The City of Kentwood Farmers Market is seeking five competitors for its first-ever Charcuterie Challenge, described in a city statement as “a food assembly showdown using only farmers market ingredients” and slated for Thursday, Aug. 12.
Individuals who are interested in the competition must submit an online application by Monday, Aug. 9. The market will select up to five challengers out of the group of applicants to each receive $25 and 30 minutes to shop the market and assemble a one-of-a-kind charcuterie board using only those purchased ingredients.
The beauty of food will be on display and the Kentwood Farmers Market’s “Charcuterie Challenge”. (WKTV)
“Charcuterie has become such a fun, popular way to display and enjoy a variety of food,” farmers market manager Kristina Colby said in supplied material. “We are looking forward to seeing all the creative ways challengers showcase local foods found at the Kentwood Farmers Market and use the beautiful, handmade charcuterie boards Handcrafted by Fellow is suppling for the competition.”
In the French tradition, charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and meat products. The idea of charcuterie has evolved over the years to include an assortment of meats, cheeses, veggies and other items.
The “friendly” competition will take place during the Farmers Market, from 5-5:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, and the boards will remain on display until 7:30 p.m. Marketgoers can watch the competitors build their boards and then vote for their favorite. The winner will receive a gift courtesy of the Kentwood Farmers Market.
Handcrafted by Fellows, a husband-and-wife duo, will be on-site selling their charcuterie boards and other handmade wood decor items. An additional 20 vendors will be at the market, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., selling staples such as fresh produce, cheese, honey, jam, bread and more. Food trucks El Jalapeño and Ohana Hawaiian Ice will also be on-site. Live music entertainment by Just Jill will be available 6-7 p.m.
In its seventh season, the Kentwood Farmers Market provides the community weekly opportunities each summer to buy a variety of goods from local vendors. This year’s market is offered every Thursday, 4:30-7:30 p.m., behind Kentwood City Hall. In addition to exploring an array of items for purchase, marketgoers can enjoy free classes and special events tied into the market’s schedule.
Other special events planned in August include: On Aug. 19, Makers and Crafters Day featuring more than 40 vendors, with a free concert at 7 p.m. featuring The Soul Syndicate; and on Aug. 26, free yoga at 6 p.m.
Here in West Michigan, farmers market season is in full swing. Have you been to the Kentwood Farmers Market? It takes place at 4900 Breton Ave. SE on Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30. In Wyoming, the Metro Health Farmers Market, also take place on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5900 Byron Center Road SW. We all know that we should be eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. And there’s no time like now to get started on building a healthy habit.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health publication, The Nutrition Source, eating lots of vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some cancers, reduce eye and digestive problems, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Eating apples, pears, and leafy greens might even help you lose weight.
You can go bananas trying to figure out which fruit or vegetable provides the exact vitamin or mineral you need. Or you can simply eat a wide variety from the nine different fruit and vegetable families. Next time you stop by the farmers market, choose a variety of types and colors to give your body all the kinds of nutrients it craves. There’s a lot to be said for fresh, local produce. When produce is picked green to accommodate long shipping distances, it loses nutritional content. In fact, eating quick-frozen local produce is probably more nutritious than eating fresh produce shipped thousands of miles from California or South America.
As I chiropractor, I love sharing how adjusting the spine helps all of the body’s organs to function better. And I love seeing my patients regain strength and mobility—and experience less pain. But I also love seeing patients who eat the healthy foods that support the work that I and the rest of their healthcare team provide.
Like I said, there’s no better time to start building a healthy habit than now—and there’s also no better time to visit your local farmers market.
Classic soul, R&B and a little ‘funk” for your summer evening will be provided by The Soul Syndicate this week as the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts return for a summer run beginning Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.
The summer series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 5, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. (Click on the Live Streams link in the upper right of the page.)
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.
Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, discusses why the city added an early season food truck rally this year, at the May 19, 20231 event at the Kentwood City Complex. (WKTV)
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks’s new early-season Food Truck Festival, the first of two this summer season, had some rain showers but plenty of family fun as well on Saturday, June 19.
On Juneteenth, June 19, the Kent County Black Caucus had a presence at the Kentwood food truck festival, attended here by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The “kickoff” of the Summer Food Truck Festival’s two-event schedule took place in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the same location.
The free-to-attend community event had 16 food trucks — with even more planned for the September event, Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV.
There was also live music, a beer tent and food available for just about every taste.
There was also several community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, as the day was also Juneteenth, attended early to by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz.
More information about the Summer Food Truck Festival is available at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival. For a slideshow of photos from the event, see below (and click through).
“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”
— Harriet Tubman (Freed Slave)
A view of a previous City of Kentwood Food Truck Festival. (WKTYV/2018)
Food Truck Rally in Kentwood
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events. The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, 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. Go here for the story.
Juneteenth celebration in Wyoming
In an effort to educate and build a bridge of understanding, the City of Wyoming is hosting its first-ever Juneteenth event Saturday, June 19, from noon to 4p, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave. SW. The free event will feature an array of programs on such topics as history, hair and the CROWN Act legislation, COVID 19 and the black health disparities, the Black Freedom Struggle and discussion on the Emancipation proclamation and the 13th Amendment. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
800, plus or minus
Kent County has a fair amount of food trucks, but arguably the home of the first food truck culture, Los Angeles, Calif., had a food truck population of more than 800 trucks before the pandemic. Source.
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events.
The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, 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. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 11.
A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
“We’re pleased to expand the Food Truck Festival to two dates and double the opportunity for community members to come together for fun, fellowship and fantastic local food and music,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We’re delighted to again partner with GR8 Food Trucks, vendors and musicians to provide this wonderful all-ages event for our community.”
The free-to-attend community event will feature 16 food trucks, live music and a beer tent, according to supplied material. The food trucks will offer everything from Filipino cuisine to Indian food, as well as barbeque options, hot dogs, fries and a variety of dessert options. While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
The event also will have community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, which will honor the day and educate the public about Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the country. Workforce Employment Specialists, United Healthcare and others will be on-site as well.
Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Boogie Woogie Kid, followed by DJ Snax, Hazy Past and Asamu Johnson and The Associates of the Blues. A beer tent featuring local craft beer favorites will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Among the food trucks expected to participate are Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Detroit’s Original Coney Island, Kona Ice of Lowell, Kool Breze, Little Mamma’s Ultimate Dessert & Snack Truck, Nick’s Gyros, Patty Matters, Pig Out on the Fly, Pressed in Time, SANSE Filipino Cuisine, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch and UCC Dessert.
“Food trucks offer a great way to sample a variety of cuisine in a relaxed and outdoor setting,” Alan Stone, president of GR8 Food Trucks, said in supplied material. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival provides an opportunity for residents to have fun while supporting local businesses, which is especially important during the pandemic.”
The City of Kentwood community last week welcomed the return of the Kentwood Farmers Market, which began its seventh season of bringing food and fun to town, this year on Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.
Young and old found something they liked at the opening of the Kentwood Farmers Market last week. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
And market manager Kristina Colby, also a Kentwood recreation program coordinator, could not have been more happy.
“We at the City of Kentwood are so excited to get back around the community with our masks off and see smiling faces,” Colby said to WKTV. “It is great just to get together again and have a good time together.”
The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.
In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping — on June 10 there will be a meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.
The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)
In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.
“Six of the markets will actually occur on the same night as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series,” Colby said. “So you come here, get some food, get some snacks, and then stay for a free concert.”
