 6.
Not only did the holiday festivities help bring residents and neighbors together for an evening of fun at the Wyoming Senior Center, WUW also kickstarted a donation drive for local schools.
Attendees generously donated new warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots. The collected items will be donated to Wyoming area schools.
The free, family-friendly WUW event featured musical acts from the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band, as well as music from local music legend, The Reverend Jesse Ray. Cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, crafts, games, a free photo station and live reindeer provided fun activities for all ages.
A WUW volunteer helps a young attendee with his craft (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Mayor Kent Vanderwood welcomed guests at the beginning of the event.
“Thank you for coming,” said Mayor Vanderwood. “We appreciate you coming, supporting the school, the band, and of course for the clothing items that you’ve given for the schools to hand out.
“Have a Merry Christmas!”
Donations accepted through December!
If you were unable to attend WUW but would still like to donate, donation bins are available at Wyoming City Hall throughout the month of December.
See WKTV’s Wrap Up Wyoming photo gallery below!
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Mayor Vanderwood (second from right) talks with event attendees (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Capt. Eric Wiler (center) talks with event attendees (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Coloring pages were available for all ages to enjoy (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The cookie decorating station was a big hit for both children and adults(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Warm clothing donations were collected and will be distributed to local students (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Sgt. Shellenbarger decorates a cookie for a fellow police officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Wyoming Jazz Band performed several lively tunes (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
City Manager John Shay (left) talks with Capt. Eric Wiler (center) and another law enforcement officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A local first responder enjoys a WUW game (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Event volunteers take a cookie break (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
City Manager John Shay (left) talks with Councilmember Tommy Brann (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A photo station offered free festive pictures (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A first responder explains what he would like printed on his customized ornament (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Tommy Brann (left) talks with a local police officer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The South Kent Junior Chamber is hosting their annual Cookies with Santa event on Dec. 14. Cookies with Santa will be held in the Kent District Library programming room (4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508) from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event welcomes children of all ages!
Santa will be available for photos, and families can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. And don’t miss the chance to see live reindeer up close!
JCI South Kent is a nonprofit organization dedicated to personal and leadership development through community service for ages 18 to 40.
For more information about JCI South Kent, visit jcisouthkent.com.
As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.
The 28th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place the week of December 2-6 in the Airport Grand Hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run between 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ten West Michigan choirs are scheduled to sing 20-minute sets throughout the day, which includes:
Byron Center West Middle School
City High Middle School
Coit Creative Arts Academy
Lee High School
Legacy Christian School
Ottawa Hills High School
South Christian High School
West Side Christian School
Wyoming High School
Zeeland Christian School
“We are thrilled to welcome talented school choirs from across West Michigan to the Airport this holiday season,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “Their performances will fill the Airport with festive melodies, creating a joyful atmosphere for our guests, partners and staff.”
All festival performances are free and open to the public. The schedule of performances can be found at FlyFord.org.
A previous Ford Airport Holiday Music Festival. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
On the Same Page will feature “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange and “Martyr” by Kaveh Akbar (Courtesy, KDL)
Kent District Library (KDL) is encouraging adults to get “On the Same Page” with reading.
KDL is thrilled to announce the books that will build community as everyone reads and discusses the same titles ̶ Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange and Martyr by Kaveh Akbar.
“Join us for On the Same Page, where our community comes together through the shared experience of reading,” said Hennie Vaandrager, Programming and Outreach Manager at KDL. “Dive into two thought-provoking books and engage in enriching discussions with fellow readers.
“Don’t miss this chance to connect, reflect and explore new perspectives.”
Book discussions and programs
On the Same Page will include book discussions and programs this spring focused on the themes in the books.
A meet the authors event will take place at the Godwin Heights High School Auditorium on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Godwin Heights High School Auditorium. The author event will feature both Orange and Akbar, who share a long-standing friendship.
Wandering Stars has been described as “a lyrical, multigenerational exploration of Native American oppression” by Kirkus Reviews. The Washington Post said Martyr “approaches big questions about personal and civilizational death with a glorious sense of whimsy.”
