McDonald’s restaurants across the region will be recognizing Veterans Day in a special way, by offering current and former military members a free meal (Courtesy photo)
McDonald’s restaurants throughout Grand Rapids are honored to serve veterans, active-duty military members and their families each and every day. This year, McDonald’s restaurants across the region will be recognizing Veterans Day in a special way, by offering current and former military members a free meal.
Participating McDonald’s restaurants will offer a meal to all veterans with a valid military ID on Monday, Nov. 11. For breakfast, veterans can enjoy an Egg McMuffin or Bacon Egg Cheese Biscuit, along with a hash brown and any size soft drink, tea or coffee.
Meals are only available via dine-in or drive-thru, and are not available in the McDonald’s app. Breakfast meals are only available until 10:30 a.m.
(Courtesy, McDonald’s)
Supporting community
Local McDonald’s owner/operators are committed to feeding and fostering communities by providing meals in honor of veterans, teachers and first responders, and through support of youth sports leagues and neighborhood jobs.
Big Apple Bagels® in Grand Rapids (6670 Kalamazoo Ave.) will hold their official Grand Re-Opening Open House event to benefit the Kentwood Little Free Pantry on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need.
Helping those in need
All are encouraged to stop in, see the new Big Apple Bagels décor and receive a free coffee when you donate a non-perishable good to the Kentwood Little Free Pantry. During this one-day event, Big Apple Bagels will be offering bagels for just $0.75.
(Courtesy, Big Apple Bagels)
“We are grateful for the support from Big Apple Bagels for hosting a food drive for the Little Free Pantry. We typically see an increased need for donations around the holiday season,” said Val Romeo, Director of Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
“Whether it’s a collection of canned goods or a financial contribution, all donations help families in our community.”
Big Apple Bagels will be collecting non-perishable goods for the pantry through Nov. 30.
Pantry suggested donations
More information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
After more than 40 years serving the Grand Rapids community, restaurateurs Frank and Wanda Vitale announce plans to semi-retire. Their plans include downsizing their restaurant to a catering kitchen and possible takeout for their next generation of Vitale children.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The property will be enfolded into development plans for the Wyoming City Center project spearheaded through a public-private partnership between the City of Wyoming and Magnus Capital Partners, a privately held real estate developer.
“Although it is bittersweet, we feel strongly that this is the right time,” Frank Vitale said. “We’ve had an amazing 23 years running Frankie V’s with our children and grandchildren growing up here.
“We have also been a part of so many of the families that grew up with us. There have been countless birthdays, showers, retirements, anniversaries, celebrations of life and even four weddings within these walls. It was truly an honor for us to host so many families and their special occasions.”
Magnus and the Vitales had been in discussions for a couple of years about incorporating Frankie V’s into plans for the surrounding area. Terms of the sale have not been disclosed. The property will be integrated into a third phase of HōM Flats at 28 West, the award-winning housing community that serves as a central piece to the vision for the City Center development.
“The more we thought about it, with the struggles that came with hiring and retaining employees in the industry, we realized the time had come to let go,” Vitale said. “We are forever thankful to our community, but take comfort in knowing the future of Wyoming starts at a place where our roots go deep.”
Frankie V’s – A family tradition
Described as being cut from the same cloth, Frank and Wanda come from families who immigrated from Sicily in the early 1960’s and owned pizza shops. Since their early years, they worked in their families’ respective shops, coincidentally named Vitale’s Pizza Queen and Joe’s Pizza King.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
They married in 1985 and bought their first pizzeria in 1988 before opening Frankie V’s in 2001. Located at the former Sound Stage Café, the large space challenged the Vitales, who were accustomed to smaller takeout operations.
The space soon became a bustling restaurant for all ages. With the Vitales’ children attending Wyoming Public Schools, the community soon rallied behind them. They employed many of their children’s friends, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Team dinners were continuously supplied to sports teams. Donating catering services for community funerals, hosting banquets for various occasions and various other supportive activities were a call the husband and wife team happily answered.
The Vitales noted the community was just as supportive to them during the loss of their oldest son, Joey Vitale.
“We will never forget the support we received through this tragedy in our lives,” Vitale said.
The recession and COVID-19 pandemic also put an incredible strain on their business. Once again, the community stepped up and kept the take-out business flowing to support the business through the mandatory shutdowns.
“The incredible clientele of regulars who are an everyday staple will be forever part of our family,” Vitale said.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The Vitales will be forever grateful to their children, who have taken on various jobs in the restaurant. Joey, Jonny, Sera and Frankie contributed their time and talents to make Frankie V’s what it is today. Jermaine Jones, who worked side-by-side with Frank in the small takeout beginning in 1988, continues to have the restaurant’s best interests at heart.
“We are so appreciative of our staff staying on to the end,” Vitale said.
“Frankie V’s and the Vitale family have been a cornerstone of the Wyoming community for decades,” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “We are immensely grateful for all their contributions over the years.
“It will be difficult saying goodbye to this place, but we are assured knowing Frank and Wanda are ready for what comes next in their lives.”
Family, friends, former employees and customers are encouraged to dine in and reminisce with the Frankie V’s team during the restaurant’s final weeks this summer. Their Metro Cruise party will be one of their final events.
Wyoming City Center – A vision for the future
Magnus and the City of Wyoming have been working together for over six years on a public-private development partnership to create the Wyoming City Center. The public investment in the project will provide an ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge, connection to 4.6 miles of paved trails and a public plaza.
The City Center project includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge over 28th Street (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
The private side of investment consists of HōM Flats at 28 West, the flagship workforce housing development led by Magnus.
“We look forward to continuing our journey of reimagining Wyoming,” Shay said. “The public investments we are making alongside our partnership with Magnus elevate our excitement for the possibilities ahead. We share a commitment to creating a space everyone can access, engage with and be proud of.”
Wyoming City Center plaza rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Magnus and the City are consolidating existing information related to revitalization plans to create a comprehensive vision of vibrant mixed-use developments, pedestrian-friendly public spaces and increased community engagement in Wyoming City Center, per the City’s Master Plan.
Magnus will submit the project plans for the next phase of development to the City in the coming months.
“Each day this project proves what is possible with a strong public-private partnership,” said Vishal Arora, CEO and Founder of Magnus Capital Partners. “Its success has catalyzed the opportunities for a revitalized Wyoming.
“We look forward to sharing plans for additional development at HōM Flats at 28 West soon.”
It’s a new location and a new manager for the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers Market, which begins on Friday, June 14 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and runs through Oct. 11.
The new location is 1100 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, and the new Farmers Market Manager is Yeli Romero, a WYCE 88.1 Radio Host and a new volunteer host of the WKTV Journal Soundbites Espanol program.
“I am excited to be the new manager of Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers Market because I love being part of my community and helping local farmers showcase their products,” Romero said. “Seeing our community come together, supporting one another, and enjoying healthy food is something I’m truly passionate about.
“I believe that by working together, we can create a vibrant, thriving market that benefits everyone. It’s not just about the food, but about building relationships and strengthening our local economy.”
(Image Courtesy, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association)
Join in on the excitement of the community-based farmers market that runs every Friday through Oct. 11. You can purchase all different kinds of fresh produce and prepared foods from the up to 15 local vendors (see list below). Shoppers can use their EBT Bridge cards to utilize SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and WIC Project Fresh benefits.
Shop local with over 15 vendors at the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers Market. (Image Courtesy, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers’ Market)
According to Amy Brower, Executive Director of the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, the concept for a community-based farmers market started in 2017 after the creation of the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association’s Area Specific Plan (ASP) for the Grandville Avenue Corridor.
“The Kent County Health Department provided a grant to help the RPNA get the market established in 2018,” Brower continued. “In 2020, the market received a Michigan Health Endowment Fund grant to build the capacity of the market and add food assistance benefits so that shoppers could utilize their SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh and Senior Project Fresh benefits at the market.”
Over the years, the market has taken place in a variety of locations within the neighborhood, first located at 900 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW and later moving to Roberto Clemente Park.
“This year the market will be moving to 1100 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW so that the vendors will be more visible on the main corridor in the neighborhood,” Brower explained. “The mission of the Roosevelt Park Farmers Market is to provide a community gathering space where local farmers can sell affordable, local food directly to consumers while promoting sustainable agriculture and advancing health in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood.”
If you are a local vendor interested in selling your produce at the market, contact RPNA at 616-243-2489 or info@rooseveltparkna.org
Interested in supporting the market as a sponsor? Please contact Amy at amy@rooseveltparkna.org or 616-243-2489.
(Image Courtesy, Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Farmers Market)
WKTV Journal Managing Editor Cris Greer sits down with Shelby Henshaw of Kentwood Parks and Recreation to talk about upcoming summer events the whole family can enjoy.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to its Kickoff to Summer Celebration, a fun-filled festival for all ages slated for Saturday, June 8.
The Kickoff to Summer Celebration features a variety of food trucks and artist vendors as well as a beer tent, children’s activities, live music and cornhole and beach volleyball tournaments in the area around City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with another fun festival that has something for all ages,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “With a fantastic lineup of food, artists, musicians and activities, we’re looking forward to a full day of sharing the best in summer flavors, sights and sounds.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The free-to-attend festival will begin with a beach volleyball tournament from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the courts near City Hall at 5068 Breton Ave. SE. The tournament features four-player teams competing for a championship prize of shirts and a $100 credit toward this fall’s Kentwood Parks and Recreation indoor volleyball league.
The volleyball tournament is limited to six teams. The cost to participate is $100 per team. Those interested can register online or call 616-656-5270.
Food trucks, artist vendors and the beer tent will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the festival. A wide variety of cuisines will be available through 20-plus food trucks – everything from barbeque and burritos to baked goods and cold treats. The beer tent will feature a variety of brews including local craft favorites from Railtown Brewing Company. More than 15 artists will sell handmade jewelry, art, clothing, and more. The cost for food, beverages and artisan goods varies by vendor.
The cornhole tournament runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall. The double-elimination tournament concludes with a trophy awarded to the top team.
Each cornhole team consists of two players, and participants must be 18 or older to compete. The cost to participate is $40. Only one teammate needs to complete the registration online or by phone at 616-656-5270.
Kids activities such as face painting, an obstacle course, hoop shoot, and an art activity are offered throughout the day.
The event’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank, Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics and NN Autocam Inc., gold sponsors are Bloom Sluggett, PC, Metronet, MCSA Group, Inc., Renewal by Anderson of Greater Michigan and Sabo PR.
Volunteers are needed for the festival. To find more event information and sign up to volunteer, visit KickoffToSummer.
The Division Arts Festival on Saturday, June 1 will feature more than family-friendly activities, live music and vendors. Attendees will also be within walking distance of 11 brick and mortar restaurants serving a diverse array of dining and to-go options.
“This area of the community is incredibly diverse, and there are a lot of creative, cool things going on here that go under the radar,” said Hunter Van Klompenberg, one of the owners of The Stray art café.
One of those “cool things” includes a variety of international food choices.
International cuisine at your fingertips
The Stray art café offers far more than just coffee (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Two food trucks and 11 brick and mortar restaurants will be within 1-2 minutes walking distance of Festival activities.
The Honeybees Kitchen and Catering food truck specializing in Caribbean and soul food will be available, as well as gourmet burgers and loaded fries from Dune Buggy food truck.
Brick and mortar restaurants include several international options for diners:
B&N Sandwiches – Bahn MI Sub Sandwiches and other Vietnamese Specialties
Saigon Garden – Vietnamese
Pho Soc Trang – Vietnamese Soup Restaurant
Fat Man’s Fish Fry – Seafood
Brann’s Steakhouse – Classic American
The Stray – Café, New American Cuisine
Joe’s Pizza King – Pizza & Subs
Diversity, comfort and creativity
The Stray art café menu offers more than just coffee for those who walk in the door. A variety of choices include delicious flatbreads, soups, salads, desserts and more. Drink options include tea, soda, beer, wine and – of course – coffee.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Coffee enthusiasts can also peruse the works of various local artists showcased at The Stray as they enjoy their beverages. To-go orders are accepted during Festival hours, as well as indoor dining.