There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
Much news was made of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan’s federal-government economic stimulus effort resulting from COVID-19’s negative economic impact, which was recently signed into law by President Joe Biden. But a possibly little-known portion is the current roll-out of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund administrated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
In brief, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will provide small, independent restaurants — and similar small businesses including breweries and bars — with funding “equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023,” according to an announcement from the SBA.
As part of the SBA announcement, local business leaders and business groups were urged to disseminate RRF information to their business communities, and the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce was more than happy to do so.
“The new SBA program for restaurants is long overdue,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the local chamber, said to WKTV this week. “As we all know, the restaurant industry is one of the hardest hit by COVID-19. I am glad to be able to get this information to our chamber members.”
Jessica Ann Tyson (center) of The Candied Yam, at the Kentwood restaurant with visitors in late 2020. (The Candied Yam’s Facebook)
The RRF plan also is designed to provide assistance to communities and businesses “underserved” by previous stimulus efforts, including Black-owned businesses.
“In addition to historically having less operating liquidity and revenue than almost any other small business demographic, Black-owned restaurants received significantly less stimulus funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, heightening challenges and leading to disproportionate closures,” Ron Busby, Sr., president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., said in supplied material. “The USBC believes this initiative and collaboration with the SBA will bring needed resources and relief to these often underserved businesses to aid in stabilization, recovery and ultimately, strengthen our economy.”
Have a beer while application process is rolled-out
While details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English at www.sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at www.sba.gov/restaurantes, program application will be rolled-out in a staggered eligibility process to allow for ease of application and an initial focus on certain businesses.
After the SBA conducts a “pilot period” for the RRF application portal, the application portal will be opened to the public. And, according to the SBA announcement, for the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will “prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”
Railtown Brewing Citra Warrior IIPA. (Supplied)
Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants can submit applications.
And local breweries will be among those able to take advantage of the program.
“Small and independent craft breweries are vibrant community gathering places that can be found in nearly every congressional district in the U.S. and contribute to manufacturing, hospitality, retail, tourism, and agricultural industries,” Bob Pease, president and CEO of the national Brewers Association, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to work with the SBA to promote the Restaurant Revitalization Fund … and assist the breweries hit hardest by COVID-19 secure much needed additional relief to help them survive the pandemic and prepare for the restart of the economy.”
The City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., last week held another pop-up event, and thanks to a $1,000 donation from Lacks, the pair were able to surprise about 100 customers at two local restaurants by helping to pay for lunch. Here, Off. Jeff Augustyn is with workers and a customer at El Ganadero Mexican Grille. (City of Kentwood)
In December of last year, the City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc. — both understanding the importance to the community of small businesses, including local eateries, in this time of COVID-19 dining restrictions — partnered to help both two Kentwood restaurants and their customers.
The two partners, last week held another pop-up event, and thanks to a $1,000 donation from Lacks, the Kentwood Police Department were able to surprise about 100 customers of El Ganadero Mexican Grille and Mr. Burger with $10 toward their lunch orders “as a thank-you for supporting local restaurants,” according to a statement from the city.
El Ganadero Mexican Grille is located at 4208 Division Ave. SE, and Mr. Burger is at 1750 44th St. SE.
Kentwood police Chief Richard Roberts, in the WKTV studios for an interview last week, spoke of the program and it being part of a wider effort by the police and the city to support the residential, workforce and business community.
“We’ve been partnering with some great businesses in our city,” Chief Roberts said to WKTV. “One of our great partners, Lacks Enterprises, they have so many people who live in our community, work in their manufacturing, they like to give back. And they like to give back though the police department, through a partnership — it is a great way to partner for the community.”
The event was the second in the Police Department’s local business showcase series to “support Kentwood businesses and create positive experiences with the community during these difficult times,” according to the city statement.
“Lacks Enterprises believes you need a lot of different components to make a community a place for people to live and raise their families,” Jim Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks, said to WKTV at one of the pop-up event sites in December. “But the real backbone of this community is the small businesses. Without that you would not have all the other things that make the community what it is today.”
The series highlights businesses within Kentwood — both those donating to restaurants to create similar pop-up events and the local businesses supported by the donations. Local businesses interested in participating, either by donating or by being possibly involved with the pop-up events, can call Sergeant Tim Wierenga at 616-656-6561.
“We just wanted to give our small businesses a little support,” Sgt. Wierenga said to WKTV at the first pop-up event. “What we’d like to see of this is (to continue) showcasing our business community and showcasing the city that we love. We would love for this to develop into something more. … We’d love to have some more showcase events.”
For local restaurants struggling to keep the doors open, any financial help is valuable, including the about $500 Kentwood’s The Candied Yam and owner Jessica Ann Tyson will not be spending on a county food service licensing fee this year.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Thursday, March 25, to waive the 2021 food service licensing fee for all existing food establishments in Kent County “due to the significant hardship food establishments have experienced with closures and capacity limitations related to COVID‐19,” according to a statement from the county.
“It will help … its like $500 and up,” Tyson told WKTV when asked about the fee and how much it will save her business.
“Our restaurant owners and employees are hurting — they are among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” Kent County board chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “The Board of Commissioners felt very strongly about waiving this fee as one small way to provide meaningful assistance where possible.”
This one‐time waiver, according to the county statement, will apply to the 2,294 existing food establishments (permanent, fixed, temporary, Special Transitory Food Units, or mobile) in Kent County that would otherwise be required to pay their annual licensing and inspection fee by April 30.
The Kent County action will total to “about $1.1 to $1.2 million” in waived fees, Monica Sparks, county commissioner for Kentwood’s commission District 12, said to WKTV.
“We took that out of the (county) budget,” Sparks said, while also giving credit to Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department director, for bringing the idea forward.
“The Health Department has worked tirelessly with our restaurants and bars over the last year to adapt to evolving regulations and occupancy restrictions,” London said in supplied material. “We are keenly aware of the challenges facing these establishments and we appreciate the Board providing this financial relief as they continue to weather the impacts of the pandemic.”
While the licensing and inspection fees are being waived, all restaurants are still required to submit a renewal application by April 30. The application will ensure establishments remain licensed during the 2021-22 operating period.
If an establishment does not intend to renew its license, the application still should be returned but include a signed note requesting its license be cancelled. Food establishments should expect to receive a renewal application from the health department within the next two weeks.
Restaurant owners with questions should contact the Kent County Health Department, Environmental Health Division, at 616‐632‐6900 or KCEHMail@kentcountymi.gov.
The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc will again partner to host the 6th annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament — a best-shot doubles competition open to all levels of golfers — on Saturday, Feb. 20. The event is also a food drive with all proceeds supporting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
The tournament will be at Jaycee Park, 1088 Gentian Drive SE, with on-site registration beginning at 9 a.m. and the first round of the tournament at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/freezefest. The cost is $40 and one canned food donation per team.
Whatever the weather, disc golf is in season; and donating to the Kentwood food bank is also always in season. (Wikimedia Commons)
“It’s always incredible to watch community members come together in support of Kentwood initiatives,” Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “The disc golf community is no exception. We are grateful so many disc golfers join us at our annual tournaments for some friendly competition and to generously restock the Little Free Pantry.”
The Freeze fest has become an annual winter tradition in Kentwood but for all West Michigan disc golfers.
“Great Lakes Disc is happy to host the Freeze Fest with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department for our sixth consecutive year,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “We’re excited about this event’s continued growth, which allows us to give back to the community in a very tangible way.”