How to participate!
Because Wandering Stars and Martyr are now the books that everyone will be reading, KDL has purchased many copies to keep the hold times as short as possible. Place your hold today.
A local young reader dives into a story (Courtesy photo)
Free registration for the author event will be required and will open on Monday, March 17 at 9 a.m. Sign up for updates and reminders at kdl.org/same page.
On the Same Page participants should also sign up for KDL’s Let It Snow Winter Reading Club, which runs from Dec. 1 – Feb. 28.
Adults and teens (grades 6 and up) who read six books in various categories will receive a collectible mug. The categories include “Tommy Orange Title” and “Kaveh Akbar Title.” Those who read an additional four books will be entered to win a Kindle Scribe. Learn more at kdl.org/snow.
The WUW event will feature musical acts from Godwin Heights High School percussionists and Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band, cookie decorating, a hot cocoa station, several crafts and live reindeer.
Crafts and musical performances will take place indoors at the WSC, with a staging area set up outside for the reindeer.
Help local school children
WUW will be the kickoff event to a donation drive that runs throughout the month of December.
Attendees are asked to donate new, warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots. The collected items will be donated to Wyoming area schools.
Warm Clothing Donations Wrap Up Wyoming (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“What a lot of the schools need more than anything are coats, hats and boots for their students,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Things that go well beyond the holidays into the colder months.”
Kick off the holiday season by having fun and giving back to our local school children.
Let the festivities begin!
WUW is open to everyone to attend, so come join in the spirit of giving and fun festivities.
WPD Officers Tyler Zbikowski and Jack Tromp joined in the fun at Wrap Up Wyoming 2023 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, WUW donation bins are available at City Hall now through the month of December.
“This event is a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season and spend quality time with friends and family,” said Martin. “It’s the perfect opportunity to talk to your little ones about the importance of lending a hand and giving back to your community.”
For more information about Wrap Up Wyoming, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation team at 616-530-3164, parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or www.wyomingmi.gov.
UPDATE: Due to weather concerns, the Kentwood tree lighting ceremony and holiday light parade has been moved to Friday, Dec. 6.
The festivities will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at and around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The event kicks off with a parade, followed by outdoor activities for all ages, including take-home children’s crafts, caroling, a snow globe photo booth and a visit from Santa. The event is free and open to the public.
Patty Matters food truck also will be on site with food and beverages for purchase.
“We are looking forward to hosting this special community event and bringing together neighbors, friends and loved ones to celebrate the holiday season,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “These festivities mark the change of seasons and give our wonderful community a chance to gather and spread holiday joy.”
Kentwood Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the City of Kentwood Public Works Department, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. It then travels to the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of Breton and Walma avenues will be closed 5:50-6:25 p.m. for the parade.
The tree lighting ceremony and caroling will follow at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. After the ceremony around 6:45 p.m., community members will be able to take photos with Santa, enjoy caroling and more.
Kentwood Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Attendees also will have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. A list of suggested donation items and drop-off locations can be found at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Essay winner determines grand marshal with Mayor Kepley
For the third year, a student essay competition will determine a grand marshal who will help Mayor Kepley light the tree. Students ages 5-18 who are Kentwood residents or attend school in Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills or Caledonia school districts were eligible to participate.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley with last year’s grand marshal and essay winner Clara Wells. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
More information about the holiday tree lighting and parade is available at kentwood.us/TreeLighting.
Join us for this annual shopping event, where everything in the museum store will be 25% off, making it the perfect time to find unique, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Shop with purpose on Museum Store Sunday (Courtesy, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Shop with purpose
Museum Store Sunday is a national movement that supports cultural institutions by encouraging patrons to “Shop with Purpose” and give back to the local community through their purchases. The Gerald R. Ford Museum Store offers a selection of books, gifts, and keepsakes that capture the spirit of history, patriotism, and Michigan culture.