Owned by the Van Klompenberg family, The Stray works to bring diversity and community to a place of comfort and creativity.
Though officially hosted by the Division Avenue Business Association (DABA), The Stray has stepped in to help with Festival logistics each year.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I already work here at The Stray doing the music booking and that kind of thing for our Friday and Saturday evenings. It led naturally to artists I’d already developed a relationship with that I could invite back for this,” said Van Klompenberg.
His mother, Karen Van Klompenberg, is Creative Director at The Stray and manages the consignment art. Her connections with local artists also help with the inner workings of the Festival.
Van Klompenberg said they have continued to make the Division Arts Festival an annual event because they truly enjoy it.
“It’s a lot of fun to throw a party for the neighborhood,” said Van Klompenberg with a smile.
Connection and support
Concepción (left) and Manuel Cardiel (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
“It’s the simple things,” said Van Klompenberg, gesturing around the dining area of El Ganadero Mexican Grille where he stood.
“I come to lunch here occasionally, just chat with them, that sort of thing. That’s the easy way to say hello and support each other.”
Relationships with other business owners and patrons is important to Van Klompenberg. Those connections are formed through small actions.
That connection was evident as El Ganadero owner Manuel Cardiel met Van Klompenberg with a wide smile.
El Ganadero chicken and shrimp tacos (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
El Ganadero steak tacos (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
With efficient movements, combined with several smiles and upbeat conversation, Cardiel promptly created two fresh plates of tacos for Van Klompenberg and this reporter.
Cardiel, his wife Concepción and their children can be found at El Ganadero daily, serving fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Nurturing cultural diversity
Café Boba, a Taiwanese boba café owned by Ted & Yili Bonarski, will also be welcoming patrons during the Festival – and offering a 10% discount on all orders.
A wide variety of boba drinks, coffee and ice cream are available, and can be customized to the patron’s preferences. A parade featuring a 20-foot dragon will also be part of the festivities as a way to honor Yili’s Chinese heritage.
The polished wood table made by Ted Bonarski from reclaimed barn wood (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Established in 2003 as Boba Latte under previous owners, the boba café closed in summer of 2013. Having moved his financial services office into the second-floor rooms of the building in 2006, Ted Bonarski bought the café in December 2013, renaming it Café Boba.
And Bonarski is committed to allowing diversity to flourish in their neighborhood.
“We are embedded in this neighborhood, which is multicultural, and we want to keep it that way,” said Bonarski.
Bonarski also ensures every item they offer is high-quality.
Bubble waffle cone with chocolate ice cream and jasmine boba pearls (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We saw bubble waffles as street food in Shanghai,” said Bonarski. “We bought a waffle machine and brought it back to the U.S. Friends own China City over on Eastern [and] they helped us perfect the recipe for the waffle.
“All of the coffee that we serve comes from Herman’s Boy, and nowhere else. We make the Vietnamese iced coffee, Café Sua Da, fresh. A lot of Vietnamese have given us input into the right strengths and the right tastes, so our Vietnamese iced coffee is very good.”
All coffee ordered is fresh, ground at the time of order with an AeroPress, then served to the customer.
More than a just boba and ice cream
Customers who walk into Café Boba will find a welcoming atmosphere designed by Bonarski’s daughter. A popular feature is the long, polished wood counter made from reclaimed barn wood from Michigan barns – and built by Bonarski himself.
But what Bonarski is most proud of is the family-friendly environment that brings in residents of all ages.
“We get the latchkey kids [from Kelloggsville and Godwin] that will come and hang out here after school until their parents can pick them up,” said Bonarski.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We have one or two social workers that will bring kids in here to sit and talk to them. We had a group come in a week or so ago Thursday and take over the whole table and play Dungeons and Dragons for 4 to 5 hours.”
Bonarski extends that nurturing atmosphere to his employees as well, ensuring they have a healthy work environment.
“We’ve had so many kids come through, work for us as a first job, come out of a shell, and become outgoing people who could handle the world outside because they’re facing customers and taking orders every day,” said Bonarski. “It is very important to us that it be a healthy environment.”
And that, Bonarski added, is something we should do all the time. “You take what you find and make it better.”
Be in the know: additional festival details
(Courtesy photo)
Set at the intersection of 43rd Street and Division Avenue, the Division Arts Festival runs Saturday, June 1 from 2 – 9 p.m.
The Festival will feature live music, with a social drinking zone nearby for those who would like a beverage while enjoying the music. There will also be 50+ vendors with art, handmade goods and crafts, and an interactive narrative art walk for children.
Attendees may also be periodically surprised by a sudden monologue from strategically placed local theater artists.
“The overall reason for the Festival is to bring recognition and excitement to the [Division Avenue] neighborhood, the businessest there, and the people,” said Van Klompenberg.
Safety Notes
Division Avenue will close down to two lanes of traffic, and 43rd Street will be shut down on both sides of Division.
Give ‘Em a Break Safety will help with traffic control. A crosswalk will also be put in for safety.
Vendors with tents will line each side of Division Avenue.
“It will be really easy to walk across the street [and] up and down the neighborhood,” said Van Klompenberg.
Updates and Event Lineups
The Division Arts Festival is organized by the Division Avenue Business Association and generously sponsored by LMCU, Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, Rivertown Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Brann’s Restaurant, Gordon Food Service, The King Family, The Stray and the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.
A new attraction for children will be available at the annual Division Arts Festival scheduled for Saturday, June 1.
All ages of children are invited to join in at the interactive kids art walk that will be set up in The Stray parking lot during the Division Arts Festival. Consisting of 8-10 stations, the art walk will feature a narrative called Ava and Leo’s Delightfully Different Day, written by local authors Lynn W. Francis, Elizabeth Meyette and Karen Van Klompenberg.
An interactive storybook
Author Lynn W. Francis (Courtesy, Lynn Francis)
“It’s almost like walking through a storybook,” said author Lynn Francis.
The story follows two young best friends and their dog Spot. They go through a day of trying different experiences, finding out what each of them does and does not like, and trying to find something they can do together.
As the story unfolds, there are different stations.
Each station contains a block of text that is part of the narrative, and a piece of art depicting the happenings of that scene. The station will also have actions for kids to complete that correlate to the story, such as spinning, dancing, or pretending to fly like birds.
“It will be this full story trail, and you can follow Ava and Leo’s journey as they go from here to there, try out the swing set and splash through a brook,” said Francis. “You just follow them through and reenact the story as you’re going along.”
A sketch of Ava and Leo from participating artist Brae Hoff (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
The art walk narrative provides thought-provoking questions for children and parents to talk through while emphasizing the value of friends with different backgrounds than your own.
Though directed toward ages 5-13, the art walk is something all ages can enjoy.
“Personally, I’m planning on walking through myself as a grownup just because I think it’ll be fun,” said Francis. “It could appeal to real littles who are just listening, and then the more active ages where they want to be a part of the story, or even a little older who would just enjoy reading it.”
From inspiration to reality
The idea for the art walk came from Van Klompenberg, one of the narrative authors and part-owner of The Stray art cafe.
Notes from an art walk storyline meeting (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
Wanting an activity specifically geared toward children, Van Klompenberg began brainstorming ideas.
“She had this vision in her mind beforehand of getting as many people involved as possible,” said Francis. “She brought myself, a couple other writers, and several artists who have work featured at The Stray together to work on this project collaboratively, which has been really cool,” said Francis.
Artists have been working together using shared color palettes and predetermined physical traits for the story’s characters and clothing. Character composites were formed and sketched by a sub group of artists. The pictured work in progress is by participating artist Alexis Hannah (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
Van Klompenberg sat down with the group she had pulled together and said, “The sky’s the limit.”
“We got the storyline figured out, and then she took that to the artists,” said Francis.
A local chalk artist had the idea of kids completing motions at each station to help them stay engaged in the story.
“[Karen] really wanted this to be an immersive artistic experience,” said Francis. “This is a way to get [kids] involved, see the different art styles, and see the different mediums that these artists can use.
“And the story itself too, about how everybody likes and enjoys doing different things. Some people make art, and some people receive art. Both of those things are valuable. Without each person, nothing would happen.”
Overall, there are 11 contributors to the art walk project. Artists include Rebecca Rodriguez, Rebecca Senior, Juan Pimentel, Brae Hoff, Alexis Hannah, Amanda Fairbanks, Karen Van Klompenberg, Yohan Daza, and local woodworker John Stutzman.
“It’s been a really collaborative effort, and I’ve been very lucky to be a part of it,” said Francis. “I’m very excited to see it all together, honestly. I haven’t seen all of the art yet, so I’m quite excited to walk through and see everybody’s contribution.”
Experience all artistic walks
Francis urges the community to come out and enjoy the Division Arts Festival.
Set at the intersection of 43rd Street and Division Avenue, the event runs Saturday, June 1 from 2-9 p.m.
The Festival will feature over 50 art and craft vendors, engaging games, creative art activities, a dedicated kids’ area, a variety of food trucks, delicious dishes from nearby international restaurants and live performances by local bands.
“All artistic walks are there,” said Francis. “It’s a really incredible experience. You can meet a lot of really cool local authors, artists, artisans and musicians.”
Beauty in diversity
A painting holder prototype by local woodworker John Stutzman (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
More than just a fun event, the Festival brings the community together to celebrate differences, support local entrepreneurs, and envision a neighborhood where diversity thrives, businesses flourish, families feel welcomed, and everyone can enjoy the vibrant culture and spirit of the community.
And art, Francis believes, is a big part of bringing a community together.
“Art has that thing where it brings people together,” said Francis. “Where you can look at it and say, I feel that too. I live in that same world too, and I’m not alone.
“You can find such a community in appreciation of art or in the creation of art. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Francis went on to say that art is important to both artists and to those who enjoy the art.
“I think the biggest thing [art] does – because it does a lot – is it shows the beauty in our world,” Francis said. “It reflects the world that we live in – beauty, and pain, and sadness, and anger, and joy. It has everything broken down to this piece that you can look at and reflect on, and see a piece of the world, and a piece of yourself in it.”
More about the Festival
The Division Arts Festival is organized by the Division Avenue Business Association and generously sponsored by LMCU, Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, Rivertown Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Brann’s Restaurant, Gordon Food Service, The King Family, The Stray and the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.
Care Cardinal of Byron Center invites the community to join them in celebrating the beginning of summer at their weekly Farmers Market and family-friendly event June 1.
“We are doing a Farmers Market every Friday, rain or shine,” said Cassidy Boensch, Admissions Director at Care Cardinal Byron Center. “It’s going to be in our parking lot so the residents have the autonomy of selling stuff…and going outside. It’s something for them to participate in and do instead of only the regular day-to-day stuff.”
(Courtesy, Care Cardinal)
With seven established West Michigan care communities, Care Cardinal is no stranger to providing a thriving and energetic environment for its assisted living, memory care, and independent living residents.
“Well-being is our goal,” Care Cardinal’s website states, “as well as maintaining the health and happiness of each of our residents, no matter their level of care.”
Care Cardinal’s personal care communities are redesigning care for its residents by creating an intimate, home-like setting where staff and residents interact like family. Attentive care, loving compassion, valued dignity and continued safety for residents are hallmarks of Care Cardinal’s care program.
Boensch is dedicated to integrating events involving the entire Byron Center community as part of that care – and is doing so by offering free options for residents of all ages to take part in.
Farmers market begins in May!
Care Cardinal is hosting the Byron Center Farmers Market every Friday from May 17 – Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Vendor spots are free and the size of two parking spaces. Care Cardinal residents as well as community members outside the personal care facility are welcome to register and sell products.
(Courtesy, K.D. Norris)
Boensch says the Market currently has 25 registered vendors – but they are open to more.
“Spots are free,” said Boensch. “[Vendors] bring their own tents, and whatever [money] they make, they take with them.”
The Market boasts a wide variety of vendors and products, from homemade maple syrup, candy, baked goods, veggies, jellies, dairy products made with goat’s milk, plants, flowers, and natural household products, to beach totes, cosmetic cases, beaded jewelry…and more!
