Category Archives: Local Entertainment

Yes Toto, Grand Rapids Civic did just announce its 2021-2022 season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , , ,
Grand Rapids Civic Associate Director Allyson Paris and Executive Director Bruce Tinker announced the 2021-2022 season for the company. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Associate Director Allyson Paris admitted she had quite a different feeling this morning than she did about year ago.

“It was definitely much more joyful,” Paris said. Joyful because today, June 1, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre announced its 2021-2022 season which includes “The Wiz,” the production that had to be canceled last spring due to the pandemic.

“We had just cast it and had to make that decision that we would not be moving forward with the show,” Paris said of the announcement that was made to the cast and volunteers in the spring of 2020. But with regulations changing daily as more people get vaccinated, the show will go on with most of the original casted actors and crew planning to return in the spring of 2022 for the production.

“There are going to be some changes as some of the original cast members will be away or at college,” Paris said, “but most of the original cast will be returning.

“The Wiz” will wrap Civic’s 2021-2022 season. (Supplied)

“That has been true for most of the our performers who were rehearsing and preparing and then everything just shutdown. It has been a waiting period to see if that show would return and if it fits into their schedule.”

Grand Rapids Civic there certainly has a schedule for its 96th season which includesthree shows from its scheduled 2020-2021 line up, “The Sound of Music,” “Shakespeare in Love, and “Dragons Love Tacos” along with “The Wiz,” which was originally part of the company’s 2019-2020 season.

 

The season will start off with the musical “Once” and is based on the 2007 film of the same name. It is a love story of “Guy” and “Girl” and centers around the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.” Civic will then feature the musical concert Black Bold and Beautiful: Onward Together, which Paris described as a celebration of African-American music. Wrapping up 2021, will be the award-winning musical “The Sound of Music,” a musical celebration of the lives of the Von Trapp family with such familiar hits as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Maria.”

 

Shakespeare finds his muse in the fun “Shakespeare in Love,” which kicks off 2022, followed by the children’s production “Dragons Love Tacos,” which is based off the popular Adam Rubin book. Because of the popularity of its “Ten for All” playwright competition this past February, Civic will again be hosting the competition in 2022.

“Sound of Music” will be Civic’s holiday offering. (Supplied)

Executive Director Bruce Tinker said there are still some variables in regards to health guidelines such as seating capacity and masks requirement for performers. But that aside, Tinker said it was an “honor” to announce the new season.

“After over a year of uncertainty surrounding our calendar, we truly feel this announcement and new season is a gift to ur community,” Tinker said. “We can’t thank them enough for their continued support and encouragement over the past year.”

As for the community excitement, Civic received 690 page views during its June 1 Facebook announcement and Paris said within a few minutes of the announcement, she had received three to four emails asking when auditions would be and who would be directing.

 

“It is joyful because It is much more of a return to normal,” Paris said of the announcement. “It is a celebration as we are are reminded that what we get to do is so special.”

Season tickets for both new and renewal will be on sale start Aug. 3 and individual tickets will go on sale starting Aug. 17. All season packages, such as Flex, will be available. For more information, visit tickets@grct.org or call 616-222-6650.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts host free event to kick of the summer

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Megan Scheerhorn
Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Dust off your dancing shoes because the seasonal kick-off celebration Jump Into Summer at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is right around the corner. Join SCA on June 4 for a free, socially-distanced event featuring live music, visual arts, community art projects, all-ages activities, local vendors and, most importantly, opportunities to connect with community members and friends.

Mike Mains and The Branches

After a cold-weather pause on live music at the SCA, the Outdoor Plaza Stage is ready to be rocked by Mike Mains & The Branches at 6 p.m.. Texas-born, Michigan-bred and Nashville-based, this electrifying indie-pop outfit has built a reputation on intricate instrumentation, aggressive vocals, and unforgettable live performances.

While dancing isn’t required, the music of Mike Mains & The Branches will have you moving and grooving, which is enthusiastically encouraged in the designated dancing areas.

“We are so excited to be bringing this festive, celebratory event back to Saugatuck,” says the Center’s Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “This event is a step closer to what we have always known and loved about gatherings, including safe social distancing practices.”

In addition to the tunes, don’t miss the opportunity to meet esteemed Chicago muralist Sandra Antongiorgi, who will be on site for the opening of the SCA’s summer exhibition, “Elevating Humanity: Forging Healing Through Connection.” This collection of works encourages visitors to recognize what we all share and open their minds and hearts to connect with those most marginalized by systemic oppression.

Sandra Antongiorgi

Want to leave your mark on the SCA space? Visitors of all ages have the chance to be a part of a community art project inspired by Antongiorgi’s work. The SCA Education Team invites guests to join a collaborative project building a magnet mural, inspired by Sandra’s work, on the SCA’s soaring arches. Add your unique piece and see the mural grow! There will also be make-and-take activities available if families prefer to create at home.

Guests can also follow the dancing, costumed crossing guards across the street to Coughlin Park for a variety of family-friendly art activities as well as booths, manned by community volunteers, featuring fun games, engaging learning opportunities, and giveaways.

Soak up the Saugatuck sun while enjoying this event on the SCA’s newly-renovated and refreshed Outdoor Plaza Stage. Grab a drink from the bar and a delectable snack from an array of food trucks then relax with your family and friends and dance to live music – all in the fresh air.

Keeping the community’s safety in mind, safe distancing will be strictly enforced and thorough cleaning procedures implemented throughout the event. Masks are mandated for all guests over the age of 2.

For additional information about Events at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, exhibits and resources, visit sc4a.org or contact Megan Scheerhorn by email megan@sc4a.org

City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series set to return to city complex in late June

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The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will host The Bootstrap Boys’ harmony-rich country on July 8. (Bootstrap Boys)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will return with free concerts at 7 p.m. on select Thursday nights beginning June 24, the city officially announced last week.

The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)

This year’s lineup West Michigan’s own The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective and The Soul Syndicate, as well as other Michigan bands.

“We’re pleased to be able offer another fantastic lineup of bands for community members to enjoy live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome concertgoers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us on the lawn behind City Hall.”

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.

The schedule, with links to the band’s FaceBook page, is as follows:

June 24 — The Soul Syndicate: Award-winning classic soul, R&B and funk.

July 8 — The Bootstrap Boys: Harmony-rich country.

David Gerald’s blues and R&B will be prefect for a summer night in July. (David Gerald)

July 15 — Benzing Graves Collective: Blend of old-school country and other genres.

July 22 — Dalmatian Stone: Soul/funk-rock with elements of R&B and fusion.

 

July 29 — David Gerald: Blues, R&B and rock. 

Aug. 5 — The Accidentals: Mix of indie rock, pop and orchestral arrangements. (See a WKTV Journal In Focus on the band.)

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.

Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.

All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule. Starting June 3, 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.

More information is available at kentwood.us/SummerConcertSeries.

City of Kentwood’s Thursday Farmers Market returns June 3 with special activities, concerts planned

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The Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s summer farmers market. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced this week that the Kentwood Farmers Market will return for its seventh season Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.

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.

Vendors of all types will be active at the City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market. (WKTV)

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, according to the statement.

“We are looking forward to welcoming community members back to the Farmers Market for another season with a great lineup of vendors and special activities,” Kristina Colby, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “Please join us this season for fun outdoors connecting with and supporting our local farmers and vendors.”

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.

(In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.)

The schedule of free classes, special events and concerts includes:

The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)

June 3: Yoga class at 6 p.m.

June 10: Meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.

June 17: Makers and Crafters Day 4:30-7:30 p.m.

June 24: Concert at 7 p.m. – The Soul Syndicate

July 1: Hip-hop fit class at 6 p.m.

July 8: Herb demonstration 4:30-7:30 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. – The Bootstrap Boys

July 15: Concert at 7 p.m. – Benzing Graves Collective

July 22: Concert at 7 p.m. – Dalmatian Stone

July 29: Concert at 7 p.m. – David Gerald

Aug. 5: Concert at 7 p.m. – The Accidentals (See a WKTV Journal In Focus on the band.)

Aug. 19: Makers and Crafters Day 4:30-7:30 p.m.

The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

For up-to-date information on special market events and seasonal items, visit  Kentwood Farmers Market on Facebook.

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.

Live local theater options keep expanding as more companies announce shows

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will present “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” this summer. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With restrictions lifting, more and more theater companies are turning on the stage lights and announcing upcoming seasons.

Among those were Grand Rapids Civic Theatre which announced that after 16 month of being dark — except for the 10 For All playwright competition — that it would produced the musical “Flat Stanley” this summer.

Based on Jeffery Brown’s beloved children’s book, this one-hour musical follows 10-year-old Stanley Lambchop, whose life becomes a grand adventure when he wakes up one morning completely flat. Stanley becomes the ultimate exchange student, scouring the globe for a solution to his problem by being stamped, posted, and shipped from Hollywood and France to Honolulu and beyond.

Specific show dates have not been announced but tickets will start selling on June 23. For more information, visit grct.org.

Circle Theatre will present “Always Patsy Cline” June 3 – 30. (Photo by Ashlee McGreevy)

On with the show

Circle Theatre already has had its first performance with its second “Always…Patsy Cline” set June 3 – 20. Starring Emily Diener and Mary Kate Murnen, the show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

Considered a musical tribute to the late country star, the show has down-home country humor and features more than two dozen of Patty’s hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fell to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Walking After Midnight.”