With the exclusive 25% discount, it’s a great chance to purchase one-of-a-kind items that help support the Library and Museum’s programs, exhibits and educational and outreach initiatives.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Free gifts and samples
In addition to the discount, the first fifty children to visit will receive a free gift, sparking a love of learning and history for young museum-goers. There will also be giveaways for shoppers while supplies last, so be sure to arrive early and explore everything the store has to offer.
Adding to the festive spirit, Grand Rapids-based Ferris Coffee and Nut Co. has donated complimentary coffee samples and snacks for shoppers. Whether you’re searching for a special gift or simply want to support the museum, Museum Store Sunday at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Woodland Mall is preparing for the season of giving and joy with activities supporting local organizations, a special visit from Santa and other festive events.
In addition to a number of charitable efforts, the mall is preparing for Santa’s grand arrival with a parade through the mall, a visit from Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, photo opportunities, dance and musical performances by local groups and more.
“Each year, Woodland Mall strives to offer the best holiday shopping experience with a diverse lineup of retailers, great deals and memorable events,” said Lisa Wolstromer, senior marketing director of Woodland Mall. “We take pride in being a hub of holiday cheer with special appearances from Santa, several charitable activities and performances from local artists.
“New this year, Woodland Mall will also host a Giving Machine, a unique giving experience that will help shoppers send donations to global and local charities to help change lives around the world.”
(Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Santa’s Parade – Nov. 16
Santa will make his grand return to Woodland Mall with an indoor parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. Santa’s procession will begin near the entrance of the food court and end at his holiday home in the Macy’s court. Santa will be guided by the Academy of Dance Arts.
Following the parade, the mall invites children and their loved ones to the Santa Arrival Celebration to take photos with Santa and meet Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen. There also will be balloon twisters, face painting and craft activities to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Photos withSanta – Nov. 16-Dec. 24
Santa will take photos with guests and listen to holiday wishes from Nov. 16 through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged, but not required for the photo opportunity. Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints and a family portrait.
(Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Beginning Nov. 18, visitors can bring their “fur babies” for a photo with Santa on Mondays through Dec. 16. Family pet members of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, in a crate/carrier or held by the owner at all times. Pet owners must also sign a release prior to visiting Santa.
Black Friday Deals – Nov. 29
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to enable retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The mall will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29 so guests can enjoy an early start to the traditional shopping weekend. Several seasonal stores will offer discounted gift items on Black Friday. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Byron Center Choir Performance – Dec. 5
The Byron Center High School Choir will perform a variety of holiday-themed songs to bring joy to those holiday shopping from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the Von Maur wing.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive – Nov. 8-Dec. 24
The iconic red kettles and volunteers will be stationed at the mall’s JCPenney entrance throughout the season. Characters from Star Wars will make special appearances from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 14. Additionally, there will be Salvation Army band pop-up performances. Donations go toward improving the lives of families in the local community.
Artists Creating Together Concert – Dec. 9
Artists Creating Together, which empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate through the arts, will give a musical performance on ukuleles and Tubano drums from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Von Maur wing.
Giving Machine – Dec. 12
This holiday season, Woodland Mall also will welcome the arrival of the Giving Machine as another creative way for the community to give back. Starting Dec. 12, this vending machine will allow shoppers to choose and purchase various donation items, including school supplies, household items, meals and clean water to global and local charities. The Giving Machine will be located in the Von Maur wing and remain available until Jan. 4.
There will be Giving Machine performances throughout the holiday season, encouraging individuals to explore the machine and donate using the device. Learn more about the Giving Machine and listen to stories about donation recipients on their website.
(Photo Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Holiday Hours
The mall will have extended hours to ensure guests are able to get all their holiday shopping completed. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com/hours for details. To avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when the traffic is lighter. As a friendly reminder for visitors, please be patient and respectful to employees during the busy shopping season.
On Christmas Eve, Woodland Mall will be open from. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The mall will be closed on Christmas Day. The mall is open the day after Christmas from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., on New Year’s Eve 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and New Year’s Day 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Job Opportunities
With the holiday season being a busy time for Woodland Mall, there are plenty of job opportunities available. Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings for a variety of stores at Woodland Mall by visiting ShopWoodlandMall.com/jobs.