Updates on the Farmers Market can be found on Care Cardinal Byron Center’s Facebook page.
Vendor registration can be completed by contacting Care Cardinal through their website.
But wait – there’s more!
Children will be able to enjoy several activities at the summer kickoff event (Supplied)
Saturday, June 1 will feature a large, family-friendly summer event at Care Cardinal Byron Center.
“It’s going to be huge, and I’m super excited about it,” said Boensch.
The day will kick off with a free pancake breakfast from 10-11 a.m. A craft show and car show will open at 11 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.
The first 50 children to arrive at the event will receive a Summer Pack Giveaway. Each pack will include summer items such as a sand bucket, flip flops, a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts and popsicles.
Lawn games include cornhole, horseshoes and Rope the Steer.
Live music from local band Liquid Courage and Bootstrap Boys will provide entertainment for all ages beginning at 11 a.m.
Professional photography will be available throughout the event for all CC residents, community members and families.
All activities are free, excluding food truck refreshments and craft show purchases. The event will wrap up between the hours of 3-4 p.m.
“We want people to come out and be able to have a good time and not have to worry about pricing,” said Boensch.
Join in the fun!
Both the Farmers Market and June summer kickoff event will take place at the Care Cardinal Byron Center location.
“Everything is going to be here at Care Cardinal because we have some residents here that don’t have family members, so transportation would be an issue,” said Boensch. “They’re part of our family, so we wanted to have it somewhere they would be able to enjoy the event just as much as everybody else.”
(Courtesy photo)
Though the Care Cardinal location is well known to the area as the previous Byron Center Manor, the Care Cardinal facility is a new addition to the Byron Center area. Boensch said Care Cardinal is excited to engage with the community.
“Byron Center is an older town, so we want to be known in the area for what we do, [meet] with the locals, let people know that we’re here,” said Boensch. “We want people to be able to come in, see the facility, see what we do for our families.”
Care Cardinal resource links
Learn more about care and programs offered by Care Cardinal locations by clicking here.
Byron Center Care Cardinal information can be found here.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS March Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, April 29 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Chef Sweeney finds meaning in cooking (Courtesy, Sweeney)
Chef Syndy Sweeney of T. Rex & the Rabbit Foods will be at the Wyoming branch of Kent District Library (KDL) on Tuesday, March 26 to share her love of food and cooking with local residents.
For Sweeney, cooking is about more than just food. It’s about connection and comfort.
“For me, food has always been love,” said Sweeney. “My mom started teaching me when I was about four, and food was always something that I did for comfort and for connection.”
Combining books and cherries
At the Baking with Michigan Cherries KDL event, Sweeney will share the many ways to create delicious baked goods using Michigan’s seasonal cherry bounty.
The event is being held in conjunction with KDL’s On the Same Page community-wide reading initiative featuring the novel Tom Lake by best-selling novelist Ann Patchett. Patchett’s novel is centered around Michigan’s Traverse City cherry orchards.
“I read the book and have developed a lecture where we’re going to cover basic baking tips with regular flour and gluten-free flour, and incorporate as many different cherry products as possible,” said Sweeney.
Attendees will learn common-sense tips to successful baking, as well as favorite components, ingredients and baking equipment/utensils.
Sweeney encourages participation and questions during her demonstrations.
“I want people to feel engaged,” said Sweeney. “I want people to feel comfortable touching the dough and smelling the ingredients that I am using in my demonstration.”
Dinosaurs and rabbits
As a personal chef, Sweeney offers catering services for small events, meal prep, and several options for cooking classes through various community programs.
“Where you need a chef, I go,” Sweeney said. “I don’t have a restaurant, and I don’t have a storefront. But I have a lot of equipment, and a car and a cart. And muscles,” Sweeney added with a laugh.
Though Sweeney has been a vegetarian for over thirty years, her parents and her husband eat meat.
“I was always making substitutions,” said Sweeney. “I would make two versions of the same thing but with different proteins.”
(Courtesy, Syndy Sweeney)
T. Rex & the Rabbit Foods is a fitting name for Sweeney’s business due to the chef’s refusal to restrict herself to one practice of cooking. Whether vegetarian, a meat lover, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, halal, or dealing with food allergies, Sweeney is onboard.
“I don’t like when food is politicized,” said Sweeney. “I cook for everybody.”
Though Sweeney loved cooking, she doubted she would be able to make a living as a personal chef. However, Sweeney has been amazed at how her desire to help people connect through food has expanded into the successful business it is today.
“It’s been a lot of work, a lot of talking to people, testing recipes, and just word of mouth and hustling,” said Sweeney. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s been very challenging and humbling at times.”
Sweeney enjoys the teaching aspect of her job, using her skills to highlight the ways food connects people rather than dividing them. That sense of community is something she strives for in each of her lectures and classes.
Registration and information links for a variety of fun upcoming events!
(Courtesy photo)
For more information about Sweeney’s Baking with Michigan Cherries KDL event, click here.
To register for Sweeney’s Cherries on Top hands-on cooking workshop at Kentwood Parks & Rec, click here.
KDL branches are hosting various events centered around the novel Tom Lake in preparation for author Ann Patchett’s April 24 visit to Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University. Details for this event can be found here.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS February Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Feb. 26 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Kent County Health Department encourages residents to support local restaurants across Kent County through Nov. 11. (Courtesy, MSBDC)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Supporting local restaurants benefits the entire community (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is encouraging residents participating in Restaurant Week GR, taking place from Nov. 3-11, to broaden their dining experiences and support restaurants across Kent County.
To assist residents in finding and selecting a restaurant, an interactive map was created featuring local restaurants across Kent County.
“Restaurants hold a unique place in our community,” said KCHD Director Dr. Adam London. “They are often where memories are made, and life’s milestones are celebrated. Supporting these establishments not only preserve our local flavors but also strengthen the bonds that hold our community together.”
Community support and benefits
Though the restaurant industry has rebounded, the workforce remains low (Courtesy photo)
Spending at local restaurants benefits the community by supporting jobs and businesses. Whether dining in, ordering take-out, or buying gift cards, consumers contribute to local employment and business growth.
In the United States, the restaurant industry has rebounded to employ a record 12.37 million people as of September 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, Michigan’s restaurant workforce remains about 6% below its peak, underscoring the importance of supporting local restaurants.
The Health Department works with a diverse range of food establishments, spanning from restaurants to mobile food trucks to healthcare facilities, as part of their annual licensing renewal and inspection process. Consequently, they are uniquely positioned to comprehend the challenges that restaurants have faced over the years.
Interactive maps make exploring easy
Clickable icons provide establishment details (Courtesy photo)
“We created an interactive map to encourage residents to explore our local eateries during restaurant week and beyond,” said Environmental Health Division Director Sara Simmonds. “Whether it’s an old favorite, someplace you have heard about and haven’t tried yet, or an out-of-the-way spot with a unique menu, they all help make up the fabric of Kent County.”
The map can be found on the KCHD social media site and website, and allows residents to search within a specified distance of their location. Each restaurant has a clickable icon and provides residents more details about the establishment.
Residents are also encouraged to follow our social media to learn how our team partners with local restaurants.
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale is holding a 50th Birthday Fundraiser on Oct. 14 at 735 36th St. SW Wyoming.
The fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and consist of a bake sale, pop can drive and a portion (20 percent) of all orders that day will be donated to charity. Cake and refreshments will be served as well.
“Help me celebrate my birthday by doing what I love to do best; service,” Vitale said. “Together we can do more by giving back.
“Drop your pop cans off, maybe purchase some baked goods and have a slice of cake with me. Each year I sponsor a few graduating seniors. I pay for the cost of their caps and gowns, other memorabilia, and their senior all-nighter. I try to sponsor students in the foster care system, but never limited to. I know with your support we can help more students this year.”
Palermo Pizza celebrates 61 years of service to the Wyoming community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 12. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale said making pizza is what she does, but serving the community is what she loves.
While the pizza store owner loves serving her community with some of the “finest authentic pizza around,” what Vitale really values are the relationships and connections she has made over the years with her customers.
Home of the 24” pizza, Palermo Pizza celebrated 61 years of its family-owned operation with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12 at her Wyoming location, 735 36th St. SW.
“We have been serving the community for 61 years,” Vitale said. “My location is still family-owned and operated and the oldest location.”
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale expresses her appreciation for community support and her love of community. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A platform of community service
“My business provides me with a platform to do what I love,” said Vitale, who’s determined to continue the legacy set forth by Andrew Vitale with compassion and hard work.
“I never imagined that the roots planted by Andrew Vitale would allow me to set my dreams into action,” Vitale said. “Palermo is a staple in the community, but it has also given me the roots and foundation to be an activist in the community.”
She believes that her business is “above and beyond these four walls.”
A legacy of quality pizza
Several community business owners helped celebrate Palermo’s success (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Palermo Pizza opened on Grandville Avenue in 1962 by Andrew Vitale, with the 36th St. location opening a year later.
Janice Vitale has been part of the Palermo chain for 29 years and prides herself on the quality of their products.
“We don’t cut corners or chase deals,” Vitale said. “At Palermo, we choose the best ingredients in the industry to provide an outstanding product.”
From anchovies to cheese, Palermo Pizza uses only fresh products, several of them homemade.
“Our dough is made fresh daily using the same original family recipe,” said Vitale, noting that Palermo’s pizza sauce, dough and sausage are homemade as well.
Palermo’s staff also grinds their own cheese and slices their own meats and vegetables.
A family-oriented endeavor
Four of Vitale’s children work at Palermo’s with her. Taylor Vitale is the Operations Manager and Consultant, while Tasha, Mackenzie and AJ fill various roles at the store.
“Having my kids and family members work with me helps ensure that our customers will always experience the original taste of our secret family recipes,” Vitale said. “We are very family-friendly and pride ourselves on our kindness and generosity.”
Janice Vitale and her four children work together to ensure customers always receive quality products. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Giving back and making a difference
Creating connections and memories, celebrating special events with customers, working alongside amazing people, and sponsoring young athletes and students while continuing to grow the Palermo brand is an undertaking that Vitale describes as “rather incredible.”
“Having become a well-respected leader in the Grand Rapids area, I get to share my passion for serving and making a difference in the lives of many,” Vitale said.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood signs the cut ribbon at the Palermo Pizza ceremony. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
That difference comes in many forms, including donating residential air conditioners and helping to fund funerals and cancer treatments. These donations are underwritten by funds donated in exchange for marketing on her pizza box toppers.
But Vitale says she was never alone in her efforts.
“I can’t do what I do without the support of my customers,” Vitale adds.
“I am so proud and privileged to be a staple in this community,” Vitale continued. “It truly is businesses like Marge’s Donut Den, Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, and many others that stitch our community together. It is an honor to support, and be supported, by such an amazing community.”
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks are partnering to host the summer’s second Food Truck Festival with more than 30 food trucks, live music and a beer tent for community members to enjoy.
The free-to-attend community event will run 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
“We look forward to inviting the community to gather and experience delicious food and drinks from local vendors and great sounds from local musicians,” said Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “Whether you’re looking for a refreshing beverage, remarkable food or upbeat music, we have something for everyone to enjoy.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
There will be a wide variety of food options available for purchase. Prices will vary by vendor. Participating food trucks include:
“This event gives our local food trucks a fantastic opportunity to show the community their delightful drinks and delicious dishes,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “We’re looking forward to a day filled of community and cuisine.”
This year’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank and NN Autocam.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the event. A detour map is available here and a parking map is available here.
The City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market has some exciting events planned throughout the rest of the summer, including the annual Charcuterie Challenge, Kids Day and more.
In addition to shopping for delicious, fresh produce and local goods at the market, community members of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy during these special events. Kids Day, the Dog Days of Summer, the third annual Charcuterie Challenge and the End of Season Celebration are on deck for the remainder of the market season.
“Our special events make the market a little extra fun for everyone,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Whether you want to play with pups or show off your charcuterie skills, the Kentwood Farmers Market has an event for you.”
Upcoming August and September events at the market include:
National Farmers Market Week celebration Aug. 10 featuring a food demonstration and food samples as well as food trucks: Around Baking Company, Falafel Truck and Kool Breeze.
