Category Archives: Local Faces

Author Shanika Carter, library inclusion conversation, at KDL Kentwood on March 5

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Shanika Carter’ will discuss her new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” and will sign books Thursday, March 5, at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library. (Supplied by the Author)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Author Shanika Carter’s new book “To Lead or Not to Lead” has the appropriate subtitle of “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your Past Experiences”.

In the book — which she will be speaking on and signing copies of at the Kentwood KDL Branch Library March 5 — Carter makes the case that while people can be helped on their personal and career journeys by other people, the best help may well be understanding and learning from one’s own positive and negative experiences.

Shanika Carter. (Supplied)

“I share not only my experiences, but those of others who have emphasized a lack of mentorship and encouragement to move up the ladder in their fields,” Carter said to WKTV. “For me, though, although I did experience a lack of the mentorship along the way, I learned quite a bit about myself and how to overcome obstacles I encountered.”

Carter’s discussion and book signing will take place Thursday, March 5, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch Kent District Library, 4950 Breton SE, Kentwood. The event is free and open to the public.

Carter’s talk, and book signing with snacks, will be followed at 6:30 p.m. by a library equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) community conversation. And while the author will not be directly involved in the discussion, she strongly supports the inclusion efforts.

“I plan to support and participate in (the EDI conversation) on the 5th,” Carter said. “When I lived in Grand Rapids, before starting my writing/editing business … and getting back into teaching, I was employed part time in KDL’s circulation pool, rotating to the various locations to assist.

“That was over five years ago, so my relationship with KDL began then, and continued as I got my writing up off the ground, having participated as a guest speaker for one of KDL’s annual writing conferences … I appreciate everything that they have done with me on this journey.”

Carter’s journey includes graduating from Muskegon Heights High School, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising from Michigan State University and her Master of Science degree in communications from Grand Valley State University.

Carter has worked as an adjunct instructor at ITT Technical Institute and Jackson College’s Prison Education Initiative program. She currently works in the writing center at Muskegon Community College, also teaching for the Communications and College Success Center departments, and is also an adjunct instructor at Montcalm Community College, where she teaches interpersonal communications and speech.

Carter is also a big supporter of the need for all persons — students, reformed prisoners, everybody — have the ability to communicate to be successful in life and careers.

“It is highly important to be able to communicate both verbally and in written form, particularly in a time where we, and so many of our youth, are in a social media world where even the communication is so different,” Carter said. “I’ve heard from teachers (and) parents over the years about how basic handwriting was no longer a requirement, like it was when I was growing up. Also, with social media, we find more people communicating in other ways outside of face-to-face contact and even using a more condensed language to exchange messages.

“As an instructor at this level of education, I am amazed at how many students I do encounter who do have difficulties with basic writing and grammar, let alone social and interpersonal skills. With the combination of losing some of the basic writing and communication requirements that were available in the past, and then dealing with those who allow their social media interactions to lapse over into their regular, face-to-face or written communications, the importance of communications and writing is just as relevant and important to continue in education.”

For more information on Shanika P. Carter’s book “To Lead or Not to Lead: Breaking the Glass Ceiling Using Lessons from Your past Experiences”, visit here. For more information on her The Write Flow and Vibe project, visit here.

For more information on the KDL Kentwood event, visit here. Follow the Kent District Library on various social media platforms — Facebook: facebook.com/KentDistrictLibrary and Instagram: @kentdistrictlibrary and Twitter: @KDLNews.

Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23 turns 70, will host dignitaries for ceremony Saturday, Feb. 29

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The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma, will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23 — named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma — will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. The public is invited to the celebration.

The official reading of the proclamation will take place a special dedication ceremony Saturday, Feb. 29, with a long list of state and local public officials, as well as veterans organization leaders.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 4 p.m., with guest speakers and a POW/MIA Ceremony. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with the meal prepared by the Blue Star Mothers and a per-plate cost of $7. The Frank Eimer Band (with full brass) will provide music starting at 8 p.m.

Government leaders expected to be in attendance include City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, State Sen. Aric Nesbitt and State Representatives Steven Johnson and Tommy Brann.

The City of Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23, named in honor of 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma — will turn 70 this year and is being honored by a special State of Michigan proclamation. (WKTV)

Local and state veterans organizations expected to be represented include, according to supplied material: Chuck Petch, state AMVETS Commander; Lenny Hogan, past state AMVETS Commander; Donald Torr state Sons of AMVETS President; Bertha Lema state Auxiliary President; Richard DeVoe, state AMVETS 1st Vice Commander; Lora DeVoe, state AMVETS District 5 Commander; Eric Nelson, United Veterans Council of Kent County Commander; Bob Green, AMVETS State Man of the Year; and
Denny Gillem, Frontlines of Freedom.


 
The AMVETS organization (American Veterans Organization) was started in 1947, by action of the Congress and President Harry Truman, and is open for all veterans who served between 1940 and current day without regard to specific wartime assignment.

AMVETS Post 23 was chartered in 1950, and is dedicated to 2nd Lt. Lawrence Sybesma, who attended Kelloggsville High School and was killed in action as part of a crew of a B-29 Superfortress which crashed while on mission in Manchuria in 1944.

AMVETS Post 23 “was started by World War II veterans who didn’t feel that some organizations met some of their needs,” according to a statement from the Post. “So they started their own group, and it’s for all veterans … we are very, very inclusive.”

To find out more about AMVETS Post 23, located at 98 SE 52nd St., visit AMVETSPost23.org, check out the AMVETS Post 23 Facebook page, or call 616-531-5438.

Before terrific game, Wyoming high inducts six into athletics Hall of Fame

City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Local History, Sports, WKTV Featured sports
The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of, from left, Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema, players who attended either Wyoming Park or Rogers high schools. Wyoming High School athletic director Ted Hollern is a far right. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

With the anticipation of a huge boys basketball game between Wyoming High School and Grand Rapids Christian on the schedule, the Wolves could not have picked a better backdrop for its annual Hall of Fame Basketball Community Night Friday, Feb. 14, as the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 honored.

Both the earlier girls and later boys basketball games were WKTV Sports Featured Games, and are available on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

The Wolves boys defeated the Eagles, by the way, 62-61, to push their record to 14-1 overall, 8-1 and into art tie for first place in the OK-Conference Gold, as Wyoming avenged their only loss of the season, to Christian. The Wolves trailed by 14 points at halftime but rallied as senior Monte Parks hit a pair of free throws with six seconds remaining. Senior Diego Ledesma scored 18 points, while Parks had 15 and senior Menalito McGee added 13.

The Wolves have also won both of their games since Feb. 14 and now sit at 16-1 overall and 9-1 in conference, still tied with Christian for the conference lead.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema, players who attended either Wyoming Park or Rogers high schools.

Narber, according to supplied material, was one of the all-around great athletes at Wyoming Park. She played basketball, softball and track. While participating in track Narber received two varsity letters and was a conference and regional finalist in the discus. In basketball, she was a four-year letter winner, started in 94 consecutive games and was voted team MVP for three years in a row. In college, she excelled at Aquinas College and is a member of the Aquinas College Ring of Honor Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Micah Bell, second from right, with family. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

Bell was also a graduate of Wyoming Park High School, where he played football and basketball during this time. He was selected All-O.K. Conference in basketball and was All-State Honorable Mention in 1996 and All-State in basketball in 1997. After high School, Bell played college basketball at University of Colorado and Grand Valley State University. After college, he played professional basketball.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction Craig Chappell, center with family. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

Chappell was a multi sport athlete at Rogers High School, playing football, basketball, baseball, and track. Among his other accomplishments, he played varsity basketball from 1982-84 and was All-Conference all three years, and All-District and All-State for two years. Chappell still holds the Rogers High School school record for 1,462 career points. He went on to play at Ferris State University.

The Hall of Fame ceremony included the induction of Rich Friberg, shown with his wife. (Supplied/Wyoming High Athletics)

Friberg attended Wyoming Rogers High School and graduated in 1982. While attending Rogers, he played four years of football, wrestling, and baseball. He was also a 4-time District wrestling champion, 2-time Regional champion, and 2-time State Champion, in 1981 and in 1982. He continued on his wrestling career at Northern Michigan University.

Peterson graduated from Rogers High School in 1999, and excelled in basketball and softball. In 1999, she led the Rogers High School basketball team to a MHSAA  District Championship and was named to the the MHSAA All-State Basketball team. She then graduated from Grand Valley State University and is now an EMT paramedic.

Agema — “Critter” Agema — was a multi-sport star at Wyoming Park High School, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was the leader of the 1984-85 State Champion football team, and was also was a standout basketball player. He went on to play football at Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan.

 

Kentwood Public Schools trustee Sylvia James appointed to Kent ISD School Board

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Kentwood’s Sylvia James, right, is sworn in to serve on the the Kent ISD School Board. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. (Supplied/Kent ISD)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Kent ISD School Board recently announced the appointment of Sylvia James to fill the opening on the board created when Bill Joseph retired. James is also serving as Trustee on the Board of Education for Kentwood Public Schools. 

According to the ISD statement, in addition to her service in Kentwood’s public school system, she has extensive professional experience in operational and strategic human resources practices and management at Pridgeon & Clay, Inc., and previously with Steelcase, Spectrum Health and Robert Bosch, LLC.