A City of Kentwood Little Free Pantry, now one of two, is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.
The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, has steadily increased since it opened, and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the City of Kentwood.
To help meet the growing need, the City of Kentwood recently launched another Little Free Pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. More information is available at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
A winter run for a good cause with costumes — sounds like another fun day in Kentwood.
The City of Kentwood will host its 4th annual Valentine’s Dash 5K — with Valentine’s-themed costumes encouraged — on Saturday, Feb. 13, to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, which provides food and personal care items to community members in need.
“We’re excited to roll out a new route for this year’s Valentine’s Dash 5K that features a great combination of trails and paved pathways in two Kentwood parks,” Spencer McKellar, race organizer, said in supplied material. “Whether you plan to run with your sweetheart or run solo, this 5K is a great way to kick off the holiday weekend and foster a love for running.”
The 5K route will include a combination of trails and paved pathways starting and ending at East Paris Nature Park, 5995 East Paris Ave. SE. The course will take participants from East Paris Nature Park to Paris Park via the Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail and back to the finish line.
COVID-19 precautionary measures will be in place, including staggered start times beginning at 11 a.m., required face coverings at packet pickup and physical distancing.
While intended to be a fun run, the race will be chip timed. Awards for the fastest men and women in six age categories and overall will be available for pickup at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, the week after the event or can be mailed upon request.
Online registration is $25 until Feb. 12 and includes a long-sleeve shirt while supplies last. Day-of registration is $35. Runners who sign up as a couple save $5 each. If participants bring a non-perishable item or monetary donation for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, they will be entered to win a special door prize.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to assist with the event. Those interested can sign up online.
Kentwood’s first Little Free Pantry opened to the community in 2017 at the Kentwood Activities Center, where it remains available year-round during business hours. The City recently launched a second pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. More information, including a list of suggested donations, is available at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
Juliana Ludema, communication specialist for Feeding America West Michigan, with host Ken Norris, on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus in January 2021. (WKTV)
During a recent visit to the studio of WKTV Journal In Focus, Feeding America West Michigan is looking back on 40 years of helping to feed those at risk of hunger after experiencing a 2020 that presented both challenges and opportunities.
Juliana Ludema, communication specialist for Feeding America West Michigan, on the set of WKTV Journal In Focus in January 2021. (WKTV)
The local non-profit will be honoring 40 people who have been part of this journey through its “40 Years 40 Faces” series. With us is Juliana Ludema, communication specialist from the organization, and we will talk with her about what food banks do, the history of Feeding America West Michigan, and find out about its efforts before, during and after the current pandemic time of extraordinary local need.
For more information about Feeding America West Michigan, visit feedwm.org.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Feeding America West Michigan, along with its partners and supporters, have been fighting hunger alongside in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for 40 years. (FeedWM)
Feeding America West Michigan is celebrating its 40th year of fighting hunger alongside its partners and supporters in 2021. And, throughout the year, the local non-profit will be honoring 40 people who have been part of this journey through its “40 Years 40 Faces” series.
While the group announced its first honored person last week — the Rev. Donald Eddy, who in 1980 worked with Grant-area farmers to get unmarketable fresh vegetables into the hands of the needy and hungry — the local Feeding America is looking for the general public to submit stories and persons who have helped “feed America” locally.
“Countless people have played a role in our 40-year history,” Molly Kooi, Feeding America West Michigan’s communication manager, said to WKTV. “We want to honor 40 of them in our 40 Years 40 Faces series … (and the public can) nominate someone to be featured, or to share your own story.
To share a story or nominate someone, go to FeedWM.org/40-years and click on the share your story button, she said.
People, stories of people feeding people
Rev. Don Eddy (FeedWM)
The Rev. Eddy’s story is a prime example that small actions can make a difference. In early 1980, he saw a truckload of perfectly good carrots being composted on a farm in Grant, according to supplied material. As director of United Methodist Metropolitan Ministries, he knew many people who faced hunger, so he asked the farmers to stop dumping them and said he could ensure the carrots got to families who could really use them.
A year later, on April 23, 1981, the food bank that became Feeding America West Michigan (FeedWM) formed. That small beginning has culminated in the food bank’s current network that serves 40 counties across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
As the year 2021 goes on, each 40 Years 40 Faces story will be shared on social media (@feedingwestmich) and on the food bank’s website (FeedWM.org/40-years).
The series will feature FeedWM staff — like its longest tenure executive director, John Arnold and current CEO, Kenneth Estelle, as well as board members, volunteers, farmers, donors and others who have been part of the food bank’s ongoing journey toward a hunger-free community. And there are opening for others.
Mobile Food Pantry boxes, undated. (FeedWM)
In addition to the story series, the food bank will release a historical timeline and photo album. The food bank welcomes the public to submit photos here to be included.
“We are excited to share about the food bank’s 40-year journey and honor some of the many people who have been a part of our story,” Estelle said in supplied material. “Our partners and supporters have made and continue to make our work possible.”
Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims millions of meals’ worth of safe, surplus food from various sources, according to supplied material. With the help of countless volunteers, the food bank sorts, stores and distributes this food through a network of more than 900 partners to fill hundreds of thousands of neighbors’ plates instead of landfills.
For more information, visit FeedWM.org or call 616-784-3250.
The Holland Farmers Market will host its annual Winter Market starting Saturday, Jan. 2. at the Eighth Street Market Place. Though held inside the Holland Civic Center Place last year, this year’s Winter Market will be held exclusively outdoors to provide a safer shopping experience and to allow for greater social distancing in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Outdoor Winter Market will be held the first and third Saturdays from January through April from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
“The Outdoor Winter Market is an extension of the Holland Farmers Market’s mission to provide fresh, healthy and locally grown food to the community year-round, while at the same time supporting our regional economy and the livelihoods of our farmers and vendors,” said Holland Farmers Market Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “We invite everyone to bundle up, mask up and join us the first and third Saturdays of the month all winter long!
More than 10 regular Holland Farmers Market vendors will participate in the Outdoor Winter Market between now and April, including Crane Dance Farm, Flagel’s Sugar House, Good Life Naturals, Mud Lake Farm Mycophile’s Garden, Oh So Cheesy, Skinner Homestead Acres, The Great Bread Company Thornburg and Co, and Visser Farms. Two new vendors will also be joining for the Market for the first time, including Just Enjoy Bakery and Pups Barkery. (Please note that vendors are subject to change and not every vendor will be available every date.)
Customers will find a wide variety of fresh produce at the Outdoor Winter Market, including apples, beets, greens, mushrooms, onions, potatoes and more, along with cheese spreads, baked goods, granola, honey, jam, maple syrup, meat…and even dog treats! (Though please keep Fido safe and warm at home, as dogs are not allowed at the Market.) Bridge Cards and Double Up Food Bucks will be accepted at the Outdoor Winter Market, along with Market Bucks gift certificates. Masks are required at all times.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you have accomplished … It’s about who you’ve lifted up. Who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
Denzel Washington
Kentwood police Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos restaurant as the police force and Lacks Enterprises Inc. paid for a customer’s take out meal. (City of Kentwood)
Kentwood police and Lacks Enterprises
The Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal. Lacks Enterprises Inc. stepped up for the community where they work and their employees eat out. Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries — on Dec. 16, Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria — but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal. Go here for the story. If you are business which wants to be spotlighted for donating and helping local small business, call Sgt. Wierenga at 616-656-6561.