Kids Day on Aug. 17 featuring a meet and greet with John Ball Park Zoo as well as kids crafts and activities. There will be a bubble machine, face painting, food trucks: Street Frites and Ohana Hawaiian-Ice and more.
Dog Days of Summer on Aug. 24 featuring a variety of dog organizations like Captivated Canine, Paws with a Cause, Dippin’ Dogs and more, along with adoption opportunities through the Humane Society of West Michigan as well as food trucks: Let’z Taco Bout It and Semifreddo.
Charcuterie Challenge on Aug. 31 featuring a food assembly showdown using only Farmers Market ingredients and food trucks: El Jalapeno and Dune Buggy. To enter the contest, fill out the online form at bit.ly/KentwoodCharcuterieChallenge.
End of Season Celebration on Sept. 7 featuring food demos and samples as well as food trucks: Patty Matters and Semifreddo.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Farmers Market runs 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 7 behind City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. It provides a variety of local goods for sale, including fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more, and features 20-plus local vendors and special activities throughout the season. The market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
For more information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including links to become a vendor or volunteer, visit KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
Kentwood Commissioner Clarkston Morgan (right) joined WKTV Managing Editor Cris Greer in the studio to discuss the Kentwood Little Free Pantry.
By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org
The first Kentwood Commissioner I met after taking the job as managing editor at WKTV was Clarkston Morgan. On that day we talked about the Kentwood Little Free Pantry, and most memorably, he said it was “very near and dear to his heart.”
That meeting eventually culminated into Morgan coming into our studio to tape a WKTV Journal show on the Little Free Pantry.
“I have a passion for people,” said Morgan, founder and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC and an executive pastor and a city commissioner. “When you are always working with those that are in need and asking for help, you’re always connecting them to the resources that can help them. I can send anyone to the pantry without them worrying about checking IDs or their backgrounds; individuals can go right in, get what they need and come right out.
“It’s simple. There are no questions with the Little Free Pantry. There’s no embarrassment; all you do is get what you need and then you go home and bless your family. You’re our family and that’s why we do this.”
No questions asked
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (WKTV)
At the time it opened, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said, “This is the one day of the year I believe represents Kentwood. Because of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, who he was, what he said and what he did, his actions helped to make the city what it is today. Kentwood is one of the most diverse and international cities in the state.”
During the taping of the WKTV Journal show, Morgan continued along those lines and added, “You look at Kentwood as a community of 80 nations and 90 different languages. Dr. King’s message was his dream of all the cultures coming together and supporting one another. We are living out King’s dream of what it means to have unity. And unity comes around food, breaking bread at the table together.”
The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE
Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE
Sparks Belting Company, 5005 Kraft Ave, Suite A
Suggested food donations include:
Meats, canned, tuna and chicken preferred
Vegetables, canned
Fruits, canned
Shelf stable milk
Non-stick spray
Peanut butter
Pasta sauce
Cooking oil
Jam/Jelly
Cereals
Pasta
Rice
Soup
* Please be sure to check the expiration date on food items before bringing them in for donation.
Personal care item suggestions:
Soap of all kinds
Shampoo/conditioner
Disposable razors
Feminine products
Laundry detergent
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Diapers
Some other ideas include:
Kid-friendly non-perishables
Crayons, small toys, games
School supplies
To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Photo from a previous Food Truck Festival. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will once again celebrate the start of summer with the annual Food Truck Festival.
The Kentwood Food Truck Festival is set for Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The popular community event offers free admission and features more than 25 food trucks, live music, beer and community booths for attendees to explore. Another food truck festival will celebrate the end of the summer season on Sept. 9.
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A wide variety of cuisines will be available at the June event, with trucks offering barbecue, burritos, baked goods and more. Whether you’re searching for a savory snack, satisfying meal or sweet treat, the festival has options for every appetite. Entry to the festival is free, and cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the beginning of the summer season with this community-favorite event,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “The City of Kentwood, GR8 Food Trucks and our vendors and musicians are looking forward to sharing local flavors and sounds with the community.”
Food trucks participating in this year’s event include:
“Food trucks enable community members to spend time outside while supporting talented local food vendors,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival gives residents an opportunity to build connections while enjoying delicious food.”
This year’s diamond sponsors are NN Mobile Solutions and Macatawa Bank.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the event. A detour map and parking map are available on the City of Kentwood’s website.
Volunteers are needed for the event. Find more information about the Kentwood Food Truck Festival and sign up to volunteer at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival.
The avian flu has not harmed Michigan’s commercial turkey farms to date. (Photo by Mikkel Bergmann)
LANSING – While avian flu has disrupted poultry flocks in Michigan and spurred higher egg and chicken prices, turkeys in Michigan – wild and farmed alike – have been spared from the virulent disease, industry leaders and government officials say.
Megan Moriarty, a wildlife veterinary specialist for the Department of Natural Resources, said the agency conducted surveillance for avian flu last spring and fall, finding the virus primarily in swan, geese, ducks, vultures and eagles and, on a lesser scale, hawks and falcons.
Moriarty said no cases of avian flu among wild turkeys were found.
Turkeys have less risk factors
Turkeys are at less risk of infection than many other bird species because of a handful of factors, Moriarty said.
Wild turkeys are not scavengers, so they don’t get sick from eating infected animals. They also don’t travel together in colonies, meaning mass transmission of avian flu is unlikely, she said.
No cases have been reported so far in 2023, according to the department’s communications director, Jennifer Holton.
Nancy Barr, the executive director of the Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, said avian flu has been spotted in one commercial flock of turkeys since the start of 2022, but turkey farmers have prevented its spread to other flocks since.
Barr said since that initial case in 2022, turkey farmers have implemented biosecurity measures like perimeter buffer areas that control which people and vehicles can enter a farm.
Not crossing the line
“They draw an imaginary line around the outside of the farm and they have certain restrictions for any vehicles or people that come across that line to make sure that they aren’t potentially bringing anything from the outside,” Barr said.
A more important biosecurity measure is the line of separation at a barn door, according to Barr.
That means only farmworkers can enter barns where turkeys are housed, she said. Those workers have had no contact with other poultry and change clothes and sometimes shower before going in.
“That’s probably one of the most primary things they do,” Barr said. “Equipment is cleaned or designated just for that house. So it’s thinking about every single thing that comes into that house to keep those birds healthy.”
Spring migration a concern
Barr said that turkey farmers are nervous about the upcoming northward migration of other birds from the South this spring.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, symptoms of avian flu in birds include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, nasal discharge, swelling in body parts, loss of energy and appetite, discoloration and sudden death.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2021, Michigan ranked 10th in the nation for numbers of turkeys raised, with 5.1 million annually.
Ottawa and Allegan counties are the only two counties with more farmed turkeys than human residents, according to the USDA. Ottawa County produces 70% of Michigan’s commercially raised turkeys.
Protecting the local turkey industry
Ottawa County Emergency Management Director Louis Hunt, who handles avian flu matters, said the county takes the disease seriously because of the threat posed to turkey producers in the area.
He said when he has visited farms that have turkeys and other poultry, the precautions taken by the producers were “impressive.”
“First of all, you’re met with all the signs that these are biosecure facilities, and I guess that sounds intimidating,” Hunt said about his farm visits. “They have taken great pains to keep separated any potential vectors” of the disease.
On his visits, Hunt had to certify that he had no contact with any poultry in “multiple” days. He also had to be decontaminated and change his clothes.
He said owners of backyard flocks in Ottawa County have received information about what to watch out for and were ordered to immediately report any infection.
As for the upcoming migratory season, Moriarty said the DNR is preparing for a resurgence of cases in the spring and flu for wild birds, based on last year’s experience.
“Migration and large-scale movements of different bird species, it’s kind of a perfect scenario to have the virus be mixing and moving across the landscape,” he said.
Barr said Michigan is in the “Mississippi flyway,” a major bird migration route, producers will be watching their flocks diligently to ensure as little infection as possible.Most producers will assume the migrating birds are potentially infected.
Dan Netter is a journalist who started at Michigan State University in 2019. His interest in journalism includes policy reporting, identity reporting and a little bit of news design. Other places where Dan’s work has appeared include The State News and 101.9 WDET-FM. His favorite song is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
More than 58 million birds have been affected by the avian influenza outbreak countrywide, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. (Photo courtesy, pxhere.com)
By D.A. Reed
WKTV Contributor
Extraordinary price hikes on eggs over the past year and continuing inflation costs have had consumers and local business owners concerned.
340 Million: Prior to the avian influenza outbreak in 2022, that was the number of laying hens across the United States. 15 million of those hens could be found in Michigan.
Those numbers average one hen for every consumer in the country.
“For every citizen in the United States, there was one laying hen,” said Ernie Birchmeier, Senior Relations Specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau.
More than 58 million birds affected countrywide
Since the avian influenza outbreak, however, over 58 million birds were affected countrywide, creating a hitch in egg production that resulted in higher prices for one of the country’s main staples.
(Source: USDA Rural Development)
In January of 2022, the average cost of a dozen large Grade A eggs was $1.93. During the past year, consumers were hard pressed to find a dozen of those same eggs for under $5.
“We lost about 45 million laying hens across the country from that influenza outbreak. That has had an impact on the size of the laying flock in the United States and has decreased egg production,” Birchmeier said.
Various strains of avian influenza are an annual occurrence.
“Typically, when you have an avian influenza outbreak, it is spread during the spring and the fall when wild birds migrate back to the north from the south and vice versa in the fall,” Birchmeier said. “When you co-mingle those birds, they bring different sets of diseases and will typically cause an influenza outbreak.”
The number of birds affected by influenza is not normally so high. So why was the bird population hit so hard in 2022?
“In 2022, (avian influenza) lasted all year, during both seasons,” Birchmeier said. “So it’s continued to have an impact.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When will egg prices decrease?
Birchmeier said there have been reports of consumers seeing a softening in egg prices, with many lowering to more normal levels. But he cautions that it will take time to see a significant change.
“It takes time for eggs to be set, then for those eggs to hatch,” said Birchmeier, relaying that birds are typically 5-1/2 months old before they start laying. “It’s going to take time to replenish those flocks.”
(Source: Bureau Labor of Statistics)
Labor, transportation and energy costs add to the price
Consumers are urged to remember that labor, transportation and energy costs also are up and that factors into the cost of food along with the influenza outbreak.
There was a general food inflation of around 20 percent in 2022. Add in the impact of a reduction in egg production, and it influences those prices even more.
Farmers replenishing flocks helps soften prices
“If we can get through spring without any major problems, and farmers can replenish those flocks, we should see a decrease, a softening, of egg prices back down to more normal levels,” Birchmeier said. “It’s just going to take time for supply to catch back up (with demand).”
(WKTV/D.A. Reed)
For many local businesses, eggs are a staple — one needed in abundance.
“It’s hard to be a breakfast place (right now),” said Delanie Haisma, a server at Anna’s House restaurant. “That’s a common thing that we supply.”
But Haisma also said that the post-pandemic general inflation is what has had the biggest impact on their business.
When asked if Anna’s House has increased prices due to rising egg prices, Haisma said, “Since the eggs have gone up, no, but about a month before that happened, we did raise our menu prices by 25 to 75 cents on a couple of items.”
Continuing supply issues also have had a large impact.
“It’s hard to keep stuff in stock, and sometimes we have to go through a third party,” Haisma explained.
Other local restaurants also have had to adjust menu pricing due to general inflation.
Real Food Café recently instituted a three-percent surcharge to all checks to offset fast-rising expenses, including rising employee wages, fuel charges, and the escalating cost of food and other goods.
Even though rising prices have stunned most consumers, Birchmeier urges buyers to consider the true value of a dozen eggs priced at $5. “That’s still a pretty good value when you consider the amount per egg. Forty cents per egg is still a pretty good value compared to a lot of foods.”
Perspective also plays a role in remembering the value of a product: “Five dollars for a dozen eggs versus $5 for that cup of coffee you stood in line and waited for,” Birchmeier said.