“We are pleased to welcome Sylvia to the Kent ISD School Board and look forward to enlisting her experience, passion and dedication to serve all students in the Kent County area,” Ron Caniff, Superintendent, Kent ISD, said in supplied material. “The board is grateful to Bill Joseph for his 18 years of service, countless insights and many contributions throughout the years.  We look forward to continuing this important work with Sylvia’s leadership and commitment to public education.”


James has lived in the Kentwood area for more than 25 years and is interested in expanding her reach to help meet the needs of students throughout the region, according to the ISD.

“I love how Kent ISD works collaboratively with all of the districts to provide programs and services to the residents of 23 public and non-public school districts.” James said in supplied material. “I am committed to ensuring that our students are well educated, as we provide for their safety and welfare.”


James was sworn in at the February Kent ISD School Board meeting.  She will serve until the June 2021 election, at which time she can run to serve the remainder of Joseph’s term, through 2025.


Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency “devoted to achievement for all students,” and provides instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools.

For more information on the Kent ISD, see kentisd.org.

Kent County government leaders talk spending, services and legislative agendas on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we welcome two leaders of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, arguably the most influential group of elected officials in the county. While often little understood, it is a governing body whose decisions and leadership impact residents in a myriad of ways, from its health department to its road crews, from its park system to the county sheriffs office.

The commissioners last month elected their leadership and we have two of those leaders in studio today, Commission Chair Mandy Bolter and Vice-chair Stan Stek. Ms. Bolter represents District 5, which includes all or part of Cascade, Lowell, Bowne and Caledonia townships. Mr. Stek represents District 6, which includes the City of Walker and part of the City of Grand Rapids.

Top among the topics discussed are how and why the county was able to approve nearly $18.7 million for three strategic capital funding projects — all without the need for any issuance of bonds, which are repaid with taxpayers’ money.

Also discussed are the scope of county services and responsibilities, the relationship between the county and both state and federal governments, as well as challenges for the coming year in county governance.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Kent County Sheriff talks marijuana use law enforcement on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus we continue WKTV’s series of discussions on the impact of Michigan’s recent legalization of recreational marijuana.

First we talked with the executive director of Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency, the state office which controls both the state’s medical and recreational marijuana distribution facilities. See the video here.

Now, In Focus is Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, who discusses the current and evolving legal aspects of the recreational marijuana, specifically how the law enforcement community is reacting to the laws associated with legalization.

Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young on the WKTV Journal In Focus set with host Ken Norris. (WKTV)

Specifically, the Sheriff talks about where is it legal and illegal to smoke marijuana in public, and while there are laws on the books dealing with driving while impaired by alcohol, it is a new and evolving situation when it comes to driving while impaired by marijuana and other cannabis-derived products.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Wyoming high hosts Hall of Fame night, key OK-Gold boys basketball game, WKTV Featured Games

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The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball team, from an early season game. (Curtis Holt)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Wyoming High School will be hosting its annual Hall of Fame Basketball Community Night Friday, Feb. 14, with the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 honored, special coverage by ESPN radio and the WKTV video crew, and two special performances by Wyoming’s Dance Team.

Oh, and ya, there will be also be what will likely be the OK-Conference Gold’s boys basketball game of the season as Wolves boys team hosts Grand Rapids Christian for the conference lead.

The Wolves boys (13-1 overall, 7-1 in OK Gold) will seek to tie for the conference lead and avenge their only loss of the season as they host the Eagles (14-0 and 7-0) in an 8 p.m. game. On the girls side, Wyoming (5-10 and 2-6) will try to spoil the conference title chances of Christian (13-2 and 5-2) in a 6 p.m. game.

Both games will be WKTV Sports Featured Games, which will be available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

“These are great games for the team and the community,” Wyoming boys coach Thom Vander Klay said to WKTV. “Wyoming has always had tremendous support for our kids and respecting the countless hours of training and practice it takes to develop their skills.

“The boys been working since elementary school to play in games like this one … and next Tuesday at Hudsonville, etc.,” he said. “Our kids will battle.”

This pack of Wolves led by seniors

One of those kids who will battle is senior Menalito McGee, who will be honored between the two games for scoring his 1,000th point in a Wolves uniform during a game in January.

The Wyoming High School Wolves boys basketball fans were into this Dec. 13 home game; this week’s game will be even more exciting. (Curtis Holt)

“Menalito is a great leader and is one of the best communicators we have ever coached,” Vander Klay said. “He leads the team in assists and rarely turns the ball over, particularly given the amount of time he has the ball in his hands.”

McGee is averaging an impressive 26.4 point per game this season, including shooting 47-of-82 from 3-point distance and 45-of-54 from the free-throw line, with 61 assists and only 15 turnovers.

“He has one agenda,” Vander Klay said. “ … to help us win. In his case that means he may have to score.”

But the Wolves are not a one-man team, as their record indicates, and have gotten great play from fellow seniors Marion Parks, Diego Ledesma, Monte Parks and Quincy Williams.

Marion Parks was a honorable mention All-Conference player last year and this season is averaging 12 points and nearly six rebounds a game.

“He had 27 against GR Christian in the first game to lead all scorers,” Vander Klay said. “He is a great athlete and competitor.”

Ledesma is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15 points per game, while Monte Parks is averaging eight points and five rebounds per game.

Wyoming High School basketball coach Thom Vander Klay, coaching. (Supplied)

“Ledesma is a very skilled player that continually works on his game to improve and loves the big games,” Vander Klay said. “Monte Parks is a great athlete and is fearless regarding competition. He can board, defend and score.

“Quincy Williams (leading the team in rebounds per game with just under seven per) is our role player that will continually battle and emerge with big plays on both ends of the floor even though he is perpetually undersized,” Vander Klay added.

Other players on the team include seniors TJ Chandler, Carlo Bass and Deion Parks, and juniors Jeremy Barber, Payton Lee, Joshua Anstey, Sam DeYoung, Mahki Matthews and Seth DeYoung.

Big night of basketball and ceremony

And, it if playing at home on a special night is not motivation enough, there is that matter of the Wolves only loss coming at Christian.

“Obviously, we believe we can improve one possession since the January 17 game,” Vander Klay said. “Certainly motivation is high for both teams to play well and we have been working on things for a long time.

“We emphasize our pace including making sure our opponent plays fast for as close to 32 minutes as possible. The faster the pace, overall, the better opportunity we have to win games. We hope Grand Rapids (Christian) will have to play 32 minutes at our pace to give us the best opportunity for victory.”

The planned Hall of Fame Ceremony — the induction of Joslyn Narber, Micah Bell, Craig Chappell, Rich Friberg, Sue Peterson, Paul Agema — is also set for between the two games.

The night will also be Wyoming Dance Senior Night, with performances at halftime of both games. There will also be a performance by the school’s honors choir and pep band, special student section t-shirts and an effort to set a student section attendance record, and the Wyoming Wolf Mascot bounding around.

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; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

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

Gov. Whitmer’s road bond plan discussed at Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters meeting

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WKTV offers on-demand viewing of the Wyoming and Kentwood high school sports, community events, and government meetings. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Local state legislators, and leaders from the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, weighed in on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plan to borrow $3.5 billion to rebuild the state’s deteriorating highways and bridges over a 5-year span, as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Feb. 10, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.

The Democratic governor unveiled the bonding plan during her second annual State of the State speech to lawmakers. It will enable the state Department of Transportation to do about twice as much construction on I-, U.S.- and M-numbered routes as it can now, she said in her speech. The funds would not be used to repair local roads.

But it was near unanimous opposition to, or at least serious questioning of, the Governor’s plan from local officials.

State Sen. Peter MacGregor (R), in part, pointed out that “bonding for the roads is not a solution” and compared such a plan to “financing the roads by putting it on credit cards.” While State Rep. Steve Johnson (R) said that when it comes to government financing “it is really easy to get into debt and really hard to get out.”

Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt also voiced their concerns.

Mayor Kepley said, in part, that “this is not long-term planning,” and Bolt pointed out that the increased state road work “doesn’t do any good for Wyoming” as it not have any funding for city roads.

Other discussion topics at the meeting included Kent County recycling efforts and the issue of drivers license documentation for undocumented immigrants.

The meeting, as always, was hosted by chamber member and moderator Kathy Batey and chamber president Bob O’Callaghan. The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.

The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

At the February meeting, state leaders also included Rep. Tommy Brann. On the federal level, the panel included Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, and Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2).

The Government Matters meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvlive.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

The next meeting will be March 9, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.

For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit WKTVjournal.org.

GVSU’s Veterans Upward Bound program featured on latest WKTV Journal In Focus

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is a follow-up with the Grand Valley State University Veterans Upward Bound program. In 2018, as the program was just started, we talked with its new director. Now we bring you two veterans working for and as part of the program — each with unique and moving stories to tell — to find out how it is working.

The Veterans Upward Bound program aims to provide academic and other services to military veterans with the goal of supporting their enrollment and success in postsecondary education.

With us are two members of the Upward Bound staff, Air Force veteran and soon-to-be college student Russell Coon, and Army veteran Belinda Coronado, who already has a degree from GVSU but is not yet done with her higher education efforts.