 

The performance will take place on the lawn of the Aquinas College’s Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Rd. SE. Showtimes will be 7 p.m with matinees on Sunday at 3 p.m. For more information about the show and upcoming performances, call 616-456-6656 or visit circletheatre.org.

Barn Theatre School celebrates 75 years this season. (Supplied)

Something to get jubilant about

 

The Barn Theatre School will be celebrating its platinum jubilee — 75th anniversary — with some fan favorites such as “Mamma Mia!,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Rocky Horror Show,” along with “Doly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical” and “Spongebob Squarepants The Broadway Musical.” 

The season also will include showings of films recorded last summer in the Barn and performances of “Double ‘0’ 69” written by the Barn Theatre’s own Brendan Ragotzy and “A Slippery Slope” by Patrick Hunter. 

Tom Wopat, of “Dukes of Hazard” fame, along with other famous Barn Theatre alumni will be stopping in through the season. To get the full rundown, visit www.barntheatreschool.org.

Hudsonville announces summer concert series

Entertainment, Local Entertainment
The Breana Band kicks of Hudsonville’s Concerts on the Green series on June. 3. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hudsonville have announced the annual free June Concerts on the Green series will return this year.

The concerts kick off June 3 and will take place every Thursday in June from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in Veteran’s Park, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville.

Each night features a different local band or artist and has a theme for the night’s festivities. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, bring a lawn chair to sit in, and enjoy some food for local food trucks.

The event will follow all state guidance such as gathering sizes and social distancing.

Groups performing are:

June 3: Hooray for the USA featuring Breana Band

June 10: Western Night featuring Alan Turner

June 17: Sports Night featuring Klay N’ The Mud

June 24: Tropical Night featuring D8 and the Dinos

For more information, call city hall at 616-669-0200.

City of Kentwood launches survey, creates advisory committees, to guide Covenant Park development

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An athlete working out on one of the fields at the City of Kentwood’s Covenant Park (once called the Christian Athletic Complex). (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced last week that it had created two advisory committees and an online survey for community members to share input on the development of the city’s Covenant Park and its 109 acres.

The community survey will help “inform” the committees’ planned work, according to the statement. To share input on the park’s future, community members are invited to take the online survey by Friday, June 4. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and includes questions about Kentwood’s other parks, trails, recreational programming and facilities.

Individuals who want to take the survey in a different language can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270 for assistance.

An aerial view of a portion of the City of Kentwood’s Covenant Park. (City of Kentwood)

The two advisory committees are tasked to gather, review and prioritize improvement ideas, concepts and plans for Covenant Park, and then to make recommendations to the City Commission on future development, according to the statement.

“This community engagement process will ultimately determine how the property will align with existing local parks and recreational needs identified in the Parks and Recreation Business Plan, Parks Master Plan and Non-Motorized Trail Plan,”  according to the statement.

The two committees have held a joint kickoff meeting and the next meeting will be also held jointly to review the survey data.

One committee is focused on opportunities for passive and active recreation at the park, while the other is exploring the potential to incorporate regional competitive sports on the property as well, according to the city statement.

Covenant Park’s sign. (City of Kentwood)

Formerly known as the Christian Athletic Complex, Covenant Park is located at 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE. The city accepted a donation of the 109-acre parcel in May through a substantial gift to the Kentwood Community Foundation from an anonymous donor.

Covenant Park features open spaces, walking trails, softball fields and a clubhouse.

The committees include broad community representation with more than 20 members on each, including parks and recreation commissioners, city commissioners, planning commissioners, residents and business owners.

The Covenant Park Advisory Committee for Active and Passive Recreation is focused on opportunities for both active and passive recreation on the property. Active recreation refers to structured activities — either for individuals or teams — that require the use of special facilities, courses, fields or equipment. Examples include baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and rugby, according to the statement.

Passive recreation refers to activities that do not require prepared facilities such as sports fields or pavilions. Examples include bicycling, cross-country skiing, walking, hiking, picnicking, running and wildlife viewing.

In addition to serving as a public recreational amenity for local residents, the park also has the potential to accommodate a regional competitive sports component, according to the city’s statement. So, the Covenant Park Advisory Committee for Regional Competitive Sports is exploring the feasibility of and community interest in this possibility.

The outcomes of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee’s work in 2019 will also be taken into consideration.

The committees are expected to make a final recommendation to the City Commission later this year. More information and updates about the committees, including a meeting schedule can be found on the City’s website at kentwood.us/CovenantParkPlanning. WKTV will continue to report on the work of the committees.

Street performers set to return to downtown Holland June 19

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By Kara de Alvare
Downtown Holland

With the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) lifting Covid-19 capacity restrictions for outdoor events beginning June 1, Downtown Holland has announced that the annual Street Performer Series will indeed return this summer. The 2021 Street Performer Series will take place Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. from June 17 through August 19 and will feature a diverse line-up of performing artists each week The Street Performer Series is supported by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) through the Holland Area Arts Council.

“We’re very excited to be able to host the Street Performer Series again this summer after having to cancel last year’s event,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “We know that so many members of our community and visitors to the area look forward to the event each summer. The Street Performer Series is a great opportunity for young and old alike to experience the performing arts in a fun and accessible way while enjoying all the shopping and dining options Downtown Holland has to offer. The health and safety of our community continues to be our top priority and we’ll be taking steps to make the event a safe one, including closing 8th Street to vehicular traffic to allow for social distancing, limiting the number of performance locations and encouraging performers to mask up if they can.”

Downtown Holland is currently accepting applications from performing artists and groups who are interested in participating in the Street Performer Series this summer. Interested performers must complete the online application found at https://bit.ly/3tVW59g. A link to audition materials (such as a video or audio recording) must also be submitted as part of the application process. Applications are due by this Friday, May 28.

Performers that are accepted into the Series will be notified by email and given set performance dates and locations. Performers must be 18 years of age or older to apply and groups are currently limited to no more than four members to allow for adequate social distancing.

Performers that are accepted into the Series must obtain a Downtown Holland Street Performer Permit from the Downtown Development Authority prior to their first performance date. The permit application is available online at www.downtownholland.com. Permits are $15 for individuals and $25 for groups. Permits are valid through the end of the calendar year and also allow performers the opportunity to perform at their leisure and busk for tips outside of Thursday nights in the approved performance locations. In addition to busking for tips, performers that participate in the Street Performer Series will receive a stipend of $20 for each performance date. Payments will be made at the conclusion of the Series. Performers can contact the Downtown Holland office at downtown@cityofholland.com or 616-796-0472 with questions about the application process.

Kentwood’s Spotlight on Seniors Health and Fitness Expo planned out-of-doors at library on May 25

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Kentwood’s annual Senior Expo is coming later this month. (Courtesy/Vista Springs Assisted Living)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Georgetown Seniors, will host the 22nd annual Spotlight on Seniors Health and Fitness Expo on Tuesday, May 25 — this year as an outdoor event.

According to an announcement from the city, the free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will feature 40 vendors representing a variety of senior-oriented businesses, free health screenings for balance, blood pressure, stroke risk and more, as well as door prizes and free snacks and lunch.

“Our Spotlight on Seniors Expo offers a great opportunity for seniors and other community members to connect with one another, learn about local resources that can help them live healthy lives and celebrate successful aging,” Lorraine Beloncis, Kentwood Parks and Recreation assistant director, said in supplied material. “We are grateful for Georgetown Seniors and our sponsors in helping us provide this wonderful community event every year.”

Participating vendors include professionals in fields ranging from physical therapy and assisted living to home improvement and health care, according to the city’s statement.

“The challenges we have all faced over the past year during the pandemic make an event that promotes health, fitness and connections that much more important,” Pam Haverdink, director of the Georgetown Senior Center, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to partner with Kentwood Seniors on this expo and we are thankful to our vendors, who help make this fun and popular for residents in both communities.”

Among the sponsors of the Spotlight on Seniors Health & Fitness Expo are Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Health Bridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation, and Rivertown Ridge Senior Living. Other sponsors are Humana MarketPoint Inc., Laurels of Hudsonville, Sheldon Meadows, The Care Team, United Healthcare and We Care 4 U @ Home.
 

For more information visit here.

Lee, Kelloggsville girls soccer clash as teams in different stages of development

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The Lee and Kelloggsville girls soccer teams took the field on May 19. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The official scoring line from the local high school girls soccer game May 19 when Lee High School hosted Kelloggsville was a 9-1 win for the Legends in a match ended early in the second half, by MHSAA rule, when the hosts scored to make it an 8-goal lead.

But both teams advanced their program development in the late season clash: Longtime Lee coach Gabriel Snyder’s team continued to get better and better as they prepare to move into the Alliance League next season, and new Kelloggsville coach Randy Tate’s team continued to gut out a season of almost total rebuild.

Both teams lost all of their 2020 season due to the pandemic — Tate actually took over the Rockets program last season but was unable to work much with his team and new program.

Kelloggsville High school girls soccer coach Randy Tate talking to his young, mostly inexperienced team at halftime of game at Lee. (WKTV)

Kelloggsville (0-7, with several games cancelled due to lack of players) fields a team filled with freshmen and sophomores, may of which have never played soccer before. But they scored their first goal of the year against Lee after sophomore midfielder Kalyna Flores out-hustled her defenders to feed speedy sophomore forward Anna Nguyen, who advanced the ball to an open area in front of her opponent’s goal and then outran the defense to the ball in the first half.