Michigan spared major avian flu outbreaks
Birchmeier went on to say that although the entire United States has been impacted by the influenza outbreak, Michigan as a whole has been spared any major outbreaks in our laying flock, and that other areas of the country are paying more for eggs than Michiganders.
“We are very fortunate in this country to have the food supply that we do,” Birchmeier said. “And we have choices. And we have the ability to shop around.”
Birchmeier encourages consumers to shop around for better prices than what they may find at their usual store.
“Very seldom do we ever have to worry about whether or not there is product on the grocery store shelf,” Birchmeier said. “We saw that for the first time in many people’s lives in our country during the pandemic. But our farmers are out there every day to make sure that we have a wholesome and abundant food supply in this country.”
Extra bio security measures in Michigan
Egg-laying facilities have tight bio security measures implemented by farmers that have been in place for many years. Because of these extra steps, Michigan has been spared major outbreaks in our laying flocks.
(WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Controlling traffic flow on and off the farm, regulating the number of visitors to the farm, and making sure trucks are cleaned as they enter and leave the farm, are all steps Michigan farmers have taken to diligently keep diseases from their flocks.
“Our farmers know they need to protect the birds inside those buildings,” Birchmeier said. “For their livelihood, but also to make sure that they are producing a (safe) product for the consumer.”
Conspiracy theories put to rest
With emotions running high and bank accounts running low, Birchmeier warns against incorrect theories about causes for the egg price hike.
“We have to be very careful about everything we read on the internet and social media and make sure that we are getting accurate information rather than potential theories.”
There are other factors as to why chickens may not be laying eggs. In the winter months, it is common for chickens to go into a molt, or molting process, during which it is typical for chickens to stop laying eggs.
Regardless of the reason, Birchmeier said it is important to remember that production and distribution systems are already set and in place no matter how much farmers produce in a year.
“If there is a chink in the armor, or a link in the chain that’s broken, that’s when we run into disruptions,” he explained. “A lot of our consumers don’t understand that because we never have to think about it. (Food) has always been there.”
‘It all comes back to perspective’
“Relative to the rest of the world, we are in a fantastic position here in the United States to have a wholesome, abundant, affordable food supply typically all of the time,” Birchmeier said.
He explained the importance of understanding that farmers are greatly impacted by all this as well.
“We’re feeling the brunt of high labor, high energy costs, as well, across our food production system. But farmers themselves can’t pass those costs on, they have to absorb them, versus other manufacturers and goods and services (that) typically add those costs on and pass them along to the consumer. We see our ups and downs in the agricultural department from an economic standpoint as well.”
Birchmeier strongly encourages consumers to know the facts before jumping to conclusions, and to ask farmers if they have questions.
“We are glad to share our information because we’re all together in this.”
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
“A few years ago, I had a realization when taking a look at coffee shops all over the United States: We’re all doing the same thing — serving high-quality coffee,” Jon told ArtRat. “At The Lantern, it’s different. We focus on the environment, our service and your experience.“
That commitment to Grand Rapids’ Heartside neighborhood guided The Lantern through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and still shapes the way the popular coffee spot treats customers, other local businesses and the community at large.
Steve Wiltjer and Kevin Wallace opened The Lantern in April 2013, in the old Grand Central Engineering Building — a site that had stood gutted and empty for 15 years. The space is much bigger on the inside than it seems when you pass by; the spacious downstairs area still features the Grand Central’s original wood and is filled with tables and desks for people to socialize or work.
“I have all of my meetings at Lantern,” Rock Dandeneau, owner of Taste Buds-Kitchen Connects, a catering business just around the corner at 122 Division Ave S, told ArtRat.
Down in the vault
The historic building holds some surprises. John led me down to a former bank vault that’s now The Lantern’s dry-goods storage. “This door is the original one,” he said, spinning the combination lock. “It’s supposedly worth a lot, too … But it’s so heavy, no one has moved it!”
Inside, there’s not much space. “It forces us to work a little differently, more intentionally. For example, instead of ordering 10,000 to-go cups, we order 1,000.” He pointed out ingredients that go into The Lantern’s latest offering: homemade oat milk. Though the ingredients are Michigan-made, the recipe required a lot of tweaks and a journey to New Orleans where Jon met a master oat-milker to learn his ways. After Jon added his own personal touches, the cafe added it to the menu on Monday.
The coffee bar is intentional with its waste, too. Just outside the vault, the space also holds The Lantern’s compost bins: All coffee, filters, and tea scraps are composted for distribution to local farms.
Navigating a pandemic
Jon started at The Lantern as a barista, but his role grew over time. In 2020, he was already on track to take over ownership responsibilities from The Lantern’s founders when COVID-19 hit.
For a gathering spot like The Lantern, social-distancing requirements were a critical hit, and the cafe shut down entirely for several months. “I didn’t want to reopen without indoor seating,” Jon explained. “It’s such an integral part of what we are.”
Jon remained committed to operating The Lantern while keeping customers safe. “I didn’t really have experience doing that kind of thing,” he said, “but I saw it as an opportunity to save something that was important to me, to not just watch it die in front of me. While there are trials and tribulations, I always [work] to pull myself up.”
The Lantern team shares Jon’s focus on the cafe’s role as stewards of the community. Savannah Jeanelle took a moment to talk with us. Between brewing my Malabar Tea and packing a shot of espresso, our local barista filled ArtRat in about what Lantern does best.
“Engrained within us, we are a part of — and take part in — this community,” Savannah said. “All are welcome. This community is so full of vibrant people: artists, musicians, people with stories to tell.
“No matter who you are, we’ll always be happy to make you a drink and have a conversation.”
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
LANSING – As warmer-than-average growing seasons caused by climate change become more common, they bring new invasive species to Michigan.
Tar spot is a fungus that attacks corn and causes production losses. Credit: Michigan State University
“Insects that like warm weather are finding that Michigan is becoming more and more life-sustaining than ever before,” said Bruno Basso, a professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
And that requires new ways to fight them.
“These invasive species to Michigan are resistant to pesticides that farmers previously relied upon,” Basso said. “So farmers are looking for new ways to improve the ecology of their crops and improve their resistance.”
Identifying the threats
Two new threats are “tar spots,” in corn, and spotted wing drosophila, said Laura Campbell, a senior conservation and regulatory relations specialist at the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Tar spots are raised black dots on the ears of corn caused by a fungus called “phyllachora maydis,” Campbell said. An outbreak in a corn field causes production losses and economic disaster for the farmers.
Spotted wing drosophila is an insect that attacks soft fruits, a big problem for Michigan’s cherry orchards, Campbell said.
The female insects lay eggs inside the fruit, causing brown, sunken spots. As the larva eats the fruit it becomes rotten and non-consumable.
Using technology in the fight
Farmers attack new insects with technology, Basso said. Drones can pinpoint where an insect or weed is on their farms. Then they spray the specific area before it worsens.
Another example of emerging technology is the advancement of Enviroweather, a Michigan State -based weather service that can help farmers anticipate threats to their crops, Campbell said. The site tracks invasion trends, warning farmers ahead of time if pests are headed their way.
“Preventative pesticide spraying is best, because it will deter the invasive insects and weeds from being able to attack the crops,” Campbell said. “This greatly reduces the amount of pesticides needed, which is good for the farmer and the surrounding land and water.”
Scientists are also making advances in the kinds of products used on farms, Basso said. Biodegradable plastic mulch is replacing synthetic mulch that does not decompose. More plant-based pesticides and herbicides are becoming available.
A local perspective from Ada
Heather Anderson, the owner of Green Wagon Farm, in Ada, uses all-natural products to combat insects and weeds on her certified organic farm.
Spotted wing drosophila is an insect that lays its eggs on the inside of fruit, like this raspberry, causing it to rot. Credit: University of Minnesota Extension
“We are constantly vigilant for new threats to our crops,” Anderson said. “We don’t do preventative spraying, instead we scout the farm ourselves, and pick weeds by hand.”
At 18 acres, Green Wagon Farm is much smaller than the average U.S. farm size of 211 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Removing weeds by hand becomes more difficult on large farms.
“It’d be nice if all farms could be fully biodegradable and have no waste, but sometimes synthetic products are unavoidable,” Basso said.
This is not to say that farmers aren’t looking for more sustainable methods.
“Pesticides are incredibly expensive, and it would be more cost-effective to spray one small area than to have to spray an entire field,” Campbell said. “There’s a notion that farmers want to spray pesticides everywhere, and don’t care about the impacts on the land and water. But the land and water is their livelihood.”
Keeping the lines of communication open
A challenge is the communication between farmers and scientists, Campbell said.
Scientists lack the hands-on experience of being a farmer, and this makes it difficult for farmers to trust that their advice is best.
Money is also a big factor, according to Basso.
“Farmers have historically been more conservative when it comes to implementing new practices,” Basso said. “They have a financial risk, because if they change a way of doing something and it doesn’t work out, they lose that money that they would’ve made before.”
But as the weather gets warmer, farmers understand that their practices have to change or they will not be able to survive, Campbell said.
“Farmers want to do the right thing,” Campbell said. “I’ve never met a farmer who said they don’t care when it comes to the environment.”
Sarah is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.
It didn’t take long to feel the passion of Kids’ Food Basket Farm Manager Jason Lundberg.
“When I see a child smile at me and say that was the best cucumber they’ve ever eaten, it brings tears to my eyes,” said Lundberg, at the Kids’ Food Basket (KFB) farm he manages at 1300 Plymouth Ave. NE. “This is why I’m here and have been placed in this position at this point in my life.
“I can’t believe I now get to teach kids about all this cool stuff. It has just been magical.”
Breaking down racial barriers
“When kids are telling me I want to be a farmer now, that is huge to me,” Lundberg continued. “The average age of the American farmer is nearly 60, and most of them are white. Only 2 percent of these farmers are of color, and that’s another big reason for what I’m doing.
“We’re here to break down those barriers. The one thing we all have in common is food, and sitting down and breaking bread together is one of the most precious rights we have.”
The Pickerd family farm — 13 total acres
The KFB farm was owned and operated at one time by the family of Don and Eileen Pickerd, who farmed it up until 15 years ago. The land was farmed for well over 100 years; with apple and cherry trees as its mainstay.
Kids’ Food Basket Farm Manager Jason Lundberg picks green beans in early September. (WKTV)
The last remaining property in the city limits zoned for agriculture, KFB purchased the Pickerd farm six years ago. The farm is 13 total acres, including the main building, of which nine are farmed.
“We wanted to continue the tradition of growing food for the community,” Lundberg explained. “It’s pretty special and we want to keep it that way for many, many years to come. This property was going to be turned into a bunch of town homes and the neighborhood association didn’t really like that idea and the opportunity came up for KFB to move in.”
Nearly 139,000 servings of produce have been grown and distributed from the KFB Farm since July 1, 2021.
Lundberg’s deep farming roots
A lifelong farmer from Rockford before working at KFB, Lundberg spent his youth and beyond tending to the family farm, Ingraberg Farms, now Ingraberg Fresh Foods.
Born in Salinas, California, known as the “salad bowl of the world,” Lundberg said his father Dave was immersed in agriculture and saw organic foods picking up steam at the time.
His mom Helen would later inherit a 20-acre parcel of her parents’ farm in Rockford, so they moved from California to Michigan to eventually start Ingraberg Farms.
“I’ve been growing vegetables my whole life, and continued right out of high school doing it full time until Kids’ Food Basket,” said Lundberg, whose dad sold his produce to country clubs and restaurants, including The Bostwick Lake Inn, University Club, The Gilmore Collection, Noto’s and mom and pop businesses as well.
Farm camp
Every year when school ended for summer break in early June, his dad would have him recruit as many kids as possible to pick produce for him. Lundberg called it Farm Camp. Farmer Dave would make them breakfast and then they’d pick strawberries until it got too hot.
“And then we were turned loose and got to be kids and would bounce on the trampoline, swim in the lake and all that fun stuff.
“When I eat a fresh Michigan strawberry in June I’m instantly transported back to that time in my life which is one of my more cherished moments. That experience alone taught me why it’s so important for this farm itself.
“Even if I can only get a kid here for an hour, if I can give them a lifelong, lasting experience for that hour, we’ve done our job.”