RiverTown Crossings guests can expect magical Santa events, holiday drives, special sweepstakes and more for the 2024 holiday season celebrating the mall’s 25th anniversary.
The holiday season began on Nov. 11 with ‘GrateFULL Plates,’ where guests came together to assist families in need. The event kicked off a sleigh full of other holiday fun at the center, including Santa events, a holiday toy drive, special sweepstakes and more in honor of the mall’s 25th anniversary.
“We’re thrilled to bring Grandville a memorable holiday season,” says Ed McHale, General Manager at RiverTown Crossings. “Our goal is to create a joyful space where families and friends can gather, celebrate and give back together.”
Holiday fun at RiverTown Crossings features various seasonal events and activities for the entire family, including:
Step into a winter wonderland at RiverTown Crossings and create cherished memories during the enchanting Santa Photo Experience! Santa Claus is taking a break from a busy North Pole schedule to bring joy to the whole family with a professional photo. Dates to see the jolly old elf include:
Nov. 22: 2 – 7 p.m.
Nov. 23: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Nov. 24: noon – 6 p.m.
Nov. 25: 2 – 7 p.m.
Nov. 26: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Nov. 28: CLOSED
Nov. 29: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
From Nov. 30 – Dec. 22:
Mondays – Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec. 23: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Dec. 24: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Santa does take a cookie break from 3-4 p.m. each day.
Jingle all the way to an unforgettable holiday experience at RiverTown Crossings! Lucky winners of the sweepstakes will get the chance to take a whimsical carousel ride alongside Santa and hot cocoa with cookies. The winner will enjoy their prize on Nov. 23 at 11 a.m.
How to enter:
No purchase necessary. Follow RiverTown Crossings on Instagram and Facebook for details on entering to win. Winners will be randomly selected on Monday, Nov. 18.
A thoughtfully designed event tailored for children with sensory sensitivities and special needs. Every child deserves a magical holiday moment with Santa, and this event ensures a comfortable, stress-free environment for families to create cherished memories. The experience will include:
A calm environment with dimmed lighting and limited crowd size
Santa and photographers trained to interact with children with sensory sensitivities or special needs
Flexible photo options and extended time slots
Trained helpers to assist with families throughout the experience
Pre-registration is required to ensure a calm, uncrowded environment. Sign up for preferred time slots here.
The RiverTown Carousel (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)
Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a delightful meal, holiday craft stations, letter writing to Santa and story time with Kris Kringle.
Our Santa photo provider will be on-site for optional professional photos immediately following at the photo set (additional cost).
All guests will receive one free 5×7 printed photo with the purchase of an A photo package.
Story Time with Santa – Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 11-11:15 a.m.
Join Santa Claus himself as he takes a break from his busy Christmas preparations to share some of his favorite holiday tales with children of all ages. This heartwarming event promises to spark imagination, spread joy and create lasting memories for the whole family.
25 Cheers for 25 Years – Nov. 29 – Dec. 24
Join RiverTown to celebrate a quarter-century of memories, shopping and community. The “25 Cheers for 25 Years” holiday sweepstakes is saying thank you to the wonderful patrons who have made the center’s journey so special.
To mark this silver milestone, RiverTown is giving 25 lucky shoppers a chance to win big with this Anniversary holiday sweepstakes.
Prizes of the sweepstakes include:
25 lucky winners will each receive a favorite RiverTown Crossings retailer between $50 – $250 in value -that’s a total of $2,250 in shopping joy being given away!
Shoppers can enter by following RiverTown Crossing on Instagram and Facebook to like, follow and tag their way to win.
Join RiverTown Crossing in spreading holiday cheer to children in need through the Toys for Tots Holiday Drive! In partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, the center is calling on the generous community to make the season brighter for local families.
Participants can bring in new, unwrapped toys to any of the center’s designated collection bins and-or the RiverTown public safety office.