The Legends (6-11 after the win), on the other hand, had the advantage of not only having a deep bench but also 2021 seniors who learned leadership from last year’s seniors as Coach Snyder’s program continues to make strides, including with team chemistry.

“It was hard to begin the year, because we were not with them (much of the team) in the prior year,” senior Nayzeth Fernandez said to WKTV. “After I got to know them a little bit, my goal, actually was to go to them and tell them ‘Enjoy this year’ … because they (last year’s seniors) did not have one last year.”

In addition to Fernandez, other Legends seniors include Geidi Perez, Rosalinda Jacinto, Arely Fernandez, Emily Sanchez and Aracely Ortiz-Vieyra.

And all the seniors, all the players on the Lee bench, saw action in the win over Kelloggsville as the Legends jumped out to a 2-goal lead early on two scores by sophomore Lytsy Reyes within the first seven minutes of the game.

Then, after Nguyen’s goal for the Rockets, Lee build a 7-1 first-half lead on goals by Perez, freshman Janelly Sanchez (two of them), Nayzeth Fernandez, and sophomore Karla Cervantes. The Legends scored twice in the early part of the second half, the first by freshman Emily Campos and the second by sophomore Stephanie Mendez, to end the match.

Lee squad continues improvement as program grows

While this will be the Legends last season in the OK Conference, where they are likely the smallest school, coach Snyder says the Alliance League still will have tough teams but his team will continue to develop as well.

Lee High School girls soccer coach Gabriel Snyder talks to his team after a win against Kelloggsville May 19. (WKTV)

And just getting back on the field this season, after a year lost to the pandemic, is part of the reason for development.

“This has been an opportunity to do what we wanted to do — that has been absolutely thrilling to have the opportunity for our seniors to play,” coach Snyder, who has coached Lee for 13 years, said to WKTV.

Snyder said his program, as a whole, is in developing well with not only a junior varsity (JV) squad but also a freshman team.

“I am seeing our teams build that soccer knowledge,” he said. “We will compete no matter where (what conference) we are in.”

Kelloggsville squad will improve as coach builds program

“We have four players that have a little bit of experience, that we can build around,” Rockets coach Tate, who previously served two years as head coach of Grandville’s JV girls and was varsity assistant coach in 2019, said to WKTV.

“As a coach, you end up in this situation from time to time. This is not the first time I have build a program from the ground up. … As a coach, you just move the trend towards improvement. And as long as you keep that trend going, you don’t know what the upper limits are.”

Tate pointed out that he has several players having success at the middle school level who will be in high school next year. “And that should solve our numbers problem,” he added.

For all WKTV sports coverage, see wktvjournal.org/sports.

Turtles come to the Lakeshore Museum Center

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,
“Turtle Travels” is now open at the Lakeshore Museum Center. (Supplied)

By Jackie Huss
Lakeshore Museum Center

If you think you know about turtles, you’ve got plenty to learn when Lakeshore Museum Center opens Turtle Travels, a fun-filled, interactive exhibit that gives visitors a turtle’s-eye view of life in the “slow lane.”

Research shows turtles actually live in and travel through a surprising diversity of habitats. Their journeys are filled with challenges! These findings— and many other turtle studies—come from the use of radio telemetry that tracks how animals move around their habitats. You’ll have a chance to check out this science and see how it works.

You’ll start your journey at the exhibition entrance, where kids can pose as a turtle in front of a marsh habitat backdrop. There’s a child’s bench to sit on and take a photo. After all, you’ll need to rest up for your journey! Once you step onto the giant board game, follow the instructions and you’ll be detoured to interactive games. Find out what it’s like for a turtle trying to cross a road or traverse changing habitats. Be a turtle tracker and see how real field biologists track animals in the wild. The lively setting has plenty to keep children busy as they play the game. For example, an underwater video shows how a sea turtle swims. Trek along this turtle terrain and you’ll find out that slow and steady not only wins the race, but takes turtles on some amazing journeys!

You’ll also discover cool turtle and tortoise facts— how their bodies and shells have adapted to many different habitats, why they need shells, the hazards they encounter in the wild, how they are important to many different cultures, and more. Turtle Travels provides unusual perspectives on these amazing reptiles.

Does your child want a pet turtle? Wait! First find out what kind of care they need— and how the pet trade isn’t always the best deal for the turtle.

The exhibition has a variety of family-friendly components, including:

● A Swiss Army turtle with moveable feet illustrating how turtles’ limbs are adapted to fit their environment
● A station to build the arch of a turtle’s shell
● A restful spot to lounge on a turtle and discover the many turtles that star in children’s tales

Admission for the Turtle Travels exhibit is free for Muskegon County residents and Museum members. Non-residents ages 3 and up admission is $5.

You can visit the Turtle Travels exhibit starting May 21 through September 4 at the Lakeshore Museum Center at 430 W. Clay Ave in Muskegon.

For more information, visit the Lakeshore Museum Center online at https://lakeshoremuseum.org/

SWMI Tourist Council encourages visitors to get ‘creative’ with new tourism game

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,
Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council just released its Creative Connections game that will run through April 30, 2022. (Provided)

By Millicent Huminsky
Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council

The arts, music and theater scene is thriving in Southwest Michigan. Now it’s more fun than ever to discover this region’s creative side by playing Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council’s new Creative Connections game between now and April 30, 2022. Laugh, be awed, meet the artists and send your spirits soaring while earning cool, artsy prizes along the way.

“Our Southwest Michigan region is very fortunate to have a vibrant and comprehensive arts scene,” said Mike Nadolski, executive director of The Mendel Center, one of the 16 game destinations. “The arts add significantly to the quality of life for all by entertaining, educating and inspiring us. Creative Connections is a fun and easy way to learn more about some of the many varied arts organizations our region has to offer.”

Here’s how the game works:

  1. Pick up a Creative Connections brochure. You’ll be able to request one online or at any of the Creative Connections destinations.
  2. Visit the Creative Connections destinations (listed below). Each business will have a door decal or a flag signifying their role in the game.
  3. Show your brochure and collect a stamp at each location you visit. Each destination has a personalized stamp.
  4. Collect stamps to earn prizes starting at just three Creative Connections stops.
  5. Return your brochure to the Tourist Council to be validated for prizes. Your prizes and brochure will be mailed back to you so you can continue playing.
  6. All brochures must be sent for validation by May 9, 2022. You must be 18 years or older to play.

“It’s not always the case that you can play a game, be enriched and win prizes, too,” Nadolski said. “You already win just by dabbling or fully immersing yourself in an art museum, dance studio, performance, concert or gallery. Plus, you never know — you might find a piece of art or an experience that awakens a creative impulse and sends you into a new and exciting direction. That’s the transformative power of art.”

Creative Connections destinations include: The Acorn, ARS Gallery, Arts & Culture Center, Box Factory for the Arts, Buchanan Arts Center, Citadel Dance & Music Center, Chartreuse Art Gallery, The Gallery at Harbor Shores, The GhostLight Theatre, The History Center at Courthouse Square (Berrien County Historical Association), JLN Studio, Krasl Art Center, The Mendel Center of Lake Michigan College, Silver Beach Carousel, Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Twin City Players and Water Street Glassworks.

Learn more about each destination and the prizes you can earn at https://swmichigan.org/creative. You’ll also find helpful FAQs, game instructions, the online brochure request and more.

“I would love to see arts enthusiasts flock to our area and spend a night or more in one of our local hotels so they can experience the arts scene while also touring the countryside, visiting our wineries, shops, restaurants, shorelines and golf courses,” Nadolski said. “When you package it all up, we really have a spectacular and highly accessible arts scene with the quality and diversity you might expect to find in a region much larger than ours.”

The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council connects visitors and locals alike with things to do in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. View their curated itineraries, Makers Trail destinations, blogs, trail guides, newsletters and more online. For more information, visit https://swmichigan.org or https://www.facebook.com/swmtc/, or call 269-925-6301.

Kentwood to again parade public works equipment as part of countywide ‘Fleets Though the Streets’

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Kentwood neighborhoods turned out to greet the city’s parade of vehicles last year. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Last year, the pandemic forced the City of Kentwood to replace its usual “open the garage door” National Public Works Week celebration at the city’s Department of Public Works with a citywide parade through various neighborhoods.

This year, as part of the Kent County-wide “Fleets Through the Streets’ event, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will again take its vehicles, accompanied by a Kent County vehicle, to the streets on Saturday, May 22.

The Kentwood Public Works Department hosted a parade of trucks in May 2020. (City of Kentwood)

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on the western border of the city near the intersection of Division Avenue and Maplelawn Street, and travel toward the eastern border of the city, ending around 11 a.m. near the intersection of Burton Street and Forest Meadows Court. For a complete map of the parade, visit the city website here.

“We invite residents to enjoy the parade from their porch, yard or driveway to allow for safe physical distancing outdoors,” the city states on its website. “Please feel free to give us a wave as we pass by!”

In addition to the parade, the city will be giving away tree seedlings from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 20, through Saturday, May 22, at the brush and leaf drop-off sites located at the DPW lot, 5068 Breton Ave. SE — while supplies last.