And Coon’s story is more than simply a vet finding help with higher education — his story is one of a vet finding his way in the world thanks to veterans support programs.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Busy Kathey Batey — WKTV volunteer, chamber moderator, etc. — honored for mediation work

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Kathey Batey in the WKTV studios talking about her various counseling and mediation and training efforts. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Kathey Batey is known for many things in the West Michigan community, including as an on-air volunteer at WKTV and as moderator of several Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce programs including its Government Matters.

But her day job — and her passion — is helping people overcome hardships as a domestic relations councilor and meditator.

That passion, late last year, earned her an award as Volunteer Meditator of the Year as part of the Dispute Resolution Center of Western Michigan 2019 Peacemaker Awards.

While she has a history in counseling and public speaking, in the last decade she has focused on mediation.

“My interest (in mediation) began when a man in my support group (Divorce Support Anonymous) about nine years ago, stated his legal fees were $129,000 and he wasn’t done with his divorce yet,” Batey said to WKTV. “I was so taken aback, since divorce is destructive enough for the individuals, the family, and especially the children, why should they devastate their finances as well?

“I had heard of mediation so I set out to find out how. I went through mediation training eight years ago and, since, have found mediation as a wonderful challenge that helps people, giving them control over their future with the power to self-determination of their future. And it saves them a lot of money. They can mediate with an attorney or on their own. When they mediate on their own I always advise they have an attorney review it prior to signing. Because the Mediation Agreement is legally binding.”

Also honored at the event, held in October 2019, was Grand Rapid Mayor Rosalyn Bliss.

The Dispute Resolution Center, at the time of the award ceremony, said of Batey:

“Kathey specializes in domestic relations mediation. She has been mediating with the Center since 2012 and has donated over 500 hours of her time. Her passion and dedication shine though everything she does. One recent mediation participant summed it up in her post-mediation survey, ‘I was appreciative of Kathey’s demeanor, skill in facilitation, and ability to keep on task . . . She was thorough and compassionate.’ Kathey is committed to helping those who find themselves faced with Divorce.”

The kind words from the center at the time of the award was an honor, Batey said.

“To be recognized for your commitment to this valuable organization and recognized for your skill as a mediator is very rewarding,” she said. “I believe in their cause and they provide mediation services on a sliding scale, the most it will be is $150 per person for 3 hours. So those without a lot of means can get these services and minimize legal costs.

“Plus, the only way to truly be skilled in any profession is to work at your skill continuously. There is a lot to know in the many facets of divorce. There are the individual needs, self-determination, financial issues, co-parenting children, the law, critical thinking. The art and science of a good question, discipline of the mind, dealing with multiple personalities, managing fears, tears and still maintaining professionalism.”

 

For Batey, however, there is also a very simple, and personal, reason for her mediation work with the Dispute Resolution Center and on her own — a reason that makes her earning a Peacemaker Award all the more fitting.

“It is a part of my giving back into the world,”, she said, referencing the biblical passage “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

The Dispute Resolution Center, also at the time of the Peacemaker Awards ceremony, said of Mayor Bliss:

“Bliss is the first woman mayor of Grand Rapids, MI.  In honor of United Nations International Day of Peace, she declared September 21, 2019 as the International Day of Peace in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Public Schools participated in activities throughout the week in honor of the occasion. The Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan is all about helping to create community and repairing broken relationships.  Mayor Bliss understands that,  ‘[H]aving a safe community is critical to our success, and that requires our continued commitment to strengthen community-police relations,’ Bliss said. ‘This requires building a strong foundation of trust between community members and our police officers.’”

For more information on the Dispute Resolution Center of Western Michigan, visit drcwm.org.

Batey is the author of “Suddenly Single: Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce” and, among other projects, is the founder of Divorce Support Anonymous. For more information on Batey and her other efforts, visit StayMarriedAmerica.com and/or spiritedpresentations.com.

Right Place leader Klohs, Ambassador Huntsman honored at World Affairs Council event

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The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s annual luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., was at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan annual luncheon to be honored with the group’s locally-focused inaugural Hillman-Orr Award, at the same event when the inaugural Vandenberg Prize for work on the world stage was presented.

The Vandenberg Prize was given to retired Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s annual luncheon at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)


The Vandenberg Prize went to retired Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman, who was honored in person at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, where a large crowd was in attendance Tuesday, Jan. 14.


But Klohs, who was raised in post-war Germany, spoke poignantly in her acceptance speech about Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg (1881-1951), who forged bipartisan support for the Marshall Plan and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and was appointed one of the first U.S. delegates to the then new United Nations.


“I grew up in the safety of NATO. I grew up with … (a German economy) predicated on the Marshall Plan,” Klohs said as she accepted her award but also honored the Vandenberg legacy. “So for that, every time I walk by the (senator’s) statue (near Rosa Parks Circle), I salute a little ‘Thank you’.”
But Klohs’ path of learning about the man who was a key figure in the Marshall Plan and NATO was not simple.

The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan’s Hillman-Orr Award was presented to Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., by Renee Tappen, market president for Bank of America. (Supplied/World Affairs Council)


Hank Meijer “wrote the definitive book on a senator I’d never heard of when I moved here,” Klohs said. “When I first met Hank, many years ago, he said to me ‘Birgit, there needs to be a Vandenberg Square in Germany.’ And I’m like ‘Who is Vandenberg?’ Another Dutch guy? And he’s like ‘No. Let me tell you about Senator Vandenberg.’


“And I was stunned. Growing up in Germany, in a divided Germany, we always lived in the shadow of the Soviet Union. Right? We all learned about the Marshall fund, and how it helped West Germany and the rest of Europe get back on its feet. Learned about NATO. But I’d never heard of the senator who was really the person behind the scenes the made the Marshall fund happen, who made NATO happen, who made the UN happen.


“And who brought along senators who were isolationists. (Other senators) who said ‘It is 1945, we won the war. We all go home and be done with it and leave those Europeans to themselves.’ But he (Vandenberg) had learned that after World War I, that didn’t work. He, who was an isolationist himself, became a globalist. And, frankly, we could use more globalists today.”


Vandenberg was also the inspiration for founding the local World Affairs Council in 1949 by Grand Rapids attorney (and later Federal Judge) Douglas Hillman and businessman Edgar Orr, for whom the Hillman-Orr Award was named, according to the council.


The Hillman-Orr Award was presented to Klohs by Renee Tappen, market president for Bank of America.


“There is likely nobody in this room who has not heard from Birgit Klohs on the importance of global economic ties between West Michigan and world partners,” Tappen said. “Under her leadership, as the CEO of 32 years, The Right Place has created 47,000 new jobs and spurred nearly 5 billion dollars in new investment in our local the economy.


“Birgit is a leading economic development strategist, collaborates with our local, our national and our state government on critical issues related to economic development.”


Klohs, however, pointed out that much of her work is encouraging local leaders to embrace internationalism, in business and in all things.


“I also wanted to spread the word in our region, that embracing international, that embracing people from other parts of the world, will enrich us. It does not make us poorer, it makes us richer,” she said. “And that, in fact, your competition today is no longer in Iowa or Indiana. But it is in Mexico. And it is in India. And it is in China.


“The more we embrace that competition, we will be stronger as a region for it. And so, the World Affairs Council has really modeled this thinking for the last 70 years. … It has always been the strength of this community to gather and embrace new thoughts.”

The entire award ceremony is available on YouTube at this link.

Local government leaders look ahead to 2020 at Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters meeting

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At the Jan. 13 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall were chamber member and moderator Kathy Bates, chamber president Bob O’Callaghan, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Local governmental leaders — from the mayors of Wyoming and Kentwood, to a county commissioner and state legislators, to representatives of federal officials — looked ahead to 2020 as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Jan. 13. at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.

The meeting, as always, was hosted by chamber member and moderator Kathy Batey and chamber president Bob O’Callaghan. The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.

The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

At the January meeting, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll represented their cities. Kent County Commissioner Monica Sparks was also present. State leaders included Sen. Peter MacGregor and Reps. Tommy Brann and Steven Johnson.

On the federal level, the panel included Brian Patrick, communications director for federal Rep. Bill Huizenga (Michigan Congressional District 2), and Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters.

The Government Matters meeting is rebroadcast on WKTV’s channels and on-demand website (wktvlive.com). This month’s meeting is available here.

The next meeting will be Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Wyoming City Hall.

For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.

WKTV In Focus podcast of Community Conversation on Immigration available on-demand

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WKTV Journal In Focus’s audio only podcast of a Community Conversation on Homelessness featured Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson moderating along with Marshall Kilgore and, from left, panelists Hillary Scholten and Bo Torres. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we bring you City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson’s Community Conversation on Immigration, held Thursday, Jan. 9, at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood.

The event was moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates, and included panelists Hillary Scholten, candidate for the U.S. 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, a Hispanic community leader.

WKTV Journal In Focus’s audio only podcast of a Community Conversation on Immigration set-up by Kentwood City Commissioner and community advocate Emily Bridson drew a crowd Jan. 9. (WKTV)

The conversation drew about 100 people, with standing room only, and included discussion on current immigration policies as well as the contributions made to the United States from immigrants — both documented and undocumented. It also included discussion on proposed Michigan governmental action to change the state’s driver’s license laws.

For a link to the ‘Community Conversation on Homelessness” audio podcast, click here.

Regular episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times).Individual interviews area also available on WKTV’s YouTube Channel at WKTVvideos.