Gifts are welcome for all ages from infants to teens.
Popular and accepted items include board games, sports equipment, dolls, action figures, art supplies and electronics.
Not acceptable toys include second hand, used toys, realistic-looking weapons or food items.
For more information about holiday hours, deals and events at RiverTown Crossings, please visit www.rivertowncrossings.com.
With Halloween days away, the tiniest patients at the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are ready to celebrate! Their Halloween costumes were all hand-made by NICU nurses to fit these tiny patients without disrupting their care and monitoring.
Though the babies are not able to go outside to trick-or-treat, dressing up in the costumes allowed families to experience a childhood milestone.
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)
About Trinity Health NICU
Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU is a licensed 15-bed, Levell III NICU, that cares for 200 to 300 newborns on the unit every year. We have successfully cared for babies born at 22 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces.
To learn more about Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU services, visit their website.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to experience thrills and chills at its Haunted Hike event on Friday, Oct. 25.
The spooky guided hikes will take place from 7 to 9:15 p.m. at Covenant Park, 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE. This event is recommended for community members ages 10 and older.
“We’re looking forward to hosting our second Haunted Hike event,” said Shelby Henshaw, recreation program coordinator. “The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department strives to offer a variety of events to provide something for every community member to enjoy, including those seeking a thrill.”
Kentwood Haunted Hike. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Pre-registration is required for the Haunted Hike since space is limited. There is a $5 registration fee per attendee, with three 45-minute sessions: 7-7:45 p.m., 7:45-8:30 p.m. and 8:30-9:15 p.m. The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 25 at noon.
Following each session, Parks and Recreation staff will provide light refreshments.
For more information about Kentwood’s Haunted Hike or to pre-register, visit Kentwood.us/hauntedhike.
Kentwood Haunted Hike. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming is inviting families to stop by the Boutique Oct. 26 – Oct. 31 for some Halloween fun!
Bring your costumed kids into the Boutique during regular business hours. Staff will be giving out treat bags to the kids and coupons to accompanying adults (15% off one regular-priced item).
Event details:
The WAR Chest Boutique is located at 2790 44th St. SW in Wyoming.
Over 785,250 visitors experienced art, culture and nature at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in the last year, marking the highest annual attendance in the organization’s near 30-year history.
Meijer Gardens announced record-breaking attendance for its 2024 fiscal year ending Sept. 30, solidifying its place as one of Michigan’s most-visited cultural destinations and one of the country’s most visited art museums.
An exceptional year
This milestone is in addition to Meijer Gardens welcoming its 15 millionth visitor in April 2024, and being ranked the 90th most popular art museum in the world and 15th in the country by attendance, according to The Art Newspaper’s March 2024 Visitor Figures 2023 Analysis.
2024 marked the highest annual attendance in Meijer Garden’s near 30-year history (Courtesy, FMG)
A key factor contributing to this blockbuster year was its continued recognition as one of the top destinations in the country. Meijer Gardens was named Best Sculpture Parkin the United States for a second straight year (2024, 2023) by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, underscoring its status as a must-visit cultural landmark and an internationally acclaimed destination.
Other contributing factors include the popular Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition in March and April, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens concert series, and the loan of a rare blooming corpse flower from Grand Valley State University in June.
Meijer Gardens summer concert series are a popular annual event (Courtesy, Michael Moran)
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our members, guests, and community partners who have made this significant achievement possible,” said Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
“As we prepare for our 30th year, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional experiences that inspire and engage all who walk through our doors.”
30th anniversary highlights
Kicking off the organization’s 30th anniversary, Meijer Gardens will debut ENLIGHTEN, a new outdoor holiday light spectacle running on select dates Nov. 27 to Jan. 4.
Created in collaboration with the teams at Lightswitch and Upstaging known for producing immersive events and shows for major attractions worldwide and for Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award-winning artists, ENLIGHTEN promises to delight audiences of all ages.