The parade is part of a larger “fleets through the streets” community celebration of National Public Works Week with other local public works and road agencies.

This year’s National Public Works Week theme is “Stronger Together,” challenging residents to think about the role public works plays in creating a great place to live, work and play.

“By working together, the impact residents and public works professionals can have on their communities is magnified and results in the ability to accomplish goals once thought unattainable,” according to supplied material.

Since 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has sponsored National Public Works Week. Across North America, more than 29,000 members in the United States and Canada use this week to energize and educate the public on the importance of public works to their daily lives.

Returning after lost 2020, Whitecaps open home season, gain first home win since ’19

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The West Michigan Whitecaps in action. (WM Whitecaps)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The West Michigan Whitecaps — returning from a lost season in 2020 due to the pandemic — rallied for a 9-8 walk-off victory over the Great Lakes Loons Wednesday, May 12, at LMCU Ballpark, the team’s first home victory since Aug. 25, 2019.

The Whitecaps improved to 3-4 on the season while the Loons fall to 2-6.

This six-game series against the Great Lakes Loons continues Thursday at 6:35 p.m., as the Whitecaps send pitcher Chance Kirby to the mound against lefty Alec Gamboa for Great Lakes.

Broadcast coverage with Dan Hasty begins on the Whitecaps Baseball Network at 6:20 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available for select Whitecaps 2021 home contests by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131 or visiting whitecapsbaseball.com.

May 12 game breakdown

According to supplied material, in the May 12 game, Whitecap Daniel Cabrera’s game-tying RBI-double in the ninth set up a wild pitch that scored the Tigers 2020 second round pick from third base to win the contest.

The Whitecaps were hot at the plate early, plating seven runs through the first three innings as the Loons committed two errors while walking six as Parker Meadows, Andre Lipcius, and Dillon Dingler combined for four RBIs to take a 7-0 lead.

Whitecaps starting pitcher Garrett Hill, and bullpen arms Zach Hess and Brendan White, struck out 10 Great Lakes hitters through the first six innings while allowing two hits – both of them solo home runs. But the Loons made their comeback in the eighth as Miguel Vargas and Deacon Liput both drove in runs and narrowed the West Michigan lead to 7-4.

In the top of the ninth, the Loons loaded the bases with none out before single and a hit-by-pitch allowed a pair of Great Lakes runs and ended Whitecaps closer Ruben Garcia’s night while cutting the lead to just one, 7-6.

Yaya Chentouf came on in relief for the Whitecaps with the bases loaded and still none out, striking out two Great Lakes batters before two West Michigan fielding errors allowed Great Lakes to take the lead, 8-7.

But the Whitecaps responded in the bottom half, as Cabrera laced a game-tying RBI-double before scoring on a wild pitch to score the winning run.

Chentouf (2-0) gained his second win of the season with one inning while allowing no earned runs on a pair of strikeouts in the victory.

Wyoming high, Mona Shores baseball teams battle in WKTV featured game

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The Wyoming Wolves used four straight bunt singles, bracketed by swing-away singles, to score four 4th-inning runs in what ended as a 4-3 win over Mona Shores on May 11. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Wyoming High School head baseball coach Travis Stricklin, in a pre-season interview on WKTV Journal Sports Connection, said his team would likely need to “play small ball” in many games this season to be successful.

In a WKTV Sports Featured Game Tuesday, May 11, when the Wolves baseball team hosted Muskegon Mona Shores for the first game of double-header, Coach Stricklin’s team played small ball to perfection as they overcame a 2-0 Sailors lead by stringing together four straight bunt singles, bracketed by swing-away singles, to score four runs in what ended as a 4-3 win in seven innings.

The game is available on-demand here and all feature games are on WKTVlive.org.

Want to join the WKTV crew?

WKTV is always looking for community volunteers to help coverage of local high school sports — in print on WKTVjournal.org, as part of our in-studio crew for our twice-a-month WKTV Journal Sports Connection program, and as part of our Featured Game truck game coverage crew. Training is provided and for more information email ken@wktv.org. 

Where and when to see featured games

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

Sophomore Wolves pitcher Bryce Bosovich went seven innings for the win against Mona Shores May 11. (WKTV)

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. The games can also be seen on AT&T U-verse 99.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

No ‘Accidental’ plan to get through pandemic hibernation — West Michigan band makes new music, longs for the road

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The Accidentals — Savannah “Sav” Buist, Katie Larson and Michael Dause — in a remote April 2021 interview with WKTV. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

If The Accidentals plan works the way they envision, Katie, Sav and Michael will be playing music off their just-dropped release, “TIME OUT (Session 1)”, live and in front of an audience in Kentwood and elsewhere this fall — that is, after all, where they felt most at home before the pandemic hit the fan(s) and the bands.

It is not that their 2020 was a complete loss, as they made clear during a late April interview with WKTV‚ where they debuted a live cut of “Might As Well Be Gold”, a song co-written with Maia Sharp.

The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)

“Might As Well Be Gold” is included on the “TIME OUT (Session 1), which was released May 7, a collection of songs which includes the single “Wildfire”, co-written by Kim Richey  — who has worked with the likes ofTrisha Yearwood, Radney Foster, Brooks & Dunn — and which is getting The Accidentals a fair amount of national notice and airplay.

The appropriately named “TIME OUT” EP was, in fact, written during quarantine over Zooms with Richey and other legendary songwriters including Tom Paxton, Dar Williams and Mary Gauthier and more. And they found their pandemic hibernation led them to a new, maybe more introspective, way of writing music.

“We found things that work for us and found things that didn’t work for us,” said Savannah “Sav” Buist, who along with Katie Larson and Michael Dause, make up The Accidentals. “But I think it was just nice to have the time … We tired so consistently that when we come home Katie and I just tend to spit out songs within a week and then not really look back. It was nice to look back … This year I learned to take my time, to come back to a song.”

The Accidentals (Supplied/Courtesy Aryn Madigan)

The Traverse City based power pop trio with a soft, classical heart talked with WKTV about coming home from Nashville when things went south due to the pandemic, about writing music via Zoom, and how a “ping pong” of musical ideas bouncing back and forth helped keep them stay sane and productive during the long, quiet months.

The also talked about the anticipation of getting back on the road after years of playing something like 200 shows a year at festivals such as the Rocky Mountain Folk Fest, Summerfest, SXSW, and Electric Forest, and well as sharing the same stage with the likes of Brandi Carlile, Joan Baez, Andrew Bird, and The Decemberists.

For more information on The Accidentals and their new release, visit theaccidentalsmusic.com.

Vintage train rides return to West Michigan

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Nick Anderson
Coopersville & Marne Railway

After primarily operating freight trains during the COVID-19 pandemic the Coopersville & Marne Railway announces the return of its popular passenger trains. A tentative schedule has been set for reopening in June; including EnterTRAINment excursions on Saturdays June 5 and 26; as well as Wednesday June 16. These train rides, featuring local musicians, depart the Coopersville station at 1:30 p.m.

According to Operations Manager, Nick Anderson, “We look forward to again offering our popular Vintage Train rides, while also assuring the safety of our passengers and volunteers.” In resuming passenger service, the railroad will follow all current CDC, MDHHS, and Ottawa County Health Department guidelines. Train capacities will be reduced to accommodate social distancing. Train crews and passengers over 2 years of age are required to wear masks; as mandated by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). All ticketing will be handled electronically, and passengers will be subject to temperature checks and COVID-19 screening before boarding the train.

Additional information regarding our June train schedule can be found on our website at mitrain.net. The website also features our COVID-19 protocols and procedures.

The Coopersville & Marne Railway is an ‘all volunteer’ vintage railroad located midway between Grand Rapids and Muskegon, offering 90-minute train rides between our namesake towns. Our train includes coaches dating to the 1920’s along with 1950’s era locomotives. And the route we follow originated with an 1848 charter for the Oakland and Ottawa Railroad. The Coopersville & Marne Railway offers EnterTRAINment Excursions, specialty Theme Trains and group charters during our normal operating season.

Circle Theatre opens its season with a witty comedy

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Just a friendly game: Circle Theatre kicks off its season this week with “The Gin Game.” (Provided)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It’s been a wait – a long wait, but area residents can finally attend a live theater performance starting this Thursday.

Circle Theatre will open its season with the 1978 Pulitzer Prize winning play “The Gin Game,” featuring local radio personality Shelley Irwin and Stathi Afendoulis, May 6 – 16.

 

“We are thrilled to finally be able to present a live production again after such a long intermission,” said Circle Theatre Executive and Artistic Director Lynn Brown Tepper. “While it may look a little different, the excitement is the same. Nothing can replace the magic that takes place between the audience and the performers in a live theatrical performance and Circle Theatre  is ready to celebrate that experience once again with our amazing community.”

Local theatre has taken a deep hit this past year with multiple postponements and cancellations due to COVID-19. These intermissions have left Circle Theatre with a renewed commitment to keeping theatre alive through safe and entertaining community events.

“The Gin Game is not only a powerful and prescient story, but will also be one of the very first live play performances in West Michigan since before the pandemic,” said Director John Vesbit.

“The Gin Game” tells the story of Weller Martin (Afendoulis) and Fonsia Dorsey (Irwin). The two nursing home residents strike up a friendship while learning to play gin rummy. The pair begin sharing stories about the lives they led in the outside world until Fonsia starts to win every hand. With Weller’s frustration, the nursing home porch quickly turns into a battleground. 