Junior-led Godwin Heights girls basketball team has bright present, and future

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, WKTV Featured sports,
Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team in action against Wyoming Tri-unity Christian on Jan. 7. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Godwin Heights High School girls basketball team (5-1) closed out their early non-conference season schedule Tuesday, Jan. 6, with a convincing, if at times sloppy, 58-38 non-conference home win over Wyoming Tri-unity Christian.

And while the Wolverines’ schedule will get more challenging now as it enters OK-Conference Silver play Friday, Jan. 10, at Hopkins (3-3 in early season action), head coach Cassie Medina likes what she has seen from her team of nine juniors and one super freshman.

And she really likes what she thinks the team could become this season and next.

“I’m excited, because I had half of them (the juniors) on varsity last year, so we are still building,” Medina said to WKTV after the Tuesday game. “I feel like this year is the year and next year is the year.”

Medina is now 82-59 overall at Godwin, but is 77-44 without a losing season after going 5-15 in 2012-13, her first year leading the varsity.

Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team before a game Jan. 7. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

In the Tri-unity game, the Wolverines had seven players in the scoring column, led by center Jakaya Lay’s 15 points and freshman guard KaShari Babb’s 12 points. Guard Lashay Lee added nine points and forward Anika Clark eight.

Other juniors on the team include guards Lanaja Polk-Craig, Diamond Johnson and Hannah Barns, forward Shantil Johnson and center Jaida Walls.

Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team head coach Cassir Medina talks during a timeout in a Jan. 7 game. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

And while coach Medina feels she can and will get scoring — and tight defense — from just about anybody she puts on the court, Lay has been very impressive on both offense and defense in the paint, and Babb was is just beginning to show why she was too good to not play point guard/off guard on varsity.

Godwin Heights High School’s girls basketball team had nine juniors and one freshman, guard KaShari Babb, right. (WKTV)

Babb’s “basketball smarts is just too good, there is just no way she should be JV,” Medina said. “If you watch her, her basketball IQ, she sees layups inside, she sees open players. She is just too good.”

And Lay is not only developing into a scoring machine, but she rebounds and plays tough inside defense without drawing carless fouls — she did not have a single foul against Tri-unity.

“Her footwork is so good inside. For her size, she’s a little shorter (5-foot-9), her footwork is so nice,” Medina said. “The way she can get the ball and move … I’m amazed at the inside moves she has.”

But Medina knows that her team will need to get better, this season and next, starting with the conference opener this week.

“Tonight (against Tri-unity) was a little sloppy, we need to clean-up a lot of the turnovers,” she said. “But righty now we are doing a lot of things right.”

The Wolverines were 11-11 last season and were 4-6 in OK-Conference Silver play. They won two games in the state playoffs, including a 56-40 win over conference foe Kelloggsville, before falling to Grand Rapids South Christian in the Division 2 District 44 finals.

The Godwin Heights vs. Tri-unity game was a WKTV Sports Featured Game and is available on cable television and on-demand at WKTVlive.org.

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; On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

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

The high price of ‘free pets’

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The thrill is gone, and Bowser’s about to be kicked to the curb

By Victoria Mullen, WKTV

victoria@wktv.org


The holidays are over. The tree has been dragged outside for pick-up, the ornaments packed up and stored in the attic until next year, and that surprise pup you gave the kids for Christmas?


About to be kicked to the curb.


Alas, Bowser’s novelty has worn off, and the kids have moved on to the next new, shiny thing. Pup is growing fast, eating you out of house and home, and because no one makes time to train or exercise him, behavioral problems arise—chewing is a biggie; so, too, is possessiveness. If Bowser hasn’t been neutered, well, you can look forward to other ‘problems’.

He knows he’s been bad—just train him

So, you’re probably at your wits’ end, amiright? You’re thinking about rehoming the critter. Maybe take him to a shelter and let someone else deal with the behavioral issues.


Or possibly you’re taking another tack. Maybe you’re thinking of posting Bowser on Craig’s List and other social media sites. Something like this, perhaps: ‘Cute puppy FREE to a good home’.


First off:

Always charge a rehoming fee. Always.

We get it. Sometimes life circumstances precipitate the need for rehoming. Holiday gift disaster aside, maybe you’re moving overseas, or perhaps there is a severe illness or death in the family.

Animal testing

Anyway you slice it, rehoming can be a challenge: On the one hand, you want to be open-minded to different ways of life, yet you don’t want Bowser to fall into nefarious hands. 


“The danger with free pets is that people are devious,” said Ginny Mikita, animal advocate and attorney in Rockford, Michigan. “Some acquire free animals to supply to medical testing facilities.”


Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to discern the true motivation for potential adopters wanting a free animal, Mikita said. Dog fight trainers acquire animals in myriad ways. Live bait animals come from shelters or from ‘free to good home’ ads. Some animals are stolen out of yards.


Maybe someone responding to your ad shows up on your doorstep looking clean-cut and respectable. It’s a common ruse. In Florida, a young man and a woman purporting to be his grandmother led a family to believe that their pet would be a companion animal for the elder. The family waived their rehoming fee. Once home, however, the two tossed the pup into a cage with a fighting dog; things did not end well.


Maybe you’re not all that fond of Bowser, but would you really want something like that to happen to him?

Puppy mills—the reality

Other atrocities abound. Aside from cats and submissive canines becoming bait for fighting dogs, smaller animals become food for snakes or star in crush videos—and we’re not talking Hollywood. (We’ll wait here while you look it up.)


Some people want free animals so that they can breed them—un-neutered Bowser could end up neglected in a puppy mill, producing scores of unsocialized, ill pups, and living in a small cage without vet care or affection.


And then there are the hoarders, people with a compulsion to collect free animals. We’ve all read stories about how that ends up.

The best way to ensure that your pet is going to a bonafide good home is to post a rehoming fee and to vet prospective adopters carefully. Here are some tips:

• Visit the home. Speak with other members of the family and ask questions—are there other pets in the household? Where will Bowser live? Who will care for him? Does anyone have allergies? Are all family members aware that Bowser is being adopted?
• If you can’t visit, ask someone to visit the home for you. Perhaps the interested party lives far away from you. Ask a rescue in the town to perform a home visit for you. Some rescues have volunteers that will help facilitate long-distance adoptions.
• Ask for personal references. And call the references—ask if the interested party takes good care of their current or former pets. See if you can find out what happened to their past pets. Did they die of natural causes?
• Ask for a vet reference. Call their present or former veterinarian about the party’s other pets and how well they were cared for. At the very least, the vet can confirm that the party has a relationship with the vet. Ask if the vet recommends the party as a good guardian.
• Check animal abuser registries. Michigan doesn’t have one set up yet, but other states might. In response to pressure from the public, registries are becoming more commonplace.
• Google the potential adopter. Google is an amazing resource. A search may turn up past crimes.
• Be prepared to take Bowser back. Sometimes even the best intentions don’t work out—maybe Bowser can’t stand the new family’s other pet. Maybe a family member discovers a previously unknown allergy. Keep Bowser safe by being ready to take him back; let the adopter know that you are willing to do so if things don’t work out.
• Have the adopter sign an adoption contract. Here’s a boilerplate pet adoption contract that can be downloaded and printed out.
• Beware of Craigslist. There are reputable animal databases like Petfinder, breed-specific rescue sites, and local shelters. Most people sourcing animals on Craigslist are looking for free cats and dogs; these people can come off as charming and are confident that they can get you to waive the re-homing fee. Don’t risk it.
• Check out breed rescues. If your pet is a purebred, contact a breed-specific rescue, which will perform a thorough vetting of any potential adopter.

From Lin, Doris. (2019, October 24). Why You Should Never Give Pets Away ‘Free to a Good Home’. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/dont-give-pets-away-free-127759

This… is how it should be

Pets are a huge part of our lives; they’re family. Companion animals give emotional support and help reduce stress levels. They ease the pain of loneliness and encourage us to get involved in social activities. They offer unconditional love and can boost a child’s self-esteem.


In return, as responsible pet owners we have a duty to ensure that our animal friends are kept healthy and fit, are exercised regularly, consume nutritious food, and are provided with love and affection, as well as proper housing and care. And if you absolutely cannot keep him, make sure that the home he is going to will be safe and that the family will give him love and affection.

On Nov. 25, 2019, the president signed the bipartisan Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act into law, making it federally illegal to engage in cruelty to animals. The bill immediately went into effect, meaning those found violating the act could be federally prosecuted, fined, and jailed for up to seven years.



Feel Like You Belong: Sergio Cira Reyes–Movimiento Cosecha

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, ,

By Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong


An estimated 11 million residents of the United States do not have formal authorization to live there. Some overstayed visas. Others crossed the border illegally in search of work, safety, or family members.


Over the years, they have become contributing members of their respective communities: from Savannah to Spokane, from Albany to Albuquerque. They clean our hotel rooms, pick our produce, construct buildings, and even start businesses in their adopted cities.


Born of the farmworker movement, Cosecha (Spanish for “harvest”) is advocating for life with dignity for all immigrants. Sergio Cira Reyes explains how.


Reprinted with permission from Feel Like You Belong.


Kentwood city commissioner to host ‘Community Conversation’ on immigration

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A scene from Emily Bridson’s Community Conversation on Homelessness (and WKTV podcast) at Broad Leaf Local Beer in Kentwood in late 2019. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

A part of her continuing community conversations, City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson will co-host a Community Conversation on Immigration, focused on America’s immigration policies, on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 5:30-7 p.m., at Broad Leaf Local Beer.