This immersive, one-mile outdoor experience fuses art, light, and nature – showcasing masterpieces by artists including Henry Moore, Alexander Leiberman, Roxy Paine and Ai Weiwei highlighted by cutting-edge light installations, synchronized music and interactive elements. The experience continues indoors with the University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, celebrating global cultures and holiday customs.
ENLIGHTEN tickets are now on sale! (Courtesy, Frederik Meijer Gardens)
With timed tickets now on sale, ENLIGHTEN will offer an unforgettable holiday experience, blending festive holiday fun with the beauty of Meijer Gardens.
The 30th anniversary will be commemorated with other special programs and events throughout 2025 to be announced at a later date.
New board members
Meijer Gardens also announced the appointment of eight new members to its Board of Directors:
Rosalyn Bliss – Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Nicole Dandridge – CEO, VA Enterprises
Terri Gaskey – SVP of Family & Talent Services, RDV Corporation
Mark Gurney – Founding Chair/CEO, Tetra Therapeutics (retired)
Joe Jones – President/CEO, The Hekima Group
Randy Thelen – President/CEO, The Right Place
Al Vandenberg – County Administrator/Controller, Kent County
Richard Winn – President, AHC Hospitality
Find out more!
For more information and a full listing of upcoming events, including details on the new ENLIGHTEN experience, visit MeijerGardens.org.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to enjoy spooky, seasonal fun and treats at its annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Kids and their loved ones can explore and collect candy from more than 25 City and community vehicles.
Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“The City of Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat event is a great opportunity for community members, City staff and local organizations to celebrate together in a safe and fun environment,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We hope children and their loved ones create lasting memories while kickstarting their Halloween fun.”
Every vehicle will feature seasonally decorated trunks for community members to view and enjoy. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk during and after the event using the online form at kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat. The winner will be announced on social media.
Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Halloween costumes are encouraged
Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring a bag for collecting their goodies.
Olly’s Mini Donuts food truck will be on site serving a variety of donuts and fall drinks for purchase.
Local businesses and community groups wishing to participate in Trunk or Treat can register for free online until Friday, Oct. 18 by 4 p.m. Pre-registration is not required for community members to attend the event.
For more information about Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat or to sign up to volunteer, visit kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat.
Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
This high school level robotics competition will showcase 18 Michigan teams battling in complex two-minute matches against highly skilled competitors in last season’s game, Crescendo.
Highlighting women in tech
GRGRC is a FIRST Robotics off-season event (Courtesy, GRGRC 2022)
The GRGRC is a FIRST Robotics off-season event. Michigan boasts the most FIRST Robotics teams in action, and the competition will be energized.
During this unique event female team members will be the primary drivers, operators and pit crew members of their team’s robot.
“I’ve really looked forward to the Girls Tournament every year since I’ve known about it,” said Emma Bustraan, #4967 That ONE Team – Our Next Engineers. “It’s kind of a neat experience, because there’s something special about being responsible for how you end up placing.
Female team members operate their team’s robots (Courtesy, GRGRC 2023)
“It’s a cool feeling to have the joystick in your hands and knowing that, if you break the robot, you have to fix it.”
The GRGRC will begin with a Ladies in Tech panel at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.
This panel is a great opportunity to connect and learn from female STEM leaders in our community.
The robotics competition begins with opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m., concluding with the awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
Family-friendly and FREE
Mark your calendars for this family-friendly event and to learn more about STEM and FIRST Robotics. All events are FREE, open to the public and will be held at Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW.
GRGRC is hosted by Demons Robotics #858 from Wyoming High School, Red Storm Robotics #3875 from East Kentwood High School, Red Storm Rookies #9566 from East Kentwood Freshman Campus, and community team That ONE Team #4967.
Stay up-to-date on competition details on the GRGRC Facebook page.
LOVED youth program founder Steve Carigon and VP of Advancement Brooke Jevicks talk with Managing Editor Deborah Reed on WKTV Journal Soundbites about how they WOW kids with love at Wedgwood Christian Services.