KFB farm mission
Their goal is creating access to the community of super fresh, nourishing food, focusing on elementary age children, according to Lundberg.
The one thing that has stayed the same is the KFB flagship sack supper; a brown bag meal that goes home with the child after school. Children receive this before getting on the bus, and that’s their supper, consisting of one serving of fruit, vegetables, protein and a healthy snack.
Nearly 1.4 million meals have been provided by KFB since July 1, 2021, amounting to 9,600 meals a day across four west Michigan counties (Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon and Kent). The meals are packed daily by 300 to 400 volunteers.
School field trips — stomping garlic?
“Last spring, we had hundreds of kids from kindergarten through fifth grade on the farm — our learn team was able to facilitate multiple field trips,” Lundberg said. “The kindergartners would do something like stomping our garlic plants to help them grow bigger, and the third and fourth graders could help us transplant into the field — and they get taste testings all the time.”
Nearly 4,400 students have participated in the KFB nutrition education curriculum since July 1, 2021.
Volunteers of all ages giving back
Husband and wife volunteers Gary and Chris Fraser-Lee are regulars at the KFB farm, often harvesting produce once or twice a week over the summer.
Kids’ Food Basket volunteers Gary and Chris Fraser-Lee worked once or twice a week over the summer at the 13-acre farm at 1300 Plymouth Ave. NE. (WKTV)
Gary began volunteering when he worked in the IT Department at Steelcase and then got his wife hooked as well.
“We started doing food prep and sack suppers inside, and then as soon as the farm opened up began working outside,” said Chris, a retired occupational therapist from the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. “We’re blessed to be able to retire early and we’re just enjoying life and giving back when we can.”
Gary said they enjoy being outside picking while volunteering.
“It’s good to serve the community, and realizing what they do not only with the food bags, but what they supply from the farm here in the food pantries,” Gary explained. “It’s a great community organization.”
Nearly 30 percent of its volunteers are under age 18. Overall, there have been nearly 45,000 volunteer hours since July 1, 2021.
While strolling through the fields in September, Lundberg pointed to a group of volunteers from Steelcase picking cherry and grape tomatoes for the sack suppers for school children to take home at night.
“We’re probably going to get well over 100 pounds from them; that turns into 800 servings for 100 children,” Lundberg said. “They pick 100 to 200 pounds of cherry tomatoes every day in our little hour to 2-hour volunteer shifts in the morning. Every week throughout the growing season, we have volunteers from up to three corporate groups like Steelcase, FloRight, Perrigo, Amway, Meijer and MillerKnoll.”
“In 2002, Mary K. Hoodhood received a phone call that changed everything. A local school principal reached out and said students were regularly going into the cafeteria after school in search of food to take home. Mary identified an immediate need. With $3,000 and a handful of volunteers, she committed to providing a solution to childhood hunger in our community.“
Lundberg said Bridget Clark Whitney, president and founding CEO of KFB, had the vision of growing food for their sack suppers.
“She knew the importance of eating super fresh, phytonutrient rich foods that are alive and thriving and putting them directly into our body,” he explained. “We are all about elementary age kids because their bodies are developing and their brains are developing.”
Lundberg said the organization has evolved into so much more than just the access of food to children with its educational component and engagement of people and volunteers.
“They all get to see the full circle … It’s really neat to see how all of it connects, and of course when you get the kids here you get to see it all really come together.”
Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes, and potatoes
The produce that makes the biggest impact on the farm is cherry tomatoes, followed by potatoes and summer squash.
Tomatoes harvested at the Kids’ Food Basket farm. (Courtesy, Kids’ Food Basket)
“It’s tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes,” Lundberg said. “Thousands and thousands of pounds of tomatoes every year, and thousands of pounds of summer squash. And this fall, we had close to 1,000 pounds of onions come out of the field growing in between the apple trees.”
In many ways, a dream come true
Lundberg still pinches himself while working on the KFB farm, admitting that it’s “truly a dream job.”
He has witnessed everything during the school field trips from kids picking and eating kale to their “many, many huge smiles” enjoying the farm while taste testing different produce and learning about things they never knew.
He has even heard some kids say they now want to be farmers when they grow up.
“Our CEO Bridget nailed it; it’s so much more than the food itself.”
The City of Kentwood is encouraging local businesses, organizations and community members to gather donations to help replenish the shelves at the Little Free Pantry.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is a free resource that provides food to community members in need. Anyone can give to and take from the pantry, with no questions asked and no application needed.
The pantry operates year-round and has two locations: the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, and the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Donations needed
The Little Free Pantry has seen an increase in use over the past few years and is in immediate need of donations. Preferred donation items include canned and nonperishable food items and personal care items. A list of suggestions can be found at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
“In the past, the Little Free Pantry has stayed stocked thanks to food drives and donations from our generous community,” said Val Romeo, director of parks and recreation. “We typically see a lot of donations around the holiday season, but there is need all year.
“We’re urging community members to donate a little earlier than normal this year. Whether it’s a handful of canned goods donated by an individual, an entire food drive put on by a local business or a financial contribution, any donation helps families in our community.”
The pantry has several donation drop-off locations throughout Kentwood. Collection hours and locations are as follows:
Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE: Drop off donations 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday.
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin located in the lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Kentwood Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE: Place donations inside the collection bin 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a Martin Luther King Jr. Day community service project to fill an immediate and local need. A second location was added in 2021.
To make a financial donation or find more information about Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
A customer looks over a flower arrangement from Wyoming-based Periwinkle. (WKTV)
Tomorrow, the City of Wyoming will host its last summer market for the season.
Set to run from 3- 7 p.m. in the parking lot behind Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St., the event will feature food and drink, local artists and vendors, and live music.
“While we’re sad to host our last Summer Market of the series, we’ve been happy to hear positive feedback from vendors, residents and community members,” said Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development. She also added residents should stay tuned for information regarding next year’s Summer Market Series in the City of Wyoming.
The four markets, which were co-hosted by the City of Wyoming and HOM Flats, have been featured in different parts of the city, HOM Flats, Pinery Park, 28th West parking lot and city hall. Friday’s event will be located in the parking lot behind city hall.
Michigan school officials are concerned about children going hungry or accumulating lunch debt after Congress recently ended federal funding for free meals for all students.
With the federal pandemic lunch program discontinued, parents must now fill out paperwork for their student to get a free lunch. (pxhere.com)
“Families are still struggling with the economic downturn during the pandemic,” said Thomas Morgan, a communications consultant for the Michigan Education Association (MEA). “It’s not over, and we need to make sure children are taken care of.”
During the pandemic, Congress passed funding to ensure all students got free meals. That ended in August, although children who would have previously qualified for free or reduced lunches will still be able to get them if their parents fill out paperwork.
Parents must fill out paperwork for free lunches
There have been instances where a parent did not fill out the paperwork, meaning a child could not get the food they need or goes into lunch debt, Morgan said.
Parents have to shift from automatically having access to free meals to having to fill out paperwork to ensure their children get what they need.
“Since paperwork was not needed for the past couple of years, some parents weren’t aware they had to fill it out for their children to qualify, ” said Tom Freitas, the director of food and nutrition services for Traverse City Public Schools. “There have been issues with not having paperwork in on time, which affects the amount of pre-ordering for meals.”
Trying to keep costs reasonable
Traverse City Public Schools are trying to make sure all children who need free or reduced lunches are able to get them, he said.
“We’re doing our best to serve all our children. Right now, our superintendent is focused on getting donations,” Freitas said.
“We’d never take away food from a child, but we do have policies in place to make sure we get the payment required. After a child is $10 in school lunch debt, the parents are contacted,” he said.
This could be a problem for parents who thought that their child was getting free meals and are suddenly confronted with lunch debt.
Other issues impacting the lunch line
Funding isn’t the only issue affecting free school lunches this fall. A shortage of administrators means delays in processing time for paperwork.
Morgan said, “There’s a lot of paperwork that goes into providing free breakfast and lunch. The federal waivers made sure every kid had a meal automatically, meaning the paperwork wasn’t necessary and so this burden was removed for administration.”
Others say the shift might not be too troublesome for schools.
“I don’t believe schools will necessarily have any real difficulty going back to the way free lunches were processed a few years ago,” said Jennifer Smith, the director of government relations for the Michigan School Board Association. “The waivers did make it easier for school administration, but it’s not as if the infrastructure wasn’t already in place.”
Schools could take it upon themselves to continue to provide free meals for all students, as several districts across the state do.
Grand Rapids Public Schools free breakfast and lunch program
Grand Rapids Public Schools have been providing free breakfast and lunches for all students for seven years.
“I think this has been extremely beneficial for our students,” said Jennifer Laninga, the nutrition services supervisor at Grand Rapids Public Schools. “All of the stigma with free or reduced lunches is eliminated. Students who would otherwise avoid using these services for fear of being judged are now on an equal footing with other students.”
According to Laninga, schools with over 60% of students using free lunch services can apply for Community Eligibility Provision, federally funded through the Department of Agriculture.
However, schools are not guaranteed funding unless over 80% of their students are a part of the free lunch program. A more universal approach would streamline the process and make sure all students have access to free and healthy lunches, Laninga said.
Working to get federal funding for free school meals
Congress is reviewing the Child Nutrition Reauthorization, said Alex Rossman, the external affairs director at the Michigan League for Public Policy, and there is a possibility that universal access for free lunches could come back.
However, that isn’t likely in an election year, he said. Additional funding would be hard to achieve.
The MEA’s Morgan agreed.
“I don’t believe it’ll go anywhere. It’s not a big priority, even though it should be,” Morgan said.
“It’s incredibly frustrating, especially when you realize that they’re literally taking food away from the kids who need it most.”
Sarah Atwood is a junior at Michigan State University double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Journalism. She is interested in writing about how politics affects local communities and making information accessible for everyone. In her free time, she likes boxing, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog.
The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library. Pictured is last year’s Food Truck Festival. (Courtesy City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks have again partnered to host a Food Truck Festival with more than 30 vendors to help the community support small businesses and make the most of the remaining summer season.
The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 17 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., features 32 food trucks, live music and a beer and wine tent.
The event, which is free admission, features 32 vendors, live music and a beer and wine tent. (Courtesy City of Kentwood)
“We have a day full of delicious food, great music and fun planned for this Food Truck Festival,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We look forward to celebrating the last few days of summer with this community-favorite event.”
There will be a wide variety of sweet and savory food options available for purchase. Participating food trucks include:
“Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival gives residents a unique opportunity to enjoy great food, build community and support local small businesses, all at one event,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “We encourage community members to come join the fun.”
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks will host a Food Truck Festival with more than 30 vendors on Saturday, Sept. 17. (Courtesy of City of Kentwood)
The event also features a food drive to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of canned goods to help restock the pantry shelves. A list of suggested donations and more information about the Little Free Pantry is on our website at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry
This year’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank and NN Mobile Solutions. Entry to the festival is free. The cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
The Kentwood Farmers Market will host its second annual Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients, slated for Thursday, Aug. 25.
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.
A contestant prepares her board during last year’s Kentwood Farmers Market Charcuterie Challenge. (Courtesy)
Five challengers will receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.
The friendly competition will take place during the Farmers Market from 5 to 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.
“We’re excited to have this fun event return to the Kentwood Farmers Market for a second year,” Market Manager Kristina Colby said. “This is a great way for local competitors to show off their talents and the wonderful food offered at the Farmers Market.
“Attendees can expect another action-packed competition full of creativity and beautiful charcuterie board displays.”
Last year’s Kentwood Farmers Market Charcuterie Challenge, a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients. (Courtesy)
Bowls by Bob 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 to 7:30 p.m. selling staples such as fresh produce, cheese, honey, jam, bread and more. The Sanse Filipino Cuisine food truck also will be on-site.
In its eighth 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 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. behind Kentwood City Hall.
In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy free classes and other special events tied into the market’s schedule.