“The New Year promises to be a polarizing time in our country’s history and we need to find a way to work together,” Bridson said about the planned event. “Let’s gather for a candid community dialogue on immigration. We will discuss licenses for all, detainment, and health care, to name a few.”

The panel will include Hillary Scholten, Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, and Bo Torres, local Hispanic community leader.

The event will be moderated by Bridson and Marshall Kilgore, Western Michigan Director for United Precinct Delegates.

WKTV Community Media will be on-hand to create a podcast of the discussion.

Emily Bridson (WKTV)

“As I research and learn more about immigration issues, I was fortunate to be invited to attend a large meeting last month where local organizations that serve immigrants gathered to create a plan to ensure that President Trump’s Executive Order 13888 (EO), which focuses on refugee resettlement in our communities, would be addressed by his established deadlines,” Bridson said.

On Dec. 17, 2019, the Kentwood City Commission voted to allow further resettlement in our city.

“It was a night of heartfelt personal stories where community members shared their memories of making Kentwood their home,” Bridson said. “We know Kentwood is a special place and it is because we embrace cultures and people from around the world in all of our neighborhoods.”

Bridson pointed out that in a recent study, the economic impact of foreign-born residents of Kent County contributed nearly $3.3 billion to the county’s GDP.

“The numbers speak for themselves on the continued positive impact immigrants have in our community,” she said.

“Our first community conversation was focused on discussing solutions to address homelessness,” Bridson said. Kilgore and Bridson “had over 50 interested community members join us.  Bringing our community together to find solutions to pressing issues has been the driving force behind our efforts.”

For a link to that WKTV podcast, visit here.

Broad Leaf Local Beer is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook, Kentwood. For more information on the event visit here.

Broad Leaf Local Beerwill donate a portion of the proceeds to The Refugee Education Center.

‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow?’

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By Ginny Mikita, Animal Blessings


“Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.” — unknown


Almost without exception, someone during the monthly grief support group I facilitate will ask about or refer to ‘The Legend of the Rainbow Bridge’.


The Rainbow Bridge tells of a pastoral place filled with green meadows and hills located just outside of Heaven’s gates. According to the Legend, when a companion animal dies, he goes to this place — free of illness and injury but saddened by the continuing absence of his human companion. The animal, it continues, playfully romps with other animals as they patiently await the arrival of their human companions. Upon the death of an animal’s human companion, the two reunite to walk over the Bridge into Heaven, hand-in-paw, to live eternally ever after.


It is unknown who originally penned The Rainbow Bridge. A number of people claim authorship including the following: Paul C. Dahm, a grief counselor who is said to have written the poem in 1981 and published it in a 1998 book of the same name; William N. Britton, author of Legend of Rainbow Bridge; and Dr. Wallace Sife, head of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, whose poem All Pets Go to Heaven appears on the Association’s website as well as in his book, The Loss of a Pet.


Today, The Rainbow Bridge appears in publications as well as websites throughout the world. Veterinarians routinely provide copies to their human clients upon the death of a companion animal. There are a stack of take-home cards with the words printed on them sitting on a small table alongside a box of tissues in the Serenity Room, the room offered to people whose animals have just died, at the Humane Society. The Legend has inspired writers to gently dissect the rainbow by color and meaning and use it as a launching point for the development of a grieving kit. There is even an interactive virtual memorial home for companion animals at http:/www.rainbowsbridge.com.

The Rainbow Bridge is undergirded by what some would believe to be religious ideas of an afterlife and Heaven. While none of the world’s religions ascribe to such a place, in Genesis, the first book of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in the Judeo-Christian tradition, after the Flood, God establishes a covenant Noah and “every living creature.” God tells Noah to keep an eye out for rainbows, as they will forever serve as a reminder of God’s eternal promise.


The Legend also shares similarities with the setting of Canadian Margaret Marshall Saunders’ 1902 book, Beautiful Joe’s Paradise. Her book was a sequel to her 1893 story, Beautiful Joe, for which she had won a Humane Society writing contest. Saunders’ vision in her book differs slightly from that of The Rainbow Bridge. In Saunders’ imagination, companion animals arrive to a green land to heal and learn from neglect and abuse suffered during their lives. When ready, animals are taken to Heaven by a balloon.


When The Rainbow Bridge is broached in our Group, the reactions mimic those I’ve received to my informal inquiry made in preparation for writing this month’s column. Most people experience an extreme response. Either the Legend provides a great source of comfort, or it evokes an expression of scornful derision.


Yesterday, a veterinarian friend of mine shared her love-hate relationship with the idea. On the one hand, she finds it to be a kitschy cliché to which people desperately cling for comfort. On the other, it actually is a source of deep comfort and healing. She went on to share that she had recently attended a conference in which The Rainbow Bridge was put to music and played during a guided grief meditation. My friend admitted to being instantly reduced to tears.


In the end, the critical question isn’t whether one believes in the existence of The Rainbow Bridge or not. What matters is whether The Rainbow Bridge is a meaningful source of comfort and light in the painful and dark journey of grieving.

Animal advocate and attorney Ginny Mikita is the founder of Animal Blessings, an organization dedicated to honoring the sacred worth of all animals. Mikita’s companion animal loss support services include facilitating a monthly Companion Animal Loss Grief Support Group, officiating an annual Memorial Service in December, writing grief columns for local publications and speaking at gatherings — local and national — of animal care and protection professionals. Additionally, Mikita regularly officiates Blessings of the Animals in both religious and secular environments.



Old school jazz trio, visiting voices, to debut series at The Listening Room on Jan. 4

Entertainment, Going Local, Local Faces, Reviews, Upcoming Events, , ,
Max Colley latest release, “Jubilee”, includes Jimmy Cobb, Jon Faddis and others. Locally, he has played with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra and Gumbo Nuveau, as well as leading the Max Colley III Quartet. (Supplied/Max Colley III)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Listening Room, one of Grand Rapids newest music venues, will debut a new jazz series this week when the Robin Connell Trio, with opening night special guest trumpeter Max Colley III, hits the stage Saturday, Jan. 4.

While the venue, located at Studio Park at 123 Ionia Ave SW, is definitely new, having opened late last year, the idea of jazz in an intimate setting where sipping a cocktail and listening to some jazz in small club setting, is perfectly old-school.

Robin Connell (Supplied)

“It’s a wonderful venue for those who love live music and enjoy listening … It is designed such that it could very well function as a jazz club on a par with NYC clubs that require people to refrain from talking,” local pianist Robin Connell said to WKTV. “The (venue general manager) … described it to me as ‘a music room with drinks vs a bar with music.’ … (and) he is bringing in an eclectic mix of genres, including some jazz.

 

“This (new) series is loosely based on what I did at The Harris Building four years ago, which was loosely based on the old style jazz club that hired a ‘house’ trio to back touring artists such as Charlie Parker & Billie Holiday,” Connell said.

The jazz nights will start at 7:30 p.m., with doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $12, with open seating, drinks available for purchase, and a parking garage attached — “So no outdoor hassle (park on 2nd floor to walk right in),” we are told.

Connell’s “house trio”, which will usually have with Rob Hartman on bass and Keith Hall on the drums, are scheduled to feature Colley and his trumpet to open. From then, the monthly series will have Ivan Akansiima, on guitar and piano, on Feb. 6; Paul Brewer, on trombone but also a fine composer, on March 7; and wrapping up the initial winter series on April 1 with Carl Cafagna on woodwinds — “Almost all of ‘em and vocals, too!” Connell says.

Max Colley III, according to his website, received music education degree from Central Michigan University, has studies with the likes of Jon Faddis, and has won awards including outstanding soloist at the Aquinas College, CMU and Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festivals, and won the Jimmy Forrest Memorial Scholarship.

In 2016, he released the recording “Jubilee”, which includes Jimmy Cobb, Faddis, “and many other jazz luminaries!” Locally, he has played with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, The Truth in Jazz Orchestra and Gumbo Nuveau, as well as leading the Max Colley III Quartet.

And while Connell is looking forward to the series and all her guests, she is also looking forward to playing the house piano.

“I played there Dec. 15 in a collage type concert … I was the only jazzer in a wonderful lineup of singer songwriters,” Connell said to WKTV. “After I waxed on about the piano, a woman reached out to me and said the piano had been her grandmother’s. A man nearby then told me the piano had been his mother’s. So I realized then that I was meeting the owners of Studio Park since I knew it was their piano in the club.”

For more information on the jazz series and all concerts at The Listening Room, visit listeningroomGR.com or call 616-900-9500. For more info on Max Colley III, visit maxcolley3.weebly.com . For more information on Robin Connell, visit robinconnell.com .

Snapshots: 2019 WKTV Journal social advocacy interviews you might have missed

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Volunteers, WKTV Journal In Focus

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice …, the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Supporting parole reentry

In Focus talks with Todd Cioffi, an associate professor at Calvin College, and director of Calvin Prison Initiative. This five-year program results in a bachelor of arts degree from Calvin College, but it is much more than simply an educational effort. Go here for the story and YouTube link.

Working on poverty in Kent Co.

WKTV Journal In Focus talks with Susan Cervantes, the Director of the Kent County Community Action program which, according to its 2018 annual report, served more than 7,000 individuals including more than 3,800 families, and also handled more than 42,000 information and referral calls. Go here for the story and YouTube video link.