“The majority of the kids that come into our care have been chronically neglected and abused,” says Brooke Jevicks, VP of Advancement at WCS, adding that many youth go through 7-12 failed placements before being referred to WCS for help.
(Courtesy, WCS)
When youth are critically neglected and abused, it reinforces doubt and the question: Am I worthy of being loved?
“It’s critically important for a human to know that they are valued and worthy, and that they are loved,” says Jevicks. “You want to work on yourself differently when you know and believe that. You work harder for yourself, you fight for yourself, you advocate for yourself.”
Love – with intention
Youth pastor Steve Carigon founded LOVED when the previous WCS youth ministry faltered under pandemic gathering restrictions.
Based on bible verse John 3:16, LOVED was born shortly after – with intention.
“It’s something that the kids need,” says Carigon. “These kids have not been loved properly, and we’re going to do everything we can to show them that they are loved by God, and by us, any way we can.”
LOVED is held at 4 p.m. every other Thursday and is open to all WCS home residents. However, attendance is not mandatory.
Even the bubbles are intentional
LOVED begins at the front door with a bubble machine and a red carpet.
“We want them to feel like stars and that they are awesome,” says Carigon.
Wedgwood supporters play a game similar to a game LOVED youth play while being cheered on (Courtesy, WCS)
Jevicks agrees. “Staff are cheering for every kid. They are seriously in the business of making sure those kids know, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are worthy of being loved.”
Upon entering the building, youth choose a flavored sucker and receive a raffle ticket. They are then ushered into the music-filled chapel where kids can sit or play games before the program begins.
A countdown on the screen gets things rolling. After the welcome and a reminder that they are loved, an interactive on-screen game begins that typically involves a lot of…yelling and candy-throwing.
For the next game (anything from flipping bottles to using sticky gel hands to retrieve items off a table), youth approach the stage when their name is drawn, are introduced, and then cheered on by everyone in the room.
Raffle tickets, crab legs and a…unicorn?
Next onstage is the…raffle unicorn.
“We have a unicorn costume, and kids always want to be the unicorn,” says Carigon with a laugh.
Wedgwood guests cheer when names are called as is done for youth who attend LOVED (Courtesy, WCS)
Raffle numbers are read, and winners choose what they want for lunch the next day.
“They love it,” says Carigon. “The kids are starting to understand that I literally will get them anything they want for lunch. Last week I went to Red Lobster and got crab legs.”
A 10-minute talk on God’s love wraps up the program.
“They’re getting it.”
“I see a bunch of kids receiving and expressing love in normal conversations,” says Carigon, noting that a large portion of that happens outside of actual LOVED events.
One of Carigon’s favorite things is hearing youth shout, “You’re loved!” across campus.
“It means they’re getting it,” says Carigon.
(Courtesy, WCS)
Carigon also enjoys seeing WCS youth wear LOVED wristbands, shirts and hats around campus.
“They wear the shirts, and it’s like a proclamation saying, ‘I’m loved. I’m wearing the shirt, I’m loved.’”
That declaration is about more than shirts – it is about relationships.
“It’s me, the leaders, the other chaplains building relationships with kids,” says Carigon. “We’re well-known around campus because we work at doing rounds and seeing kids in between classes, at lunch and after school. We try to intersect their lives as much as possible.”
Loved people…love people
“The same question all humans ask is, am I loved?” says Carigon. “I’m also a human, so I feel that too. Our own brain is really good at telling us that we’re not good enough.
(Courtesy photo)
“Even though you may not think you’re enough, you are exactly enough.”
Carigon firmly believes that consistently hearing we are loved and valued changes the way we interact with ourselves and with other people.
“When you feel love yourself, you start loving other people,” says Carigon. “[And] we’re supposed to love other people. My hope is when these kids feel loved, it changes their outcome.”
Jevicks says that is the heart of LOVED. “They’ve put so much thought and intention into it, [and] there is a meaningful message for youth so they know that they are loved by their Heavenly Father. Exactly who they are right now, today, He loves them deeply.”
That extravagant love is why Carigon loves his job.