With the pandemic, Family Network of Wyoming, like many area food pantries, have seen an increase in need. (WKTV)
Family Network of Wyoming
With the increased need, Family Network of Wyoming has been receiving an increase in food assistance requests. So through a holiday season partnership with the Wyoming Family Fare — and donations from the community — Family Network is set to provide holiday meals to area families. Go here for the story. This time of the year, and all year round, donations are needed at www.fntw.org/donate.
Ton Evans pof Bethany Christian Services of West Michigan talks to WKTV about his organization. (WKTV)
Bethany Christian Services of West Michigan
One group working hard to make West Michigan a better community, in a multitude of seen and unseen ways, is Bethany Christian Services. WKTV talked with a representative of the group recently about its efforts to be funded by a new Kent County Community Violence Prevention Grant. But that is just one element of the group’s work. Go here for the story and video. Do you want to find out more about Bethany? Support its efforts? Visit bethany.org.
Fun fact:
Giving is good for the giver
Studies show that giving can actually boost your physical and mental health. From volunteering at a soup kitchen to committing to raise money for a specific charity, health benefits associated with giving can include: lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, lower stress levels and — maybe most important — greater happiness and satisfaction. Source.
The City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., both understand the importance of small businesses, including local eateries, to the community. And that is as true in normal times as it is in this time of COVID-19 dining restrictions.
So the Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries — on Dec. 16, Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria — but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal.
And Lacks was more than happy to support the cause, with a $1,000 donation to the initial “business showcase” pop-up event, with the money being split $500 each at the two eateries.
im Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks Enterprises, Inc. (WKTV)
“Lacks Enterprises believes you need a lot of different components to make a community a place for people to live and raise their families,” Jim Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks, said to WKTV that night at Daniele’s. “Kentwood is a fantastic community and we think it has all those components. It has excellent law enforcement, you’ve got great schools, you’ve got businesses like Lacks. But the real backbone of this community is the small businesses. Without that you would not have all the other things that make the community what it is today.”
The Kentwood police department and Lacks Enterprises welcome customers at Daniele’s Pizzeria … and a little surprise awaits them. (City of Kentwood)
A representative of both the Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., spread holiday cheer and supported local restaurants at both Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria on Dec. 16, where unbeknownst to customers coming in for take-out orders at the eateries had their meals paid for.
Al-Bos is located at 2930 Shaffer Ave. SE, and Daniele’s Pizzeria at 1429 60th St. SE, both in Kentwood.
At Daniele’s Pizzeria, a customer got a little more than he ordered — like a free order. (City of Kentwood)
This week’s pop-up event is, hopefully, also just the beginning of what the police department hopes to be “a local business showcase series to support Kentwood businesses and create positive experiences with community members during these difficult times,” according to a supplied statement.
Throughout the local business showcase series, the department will use donations to highlight businesses within Kentwood — both those donating to the restaurants to create similar pop-up events and the local businesses supported by the donations.
“We just wanted to give our small businesses a little support,” Sgt. Wierenga said to WKTV. “What we’d like to see of this is (to continue) showcasing our business community and showcasing the city that we love. We would love for this to develop into something more. … We’d love to have some more show case events.”
Kentwood police Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos. (City of Kentwood)
Sgt. Wierenga was at Daniele’s Pizzeria and Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos, with representatives of Lacks also at each.
Local businesses interested in participating can call Sgt. Wierenga at 616-656-6561.
Feeding America West Michigan’s mobile food bank operation worked with Woodland Mall (and the Michigan National Guard) early this year to help feed families, including those of mall employees. This holiday season Woodland Mall is supporting Feeding America . (Feeding America WM)
Even in this usually busy holiday season now made difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic, Woodland Mall and Vera Bradley — and the local community — are working to help families which are struggling to put food on the table.
Through Dec. 13, Vera Bradley’s Woodland Mall location is collecting nonperishable food items for local nonprofit Feeding American West Michigan, according to a Dec. 7 announcement. Woodland Mall will additionally “give back” to a group that supported mall employees in their time of need by matching each food item with a $1 donation to Feeding America.
Woodland Mall retailer Vera Bradley is collecting non-perishable food through Dec. 13. (WKTV)
“Feeding America West Michigan fed our staff laid off during the shutdown this spring,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said in supplied material. “To show our deep appreciation to this incredible organization and to help those struggling with the pandemic’s harsh consequences, we are honored to return the favor.”
Every dollar donated by the mall will provide four meals to people experiencing food insecurity in our region, according to the announcement.
Nonperishable items may be dropped off at Vera Bradley, which is located in the JCPenney wing of Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE, during store hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.
Suggested items include peanut butter, whole-grain pasta, macaroni and cheese, rice, dried grains, canned vegetables, fruits, beans, canned chicken and fish, canned soup or soup mix, and canned or dried beans.
McCabe also said that Woodland Mall and its realtors are simply doing what they can to support a community that has supported them with their shopping in good times.
“It’s clear that supporting one another through this pandemic has been the most essential role each of us can take on,” she said. “As our industry enters what traditionally has been our busiest time of year, we are so happy to share what we do have.”
Live everybody else in Kent County, the Kent County Board of Commissioners like to eat and like to support local businesses when they can. So the commissioners have issued the “Kent County Takeout Challenge” urging residents to support locally-owned Kent County restaurants hit hard by the pandemic.
The social media campaign encourages people to order takeout and publicly challenge three friends to do the same by tagging them on social media, according to a Dec. 4 statement from the county.
The campaign will run through the end of the year and is using the hashtag #KCTakeoutChallenge.
Board Chair Mandy Bolter kicked off the campaign this week at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining where she “nominated” — publicly challenged — fellow Board of Commission members and residents to take up the challenge.
“This campaign supports local businesses, workers and families,” Bolter said in supplied material. “Local restaurants are part of the fabric of communities all across Kent County, and thousands of our neighbors rely on them for their livelihoods. But they have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. We want our local restaurants and their employees to emerge strong when this crisis is over.”
Restaurants, which were operating at 50 percent capacity since the spring 2020 ban on indoor dining was lifted, were again forced to move to takeout and delivery only when new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders took effect on Nov. 16.
According to the county statement, some local establishments fear the latest restrictions could force them to close permanently.
The campaign aims to help retain these businesses and the jobs they create. According to Local First, nearly 70 percent of every dollar spent at local businesses stays in the local economy through wages, local taxes, the local supply chain and more.
Tommy Brann, state legislator and casual restaurant owner, admits he is in a unique position when it comes to reacting to the latest public heath order, announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over the weekend and set to close restaurants to inside dining, among other impacts.
On one hand, Rep. Brann said to WKTV today, Nov. 16, he knows there is need to act to curb the recent negative public health trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan — and he knows restrictions on restaurants may be part of that effort. But he also wishes the Governor would have worked with the the rest of state government, and worked more with restaurant owners such as himself, before the new reductions were ordered.
“She takes (the current COVID-19 numbers) seriously, I understand that, but we do too,” Rep. Brann said. “I would really prefer to work together with the Governor.”
State Rep. Tommy Brann (R-77th District)
Rep. Brann, a Republican who recently won re-election to the House of Representatives from District 77, which includes Wyoming, said what is not being taken into account is the impact the currently planned 3-week shutdown will have on restaurant employees.
“I am worried about my employees … we are going to have employees without paychecks” Brann said, adding that the usual 3-week time lag in filing and collecting state unemployment benefits means that some employees “will not have money to buy groceries. … We should have had some relief for businesses that are closing.”