“Circle Theatre provided me the opportunity to grow as an actor, and inspired my decision to move to New York and become a theater professional,” Afendoulis said. “Forty-two years later, I’m back home, on the stage that launched my career.” 

The face off: Stathi Afendoulis and Shelly Irwin in “The Gin Game.” (Provided)

The production will be at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Road SE. Social distancing between groups and masks are required. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go directly to supporting local theatre through Circle Theatre.

Doors open at 6 p.m. “The Gin Game” will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, with matinee shows taking place on Sunday, May 9 and 16, at 3 p.m.

For more information on Circle Theatre’s 2021 season, to purchase tickets, or to find more ways to support Circle Theatre, call 616-456-6656 or visit circletheatre.org. 

Falcons track coach Stephenson talks lost season, positive athlete outlook on latest WKTV Sports Connection

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East Kentwood High School girls track coach Stephanie Stephenson visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on the past and present of the Falcons girls team and program. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, we talk East Kentwood girls track and field, and why last year’s “season the wasn’t” was so hard on the team and its coach, Falcons head coach Stephanie Stephenson.

(To see the WKTV interview with Falcons’s boys head track coach, see related story  here.)

Coach Stephenson talks about fielding teams in this time of pandemic protocols, what impact last year’s lost season has had on her program — while still praising her 2020 seniors for how they handled it — and we find out which Falcons are poised to have big seasons this year.

WKTV Journal Sports Connection is a WKTV produced program dedicated to bringing you interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports. You can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting WKTVJournal.org/sports. But we also have a volunteer sports crew, both in studio and with our coverage truck. For more information email ken@WKTV.org.

This WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of high school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.org. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Soldiers pose for a group photo, March 28, 2018, in a post in the outskirts of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Jasmine L. Flowers)

GVSU’s Hauenstein Center, continuing support for veterans, to host Hidden Wounds of War Conference

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Soldiers pose for a group photo, March 28, 2018, in a post in the outskirts of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Jasmine L. Flowers)
Soldiers pose for a group photo, March 28, 2018, in a post in the outskirts of Afghanistan. (U.S. Army/Sgt. 1st Class Jasmine L. Flowers)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

While limitations on in-person group experiences continue due to the pandemic, The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies knows there has been no break in the need for supporting veterans recovering from the sometimes hidden wounds of war.

So Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center and its partners, including the Kent County Veterans Services office, will go virtual this year as the Hidden Wounds of War Conference — this year with the conference theme of “Moral Injury” — will be held Thursday, May 6, and will be delivered online using Zoom.

“The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies hosts the Hidden Wounds of War Conference as a community service effort to build awareness and educate the community about treatments and resources available to our veterans,” Brent Holmes, acting director of the center, said to WKTV. “The Hidden Wounds of War Conference stems from a Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies event that has held in June 2008. Through the years, the Hauenstein Center has partnered with veteran organizations to be able to host this impactful conference.”

U.S. Marines with Task Force Southwest depart a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter prior to an advisory meeting with Afghan National Army soldiers at Camp Hanson, Afghanistan, June 13, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

And one reason for a presidential studies center to be focused on support of war veterans? It is presidents who send them to war.

“We desire to be more effective in serving those who serve and have served our communities and nation,” Holmes said. “Veterans, first responders, families, and communities struggle with the aftereffects of this service. Too often suffered in silence, the psychological trauma experienced by our men and women in uniform brings the hardship home. By embracing honest discussion and strong networks of support, winning the battle against these challenges is possible.”

For detailed information and to register for the Zoom conference visit here.

General conference schedule

The schedule of events for the day begins with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m., then moves into general session at 9 a.m., with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock discussing “Moral Injury.”

Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock is Senior Vice President for Moral Injury Programs at Volunteers of America and a Commissioned Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Courtesy/GVSU)

Moral injury refers to suffering due to moral emotions such as shame, guilt, remorse, outrage, despair, mistrust, and self-isolation, according to supplied material. It emerged as a concept among Veterans Affairs clinicians working with military combat veterans beginning in 1994.

This session will offer some of the factors in human beings that can lead to moral injury by examining how conscience is shaped; presenting several definitions of moral injury, both clinical and cultural/religious; identifying the range of morally injurious experiences that disrupt moral identity; and explaining the relationship of moral injury to other trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

After a short break, there will be morning break-out sessions between 10:30 a.m. and noon, including sessions titled “Military Sexual Trauma”; “Military Culture, Families, and Relationships”; and “Suicide Prevention” — where participants “will gain an understanding of the scope of suicide with the United States and within the Veteran population and will know how to better identify a veteran who may be at risk for suicide.”

After a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m., there will be another general session with Dr. Nakashima Brock. The lecture will, among other topics, explain what constitutes recovery from moral injury and discuss validated programs for supporting recovery from moral injury. In addition, it will discuss strategies as yet to be validated but that seem promising, including the role of congregations and community organizations.

After another short break, there will be more afternoon break-out sessions from 2:30-4 p.m., including sessions titled “Community Resources”; another session on “Suicide Prevention”; and one on the local “Kent County Veteran Treatment Courts”, which will discuss trends and policies of such courts, and the courts’ mission — “Participants will leave with an understanding of the methodologies used in program development and operations and how KCVTC enhances public safety and enhances the community’s return on investment.”

Snapshots: WKTV’s ‘back to normal’ entertainment stories you might have missed

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By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good and that could be again.”

James Earl Jones … Can you guess the movie? (See bottom of this story)

WKTV DreamWheels red carpet show (circa. 2013-15/WKTV)

Dust off those classic cars this weekend

The 28th Street Metro Cruise will be back in full swing this August. And, to start the celebration of cars, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the return of the “dust off” event on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763, at 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming. Go here for the story.


A probably sold-out crowd at Meijer Gardens Summer Concert series evening. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)

Meijer Gardens outdoor concerts to return

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts — including three special Grand Rapids Symphony dates — as well as its Tuesday Evening Music Club and the new Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings are tentatively planned to return this summer and into the fall. Go here for the story.


The West Michigan Whitecaps will soon begin play at the newly named LMCU Ballpark. (Supplied/West Michigan Whitecaps)

Opening day for the West Michigan Whitecaps

With opening day on May 4 and first home game May 11, the West Michigan Whitecaps are gearing up for a season that is bound to be unlike any they have had in the past due to the pandemic. But the fan experience will still be fun for Whitecaps fans at the now-named LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union) Ballpark. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

‘Field of Dreams’  forever

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American film written and directed by Phil Alden Anderson, adapting W. P. Kinsella’s 1982 novel Shoeless Joe. The cast includes Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta and Burt Lancaster in his final film role. In 2017, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. Source.

Falcons track coach Emeott visits WKTV Sports Connection to talk championship history, lost season

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East Kentwood High School boys track coach Dave Emeott visits the set of WKTV Journal Sports Connection to catch us up on the past and present of the Falcons boys team and program. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

On this latest episode of WKTV Journal Sports Connection, we talk East Kentwood track and field, and some unusual hurdles all local track teams face, with boys track coach Dave Emeott.

WKTV sports intern Ellington Smith talks with the longtime — and very successful Falcons track coach — about fielding title-contending teams in this time of pandemic protocols, what impact last year’s lost season has had on his program and athletes, and we find out which Falcons are poised to have big seasons this year.

WKTV Journal Sports Connection is a WKTV produced program dedicated to bringing you interviews and stories focused on local Wyoming and Kentwood area high schools sports. You can catch up on all our local sports coverage by visiting WKTVJournal.org/sports. But we also have a volunteer sports crew, both in studio and with our coverage truck. For more information email ken@WKTV.org.

This WKTV Journal Sports Connection is available on-demand, along with WKTV coverage of high school athletic events and other sports, at WKTVlive.org. It also airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule). Individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal Sports Connection are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Music to return to Meijer Gardens (hopefully) in June, with full concert series planned July to September

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A probably sold-out crowd at a pre-pandemic Meijer Gardens Summer Concert series evening. Crowd sizes may be limited this season. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announced today that the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts — including three special Grand Rapids Symphony dates — as well as its Tuesday Evening Music Club and the new Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings, also featuring musicians from the Grand Rapids Symphony, are tentatively planned to return this summer and into the fall.

All scheduled dates, performers and concert information are subject to changed based on COVID-19 restrictions, according to the announcement, and “under current restrictions, capacity will be restricted to 1,000 people. If rules allow, capacity will be increased.”

The Decemberists in concert in 2018. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

But the news that there might actually be musicians on stage and concertgoers on the grass of the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage is sweet sounds for West Michigan music lovers.

“We look forward to the return of music at Meijer Gardens and are pleased to be able to continue our support of Meijer Gardens and the popular summer concert series which now includes the Grand Rapids Symphony,” Tom Welch, Fifth Third Bank regional president, said in supplied material. “We are delighted that two Grand Rapids treasured cultural organizations are teaming up to further the arts in our community.”

While most local concertgoers will be looking forward to a complete lineup and ticket details of the featured Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series — including the great St. Paul & The Broken Bones returning to town  — two free-with-admission concert series, one new and one well established, will also bring much need musical relief to local audiences.

Tuesday night and Sunday days

The Tuesday Evening Music Club, with local and regional musicians, will be on stage in July and August starting at 7 p.m.