Here’s the lineup of activities planned for the remaining market dates:
Aug. 25: Charcuterie Challenge
Sept. 1: Kid’s Day – meet and greet with the zoo and crafts
Sept. 15: Bike Day – meet local bike vendors
Sept. 22: Fall Equinox Day
Sept. 29: Harvest Day – live music from Just Jill from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., pumpkin painting and food preserving demonstrations.
Malamiah Juice Bar owners, from left, Jermale Eddie, Kris Mathis and Randy Otterbridge pose for a photo at the Studio Park location of Malamiah Juice Bar. The mural behind them features Eddie’s three sons – Malachi, Nehemiah and Josiah. (Supplied)
With a little help from some friends, Jermale Eddie has taken his business, Malamiah Juice Bar, to the next level.
After bringing in two new owners this spring, Malamiah Juice Bar opened its second location on July 11.
The new juice bar in the downtown David D. Hunting YMCA, 475 Lake Michigan Drive NW, will serve up made-to-order items like smoothies and bowls, as well as a variety of juices and grab-and-go items. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Until now, the business had been operating one retail juice bar and eatery in the downtown Studio Park development, 122 Oakes St. SW, while also distributing their juices to about 20 grocery stores in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo.
But Eddie said he had been thinking over the past couple of years about adding some business partners.
In the beginning, there was two
He started Malamiah Juice bar with his wife, Anissa, in 2013, taking the name for the business from the names of the couple’s three sons – Malachi, Nehemiah and Josiah.
The two operated the business togther for a while, then Eddie became a “solopreneur” after his wife returned to work in a different job, he said.
“I knew at one point that we had taken this business as far as we could by ourselves,” he said. “I had to think about what are the elements that are missing? What do we need? Who do we need to come in to help us get to the next level? We didn’t want to plateau.”
A little help from his friends
Malamiah Juice Bar opened a new location in the downtown YMCA on July 11. Pictured, from left, are owner Jermale Eddie, area manager Adam Smallman, who manages both Malamiah Juice Bar locations, owner Kris Mathis and owner Randy Otterbridge. (Supplied)
That’s where his friends Randy Otterbridge and Kris Mathis came in. Both had backgrounds in marketing, and Eddie had known them for a long time through business connections and community events.
“I knew their business savviness, I knew their care and love for the community and their honesty and integrity, which is big,” Eddie said.
Mathis, the new chief of operations, is a self-described “serial entrepreneur.” He owns Raise a Glass Wine and Beer tours, coaches at SpringGR, and owns Blue Water Lake House, a short term vacation rental.
Otterbridge, the new chief marketing officer, has been teaching entrepreneurship at SpringGR for the past eight years and previously worked in the nonprofit sector for the Grand Rapids Urban League. He said he saw “massive opportunities” in the e-commerce and digital marketing space for the business.
An eye toward the future
In addition to opening more locations, the three are focused on growing the company in terms of the customer experience, the staffing experience and the community experience, Eddie said.
“Those are three areas of importance to us,” Eddie said. “It boils down to having the right systems in place and growing our systems.”
“The other part of our business model at both locations is, who do we take along with us on the journey? How do we support local as a local business? So you’ll find products from local entrepreneurs such as Ferris Coffee and granola bars from Granola Goddess,” Eddie said.
As they look to open more locations, Otterbridge said they’re focused on finding places with good synergy.
“We think about where can we place ourselves that already has foot traffic where we can be of service to the clients there,” he said.
Mathis said they’re also hoping to increase their retail footprint in their existing locations where things are already going well, as well as selling their products in more stores. They have a few other ideas in the works, such as after-hours activities for entrepreneurs, he said.
“If there is anyone interested in working with us in collaboration or partnership, or even opening another location of Malamiah, just reach out to us,” Mathis said. “Send us an email. We’re always open to entertaining ideas and possibly collaborating and seeing where it can take us.”
If you’re headed down 44th Street and Breton Road, you just might miss Tasty Gyro Coney Island, which is tucked away in a strip mall behind Tommy’s Express Car Wash.
It’s truly a “hidden gem,” said Emad Shatara, whose father Sami came out of retirement six years ago to open up this eclectic restaurant known for great gyros and coney dogs.
Tasty Gyro Coney Island. (WKTV)
“We’re the hidden place; we even have a sign in the front window that says, ‘This must be the place,’” Shatara said.
Best known as one of the original owners of the popular Pita House in Eastown, which opened in 1999, Emad said his dad was working as an Uber driver after selling his interest to his brother Basel about 12 years ago. (Basel still owns and operates the two remaining Pita House restaurants, Emad said.)
“He got bored, so he opened up this place,” Emad said. “Really, he just wanted to cook again, so here he is, cooking, and doing what he wants to do.”
Tasty Gyro Coney Island owners son and father Emad and Sami Shatara. (WKTV)
And what he wants to do is offer an array of flavors, spices and options to make just about anyone who walks through never leave hungry.
“Just don’t hurt yourself,” said one happy customer walking out the door as father and son sat down with WKTV Journal to talk about the menu.
“Anything you can imagine,” Emad said about the diverse offerings. “Any city, any food. It’s all here. It’s a coney island so we can do whatever we want here.”
An explosion of flavors from all over the world
You will find hot dogs, coney dogs, hamburgers, gyros, traditional Middle Eastern food, and Greek and Mediterranean dishes, too.
Think hummus, Baba Ghanouj and tzatziki sauce.
“Everything is made in house,” he said. “Even the garlic sauce.”
And if it’s not on the menu, “we’ll create whatever you want,” Emad said.
The menu is a mix of traditional and not-so-traditional offerings.
Greek Fries, topped with special Greek dressing and feta cheese, is one of many choices at Tasty Gyro Coney Island. (WKTV)
Along with mouthwatering Greek Fries – French Fries topped with special Greek dressing and feta cheese – you will find other familiar fare such as Chicken or Beef Shawarma (marinated Lebanese style sandwich topped with garlic sauce or hummus and lettuce, tomato, onion and turnips) and Falafel (pita with ground chickpeas mixed with spices and parsley, then deep-fried, with hummus, lettuce, tomato, onion and turnips).
Creativity abounds
But father and son are not afraid to surprise you, too.
Emad said he would recommend two items:
The Tasty Gyro Pita, a blend of seasoned beef and lamb topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, feta and cucumber sauce. (WKTV)
The Tasty Gyro Pita (a blend of seasoned beef and lamb topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, feta and cucumber sauce), and the NYC Chopped Cheese Sandwich (seasoned ground beef sautéed with onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and banana peppers on a toasted sub bun). It’s their spinoff of a Philly Cheese Steak.
“It’s the greatest sandwich you will ever have,” Emad said.
And, “if you really want to get crazy,” he said, you have to try their version of Cincinnati-style chili, made popular by the Greek immigrants who started Skyline Chili. They call it Cincinnati Spaghetti.
Cincinnati Spaghetti, one of many dishes offered at the Tasty Gyro Coney Island, located at 2269 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids. (WKTV)
Imagine a generous portion of seasoned ground beef on top of spaghetti, and topped with kidney beans, onions and fine shredded cheddar cheese. When you taste that hint of familiar chocolate flavor you’ll think you’re in Cincinnati.
“You can’t get this anywhere else in Grand Rapids,” Emad said.
As for coney dogs, you’ll find Detroit and Flint style on the menu, as well as traditional Chicago dogs and the New Yorker dog (with chili, sauerkraut, onion, cheddar and mustard). They use Vienna hot dogs in natural casing.
Almost every city covered
“I told you when you come here you go to every city,” said Emad, noting all the styles of coney dogs.
The craziest one may be the Greek Coney. It comes with gyro meat, tzatziki sauce, banana peppers, tomatoes and onions and feta cheese on it, Emad said.
In fact, they also created a Gyro Burger, which they named after a customer, “Yovany.” It is a 1/3 lb. burger topped with gyro slices, lettuce, tomato, onion, feta and tzatziki sauce.
“That thing is a monster,” Emad said.
You could come here every day for six months and try something new each day.
“You got a lot to try,” he said.
IF YOU GO
Tasty Gyro Coney Island
Address: 2269 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Prices: Gyros are about $11, coney dogs (Flint, Detroit and Greek-style) about $4; platters about $16-$18.
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 also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. 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.
Kalene McElveen opened Tasteful Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW, on Memorial Day. (Supplied)
Kalene McElveen has put a new twist on the neighborhood ice cream shop concept.
Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW in Wyoming, opened Memorial Day weekend at a site that has long served sweet treats to neighbors in the summertime. Most recently, it was home to Debbie’s Twist and Shake.
But at McElveen’s new shop, the products are all vegan and “Top 8 Free,” meaning there are no allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, tree nuts, or peanuts in her products. She also steers clear of refined sugars in her treats, opting for natural sweeteners instead. A binder on site lists all the ingredients in each item on the menu.
Families from far and near have been coming to the shop to give their kids with food allergies a true ice cream shop experience.
“The need is greater than I had anticipated,” McElveen said. “People from Muskegon, Holland, and all across the lakeshore are traveling to come to this shop. For parents who have children who aren’t able to do ice cream shops because of cross-contamination issues, this is the very first time their kids can get anything they want off the menu, and everyone can eat together.”
A place to build her business
Although the ice cream shop is new, McElveen has been in business since 2020 creating her Tastefull Vegan desserts. She started out selling freeze pops at the Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids. After attending a Black Entrepreneurs Expo at Woodland Mall, she gained additional outlets to sell her products, including Harvest Health Food stores, the Bridge Street Market and Forest Hills Foods.
McElveen was creating her desserts out of a kitchen at the Downtown Market when she saw that the ice cream shop in her neighborhood was for sale.
“I thought it would be nice to be able to make my product right around the corner from our house. Knowing I could also own an ice cream shop in the neighborhood where I live was a double bonus,” she said.
Since the location had always been home to a typical dairy ice cream shop, she worried that neighbors wouldn’t be interested in vegan offerings. But that hasn’t been the case.
A historic spot
According to information provided by the Wyoming History Room, the tradition of serving ice cream from the 2265 Porter St. SW site goes back 50 years.
The Viking Cone Shop was at the Porter location from 1972-1974. (Wyoming Historical Room)
Although it hasn’t continuously served ice cream since then, the bulk of the last 50 years have been devoted to desserts of one kind or another.
The Viking Cone Shop operated at the site from 1972 to 1974, after which the building was vacant until 1976, when Jake’s Donuts moved in.
The building was again vacant in the late 1970s until the Duthler Insurance Company moved in and stayed until the mid 1980s. In 1986, Porter Junction Ice Cream operated there, and in 1990 it became Bill’s Kreamy Cone. In 2008, Porter Street Ice Cream was in operation at the site. Before being purchased recently by Kalene McElveen for her Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts shop, Debbie’s Twist and Shake was in the building.
The current building went up in 1928. The first business in it was Wilson & Chalmers real estate and if you on the north side of the building, you can see the original marker for the 1928 business.
Prior to that, a wooden structure had stood at the site since 1911, serving as both an office and an interurban railroad stop. The building once faced the interurban tracks on the north, but was spun around to face west in 1922.
Response has been positive
The shop is open three evenings a week – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m. – and in one month, she went through a box of 800 of the spoons she uses for flurries, one of the most popular items on the menu.
Kalene McElveen opened Tasteful Vegan Frozen Desserts, 2265 Porter St. SW, on Memorial Day. (Supplied)
Although people have been asking her to open up every day, she said she’s still learning every weekend, and wants to make sure she can adequately provide enough products before taking that step.
“I don’t want to overcommit myself and underdeliver,” she said.
McElveen said she and her family moved to Wyoming in 2013, and the shop she now owns is the one she took her kids to when they first moved to the neighborhood.
“It’s been kind of nice to be a part of keeping it going,” she said.
Being part of the community
McElveen serves on Wyoming’s Community Development Committee, and she’s proud to bring a business to the city that is the first of its kind in Michigan – a minority woman-owned vegan, allergy-free ice cream shop.
“I enjoy helping make decisions about different events and different organizations that help the city of Wyoming, and now I feel like I’m one of them. And that’s a good feeling,” she said.
The Fourth of July parade is set for 9:30 a.m. and will start at Crestwood Middle School. (Supplied)
The City of Kentwood has a day filled with activities for all ages planned on Monday, July 4 for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival and fireworks show.