Rep. Brann owns Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille at 4157 Division Ave. S., in Wyoming.
Gov. Whitmer on Nov. 15, announced three weeks of new COVID-19 restrictions due to spiking numbers of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations in Michigan.
The restrictions came as part of a new public health order, also announced Nov. 15, that will temporarily restrict colleges and high schools to virtual instruction, will urge work from home for employees who can do so, and will close down a number of activities previously limited but allowed, including bowling alleys, movie theaters and in-person dining at bars and restaurants.
The public health order — set to run from Wednesday, Nov. 18, and last through the Thanksgiving holiday and until Dec. 8 — was announced by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun and MDHHS Director Robert Gordon.
Gordon, in remarks, said public health orders are derived from legislative action taken in Michigan in 1918 after the Spanish Flu. And the Public Health Code Act, passed by the legislature in 1978, further allowed for public health emergency orders to be made.
(See a MDHHS graphic at the end of the story on what the new health order does and does not do.)
Not impacted by the new order are indoor gatherings limited to 10 people and no more than two households meeting in the same place. But outdoor gathering limits have shrunk to 25 people, which includes funerals.
Retail businesses, salons, barber shops, public transit, child-care centers, parks and healthcare facilities are some examples of establishments that may remain open under the new restrictions.
But restaurants, at least for three weeks, will be limited to take-out food sales and outside seating dining sales. But with winter weather impacts, outside dining is not an option for many restaurants, and Rep. Brann points out that limiting restaurants to take-out food sales is particularly unfair to casual dining restaurants such as his.
“For some restaurants, this is not about profit, this is about survival,” Rep. Brann said. “Take-out is important, but it is more important for chain restaurants than causal dining restaurants like mine. … take-out was only about six percent of my sales, that means about a 90 percent loss.”
The City of Kentwood’s Pop-up Farmers Market returns this week with a fall event that not only brings the seasons’s bountiful agricultural harvest and beautiful colors to town but also allows the public to reconnect with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department and its various actives and efforts.
Following its successful summer pop-up farmers market, another free and open-to-the-public market is planned for Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, located at 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
While there will be a host of local vendors offering fresh and locally produced food and other items, as well as a meal available from Street Chef Shaw, the city’s parks and recreation department will deliver something of its own.
“The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department not only organizes Farmers Market events, but also participates,” Kristina Colby, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said to WKTV. “With our own booth set up at the Kentwood Farmers Market, we’re able to talk with residents about upcoming events and programs. We love any opportunity to engage with our community about the wide variety of enriching experiences we offer for people of all ages and abilities.”
But, of course, there are all those other great reasons to pay the farmers market a visit.
The outdoor event will feature a variety of seasonal items from nearly 20 vendors, including pumpkins, gourds, produce, microgreens, cheese, jams, honey, mushrooms, baked goods and more. Street Chef Shaw will be serving tacos and quesadillas.
Marketgoers will be required to wear masks when walking through the market and interacting with vendors. There will also be a counterclockwise traffic flow, according to the statement from the city. The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts Bridge cards and P-EBT, as well as SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.
“Our Pop-Up Farmers Market offers community members an opportunity to get outside to enjoy the nice, fall weather and have fun exploring a variety of fresh and locally produced food,” Colby said. “We welcome everyone to step outside and join us to shop for great seasonal products from a safe distance to support local farmers, food producers and vendors.”
For more information on the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department and it activities, visit here.
The West Michigan Jazz Society continues its “Jazz in the Park(ing Lot)” dinner and music fundraising series Tuesday, Sept, 22, from 5-7:30 p.m., at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining and featuring the Mary Rademacher Quartet starting at 5:30 p.m.
The quartet features Mary Rademacher on vocals, John Gist on saxes, Tom Hagen on piano, Elgin Vines pop bass and Cherie Lynn on drums and vocals.
Jazz fans will be able to order special jazz picnic meals from Noto’s with on-line ordering pricing of $15 for pre-orders received by noon on Monday, Sept. 21. (On-line orders received after noon on Sept. 21 will be at $18.) Place your order from Noto’s here. (Select “choose a menu.” Then select “Jazz in the Parking Lot”. Then place your order. You can also call to make your order at 616-493-6686.)
Alcoholic Beverages will be available at Noto’s and may be consumed in special designated areas. But you may not bring your own alcohol on the premises including the parking lot.
“Since we cannot host our traditional Monday night summer series, “Jazz in the Park”, we will be sponsoring local musicians and jazz venues in West Michigan to host safe and socially distant outdoor concerts,” according to a previous WMJS statement.
The event will also be live streamed from the WMJS Facebook page, if you are not comfortable with attending in person, according to the statement. A digital donation jar to show your support for WMJS is also available here securely through PayPal.
For more information on the West Michigan Jazz Society, visit here.
The business community of Wyoming and Kentwood has held strong together during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, and in celebration of them working together they are preparing for a community event, Team Up Tuesday, on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Hosted by Wyoming/Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, Family Network of Wyoming, and The Candied Yam, the outdoor event is open to the public to “hang out and connect with each other.” Light refreshmentswill be served by The Candied Yam.
The event will take place from 4:30-6 p.m., at Family Network of Wyoming on 44th street. Small group tours of the Family Network lending closet and food pantry will be part of the event as well.
Residents will be asked to follow social distancing/safety protocols and wear masks for this fun-filled evening. To find out more about the event, visit southkent.org.
Kent County Community Action (KCCA) will hold another in a series of food distribution events in Grand Rapids, but open to the “general population with low income,” on Thursday July 9, from 9 a.m. to 1p.m., at 121 Franklin SE.
The KCCA and the Grand Rapids Police Department are asking residents to enter southbound on Jefferson Street from Wealthy Street. The GRPD will be barricading all other entrances and side streets to ensure an orderly operation, according to a Kent County statement Monday.
Residents need to remain in their vehicle and have their trunks open and ready to accept more than 50 pounds of food.
There will not be walk up service in an effort to adhere to social distancing requirements for the protection of residents, volunteers, and staff.
“This distribution is our way to respond to those households with food insecurities in an effort to alleviate the causes of poverty,” Susan Cervantes, KCCA director, said in supplied material.
The event is projected to assist 900 households “that are struggling to meet their food needs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the statement.
There will be more than 20 food items in the packet including but not limited to fresh apples and oranges, canned vegetables and fruits, rice, beans, and meats including pork and beef.
A group of 86 Michigan restaurant and bar owners last week announced the launch of “Michigan Restaurant Promise”, a new initiative to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on West Michigan and many businesses — particularly bars and restaurants — have suffered,” Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said in supplied material. “It’s great to see this group rally together to protect the health and safety of their employees, customers and our community.”
Among the local restaurants and craft breweries involved are Mitten Brewing, Brewery Vivant (parent company of Kentwood’s Broad Leaf Beer) and Long Road Distillery.
“As restaurant owners and managers, we feel a sense of responsibility for the health and well-being of our employees, our guests and the community at large,” Kris Spaulding, owner of Brewery Vivant, said in supplied material. “That’s why we started this initiative — to show our communities we are taking this seriously and are committed to protecting their health and safety.”
There is also a concern about those establishments not as committed as others.
“It’s frustrating to see bars and restaurants not enforcing the health and safety guidelines laid out to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Chris Andrus, owner of Mitten Brewing, said in supplied material. “Those establishments threaten to undo the many sacrifices our community and industry have made and undermine the hard work of establishments like mine committed to keeping the public safe.”
The effort could also serve as a model for the state.