Helping homeless LGBTQ-plus youth

WKTV Journal In Focus talked to two members of Grand Rapids HQ, a drop-in center for youth ages 14-24 in housing crisis, including but not limited to LGBTQ-plus youth. Go here for the story and YouTube video link.

Facts to Give Hope:

$30 billion and $75 billion

The National Retail Federation (NRF) placed holiday spending in 2018 at nearly $30 billion. Foundation giving in 2018 increased to $75.86 billion. Source.

Writers with local ties create fictional history novel focused on Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Travel,
Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

What if? … The great premise of many a great horror and historical fiction novel. So why not write a mashup?

That is sort-of what Steven Hopstaken and Melissa Prusi have written with “Stoker’s Wilde”, a ‘what if …” that finds Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, contemporaries who lived from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s, thrown together to “face a vampire cult determined to open the Gates of Hell.”

Hopstaken and Prusi, who now live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, both have long ties to West Michigan and to WKTV Community Media.

“We worked on the novel for almost a decade before finding a publisher,” Hopstaken recently said to WKTV. “It came out in May 2019 from Flame Tree Press and is available in hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook. The sequel, ‘Stoker’s Wilde West’, was also sold … It picks up the story of Bram and Oscar in the American west.”

Hopstaken is from Wyoming originally and graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1981. Prusi is from Negaunee, in the Upper Peninsula, and she worked at WKTV from 1987 to 1991 — one of her highlights from that time, she said, was “directing a 36-hour live TV show to land (the station) in the Guinness Book of World Records.” She is also a three-time champion on the quiz show Jeopardy!

“Stoker’s Wilde” is described in promotional material this way:

“Years before either becomes a literary legend, Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde must overcome their disdain for one another to battle the Black Bishop, a mysterious madman wielding supernatural forces to bend the British Empire to his will. With the help of a European vampire expert, a spirited actress and an American businessman, our heroes fight werewolves, vampires and the chains of Victorian morality. The fight will take them through dark forests in Ireland, the upper-class London theater world and Stonehenge, where Bram and Oscar must stop a vampire cult from opening the gates of Hell.”

Sounds like quite a ride, for the reader and the writers.

“The research was definitely a lot of fun,” Hopstaken said. “We kept finding new characters and weird historical quirks to put into the book, such as Oscar Wilde’s roommate, Frank Miles, who was a noted portrait painter. He went a little crazy and was actually suspected of being Jack the Ripper, so of course we had to write him in. Bram stole Oscar’s fiancée from him and whisked her off to London, we had to put that in the book.

“We did take a trip to Dublin and London. It was amazing walking the same streets as the characters. We also visited Stonehenge and decided that is where the final scene of the novel would take place.”

Additionally, their research turned up a few surprises, and great plot twists.

Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde. (Historic photos)

“Bram was very ill as a child and nearly died,” Hopstaken said. “He made a miraculous recovery and became a star athlete at school. His illness and recovery became a plot point in the novel.


“Oscar Wilde’s mother collected and wrote about Irish folklore and was an expert in the supernatural, so we featured her as a character in the novel. Also, despite having a reputation for being a writer, Oscar Wilde only published one novel throughout his life. “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” so like Bram Stoker, he is most famous for writing a supernatural story. “Stoker’s Wilde” has them both getting their ideas for their novels from coming in contact with vampires.”

The writing style of the novel, while very unique, does borrow elements from the past as well. The writers use various narrative points-of-view — characters, but also letters, journal entries, news clippings.

“It’s the same way ‘Dracula’ is written, so we thought it would be fun to copy Bram Stoker’s style,” Hopstaken said. “It’s not the easiest way to write a book, but it did give us the chance to hear first-hand from both our main characters, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, as well as may of the supporting characters.”

For more information on “Stoker’s Wilde” and “Stoker’s Wilde West”, and to find various ways to read, visit flametreepress.com.

Bigger than sports, Godwin Heights basketball game honored military veterans

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From left, U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt, veterans Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer, and U.S. Marine Petty Officer Jordan Beemer. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

When the South Christian Sailors boys basketball team visited Godwin Heights High School Tuesday for the Wolverines 2019-20 season season opener, the score mattered a little — the Sailors won, 63-46.

But what really mattered that night, in a WKTV Sports Featured Game, which was recorded and available WKTV video on-demand, was that the game was also a special Salute to Soldiers game with two veterans honored in pre-game ceremonies.

The two special guests honored — by the school, the crowd and by the presence of two active duty military personal — were Ken McKenney, a 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, and Pete Zimmer, a 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who served during World War II.

“As an athletic program, we were excited to show our support to veterans and current military personnel for the day-to-day protection they provide for our country,” Godwin Heights athletic director Robert Hisey said to WKTV. “We understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by the families of our service members. This sacrifice allows our military personnel to fulfill their responsibilities and allows us to go about our daily events without worry.”

Godwin Athletic Director Robert Hisey, center, introducing the school’s Salute to Soldiers ceremony on Dec. 10. He is joined by active duty military and other veteran personnel. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The event had the two honored veterans first standing alone on each end of the gym floor, while in the middle were other veterans and active duty personal attending the game — most notably military service recruiter U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Fugitt and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jordan Beemer, both in uniform.

There was special music provided by students of Godwin Heights and then brief histories of the honored veterans, McKenny and Zimmer, were read by one player from South Christian and one by Godwin Heights. The players and coaches of each team then met the veterans one-on-one to shake hands and pay their respects.

Veteran Ken McKenney being honored by a South Christian student end athlete. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

McKenney, according to the introduction, was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1967. Following boot camp, and various stateside training, he went to Vietnam in 1968. During that deployment, he was awarded two Purple Heart medals (for being wounded in battle). During his two-year tour, in 1968-69, he served with the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division and with the 184th Ordnance Battalion.

McKenny wrote a book about his Vietnam War experiences, dedicated to “the many brave soldiers who were not able to return home.”

Zimmer joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, and served during World War II from 1944 to 1946 on three different ships in the South Pacific. He was recalled in 1950 to Fighter Squadron 821, to serve in the Korean War on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex. He was honorably discharged in 1952 and returned home to continue his education.

Zimmer remains “active and enthusiastic” serving our community in various volunteer capacities and is a member of the American Legion.

“It was a great honor to have both Ken McKenney and Pete Zimmer as our guests at our “Salute to Soldiers” event,” Hisey said. “Both Ken and Pete were an easy choice as Ken was the recipient of two Purple Hearts during the Vietnam War and Pete had experienced both WW II and the Korean War.”

  

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.

Cat of the week: Swiffer

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Swiffer is a favorite with the ladies. You’ll swoon, too.

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


Here is stunning Swiffer’s story as we know it, told by the woman who rescued him.


“This handsome hunk (Dr. Jen estimates he was born in early 2015) joined our two feral cats, Floyd and Goldie behind the church on Pleasant SE by Division in late March of 2019. I got him neutered at CSNIP in April. When we fed him, he was as interested in getting attention as in eating his food, and gradually he started following me to my car when I would leave.


“Finally I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I took him home to be tested and vaccinated—I figured if he was unhappy at the house, I could always take him back. He is sooooo happy at the house. I could never take him to the Humane Society. He loves me and I love him—and I know I can’t keep him but it will be hard to say good-bye. He really gets along well with the other cats. He comes in the bathroom with me so we can have our alone time. Did I say that I love him and that he is my boyfriend?”


Well, we hate to be the ones to tell the rescuer that her gray guy has acquired quite a few girlfriends since his arrival at Crash’s in November! It is easy to see why everyone who has come into contact with him is absolutely delighted by his gentle demeanor and dashing good looks:


“Swiffer—he is one big, gorgeous fluff ball! How this guy ended up homeless is beyond me because he is such a gentle boy who loves people and attention. His rescuer mentioned that he would probably let us know if he felt too overwhelmed, and sure enough, the first couple days he did with a quick swat. Now that he’s acclimated, although a little shy, he’s very relaxed and really enjoys indoor life and having friends. He doesn’t mind having his long hair brushed, which is important because he will definitely require it to be done a couple times a week, if not daily. He’d do well in a home with older kids, a cat buddy or two, and lots of attention (LOTS!).”


We’re pretty confident that once this biography hits the internet and the people looking for a lovely, lifetime companion feast their eyes on Swiffer that he is going to get swept off of his feet and into his fur-ever home!

More about Swiffer:

  • Domestic Medium Hair
  • Gray/Blue/Silver
  • Adult
  • Male
  • Extra Large
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Good in a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Swiffer? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.




City of Kentwood promotes Capt. Bryan Litwin to Deputy Police Chief

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Deputy Chief Bryan Litwin. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

By City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood has promoted Capt. Bryan Litwin to deputy police chief of the Kentwood Police Department.

Previously serving as captain of the Professional Standards Division, Litwin succeeds Richard Roberts, who was appointed to the role of police chief in November.

As deputy chief, Litwin is responsible for assisting with the planning, coordination and management of the City’s police, code enforcement and traffic engineering functions and staff.


 
“The leadership, communication and strategic planning skills Bryan has demonstrated during his more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement with the Kentwood Police Department made him the perfect candidate for this position,” Chief Roberts said. “He has proven to be an invaluable asset to the department’s success, demonstrating his clear dedication to the department, profession and service to our residents.”