“Celebrating our nation’s independence by participating in Kentwood’s Fourth of July festivities has been a favorite family and community tradition for many decades. People of all ages enjoy these events, from pancakes and parades to 5Ks and fireworks,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “Come out and join us for a day filled with festivities when memories are made, and community is strengthened.”
The events will begin with a pancake breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave SE. The $5-per-person breakfast will be served 7-9:30 a.m. and include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.
At 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather next door at the Kentwood City Hall parking lot, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, for registration and packet pickup for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk. The chip-timed race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish in front of City Hall. Participants will loop through nearby neighborhoods before coming back on the paved East West Trail to finish. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal and shirt for this race. Shirts are only guaranteed for those who register before June 21.
Following the race will be a parade at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE. Organizations who would like to participate in the parade can visit kentwood.us/july4 and fill out the online form to register.
From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival behind city hall featuring rides and carnival games. (Supplied)
From 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival behind City Hall featuring a variety of rides and carnival games for all ages. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. Tickets and wristbands will only be available at the event. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.
City Hall will also be the hub for the evening celebration 4-10 p.m., which will include community booths, a beer tent, food trucks and a fireworks show. A variety of bands, including Project 90, The Stone Soul Rhythym Band and Serita’s Black Rose, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from City Hall and surrounding areas.
A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station #1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. Guests who are parked at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch can take the roundabout out to Breton Avenue heading north or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south.
A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done.
Fireworks will be at dusk. (Supplied)
The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
The City is seeking volunteers for its Fourth of July Celebration. Individuals who are interested are encouraged to sign up online or call 616-656-5270. More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found at kentwood.us/july4.
Other area July 4th activities:
July 2
Grand Rapids: Starting at 6 p.m., there will be family-fun activities, games, food, vendors, and live entertainment which will lead up to the firework show at 10:30 p.m.
Gun Lake: Fireworks are scheduled for July 2 with a rain date of July 3. Fireworks began at dark.
July 2 and 3
LMCU Ballpark: The West Michigan Whitecaps will have fireworks for both games against the Fort Wayne Tin Caps. Game times are 6:35 p.m July 2 and 6 p.m. July 3.
July 3
Caledonia: The Caledonia Independence Day Celebration will include a parade at 11 a.m. Fireworks will be at dusk and can be seen from Duncan Lake Middle School, CalPlex, or Holy Family Catholic Church.
July 4
Grandville: The Grandville July 4 Celebration will be include a pancake breakfast, parade with flyover, life music and fireworks at dusk.
Dorr: As usually, the Dorr July 4th Celebration will be the entire weekend, July 2-4 with the the parade and fireworks being on July 4.
A bunch of students from West Michigan University gather in the basement of a bar, cut their teeth with local players and touring musicians, stay friends, and keep playing nearly 20 years later.
Kalamazoo’s Out of Favor Boys take the state this Thursday for Kentwood Summer Concert series. (Supplied)
“We grew up, musically, hosting blues jams in Kalamazoo,” said Joel Krauss, one of the founding members of the Out of Favor Boys. “We’re rooted in that Chicago-style blues but we also have a lot of influences from rock, old soul and jam bands.”
Those roots of the Kalamazoo blues scene from the late 1990s and early 2000s have served them well. Today the lineup includes four of the original members, who moved to Kalamazoo from the east side of the state to go to school, but stayed here for jobs, their friendships and love of the blues.
The lineup includes: Krauss (vocals and guitars), Tony Sproul (saxophone, vocals), Tim Brouhard (bass), Tommy Ufkus (drums) and Dan Ouellette (guitar), who leads the band on calling out the songs each night.
The Out of Favor Boys perform Thursday (June 23) as part of the Kentwood Summer Music Series on the lawn behind City Hall. The concert is at 7 p.m. Admission is free. (See the lineup below.)
Playing in the basement of Mr. Wonderful’s back in the day (on the southside of Kalamazoo), the band had to rely on each other to learn their craft through “jam sessions,” said Tony Sproul.
“You had to be on your toes as much as possible,” he said, and that became almost “addictive.”
To this day, those jam sessions and knowing how to feed off each other on simple cues and gestures, has become an “accidental strong point” to the band’s longevity.
“For us…there is never a night that you’re bored or say, ‘Oh, I gotta play that song again?’ None of us ever have that moment. It stays fresh all the time.”
Today’s sound is a “mix of soul and funk and blues,” Sproul added.
“It’s danceable with a slight mix of funk and old soul, with a blues foundation that we have had over the years.”
The band has released four CDs of original music.
“I would say that (if you) look at them one at a time you’ll see quite a bit of growth between each of them. We started out really raw and live on our first CD,” Krauss said.
The group has been together for almost 20 years, having released four CDs of original music. (Supplied)
“We actually recorded the whole thing in one night. And by the time you get to our last CD, which we released in 2017, you can see that we’ve become much more focused on writing solid songs. We’re starting to pull songs together for a new recording, which we’ll start working on later this year.”
Along with playing the clubs, the band has also played big festival stages.
“Community music events are sort of a nice middle ground for us – and we play a lot of these things across southern Michigan and into northern Indiana. People who come to these shows are there to hear music,” Krauss said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to play our own songs to people who are there to listen. There can be some give and take between the band and the audience when everyone’s paying attention like that. Plus, they’re usually small enough that we have time to meet a lot of people between sets and after the show. We’ve made a lot of great connections and gotten a lot of great gigs from meeting people at shows like these.”
When they perform Thursday in Kentwood, fans can expect them to “play a mix of cover songs and original music.”
You’ll be sure to have a good time with familiar songs by some of their favorite blues artists such as Robert Cray, Tab Benoit, Larry McCray and Tommy Castro, Krauss said.
“We play some classic rock, some blues, some soul and give our crowds lots of opportunities to dance,” he added.
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 also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. 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.
Most schools are out for the summer, which means families are looking for things to do with the kids. Maybe even things to do with dad, since it’s also Father’s Day on Sunday.
Well, you’re in luck! I have a few ideas – some for kids, some for adults – in my Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
5. Beer & Brat Street Festival, Sparta
If you’re up for a little road trip to Sparta, this first-year event looks like a lot of fun. Presented by the Sparta Chamber, the Beer and Brat Street Festival is a two-day street party with games, live music, shopping and – you guessed it, beer and brats! Hours are 4-11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. Learn more on the Sparta Chamber Facebook event page.
Heritage Hill Garden Tour will feature 10 private gardens and two organization gardens in this year’s event. (Supplied)
4. Heritage Hill Garden Tour, Grand Rapids
Take a pleasant walk along streets of Heritage Hill where 12 historic homes will open their gardens from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (June 18). “From showy displays in front gardens bursting with color to hidden gems waiting behind a home to warmly welcome guests, the possibilities of what a garden can be will inspire you,” according to press material.
On this self-guided tour, some of the gardens you will find include:
President Gerald Ford’s boyhood back yard now filled with statuary and rare plantings.
Wonderland over 40 years in the making that surrounds an enchanting home.
A serene and elegant backyard setting that includes a complete outdoor kitchen.
A stately brick home perfectly surrounded by beautiful plantings.
A small but artfully designed garden that makes wise use of every space.
A front yard garden that catches the eye of everyone who passes by.
Free-flowing flower garden on Prospect Avenue that wears new colors for every season.
Formal fountains galore surrounding a home on College Avenue.
Peaceful natural water feature that accents a shade garden.
A sweet little garden on Paris Avenue.
Vibrant annuals and perennials at the Voigt House tended by volunteers.
Formal gardens at the Meyer May House that are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 on the day of the tour. Tickets are available for presale through midnight on June 17 at heritagehillweb.org.
Asian-Pacific Festival returns to downtown Grand Rapids this weekend. (Supplied)
3. Division Ave Arts & Culture Festival
Speaking of things to do with the family, this is perfect! According to WKTV contributing writer D.A. Reed, the Division Ave. Art & Culture Festival features “food and craft vendors, live music, Pacific Island dancers, interactive art, a colorful dragon parade, fun prize giveaways, and more.” She adds that several local Division Avenue businesses will be participating in the festival, including The Stray, Café Boba, Quest Fitness, and Natural Maya. A portion of 43rd Street will be closed down to accommodate the Festival. It is presented by the Division Avenue Business Association (DABA) and takes place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (June 18). Learn more on the Facebook Event page. Or read her story.
The LPGA Tour is back in Belmont for the eighth playing of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give. All seven previous winners are in the field at Blythefield Country Club, including defending champion Nelly Korda, two-time winner Brooke Henderson and former world No. 1 So Yeon Ryu. In addition, foodies will delight in the new premium hospitality experience offered by J Brewers, is named in honor of the financier who purchased the land where Blythefield now stands. Located on the fourth fairway , J. Brewers will feature more than a 20,000-square-foot pavilion with elevated food and beverage pairings curated and prepared by local and minority-owned restaurants. Daily tickets for access to the J Brewers pavilion cost $75, but gives you front-row views of the on-course action, television viewing areas, great seats and all-you-can-eat access to food and beverage items, featuring local vendors and premium cocktails. General admission tickets are $10 Thursday through Sunday. Kids, ages 17 and under, will receive free admission with a ticketed adult. General admission tickets include general grounds access to the tournament, public viewing area and various Grand Taste viewing and concessions areas located throughout the course. The Golf Channel will show play from 3-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. All the details of the Meijer LPGA Classic at meijerlpgaclassic.com.
1.Juneteenth Celebration
On June 19 we celebrate Juneteenth, which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. But this weekend we celebrate and pay homage to African American freedom with celebrations throughout the area. Experience Grand Rapids has an extensive list, and our friends at WZZM also have a list that includes Muskegon Heights, Holland and virtual events.
A few of note locally:
John Ball Zoo is hosting Juneteenth Fest, which is a community BBQ with live music, food grilling, people dancing, kids playing, people shopping and hanging out. It takes place 2-7 p.m. Saturday (June 18). Admission is free.
Support local Black creatives and vendors at the Baxter Juneteenth Celebration held June 18 in Joe Taylor Park . It’s all about family, food, fun, education, empowerment and entertainment.
The 2nd annual Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam is Sunday at Rosa Parks Circle and includes live music, Black-owned food and business vendors, a graffiti art showcase and more. It is sponsored by the city and local African American apparel company Justice 4 All.
The 5th annual Grand Rapids Juneteenth Dundunba at Dickinson Buffer Park begins with a parade and segues into an afternoon of live entertainment, raffle giveaways and more. June 19.
Enjoy food, fun and entertainment at two Juneteenth “pop-up” events: June 18 at Rosa Parks Circle and June 19 at Martin Luther King Park.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. 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 Fulton Street Farmers Market will host a Summer Solstice Celebration! on Tuesday. (Supplied)
The Fulton Street Farmers Market will be hosting its Summer Solstice Celebration! Tuesday, June 21, from 4-8 p.m.
We welcome everyone to come celebrate 100 years of food, farming, art, and community. This event is a non-market event, meaning there are no vendors besides concessions as this is a celebration we want our farmers, food producers, and artisans to attend and enjoy themselves while mingling with each other and the community.
This is a family-friendly event for all ages, featuring a kid’s craft activity hosted by The Monstorium, an artisan market vendor. There will be live music by four musicians throughout the evening who are regular performers at the Saturday markets. Fae Floral are making a flower archway for participants to pose for selfies and group shots to capture the fun of the evening. There will be beer, seltzer, and cider available for purchase as well as the release of the market’s signature centennial beer the Solstice Sambucus created in collaboration with two market vendors and crafted by Speciation Artisan Ales. The Solstice Sambucus is an elderberry basil Saison.
The following concessions will be available during the event: Street Chef Shaw, Los Jalapenos, Agua Fresca, Momma D’s Kitchen, Around Baking Company, Ollie’s Donuts, Any Colour You Like Popsicles, and Tor’s Tonics.
There is no charge to attend the event, and everyone is welcome. The market is located at 1145 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids. For more information check out the Fulton Street Farmers Market website at: www.fultonstreetmarket.org.