“Small businesses are the heart of West Michigan and it’s great to see this group of local restaurant and bar owners be leaders in putting people first,” Hanna Schulze, president of Local First, said in supplied material. “The Michigan Restaurant Promise can serve as a model for other communities to hold their local businesses accountable and encourage them to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their employees and customers above all else.”
Lakeshore Harvest Country is celebrating its 14th year as a Michigan agritourism trail by offering area residents and visitors an opportunity to come right to the farms and wineries in the West Michigan area.
The agritourism trail has seen an increase in the number of farms/wineries participating this year on its trail. They are all located between Saugatuck and South Haven along the Lake Michigan area. The farms and wineries come in all sizes and operated by families that have a love for what their doing. All of the members are now open. Due to Covid-19, they will also encourage you to please wear a mask and please practice social distancing.
The 2020 tour guide/map can be found at local businesses, tourism chambers and bureaus or you can download it on their website at www.lakeshoreharvestcountry.com. This tour guide provides what the members have to offer, locations, and hours of operation.
Beginning in July, there is a large variety of fruits, veggies, ciders, wines, cheeses, herbs, flowers, pottery, and more. Some of the farms also offer U-Pick blueberries, cherries, apples, raspberries and peaches. Kids can see farm animals such as chickens, ducks, goats, horses and cows. Other products for sale include pure honey and maple syrup, free-range eggs and much more. Call ahead to verify product availability and hours.
Looking for a little fun and adventure this growing season? There is an “Online” Farm Scavenger Hunt, July 1st to October 31st on their website. The Lakeshore Harvest Country’s Farm Scavenger Hunt will send you down country roads leading to some of the area’s most picturesque farms, not to mention some of the freshest locally grown fruits and vegetables around and you have an opportunity to win prizes.
Woodland Mall recently welcomed the reopening of the Apple Store, joining the Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Von Maur anchor stores and dozens of other stores and restaurants.
And while the customer experience is now a little different from the time before the COVID-19 shutdown, the efforts of Woodland Mall management company PREIT make clear that safety and cleanliness is now an important part of that experience.
WKTV talked with Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, to detail some of those measures.
For the latest WKTV Journal story on the re-opening of Woodland Mall, including the Apple Store, visit here. (The Apple Store is now asking customers to make appointments for service at the store at apple.com/retail/woodland.)
Safety, cleanliness at the Mall
In order to comply with Michigan requirements, occupancy numbers are limited as the mall operates on reduced hours — Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. (Some stores may limit those hours.)
Woodland Mall asks guests to follow CDC recommendations, make use of the several hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall, wear masks and practice physical distancing.
In addition to Woodland Mall carefully reviewing policies and procedures, and thoroughly cleaning the mall using CDC-recommended disinfectant, common area furniture and other elements where physical distancing cannot be enforced have been removed. While the play area also remains closed indefinitely, food court seating is now available at reduced capacity.
A complete list of venues open at the mall, as well as updates on safety and cleanliness protocols, can be viewed on Woodland Mall’s website.
Woodland Mall’s Apple Store reopened this week, joining the three anchors and dozens of other stores and restaurants in again welcoming shoppers and diners. (Supplied)
Woodland Mall’s Apple Store reopened this week, joining the three anchor stores and dozens of other stores and restaurants in again welcoming shoppers and diners while still maintaining safety and cleanliness protocols, according to a statement from the mall management.
Apple, Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Von Maur are among the 80 retailers and restaurants that have reopened since June 1. A complete list of venue open at the mall, as well as updates on safety and cleanliness protocols, can be viewed on Woodland Mall’s website.
“We are so pleased that much of the mall has reopened and is ready to serve West Michigan again safely,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said in supplied material. “It’s a true pleasure to again welcome shoppers and diners from across to region back to Woodland Mall. The response over the first few weeks has been very positive, and we are delighted to welcome back more of our community.”
In order to comply with Michigan requirements, occupancy numbers remain limited as the mall operates on reduced hours — Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. (Some stores may limit those hours.)
Woodland Mall asks guests to follow CDC recommendations, make use of the several hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall, wear masks and practice physical distancing.
Guests will notice some changes for their safety, as well as the safety of employees, according to the statement. In addition to its rigorous cleaning and sanitizing schedule, Woodland Mall managment company, PREIT, has carefully reviewed policies and procedures and thoroughly cleaned the mall using CDC-recommended disinfectant. Common area furniture and other elements where physical distancing cannot be enforced have been removed. While the play area remains closed indefinitely, food court seating is now available at reduced capacity.
Woodland Mall recommends shoppers visit individual retail or restaurant websites for the most current information and services including curbside pick-up, appointments and reservations. Retailers participating in the mall’s Mall2Go: Contact-Free Pickup program can be found on its website.
The West Michigan Jazz Society is partnering with Amore Trattoria Italiana and Kaczmarski Hearing Services to present a “Jazz in the Park(ing Lot)” music festival on Friday, June 19, from 4-7 p.m.
Clif Metcalf Organ Trio (Supplied)
Jazz fans will be able to order one of Amore Trattoria Italiana’s dinners — and even a bottle of wine — for takeout with curbside service, while you wait in your car and hear live jazz in the parking lot.
“Since we cannot host our traditional Monday night summer series, ‘Jazz in the Park’, we will be sponsoring local musicians and jazz venues in West Michigan to host safe and socially distant outdoor concerts,” according to a WMJS statement.
The schedule of bands include GR Groove (4-5 p.m.), Clif Metcalf Organ Trio (5-6 p.m.), and In The Blue Jazz Ensemble (6-7 p.m.)
In The Blue Jazz Ensemble (Suppied)
“This event is going to be a great event, primarily focused on the music, but also it will be serving as our WMJS membership drive. We are encouraging attendees to purchase a meal from Amore, watch (and listen to the jazz) for a brief time slot while they enjoy their meal … and then to leave the event to allow for social distancing and to limit the size of the crowd.”
A portion of restaurant sales and musicians’ “earplugs” profit during the event will be donated back to WMJS from both Amore and Kaczmarski Hearing Services. Dr. Beckie Kaczmarski will be onsite for walk-up appointments and will be fitting for custom musicians’ earplugs, according to supplied material.
The event will also be live streamed from the WMJS Facebook page, if you are not comfortable with attending in person, according to the statement. A digital donation jar to show your support for WMJS is also available here securely through PayPal.
“Good news is rare these days, and every glittering ounce of it should be cherished and hoarded and worshiped and fondled like a priceless diamond.”
Hunter S. Thompson
Good News — ‘Small Victories’ in dark days
WKTV recently hosted Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson and her guests for a casual conversation over Saturday morning coffee to “Celebrate the Small Victories” during the global pandemic. The discussion included insights from community leaders who have a broad perspective of local businesses, non-profits and our thriving New American community. Go here (and scroll down a little) for the video podcast on WKTV’s The Whole Picture podcast page, and here for the WKTV In Focus audio only podcast.
Good News — Arts Festival’s virtual weekend
While we are not yet able to gather for concerts, go to the ballet, or walk through art galleries, Festival of the Arts and the other 20 cultural organizations that make up the Grand Rapids Arts Working Group are working together to host a Virtual Arts Festival. Go here for the story.
Good News — Farmers Markets are open/opening
Get out in the sun and find the bounty of spring farm produce and so much more, as many area farmers markets such as the Metro Health Farm Market and the City of Kentwood Farmers Market are or will soon be open. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
2.3 billion
The number of people who are active daily on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or Messenger, sharing news good and bad. (That compares to about 2.2 million watching Fox News (average in April 2020). Source.