Ralston Bowles in concert. (By Jamie Geysbeek/Supplied)

This year’s lineup includes Welcome Back Tuesday with Ralston Bowles & Very Special Guests on July 6 — with Bowles in encore as Ralston & Friends on Aug. 24 — as well as Franklin Park on July 13, Political Lizard with Molly on July 20, Via Mardot with Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish on July 27, Samuel Nalangira with The Moxie Strings on Aug. 3, Cameron Blake with Patty PerShayla on Aug. 10, Pajamas with Charlie Millard Band on Aug. 17), and the return of a special Grand Rapids Ballet show on Aug. 31.

The Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings series expands on an idea that was trialed during the summer of 2020, according to the announcement. “Led by violinist Haijin Choi, these chamber music performances happen throughout the Gardens & Sculpture Park and will feature combinations of violin, harp, marimba, mandolin, cello and more.”

Five planned Sunday performances will take place on June 6, June 20, July 18, Aug. 29 and September 12. The Sunday, July 18 performance will include a special opportunity for audience participation within the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden (with more information to be announced closer to the date).

“We love both Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Symphony and couldn’t think of a better way to help bring these wonderful assets of our community together for a formal series,” the Prestons said in supplied material.  “We were thrilled at the diversity of the audience for last summer’s events and look forward to this series growing!”

Tuesday Evening Music Club and Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings performances are free for members and included in admission for other guests.

Headline concerts include symphony shows

As part of the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts, Meijer Gardens and the Grand Rapids Symphony will partner for three ticketed shows including a solo Grand Rapids Symphony performance conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor, as well as the Grand Rapids Symphony playing with Pink Martini, and another show yet to be announced.

“We are very excited to bring the Grand Rapids Symphony back to Meijer Gardens for these special concerts,” Mary Tuuk Kuras, symphony president & CEO, said in supplied material. “Our shared mission of promoting the arts and bringing our community together makes this partnership a wonderful fit.”

The Grand Rapids Symphony will be in concert at Meijer Gardens later this year. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)

The three symphony shows are part of the officially titled 2021 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens concert series, scheduled to take place in July, August and September — “if regulations allow” — and featuring an initial lineup including The Verve Pipe, O.A.R., Kansas and Black Violin + Blind Boys of Alabama.

“The complete lineup of 30 shows and ticket on sale dates will be announced as soon as possible,” according to the announcement.

Members of Meijer Gardens will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2021 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series during a two-week members-only pre-sale, with dates to be announced. During the pre-sale, members also receive a $5 discount per ticket. To become a member or renew a membership, visit MeijerGardens.org/Membership.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public immediately following the members-only pre-sale, with information on prices and purchasing locations available following the release of the full lineup.

For more information on all concert plans for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, visit meijergardens.org.

Rose all May with Leelanau Peninsula Trail

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Nick Hartmann
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is pleased to announce their first event of the 2021 season.

In celebration of Michigan Wine Month, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail invites you to “Rosé All May” for a month-long, trail-wide event. Rosé All May is not a large-scale gathering but rather individual experiences at the area wineries. For an advance ticket purchase price of $35, ticket holders can enjoy a 3 oz glass of rosé at each of the 21 participating wineries in an event-themed souvenir glass. The estimated ticket value is $200.

Visit mynorthtickets.com/events/ros-all-may-5-1-2021 to purchase tickets or purchase them from the wineries directly.

While each ticket holder can travel along the peninsula at their leisure to receive their larger pour of rosé from each winery, reservations are highly recommended. The trail’s wineries offer a wide variety of rosé wines, including dry, sweet, sparkling, and still. They will include the wineries’ latest rosé releases made with local varietals, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.

Participating Wineries:

Grand Traverse Loop: Black Star Farms, Two K Farms, Mawby, Ciccone, Shady Lane Cellars, Rove Estate, Brengman Brothers

Northern Loop: 45 North Vineyards & Winery, Green Bird Organic Cellars & Farm, Leelanau Cellars, Aurora Cellars, Silver Leaf Vineyard

Sleeping Bear Loop: Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery, Laurentide Winery, Chateau Fontaine, Verterra Winery, Amoritas Winery, Soul Squeeze Cellars, Good Harbor Vineyards, French Valley Vineyard, Boathouse Vineyards.

Tickets for this event are non-transferable and attendees must be prepared to show a valid, government-issued photo ID at each winery. The wineries will conduct business much in the same way that they are now with groups of no more than six people per party, socially distanced, with all precautions in place to create a safe environment for both guests and employees.

Tag us on social media @lpwines with your #RoséAllMay adventures and stay tuned for more information about our next trail-wide event, Sip and Savor, June 4th – 6th, 2021!

About Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail:


The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is divided into three trails for easy touring: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop, and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. Each tasting room along the trail offers its own unique experience, from pure elegance with unparalleled views to cozy nooks loaded with charm. As you sip wines and chat with laid-back winemakers that produce them, you’re sure to find many reasons to love the trail!

Grand Rapids Public Museum gets ready “to rumble” in Curator Battles

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West Michigan Habitats exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced it is taking the popular live Curator Battle regionally, starting with a competition against the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) on Tuesday, May 4 at 4 p.m., held via Facebook Live (@grmuseum). The GRPM launched the Curator Battle series in 2020 on its Facebook page as a way to connect with the community and share the Museum virtually due to closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GRPM/MiSci Curator Battle will have a special twist in celebration of the battle reaching Detroit — the presidents of both organizations will be competing: Dale Robertson, the President and CEO of the GRPM and Christian Greer, the President and CEO of MiSci.

Christian Greer, President and CEO of the Michigan Science Center

 “We’re delighted to join the Grand Rapids Public Museum in a fun and light-hearted competition that shows off how we put you at the center of science in everything we do,” said Christian Greer. “During the competition, we’ll challenge your perception of reality with our Ames Room, take a trip on the Apollo Capsule from the Rocket Garden in our Space Gallery, visit a Wind Tunnel, learn about sustainability with something called a ‘Fatberg’ and then swing back home to Michigan to land on our version of the Mackinac Bridge. We think it will be a lot of fun for everyone watching at home.”

Due to closures across the world in the beginning of the pandemic, the Yorkshire Museum, located in England, launched a weekly #CuratorBattle competition on Twitter to challenge other museums to showcase their collections based on a particular theme. Through this inspiration, the GRPM took the idea of a curator competition to Facebook in August of 2020 to connect with its online community in a fun and unique way, while also showcasing the Museum’s artifacts, specimens, and staff expertise. Since the launch, the Museum has partnered with local West Michigan cultural organizations including Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and looks forward to expanding to more regional partners and beyond to continue the friendly competition to educate and entertain each organization’s online audience. 



“Currently, the GRPM is the only organization hosting live conversations of this type that we know of, and it’s been exciting to see the engagement of our community learning about the Museum and our Collections, as well as to see the partnerships that have come out of this idea,” said Alee’a Cherry, Marketing Manager at the GRPM. “Although the title of the event mentions “curator,” the Museum has found creative ways to incorporate organizations that don’t have curators on staff to be more inclusive so we can partner with a wider variety of organizations.”

Michigan Science Center in Detroit

Each Curator Battle is hosted by the GRPM and features five topics that the contenders will speak on for a few minutes each. The presentation is also complemented by high quality images and/or video. Viewers are encouraged to ask the contenders questions, leave comments and share the event to show support of the program. The Curator Battle videos will live on the GRPM’s Facebook page for later viewing.

The GRPM will continue to engage local cultural organizations in the Curator Battle as it continues to expand. Viewers can tune into the next local battle against the Grand Rapids Public Library on Thursday, June 24 at 4 p.m. on the GRPM’s Facebook page (@grmuseum). The GRPM’s Collections Curator Andrea Melvin will be battling against the GRPL’s Head of Grand Rapids History and Special Collections, Julie Tabberer. 

Organizations interested in participating in one of the GRPM’s Curator Battles can inquire by reaching out to info@grpm.org. 

Painting consevator uncovers Cranach Mystery on May 6

Entertainment, Local Entertainment

By Catherine Mott
Muskegon Museum of Art

Barry Bauman (Sargent Sully Photo)

Is it true that a painting conservator is also a detective? According to acclaimed conservator and art historian Barry Bauman, every painting has its secrets. During his 46 years of experience treating and analyzing damaged paintings, he has uncovered many of them—lost signatures, hidden dates, and entire paintings hidden beneath other works. Two of his discoveries were so phenomenal they landed on the front page of The New York Times. Bauman will uncover answers to mystery surrounding two of the Muskegon Museum of Art’s treasured paintings in a free Zoom presentation, “Solving the Cranach Mystery Surrounding the Portraits of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora,” hosted by the museum on Thursday, May 6, at 5 p.m.

Those who attend Bauman’s Zoom presentation will share in the joy of one of his most remarkable discoveries. The Muskegon Museum of Art will host the event online. The virtual event is free and open to the general public. Registration is required. To register, visit the www.muskegonartmuseum.org event page at muskegonartmuseum.org/event/zoom-presentation-by-painting-conservator-art-historian-barry-bauman/.