“I have complete confidence Bryan will continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership in his new role.”

Litwin began service to the City of Kentwood as a patrol officer in 1999. Litwin has also served as a field training officer, community services officer, staff services bureau officer, special response team member and team commander. He has been a member of the training committee and now serves as its chair.

He was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and then to captain in 2016, where he has overseen the Professional Standards Division and served as the public information officer. Also in that role, Litwin oversaw the police cadet program to recruit and develop future police officers.


This past summer, Litwin helped to implement the City’s first Youth Police Academy, which gave high school students and recent high school graduates hands-on experience in a variety of police-related tasks.

During his tenure with the City of Kentwood, Litwin has also taught ethics in law enforcement to police academy recruits at Grand Valley State University and developed GVSU’s Police Academy Subject Control program. The program includes instruction on safe subject-control tactics, use-of-force constitutional amendments and federal and state case law.


With a commitment to professional development, Litwin has completed numerous trainings, including: Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations, Michigan Association of Chief of Police Executives Training, Public Agency Training Council’s class on internal affairs, DeWolf & Associates’ Public Information Officer program, West Michigan Tactical Officers Association’s SWAT Leader and Commander seminar, Grand Rapids Police Department Leadership Institute and Force Science Institute.

Litwin sits on the board of the West Michigan Criminal Justice Training Consortium and serves as vice chairman for the GVSU Police Academy Advisory Board. Litwin has also served as president of the West Michigan Tactical Officers Association.

Litwin attended Grand Valley State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.

 

Animal law: WKTV Journal In Focus interviews local lawyer, animal advocate

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we discuss the evolving world of animal law, specifically efforts to have a legal system that recognizes the rights of all animals but especially animals that some call pets.

We will talk with Ginny K. Mikita of the Mikita Kruse Law Center in North Kent County and find out about her work with Attorneys For Animals, a group whose mission is based in their belief that “animals have a purpose of their own and inherent value.” The group works within the legal system to that end and encourages efforts to ensure that animals are “recognized, treated and protected as individuals.”

Mikita also talks about her work supporting humans grieving for their companion animals which they have lost.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

City of Kentwood appreciates, welcomes community volunteers serving on boards, committees and commissions

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David and Dwell Moore, City of Kentwood volunteers. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

There are a multitude of reasons City of Kentwood residents volunteer to serve on its various boards, committees and commissions — from wanting to give back to their community to enjoying interacting with other citizens with common interests, just to name two.

And while the city appreciates its volunteers year-around, it toasted them with a special volunteer reception Nov. 21 at the Kent District Library’s Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch community room as city leaders mixed with volunteers “that make the City of Kentwood special” at a night of celebration, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

Two examples of fairly-new residents of Kentwood serving the city are husband and wife David and Dwell Moore.

“I joined the parks and rec committee a little over a year ago, just to be part of the community,” David said to WKTV at the event. “We have seven kids and we thought it would be interesting to be part of the community and actually contribute to making the city a better place for recreation.”

Dwell, who is on the Historic Preservation Commission, said “I love history and, so, I enjoy learning more about Kentwood and the town I live in. We’ve been here three years and it has been really interesting to learn about this community we moved to.”

City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, at the event, said he sees community involvement as essential to the city.

“For a city of function properly, it has to be a community effort,” Mayor Kepley said to WKTV. “It has to be a community that volunteers, that gets involved in all levels of government, all levels of service. … a successful city will have a strong volunteer group.”

Other examples of citizen involvement are Gerry Noorman, who volunteers at the city’s Heritage Room in the library, as well as Kevin Small, who has a long history on the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Kevin Small, center, was one of the City of Kentwood volunteer recently hosted at a reception. (WKTV)

“I got on it because my backyard is right on Jaycee Park,” Small said. “The city has some great parks, its got some fantastic programs. … It is just a good feeling (to serve), I guess.”

The City of Kentwood welcomes residents to participate in a variety of boards and committees as, according to its website, “community involvement is the key to keeping Kentwood a great community.”

Among the current openings are positions on Historic Preservation Commission, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. For more information and to apply, visit kentwood.us.

Santa Claus Girls, still at home in Kentwood, have work to be done and support needed

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Phyllis Lockhart (left) and Pat French ate part of the 2019 Santa Claus Girls army of volunteers. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Even after 110 years, two things remain constant for the Santa Claus Girls this time of the year: an army of volunteers are working to wrap and package gift bundles to be delivered to thousands of Western Michigan kids, and they could always use a little more community support.

Undated historic photo of Santa Claus Girls. (Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)

The Santa Claus Girls’s history in Kent County dates from 1909 and these days they operate out of the Knoll Inc. building on 36th in Kentwood — from where they delivered more than 13,500 gift packages in 2018 and hope to meet or beat that number this year.

“We are all very excited to help our community,” Maggie Moerdyke, a buyer for the Santa Claus Girls, said to WKTV this week. “And we want the public to know that if you know somebody that has a need, or anyone who has been displaced, please have them register” for gift delivery, at santaclausgirls.org.

And while the kids each get a new toy and candy — What else would be expected? —they also get hand-made, knitted winter hats and mittens. And shine very young kids have other, very specific, needs which donors might not think about.

“Our donations are coming in hot and heavy, but we still need receiving blankets, crocheted or knitted or out of flannel, as well as infant toys, and 1-year-old and 2-year-old stuffed animals that have sewn eyes or painted eyes,” Moerdyke said. “That would be awesome.”

Steve Loar, a Santa Claus Girls volunteer. (WKTV)

Of course, there is still current need for gift wrapping and package-assembly help currently at their Kentwood location, as well volunteers to join the army of drivers to deliver the packages in mid-December.

“People can go too our website, santaclausgirls.org, to sign up as drivers for (Saturday) December 14 … they will be in half-hour blocks, and each driver will have approximately 10 to 12 on their route,” Moerdyke said. “And as to working on the line, that is also online … and we will need lots of help after Thanksgiving.”

While somethings do not change — the need in the community and the willingness of Santa Claus Girls to help meet that need, for examples — Moerdyke said every year something new comes along to inspire her and the army of volunteers.

This year, she said, there are five families that, in lieu of giving each other Christmas presents, are taking collections and making donations to the Santa Claus Girls efforts. “I think that is amazing.”

For more information visit santaclausgirls.org or visit their Facebook page.

For a video of the program, produced by one of the Santa Claus Girls’ family, see below:

Ron Draayer takes seat on Kentwood City Commission

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By City of Kentwood

Ron Draayer. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

Ron Draayer, who was elected to Kentwood City Commission as a second ward commissioner during the Nov. 5 election, took the oath of office on Nov. 13 for the four-year term, filling the seat of former commissioner Michael Brown, who served four consecutive terms.

“We are pleased to welcome Ron Draayer to the Commission and look forward to working with him,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We anticipate that his professional insight – especially with respect to technology and cybersecurity – will be a benefit to the City Commission and our community.

“We also want to thank Commissioner Michael Brown for his service to the City of Kentwood and its residents for these past 16 years on City Commission. We deeply appreciate his dedication to our mission and his professionalism in which he represented himself and our City. We will miss our time with him and his expertise that he consistently brought to the Commission.”

A resident of Kentwood since 2016, Draayer brings 40 years of knowledge in education, technology and cybersecurity to the role. He recently retired as a classroom professor at Davenport University.

Draayer previously served as a board member of Michigan InfraGard, an FBI organization that works with law enforcement, business leaders and academic professionals to help protect electrical, water, transportation and other infrastructure assets.

He has also been a local and state advisor for Business Professionals of America, or BPA, a national organization that promotes student growth and achievement through academic competitions. Draayer served on the National Board of BPA and has established a middle-level BPA program in Michigan designed for middle-level and junior-high students.

“I am truly honored to be able to serve the City of Kentwood and the residents of Ward 2,” Draayer said. “Kentwood is a very special City with people whose origins are from all over the world.

“I pledge to work hard and ensure Kentwood continues to be a community where people can raise their families in good neighborhoods.”

Draayer holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College, a master’s in management from Aquinas College and a Master of Science from Ferris State University.

City of Kentwood promotes Richard Roberts to Police Chief

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Chief Richard Roberts is sworn in as the new City of Kentwood Police Department’s leader. (Supplied)

By City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood has promoted Richard Roberts to chief of the Kentwood Police Department.

Roberts succeeds former Police Chief Thomas Hillen, who retired after a distinguished law enforcement career spanning four decades – including more than 10 years with the City of Kentwood. In his new role, Roberts will lead a team of nearly 95 personnel, including 70 sworn police officers.

As chief, Roberts will work to reinforce the department culture, aim to recruit and hire individuals who are representative of Kentwood’s diverse community and collaborate with other departments on efforts that benefit the community at-large. He will also continue to provide the best training and equipment possible and hold the department accountable under best practices and policies through State of Michigan Accreditation.

“Throughout Chief Roberts’ more than three decades of service to the City of Kentwood, he has played an integral role in creating a positive culture and fulfilling the department’s mission,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “He is the best candidate to continue the tremendous service provided by our department under Thomas Hillen’s tenure.

“I have complete confidence he will continue to demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication in his new role. I look forward to future departmental accomplishments achieved under his supervision.”