“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces — just good food from fresh ingredients.”
Julia Child
Local farmer’s markets are open, opening
Among the announcements of cancellations and/or delays in programming comes some good news: many area farmers markets such as the Metro Health Farm Market and the City of Kentwood Farmers Market will open as scheduled. Get the latest news on when and where. Go here for the story.
A customers picks up a delivery from Green Wagon Farms at the Ada location of a local REKO market in early May. (WKTV)
Shop the Finnish way … Go REKO!
There are many models for consumers to “buy local and eat local” — home and community gardens, farmer’s markets, CSAs, farm stands — but a group of small, local producers are giving the European-bred REKO model a try, and doing so for many reasons. Go here for the story.
Eating the Mediterranean Way … wine anyone?
We always hear about the latest fad diet, but don’t we often wonder what really works? The Mediterranean diet, however, isn’t a diet so much as it’s a way of living. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
8 percent (longer life)
There are several studies that have been associated the Mediterranean diet with a longer life. One review conducted by Italian researchers on an overall population of over 4,000,000 showed that a diet can reduce risk of death by 8 percent. Source.
There are many models for consumers to “buy local and eat local” — home and community gardens, farmer’s markets, CSAs, farm stands — but a group of small, local producers are giving the European-bred REKO model a try, and doing so for many reasons.
Yes, the direct producer-to-consumer financial model is good for sustainable agriculture businesses. And, yes, there is something about being able to see the fields and greenhouses where your root vegetables, or micro-greens, were grown.
But in the age COVID-19 and other concerns of food safety, of wondering how many hands have touched your food before yours, the Facebook-based sales model developed in Finland and mostly unheard of in the U.S. — pronounced “RA-ko” — also holds a certain attraction.
Karin Uebbing, of Byron Center’s Woodbridge Dairy Farm. (WKTV)
The model’s direct producer-to-consumer ordering and delivery system “shortens the (number of) hands that touch food, there is less of a line to get to your food,” Karin Uebbing, of Byron Center’s Woodbridge Dairy Farm, said to WKTV last week, at the opening day of a weekly delivery location in Ada. (The REKO also has a delivery location in Holland.)
Currently local vendors can be found at rekomarket.com, and the list includes bakeries and a local ice cream producer in addition to farms producing vegetables, meats, eggs, tea, herbs, honey, maple syrup, cornmeal, and even wool and locally-made compost — Jenison’s Wormies Vermicompost is a member.
“We are a pasture-based protein farm … meat and eggs, (our) milk is a heard-share. That’s a little bid different,” Uebbing said of her farm’s offerings.
Rebecca Henderson, farm manager at Ada’s Green Wagon Farms. (WKTV)
The driving force behind the new market concept, Rebecca Henderson, farm manager at Ada’s Green Wagon Farms, explained the system: Each week, small-scale, sustainable farmers and producers post available products to a public Facebook group, managing their own sales from their online stores. Then bags of food are brought to the drop-off locations for pickup.
And unlike many Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups, a membership is not required, and consumers can order one week and not the next, depending on what’s available.
“Right now we have a whole lot of leafy greens,” Henderson said to WKTV. “But we are about to get into the summer season, so pretty soon we’ll have summer crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers. But right now we have everything from kale to lettuce (and root crops from) beets to carrots to parsnips.”
History of REKO, in Europe and in Michigan
“Reko is a trade model that started in Finland about seven years ago, it is spread pretty widely across Europe,” Henderson said. “We first heard of REKO at the Northern Michigan Farm Conference in 2019 from Swedish farmer Richard Perkins.
A customers picks up a delivery from Green Wagon Farms at the Ada location of a local REKO market in early May. (WKTV)
“There are so many great things about REKO for the consumer, but for us, the presale market is efficient, eliminates wasted product we might have at the end of a slow day at the farmers market, and requires virtually no setup or tear-down.”
And, echoing Uebbing, there is a “producers’ hands to consumer’s hands” advantage.
“It produces a quick and easy transition between producers and consumers,” Henderson said to WKTV. “We have always enjoyed (a personal relationship between producers and consumers). We go to the farmers market year around. We see weekly, dedicated customers coming to us. We get to build relationships with those people.
“It is great for consumers to build that relationship with their producers. But, also, in light of everything that is going on, people care more and more where their food is coming from. There is a huge surge in local food right now. Consumers want to know their food is being handled safely. We have had this idea, to bring this Reko model to the local market, and there is no better time to do it.”
How the local REKO works
As explained by the local REKO’s promotional material: “For the consumer, (the model) brings market-shopping into the digital age, allows for planning and shopping to be done in the comfort of your own home — and accelerates the actual pickup time to a short weekly errand, instead of a half-day event. In the days of COVID-19, avoiding congested grocery stores, supporting local businesses, and finding a one-stop pickup for a variety of staple goods is particularly meaningful.”
Customers and vendors at the Ada location of a local REKO market in early May. (WKTV)
As witnessed at the Ada drop-off location last week, until further notice, REKO is et up for no-contact pickup, requiring social distancing and masks for all shoppers and producers. Pre-payment options are available, and desired, for most vendors.
Availability from producers will be posted weekly on the Facebook group for each drop-off location (Holland and Ada) as producers may not attend every week and require different order deadlines. Market shoppers must place their orders prior to the deadline and pick up their pre-packed orders within the short pickup window.
The two current REKO markets are Thursdays from 3-3:30 p.m. in Ada, at The Community Church, and from 12-1 p.m. in Holland, at the Holland Town Center and the hope is to continue the markets year-round.
“For us, I’m not trying to feed the world, I’m just trying to feed the community,” Woodbridge Dairy Farm’s Uebbing said. “It’s what allows us, as a farm, to stay in business. We are direct to the end-consumer. If I didn’t have them, we would not be here.”
“Of all the wonders of nature, a tree in summer is perhaps the most remarkable; with the possible exception of a moose singing ‘Embraceable You’ in spats.”
Woody Allen
A taste of summer — Pronto!
For many in Wyoming and Kentwood, Pronto Pups is associated with Grand Haven where one of the most famous — and the longest running — stands featuring the popular batter-dipped dog on a stick is located. But this summer, Pronto Pups will be coming to local events and locations. Go here for the story.
A taste of summer — Go dog!
The 44th Street Dog and Dairy walk-up eatery, located just east of U.S. Highway 131 in Wyoming, opened just about its normal time of mid-April. While it not entirely “business as usual” due to current restrictions on restaurants, the chill dogs are still hot and ice cream still cold. Go here for the story.
A taste of summer — A pint, please
Three Wyoming and Kentwood area craft breweries and brew pubs — TwoGuys Brewing, Broad Leaf Local Beer and Railtown Brewing Company — are doing what they can to keep their taps flowing. in these times of COVID-19 restrictions … and that means offering up beer-to-go. Go here for the story.
Fun fact:
1.4 billion
Most ice cream is made March through July. July is the busiest production month for ice cream makers. About 1.4 billion gallons of ice cream and related frozen desserts were produced in the U.S. in 2017. Source.
The 44th Street Dog and Dairy walk-up eatery, located just east of U.S. Highway 131 in Wyoming, opened just about its normal time of mid-April. But is it not entirely “business as usual” due to current restrictions on restaurants.
Owner and manager Joel Ruark, who opened the business in 2012, says is some ways his business is perfect for the COVID-19 restrictions — 44th Street Dog is a walk-up, not a walk-in, and there is very little direct contact between employees and customers.