About Barry Bauman

Barry Bauman With Conserved Thomas Sully’s Portrait of George Washington and John Singer Sargent’s Portrait of General Lucius Fairchild

Bauman’s discoveries lectures have been his most popular, especially for a museum audience, where attendees interested in art, art history, chemistry, physics, history, and museum studies all overlap with conservation concerns. Most individuals are not aware of the conservation field and the rewards it has to offer.

At the beginning of his career, Barry Bauman worked for eleven years at the Art Institute of Chicago, departing as the Associate Conservator of Paintings. He then founded and directed the Chicago Conservation Center for 20 years, which was the largest conservation facility in the nation. In 2004, Bauman left the private sector to establish Bauman Conservation, America’s first conservation laboratory dedicated to offering complimentary services to museums and non-profit organizations. When he closed Bauman Conservation in 2018, it was estimated he had contributed more than $6,000,000 in conservation services to museums and nonprofits.

In August 2019, Barry Bauman opened Conservation Ventures (ConservationVentures.org), a company that focuses on presentations and CAP grants to assist museums with recommendations and priorities for long-range collection care. Bauman is an Elected Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.

‘Little Free Art Galleries” popping up in Frankfort

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Adrienne Reasner-Brown
West Michigan Tourist Association

Seattle’s Little Free Art Gallery have become increasingly popular with Frankfort, Michigan, establishing a similar concept for the summer.

Oliver Art Center is excited to announce its newest community program, Little Free Galleries.

“The idea came from an article in the Seattle Times about an artist who established a gallery much like the well-known Little Free Libraries. We put out a call for a volunteer to make us one to put out in front of the art center and we received three offers! We then adjusted our thinking and decided it would be fun and could reach more of the community to have three located in Frankfort,” said Mercedes Michalowski, Executive Director of Oliver Art Center. Both Benzie Shores District Library and Century 21 Northland have agreed to host their own gallery in partnership with Oliver Art Center.

The Galleries have been made by Brad Sprouse, Lou Cenname, and Bob Crissman, all of Frankfort. The volunteers have vast carpentry experience and even experience in building Little Free Libraries and Pantries. The artwork will be provided by volunteers as well. Anyone is welcome to participate!

“The program will function much like the Little Free Libraries with the idea of: need art, take art; have art, leave art. We hope folks will enjoy the free exchange of art objects that will include paintings, fiber work, ceramic sculptures, and much more. While there is no requirement to leave art if you take it, we hope that people will just enjoy the art and idea itself. And if folks don’t have art to give, but want to give back, OAC is accepting donations in order to maintain the galleries,” said Michalowski.

Benzie Shores District Library is hoping to also expand their gallery’s offerings to books and art supplies. “We are so excited to share this project with the Art Center. Who knows, I may even create my own little piece of art for the gallery!” said Stacy Pasche, Library Director.“Art can stir memories or evoke strong feelings… just as selling or purchasing a home can do the same. The agents and brokers at CENTURY 21 Northland are humbled and honored to be able to give back to our communities by hosting a Little Free Art Gallery. Being located in one of the busiest two blocks on Main Street is key to showcasing Oliver Art Center’s presence and will bring smiles and good conversations to those walking by,” said Judi Tousley, Century 21 Northland.

Frankfort’s Little Free Art Galleries will be installed and ready for art and visitors May 1. Oliver Art Center is currently accepting art for the galleries. They are looking for smaller size works of art (less than 12 inches) and even have 4×4 blank canvases kits available to purchase for $10 – all proceeds go to maintenance and upkeep of the galleries. If you have any questions, please contact Mercedes or Brian at the Oliver Art Center, info@oliverart.org or 231-352-4151.

28th Street Metro Cruise Dust Off is a go for May 1

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Dream Wheels, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects

Historic Metro Cruise photos, from 2013-15. (Courtesy of WKTV)

By WKTV Staff

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the local community saw what turned out to be a brief interruption to the annual pilgrimage of classic cars to one of the busiest strips in the State of Michigan — 28th Street in Wyoming and Kentwood.

This year, though, the 28th Street Metro Cruise will be in full swing again this August. And, to start the celebration of cars, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce announces the return of the “dust off” event on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763, at 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming.
 

At the event, classic car owners will have that first spring opportunity to roll their rides back down the street to be admired and, as the Carly Simon song says, “get a few eyeballs” on them.

And as vaccinations continue to filter through the general population and with CDC further relaxing mask requirements among vaccinated people, the hope among organizers is that turn out will be large and even larger for the return of the 28th Street Metro Cruise, Aug. 27 and 28.  While social distancing will still be respected, the entire event Saturday, May 1, will be out of doors.   For more information, visit the Metro Cruise website at  28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

LowellArts invites residents to ‘Getaway,’ its newest gallery exhibition

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Janet Teunis
LowellArts

LowellArts invites visitors to GETAWAY, a new gallery exhibit opening May 1. The exhibit features artwork by 100 artists from Michigan that celebrates the places or moments in time that provide us a chance to retreat, relax, and recharge. Artists ages 14 and older were invited to submit artwork, in any medium, that fit this theme. Entries could be either representational or abstract depictions of locations, objects, or an atmosphere meant to inspire, uplift, and transport the viewer to a place of rest or renewal.

The artwork will be on display at the LowellArts Gallery, 223 W Main St., Lowell, from May 1 to June 12. Gallery hours are: Tues-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat noon – 5 p.m.

For more, visit www.lowellartsmi.org/getaway

St. Cecilia Music Center announces the 2021-22 season ‘with hope” of Royce Auditorium audiences

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The St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2021-22 Acoustic Café Folk Series will feature six concerts starting with the Sam Bush Band on Oct. 6. (Supplied/SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With the much-anticipated Christian McBride’s jazzy WinterFest Music Festival back on the schedule, St. Cecilia Music Center announced today an initial 2021-22 concert schedule  — beginning with the Sam Bush Band bringing their folk-rock sounds to town in October — as the music center “fully intends to bring live-audience concerts back to Royce Auditorium.”

Christian McBride (Supplied/SCMC)

Live in-person concerts have been suspended since March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions but initial plans have St. Cecilia featuring more than a dozen evenings of performances by jazz, folk and chamber music artists in what will be the music center’s 138th season.

But St. Cecilia executive and artistic director Cathy Holbrook said she is not only looking for live acts on the stage but live people in the audience.

“We are thrilled and thankful to begin again in 2021-2022 with live concerts featuring most of the artists who were scheduled to appear this past season and had to be sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Holbrook said in supplied material. “We so missed seeing our loyal supporters and music lovers in person and we’re looking forward to hosting a year of celebration with live music again.”

The St. Cecilia folk series kicks off the season, but chamber and jazz will not be far behind.

The Acoustic Café Folk Series will feature six concerts including the Sam Bush Band on Oct. 6, Rodney Crowell on Nov. 12, Leo Kottke on Nov. 19, the Milk Carton Kids on Dec. 2, 2021 and Watkins Family Hour on December 16. In the new year,  singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin will perform in the spring on May 12, 2022 — and more Acoustic Cafe Folk concerts may be announced later.

Marc Cohn (Supplied/SCMC)

However, one summer 2021 Acoustic Cafe Folk Series concert is currently planned as a stand-alone concert and will feature Marc Cohn appearing on Aug. 21 — with tickets currently available.
 

SCMC and The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary season of partnership CMS players will perform three concerts: “From Prague to Vienna” on Nov. 18 (in a program planned for April 2020 but cancelled due to COVID-19) with CMS co-artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han on stage. The program also featured two 2022 concerts, “Romantic Perspectives” on Jan. 27, and “The Jazz Effect” on March 31.

The jazz series’ headline event will be WinterFest, featuring seven-time Grammy-winning jazz bassist McBride “with some of his most talented musical collaborators for a three-evening festival in Royce Auditorium,” Feb. 24 -26, 2022.
 

Other artists scheduled for 2022 as part of the jazz series will include saxophonist Joshua Redman on Jan. 20, Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater together with phenomenal jazz pianist Bill Charlap on March 10, and acclaimed trombonist, composer and producer Delfeayo Marsalis with his  Uptown Jazz Orchestra on April 14.
 

“These great artists are looking forward to getting back out on tour to perform in front of live audiences and to bring music back to concert stages in the U.S. and worldwide,” Holbrook said. “We are looking forward to this new season, especially in light of the inability to host live audiences within our beautiful hall last season.”
 

Subscription tickets for the 2021-22 series are now on sale, with individual concert tickets to go on sale June 1. For more information visit scmc-online.org.

After a year off due to COVID, Wyoming’s Spring Carnival returns to Lamar Park

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Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival is now taking place at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

If you drove past Lamar Park lately, we just wanted to let you know that your eyes and ears were not deceiving you. Yes, those were the sounds and lights of a carnival you heard and saw.

The Wyoming Spring Carnival returned this year and will be operating through May 1. The carnival was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. This year, after reviewing safety measures, city leaders decided to host the carnival this year.

“What says family fun like a spring carnival?” said Wyoming’ Recreation Director Krashawn Martin, who added the decision was made to help with the overall mental health of the community which has had to deal with the COVID pandemic over the last year.

The carnival features various rides, games and food options. (Supplied)

The carnival will inlcude various rides, games and food options. To help keep all participants, employees, and vendors safe, TJ Schmidt & Company is operating under enhanced health and safety measures in response to the COVID pandemic.

All participants are required to wear masks while attending the carnival.