Roberts first joined the Kentwood Police Department in 1987 as a police paramedic. During his more than 30 years with the City of Kentwood, Roberts has served in many different roles, including 24 years of supervisory and management experience, giving him a thorough knowledge of police operations.

In addition to his paramedic experience, he also served as a detective, field training officer, field training supervisor, road patrol supervisor, Staff Services Bureau supervisor and Detective Bureau supervisor. He also served on the crisis negotiating team.

Roberts was promoted to captain of the Patrol Division in December 2012, where he implemented the Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety, or DDACTS, program before being appointed deputy police chief in August 2017. He is the first in Kentwood to move through the ranks from patrol officer to police chief.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our community with the great men and women of the Kentwood Police Department in this capacity,” Roberts said. “We will continue to commit ourselves to serving the community with excellence and seeking opportunities to increase our value of service.”

Roberts recently attended the prestigious FBI National Academy, an executive school for law enforcement, which has some of the best training a law enforcement executive can obtain. Participation is by invitation only, through a nomination process. Participants are drawn from every U.S. state and territory and from international partner nations.

He has also completed a number of leadership courses, including Grand Valley State University’s project management within criminal justice agencies, Michigan State University’s leadership and risk management, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Executive School and Grand Rapids Police Department’s Leadership Institute.

Roberts is a member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Municipal League’s Law Enforcement Action Forum, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and FBI National Academy Associates.

Prior to joining the Kentwood Police Department, he served as deputy corrections officer at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and as a Roosevelt Park police officer. He received his associate degree in criminal justice from Grand Rapids Community College and is a graduate of Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s police staff and command.

Local leaders hear from vets at Chamber’s Veterans Day Government Matters meeting

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The Veterans Day panel at the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce’s WKTV Government Matters discussion heard from veteran Travis Snyder and others. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Federal, state, county and city government leaders and representatives listened to veterans telling their inspiring stories and express their concerns about government services Monday, Nov. 11, as the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum was fittingly held at Kentwood’s AMVETS Post 23.

WKTV recorded the meeting, which also included some discussion on state government budget issues, and not is only rebroadcasting it on WKTV’s channels but also making it available on WKTV’s on-demand website (wktvlive.org).

The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.

The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect local residents, businesses — and veterans and their families.

For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.

The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org.

WKTV Journal In Focus spotlights Grand Rapids HQ’s efforts for homeless youth

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus, we talk two members of Grand Rapids HQ, a drop-in center for youth ages 14-24 in housing crisis, including but not limited to LGBTQ-plus youth.

HQ collaborates with community partners to provide counseling, medical services, vital document recovery and employment connections with the goal of, quote, “breaking the cycle of homelessness with youth in our community.”

Visiting the WKTV studios are Luke Petsch, Development Director for HQ, and Michael Fravel, HQ member specialist.

While HQ does not provide long-term housing assistance, it has recently been in the news as it is partnering with nonprofit developer Inner City Christian Federation and 3:11 Youth Housing to turn a property into affordable housing for young adults who identify as LGBTQ+.

WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

Cat of the week: Larry

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Larry is a gentle soul who would love a nice, quiet home to enjoy his golden years

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


It is always heartbreaking to us when one of our previous residents has to return to live within our furry fold, especially our senior citizens who have spent many, many years in homes of their own.


When we were contacted in August of 2019 by the adopter of our cat formerly known as Fargo, we were immediately concerned that his re-arrival was going to be a bit difficult; he was adopted out just two months after intake in March of 2011, and up until last year, had lived with just one other cat. As the story goes, since the loss of his constant companion, Larry (as he was renamed) was extremely lonely, and bringing another cat into the household wasn’t a viable option; after much consideration, his owner felt it best he come back to us.


As expected, when the 11-1/2 year old (born in January of 2008) reentered our program, he was shell-shocked to say the least. And to top things off, Dr. Jen diagnosed him with kidney disease when she performed his initial work-up; though geriatric-onset renal disease is very common, the last thing poor Larry needed was daily medication given by strangers—but it had to be done. So our volunteers made sure to soothe his worried soul extensively during his first few weeks with us, taking care not to spook him when it was time to administer the oral liquid meds to slow the progression of his illness.


Larry is a lovely, gentle, old guy who would love nothing more than to land himself a place to live out his golden years; a place that is less busy and bustling than Crash’s. Larry, in our opinion, has been very confused and seems lost at times being back at the shelter. He’s very skittish when approached, but once you’ve got him in your arms he relaxes enough to allow you to hold him for a bit. He isn’t too fond of having several cats around him but has been seen cuddled up with a single cat, which warms our hearts.


We feel that going to a home with another cat may just be what he needs. He can be pretty vocal at times, tends to swat on occasion, but more than likely this behavior is due to the fact that he just feels overwhelmed. We really would like him go to a home where his humans will be around more often than not, and can give him the attention he craves, as he needs to rebuild his trust in people. One cat buddy would definitely help build his esteem, but more than that and we feel Larry will regress and keep to himself.


A lot of us remember him as the full-bodied and outgoing Fargo, so it has been sad for us to see him struggle in this manner. We are doing our very best to show him the affection and shower him with the attention that he so desires but is afraid to ask for, and we will all continue to do so until his fabulous, final family is found.

More about Larry:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Orange & White
  • Senior
  • Male
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date, declawed, special needs: kidney disease
  • Neutered
  • Good in a home with one other cat

Want to adopt Larry? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.




‘Code Blue’ in effect to keep homeless neighbors safe, warm

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits,

By Abbey Sladick, Mel Trotter Ministries

Mel Trotter Ministries lifts curfew, offers around-the-clock support

In preparation for plummeting temperatures, Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) is shifting into a “code blue” status to ensure men, women and children experiencing homelessness are safe.

“Code blue” is a term used by MTM to describe the most extreme winter conditions in West Michigan, when temperatures stay below freezing for a period of time — putting those who are exposed to the elements at severe risk of hypothermia, frost bite or even death. MTM expects to serve 400-500 men, women and children on these cold nights.


MTM will provide:

  • Access to safe, warm shelter 24 hours a day with lifted curfew times.
  • Warm clothing; hats, gloves, hand warmers, for guests staying at the shelter.
  • On-site medical staff to assess for conditions caused from cold weather exposure.
  • Removing previous restrictions to enter shelter for people who have violated rules.
  • Staff doing outreach around the Mission to welcome everyone in and provide resources.

Various warming centers have been identified throughout the city, including at Mel Trotter Ministries | View complete warming center list.


Mel Trotter Ministries is asking for the community’s help to provide for the hundreds of men, women and children served each night in the shelter with the Code Blue Drive. MTM is collecting new and like new coats, boots and various other items for all ages and genders. Items can be dropped off at Mel Trotter Ministries downtown location at 225 Commerce Avenue SW and various locations throughout greater Grand Rapids. More information about the Code Blue Drive, drop off locations and other ongoing needs at www.meltrotter.org/codeblue.



Cat of the week: Theon Lovejoy

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Pets/Animals, , ,

By Sharon Wylie, Crash’s Landing


Each week WKTV features an adoptable pet—or few—from an area shelter. This week’s beauty is from Crash’s Landing. Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary rescue organizations were founded by Jennifer Denyes, DVM (Dr. Jen), who is on staff at Clyde Park Veterinary Clinic (4245 Clyde Park Ave SW).


Once in awhile, we have the extreme pleasure of taking in a cat who is so instantaneously comfortable with his new surroundings, it is as though he has lived among us his entire life. Here’s a cat who is downright ebullient and gleeful at the mere prospect of coming into contact with a human that it elevates his emotions to another level of happiness—pure, unadulterated bliss!


Such is the case with Theon Greyjoy, a 2-year-old, beautiful boy (born in the summer of 2017) who has been simply bursting at the seams since his arrival in late August of 2019. How did we happen across such greatness? Somehow this gorgeous gray guy (sporting a little white locket) ended up at the Kent County Animal Shelter as a homeless stray, and when he tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus four weeks after his arrival there, they called us to ask for help with placement.


From the get-go, Theon has delighted all of us with his charming personality and people-pleasing antics, bringing unrivaled joy into our lives:


“Theon is not only gorgeous, but he has proven to be an absolute doll. From the minute he arrived, he’s enjoyed all the luxuries of indoor life, including endless bowls of wet food, comfy beds, and ALL of the attention from the volunteers. He gets along great with the other residents, enjoys playing with the many toys scattered around the shelter, and is known to be a “helper” at the kitchen sink. Considering his young, playful age, he will definitely need a home with kids willing to spend plenty of time playing with him.”


“Theon is a bundle of joy and energy. He’s the type of cat that thrives in our chaotic shelter environment. He loves all of his friends, both feline and human. He is constantly in the middle of everything. He will do awesome in any action-packed home, maybe even one with a dog.”


So, there ya have it: aside from the fact he has the Feleuk virus, Theon Greyjoy is absolute purr-fection. And since positive kitties CAN live long and healthy lives, he is absolutely a fabulous candidate for adoption. A word of advice: don’t let this guy slip on by!

More about Theon Lovejoy:

  • Domestic Short Hair
  • Gray & White, Gray/Blue/Silver
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Medium
  • House-trained
  • Vaccinations up to date
  • Neutered
  • Prefers a home with other cats, children

Want to adopt Theon? Learn about the adoption process here. Fill out a pre-adoption form here.


Interested in volunteering at one of the cat shelters? Email volunteer@crashslanding.org.