But he also worries about the impact of not being able to allow customers to sit on his brightly colored bench tables and eat as the weather gets warmer.
“Pretty much normal opening time for the season,” Ruark said to WKTV last week. “We got to the 15th (of April), which is when we usually open, and we said, ‘Well, we qualify. We’re a take-out.’ And we do a lot of take-out food. (Where people pick it up and drive away).”
The 44th Street Dog and Dairy walk-up eatery, located just east of U.S. Highway 131 in Wyoming, opened just about its normal time of mid-April. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
44th Street Dog and Dairy, like many similar businesses, offer various styles of hotdogs, hamburgers and ice cream treats. But for the time being, they can not offer a place to sit and eat — as evidenced by the majority of his bench tables being stacked on the side of the building with only a couple available for those waiting for food.
“You can’t use those tables,” Ruark said. “I’ve been having to kick people off of them continuously. But they are very understanding. I think it is ridiculous. A family can’t event sit on the tables and eat together. They don’t want that. … I don’t love it. Especially in the summer, we have people who love to sit out here.”
And despite the current restrictions, Ruark says his business is starting pretty much as it always starts: very weather dependent.
“It is too early to tell what the impact is,” he said. “So far, I think it has been promising, maybe. It’s hard to say, the weather may have more (of an impact on business) than the restrictions.”
One thing for sure, Ruark said, his seasonal employees were ready to get back to work.
“My employees were just beating down the door, saying ‘We want work’,” he said.
44th Street Dog and Dairy is located art 521 44th St SW. For more information, visit their Facebook page @44thStreetDogandDairy.
Hankerin’ for a dinner of TwoGuys Brewery’s prime rib and beer? TwoGuys managing partner, brewmaster and all-around craft-brew guru Tom Payne shows off a take-home option. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Three Wyoming and Kentwood area craft breweries and brew pubs — TwoGuys Brewing, Broad Leaf Local Beer and Railtown Brewing Company — are doing what they can to keep their taps flowing in these times of COVID-19 restrictions.
Like most restaurants, they are offer take-out and delivery of food from their kitchens. Like most breweries, they offer to-go craft beer choices from their brewers. And like any good pub, they offer the kind of optimism that any good bartender will offer up to customers contemplating the worst over a cold pint.
Broad Leaf reports they are brewing up a Super Wonderful Happy IPA, “named to contrast the times and keep people thinking positively,” they say.
But despite a barkeep’s optimism, there is a healthy outpouring of concern about the future.
Railtown Brewing Company. (Supplied)
“It’s been a long road so far. Sadly, we’re in the early part of a marathon not a sprint,” Railtown’s Justin Buiter said to WKTV. “We were one of the first industries to see forced shutdowns and we’ll be one of the last to re-open. We’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best.”
TwoGuys also has some concerns about what might happen with a “slow opening” of establishments like theirs.
“As far as plans for when things open back up, we aren’t really sure,” TwoGuys Brewing managing partner Amy Payne said to WKTV. “We are prepared to pivot once again as necessary but have discussed that until all restrictions to regular business are lifted we will, most likely, continue to operate as we currently are. Opening our taproom at half capacity (if that should be the next phase) would definitely be detrimental to sales so keeping with the current model would keep us closer to our goal numbers.”
A bright spot has been community support
Despite the current hardships, the three breweries have been thankful for the support of the community during these times.
“The community support has been amazing,” Railtown’s Buiter said.”We see a lot of familiar faces every week. Folks genuinely care about us and want to see us through this, and that means more than we can put into words.”
For Broad Leaf and its mother ship, Grand Rapids’ Brewery Vivant, their thankfulness includes community support of employees whose jobs were impacted by the closures.
“All gratuities at both locations are being put into an emergency fund for our hourly staff,” Broad Leaf and Brewery Vivant co-owner and president Kris Spaulding said to WKTV. “We have been amazed at how generous our community is. Through those guests, we have built up a meaningful fund that will surely help out some of our staff who are struggling.”
Broad Leaf is also being a little old-school resourceful when it comes to labeling their to-go beer cans and their brewing choices.
Broad Leaf Local Beer offers door pick-up of beer-to-go, and merchandise, at the Kentwood location. Much of the pub’s usual food fare is available through the mother ship, Grand Rapids’ Brewery Vivant, by pick-up or delivery. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“People may notice our simple war-time style labels printed on address stickers as we make do with what we have on hand,” Spaulding said. And “We have been going back to old school methods and are all pulling together to be able to share what we all love with the amazing public that has been going out of their way to support us.”
Also “Super Wonderful Happy IPA … is sort of an old-school IPA made with Mosaic and MI Chinook hops … Bananicula is a pastry stout with Count Dracula Chocolate cereal, banana, vanilla, and marshmallow that we bottled by hand on a homebrew counter-pressure filler contraption our head brewer Jacob cobbled together.”
Man, and woman, does not live on beer alone
That adapting with the times is also at play in to-go food selections.
Much of Broad Leaf’s eclectic fare — including their appropriately named “Drunken Noodles” — is available for pick up and limited-area delivery out of Brewery Vivant’s Eastown kitchen. (The actual Broad Leaf location has curbside pick up of beer and merch, as well as beer delivery.)
TwoGuys, in contrast, has made some changes to adapt.
“In order to stay relevant in the current situation we took a look at what our guests, and hopefully folks new to TwoGuys, would be looking for as the social distancing seemed like it was going to carry on longer than officials were suggesting,” Payne said. “What we decided was, although hot take-out food is great for some, many were traveling across town to get back home if they worked near us or wanted to support us even though they lived across town. Take-out hot food just isn’t as good when it has travelled for a while. So, we began to work on ‘Take N Bake’ options.”
Currently they offer casseroles, lasagna, mac and cheese — and prime rib meals — purchased in tins ready to be put in the oven when they got home.
Desserts have also been “huge,” she said. “Pans of brownies full of all kinds of delicious additives … Nothing like brownies when the world is full of uncertainty.”
(The take-and-bake fruit cobblers looked too good to pass up when researching this story! And their TwoGuys IPA hits the pale ale spot.)
Railtown Brewing Citra Warrior IIPA. (Supplied)
At Railtown, they are open for pick-up and carryout of beer, cider and much of their regular menu food for lunch and dinner, daily except Sunday. Ordering is by phone only. And they do have some special brews unexpectedly available.
“Due to COVID-19, we had to cancel our Warrior Unleashed party which is a celebration of our Imperial IPA, Citra Warrior,” Railtown’s Buiter said. “The result is, we have a ton of beer selections on tap currently. We released 4 variations of Citra Warrior — Midnight Warrior (Black Imperial IPA), Soulless Warrior (Ginger Imperial IPA), Tiki Warrior (Pineapple Imperial IPA), and Tiki Torch (Pineapple and Cayenne Pepper Imperial IPA).”
Keeping with that barkeep’s optimism, they also have a new “Shutdown Brown”, a hazelnut brown ale.
Railtown is located at 3595 68th St. SE, in Dutton but just across the border with Kentwood. For food and beer information, call 616-881-2364 or visit railtownbrewing.com.
TwoGuys is located at 2356 Porter St. SW, in Wyoming. For food and beer information, call 616-552-9690 or visit twoguys-brewing.com.
Broad Leaf is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, in Kentwood. For food and beer information call 616-803-0602 or visit broadleafbeer.com.