The spring carnival will run Monday – Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m.; 2 – 8:30 p.m Friday; and noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Proceeds from the carnival support City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation services and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance or GWCRA. Funds raised support youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department. The GWCRA distributes funds to the community through their annual grant awarding process.

For more information about the carnival, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation department at 616-530-3164.

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

In spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside 24 hours.

Author and humorist Mark Twain



Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

Carnival Days

Wyoming’s Spring Carnival is taking place through May 2 at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW. The carnival, which is operated by TJ Schmidt & Company, features a host of games and rides. Health and safety measures are in place for guests, employees, and vendors. Masks must be worn at the carnival. Hours of operation are 4 – 8:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 2 – 8:30 p.m. Friday; and noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“Bee” in “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGOs” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum through May 2. (Supplied)

Last Call

Visitors have a limited time left to explore the popular Under the Arctic and Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks exhibitions at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). Under the Arctic’s last date to visit will be Sunday, April 25 and the last date to visit Wild Connections is Sunday, May 2. Explore larger-than-life sculptures made with more than 2 million LEGO® bricks in Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks! The sculptures teach about animal endangerment, ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. Included with GRPM admission tickets, Under the Arctic addresses climate change through the lens of a thawing Arctic environment to educate visitors about permafrost’s fascinating characteristics and its greater implications. For more information, visit grpm.org.

Head for the Trees

The popular high ropes course TreeRunner Grand Rapids is now open. Located behind Celebration! Cinema north, the adventure park features six trails of various skill, ranging from easy to hardest. If you go, remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Safety precautions are being taken at the course with limited tickets available. For more information, visit www,treerunnerspark.com/grandraids/.


Tulips are actually from China

We often associate the tulip with the Netherlands. however the unique flower’s origins come from Central Asia. The Turks cultivated the flowers as early as 10,000 A.D. and they named the flowers “tulip” which comes from the Turkish word turban. The tulip was introduced to the Netherlands in the late 16th century. According to the legend, a famous biologist Carolus Clusius, was working in the oldest botanical garden, Hortus Botanicus in Leiden. A friend from Turkey, sent Clusius tulip flowers for his garden in Leiden and thus started the Tulipmania craze. Check out the tulips at this year’s Holland Tulip Time festival taking place May 1 – 9.

2021 Lighthouse Tour Guide now available

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has released the 2021 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.

The full circle tour driving route around Lake Michigan is available online, and website visitors may also download a PDF of this year’s Lighthouse Map, or request that a free copy be mailed to them here: www.wmta.org/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-circle-tour/

Vacationers have been looping the lake for generations, but the official “Lake Michigan Circle Tour” route was not established until the 1980s when the Michigan Department of Transportation teamed up with West Michigan Tourist Association to create the route and its official guidebook. Along the way, travelers will find more than 100 lighthouses, countless islands, unique attractions, parks and natural areas, miles of glorious beaches, quaint harbor towns, and one “modern marvel” – the Mackinac Bridge.

While a loosely-organized “circle route” around Lake Superior was promoted by local tourist organizations as early as the 1960s, the first official (and signed) Great Lakes Circle Tour was the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The only single-nation Circle Tour (Lake Michigan being the only Great Lake completely within the US), the Lake Michigan Circle Tour also has the most mileage of any Circle Tour in the state.

Featured on the Lighthouse Guide is the Point Betsie Lighthouse in Frankfort, Michigan (Public Domain)

Working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the West Michigan Tourist Association helped to make the first of the official Great Lakes Circle Tours a reality and the first publication was released in 1988 as a 52-page guide book. The guide book was transformed into a map in 2007, and the Circle Tour driving route can now be found online.



The cover of this year’s map features Point Betsie Lighthouse as photographed by Michael Mullin, which is located in Frankfort.

Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour publications are also available in bulk quantities; please contact Travel@WMTA.org for more information.

Whitecaps set to open season in May with new safety precautions but same ol’ ballgame fun

Community Health, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Sports, Upcoming Events,
The West Michigan Whitecaps will soon begin play at the newly named LMCU Ballpark. (Supplied/West Michigan Whitecaps)

By Ellington Smith, WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org

With opening day a little less than a month away — with their first game May 4 and first home game May 11 — the West Michigan Whitecaps are gearing up for a season that is bound to be unlike any they have had in the past.

Due to the pandemic, the fan experience will still be fun, but will be slightly different, according to Steve VanWagoner, director of marketing, for the Whitecaps and the now-named LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union) Ballpark.

The current capacity for the stadium is at 2,000, which is 20 percent of their normal capacity. Initially, the organization sold multi-game ticket plans to make it easier to comply with health and safety guidelines such as seating groups in pods at the stadium. But a “very limited” number of single game tickets for May and June games are on sale starting Wednesday, April 21.)

“The Whitecaps will be fun and entertaining and be a great experience this summer,” VanWagoner recently said to WKTV. “In the meantime go to our website (milb.com/west-michigan), find the safety and information page, and know that when you come to the ballpark we are serious about being family friendly and safe.”

After the Whitecaps open the season May 4 at the Fort Wayne Tin Cups, then open the home season on May 11 with a six-game homestead starting with the Great Lakes Loons.

VanWagoner said ticketed fans should be expecting an email outlining the team’s plan for how to administer all the necessary safety protocols, such as social distancing, wearing masks, continuing checking bags as in the past, and regulations regarding concession and where you are allowed to eat. Fans will be “recommended” to get tested prior to coming to a game, but it is not a requirement.

However safety precautions are not the only thing that is new for the Whitecaps this upcoming season as they were officially named a High A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.

 

This decision came during December 2020 and VanWagoner spoke to how this will change the overall fan experience.

“For the fans, (it will be) a better experience, because the players that they are watching are higher caliber with more experience and higher skill level then West Michigan fans are used to seeing, so we expect to see plays that fans haven’t seen before from the Whitecaps, and just a better experience overall,” he said.

Another change for the team came in February when the stadium name was changed from Fifth Third Ballpark to LMCU (Lake Michigan Credit Union) Ballpark in a new 10-year deal. Van Wagoner went into further detail about what this change actually means for the Whitecaps organization and the fans.

“Many huge signs and things inside the ballpark will look different, but to be clear it is a name change and not an ownership change” VanWagoner said. “We are family owned and privately held, as we always have been.”

For more information visit milb.com/west-michigan.

John Ball Zoo mourns loss of beloved lion

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John Ball Zoo’s African Lion, Docha, passed away this week. He was 16 years old. (Supplied)

By Darci David
John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Docha, the Zoo’s 16-year-old male African lion. Docha’s care team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him due to progressive neurological issues, along with his declining health and quality of life on Tuesday afternoon.

“Many have a real connection to Docha and he will be greatly missed”, said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. “He brought joy to many, and created real connections between people and wildlife that have advanced our mission, but most of all, he had a big personality that brought delight to literally millions of people.”

Docha had many health challenges in the past 10 to 12 years after developing epilepsy. Recently, his keepers noticed gradual changes that led the Zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Colburn, to consult with Dr. Jill Neiderhuth a veterinary neurologist. Their observations of Docha led them to believe he had a lesion on the left side of his brain.

Confirming this diagnosis would have required Docha to be taken off-site for an MRI. Considering his age, health, and the inability to treat the lesion, Dr. Colburn and the team chose to begin close monitoring, while also attempting to alter Docha’s medications.

In recent days, the Zoo noticed a drastic change in Docha’s balance, stability, and simple motor functions. Due to these factors and the decline in the health and quality of his life, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize Docha.

Docha was born at Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens on April 10, 2005 and joined the John Ball Zoo family in May 2007. (Supplied)

“Docha’s story is a great example of the advancement of zoo medicine and how we can use medical technology and the expertise of veterinary specialists to provide the best possible care for our patients,” said Dr. Colburn. “In June 2011, after experiencing multiple seizures, Docha was transported to Michigan State University where he underwent an MRI that ultimately led to his diagnosis of epilepsy. In the wild, Docha would not have survived but since his diagnosis we have administered anti-seizure medication, along with consistent monitoring and care that led to a long life for Docha.”

Docha was born at Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens on April 10, 2005 and joined the John Ball Zoo family in May 2007. The average lifespan of an African lion in human care is 16.9 years and 10 to 14 years in the wild.

From the first day Docha stepped onto his habitat in 2007, he quickly became a favorite with John Ball Zoo guests and volunteers. He was an impressive ambassador for not only lions but all wild creatures.

“This is always an extremely difficult decision, but is especially difficult with an animal as unique as Docha,” said Tim Sampson, Animal Curator and Docha’s care giver since he arrived at John Ball Zoo. “Docha impacted the staff with his aloof personality and his goofy excitement especially when seeing his favorite people. He will be greatly missed.”

African lions are vulnerable in the wild. While not immediately threatened with extinction, their long-term survival is far from assured. African lions once lived across the entire continent of Africa, but have lost more than 92% of their native range to habitat loss.

Docha’s role in the Zoo as an ambassador for his species created educational moments and lifelong memories, while helping raise funds for the Lion Recovery Fund whose goal is to double the number of lions in the wild by 2050.

The animal care and veterinary staff at John Ball Zoo worked incredibly hard throughout this process. Docha will long be remembered as a wonderful ambassador for his species, and the impact he made will not be forgotten.

For more information about John Ball Zoo, visit www.jbzoo.org or call 616-336-4301.