“When you love people – especially kids that haven’t been loved well – how can you have a bad day?”
Refusing to abandon our youth
“What sets WCS aside is that deep love for these kids – and not abandoning them,” says Jevicks. “LOVED is not a mandatory program to receive good care and to be loved. We’re going to love you anyway. That’s the gift of Wedgwood.”
A LOVED event guest writes a blessing for a youth in WCS residential care (Courtesy, WCS)
WCS staff continue demonstrating support and love even when youth push them away.
“We anticipate that, we understand it, we’re not surprised by it,” says Jevicks. “It’s a trauma response; it’s protection. It’s all they know.”
When youth push, WCS staff plant their feet, respecting boundaries while continually acknowledging and caring for them. Over time, youth often take steps to close that gap.
“Those are powerful moments,” says Jevicks. “It illustrates the power of love. True, sincere, Christ-like love. Go ahead and push me away, because I understand why you’re pushing me away. You do what you need to do, and I’m going to keep being right here for you.
“That’s what Wedgwood does for these kids, and they get even more of that at LOVED.”
For more information on LOVED and other WCS programs, click here.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to enjoy glow-themed fun at its Glow in the Park event on Saturday, Oct. 5.
This year’s event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Pinewood Park, 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE. It features a variety of glow-themed activities, including light-up playground games, crafts, a dance party, food and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear clothes and accessories that glow in the dark and are brightly colored.
Kentwood Glow in the Park. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“We’re excited to see neighbors and friends light up the park with their attire and smiles,” said Shelby Henshaw, recreation program coordinator. “We’ve planned a wide variety of glow-themed activities and crafts for all ages to enjoy.”
Glow in the Park begins at 7 p.m. with games and crafts. Community members are invited to walk along a park path that will be lit up with colorful lights and glow sticks. Olly’s Mini Donuts will be on-site offering delicious donuts and drinks for purchase. The evening will conclude with an after-party featuring music, dancing and snacks at the park shelter.
General admission for the event is $5 and includes glow materials. Event sponsors are Metronet, Sinclair Recreation and Vista Charter Academy.
Little ghouls and goblins are invited to participate in this trick-or-treating adventure where local businesses and organizations will be passing out candy and goodies.
Treats, bounce houses, and fun surprises can be found along the way!
(Wyoming Parks and Rec)
“We’re thrilled to bring back the Trick-or-Treat Trail,” said Krashawn Martin, Director of Wyoming Parks & Recreation. “Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for families to celebrate the season together.
“It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional Halloween festivities, and we’re excited to see the community come together to enjoy all the amenities of Lamar Park and the beauty of the fall season.”
In previous years, the event has welcomed over 50 local businesses and organizations, and more than 4,000 attendees.
The Bridge of Arbor Circle is a safe, no cost shelter program for youth, ages 10-17, who are facing homelessness or considering running away (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)
Join Arbor Circle on Sept. 25 from 4-6 p.m. to learn more about The Bridge of Arbor Circle and services for youth experiencing homelessness during the End of Summer Celebration.
During the event, guests will have the opportunity to tour The Bridge youth shelter and learn more from staff about the different programs available for youth. In addition to a sneak peek of some exciting construction projects underway at The Bridge, this year’s open house will feature snacks from New City Neighbors’ New City Café as well as a mural created on site during the event.
The Bridge End of Summer Celebration will offer sneak peeks of construction projects, snacks and a mural created on site (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Offering youth stable and accessible shelter
The Bridge of Arbor Circle is a safe shelter program for youth, ages 10-17, who are facing homelessness, housing instability, or considering running away. The Bridge offers youth a stable and accessible place to stay. Located in Grand Rapids, The Bridge is open 24/7/365.
“We are excited to open this space to the public for the evening and spread awareness of the important services provided at The Bridge,” shared Monique Carter, Director of Youth Development Services at Arbor Circle. “This space is incredibly special and we want folks to know what support is available to youth in our community.”
Free event registration
For more information and to register for this year’s free event, click here.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Veneklasen Construction.
