Battle Ground JKD owner, Reggie Macon, said superheroes such as Batman and X-Men are highlighted so often that children don’t realize there are heroes right next to them every day.
Heroes walk among us every day in the form of U.S. veterans (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“The kids are more familiar with those heroes, not knowing that they walk amongst actual heroes that actually help us, that gave us the privilege to walk freely as we do,” said Macon. “Giving them a chance to dress up like their heroes and meet our local heroes is big to me.”
Hero’s Breakfast is designed to serve those local heroes – our veterans – as well.
“It helps our vets get their story out, or get a chance to mingle with everyday people that might not normally stop to give them a conversation,” said Macon. “This would give the younger kids a better understanding of what these guys have been through so [the kids] could have the life that they’re living now.”
Curiosity invites conversation
(Courtesy photo)
Veterans are invited to wear their military uniform, a military branch hat or jacket, or even dog tags to invite questions from children that could lead to a deeper conversation.
Macon believes the interaction between children and veterans could give the younger generation a better understanding of their history.
“We get taught a lot of stuff in school, but a lot of stuff is watered down and not in much detail,” said Macon. “Just giving them the understanding that these [veterans] aren’t people that are in history, these are people that still walk amongst us now, will give them a better insight.
“When we get taught history, we think about stuff that happened long ago, but these are still people that live today. Being able to meet these people and shake their hands…I think that would have a great impact.”
Building a bridge of greater understanding
Bridging the gap between civilians and veterans is important to Reginald Howard, owner and CEO of Hero’s Corner, as well as to Battle Ground owner Macon. Together, these local business owners are working to build a greater understanding between those two groups.
“[Hero’s Corner] can be the one space where they come together and get stories, get a better understanding of what’s going on, or dig deeper inside the veteran’s thoughts and give the vets more ways to communicate,” said Macon.
“That’s been one of the biggest things that help vets get over whatever they went through – just by talking, and having somebody that they can lean on and have a conversation with.”
Hero’s Breakfast will allow children to have a better understanding of our country’s history (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Events like Hero’s Breakfast, Macon went on to say, can be utilized as an icebreaker to begin those conversations people might be hesitant to start.
“This would be the icebreaker, and get that conversation started. Now, it wouldn’t be the fear of starting the conversation, it would be continuing it.”
Non-veteran community members are also welcome to utilize the space at Hero’s Corner. Rental inquiries can be directed to Reginald Howard at connect@heroscornergrandrapids.org or 616-635-2768.
Let’s have some fun: Event details
Along with breakfast, Hero’s Breakfast attendees will be able to play various games. A 360-degree photo booth will allow children to do action shots.
“Just come out and have fun,” said Macon. “Enjoy yourself, and come utilize this great space that’s available to the public.”
To RSVP for the free Hero’s Breakfast event, click here.
For more information about Hero’s Corner and upcoming events, click here.
For more information about Battle Ground JKD and upcoming events and classes, click here.
Vanitas: The Fight includes symbolic objects meaningful to Moore (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The works in Detroit-based artist Mario Moore’s Revolutionary Times exhibit celebrate Black power and resistance – and can be found at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) through August 18.
“It has been an honor to work with Mario Moore on this exhibition,” said GRAM Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Jennifer Wcisel. “His highly realistic paintings radiate with warmth and life. They also prompt viewers to consider our country’s past and what legacies we’ve inherited from it.”
Revolutionary Times brings together three recent bodies of Moore’s work entitled A New Republic, Midnight and Canaan and A New Frontier. These works deftly collapse the past and present, illuminating stories buried or ignored in Americans’ understanding of history.
“A lot of times when we think about history, a lot of Americans don’t consider our past. [And] we end up repeating those same things,” said Moore.
A New Republic
A New Republic began as Moore recognized similarities between conversations surrounding the 2020 election and the political conversations that ultimately sparked the Civil War.
The Drum Rolls On: A Black drummer boy prepares to announce the beginning of battle – or of chaos (Courtesy, Nancy and Sean Cotton)
“That body of work was essentially started by a lot of the anger and frustrations of people on both sides of the aisle that were eerily and scarily similar to 1856-1858 leading up to the Civil War,” Moore said.
“We miss history because it’s not in front of us, yet it’s occurring all the time as we move through the world. It’s important for me to make those connections between the similarities because they are almost the exact same thing that might have been happening 200 years ago.”
Due to those parallels, it is important to Moore that he uses contemporary people and clothes viewers can recognize in his works.
“It puts the history right in front of you,” said Moore. “It makes it present, it makes it relevant because this is a kind of style, clothing, people that you can recognize. Then maybe because of that you start to ask: What is this all about?”
From that Civil War seed, Moore went farther back into history, questioning how Black people came to be in Detroit – and why.
“Even before the Great Migration north, there was a big black community in Detroit,” said Wcisel.
Silverpoint portrait of William Lambert on prepared paper, with gold thread embroidery by Sabrina Nelson (Courtesy, FIA)
Only two works in Midnight and Canaan depict historical figures as opposed to more contemporary figures. Those two works are silverpoint drawings, a technique used by artists prior to graphite being accessible.
Instead of pencil, the drawings are created from actual pieces of silver. The values are subtle, the artist unable to render images as distinct as charcoal or graphite would allow. This generates an almost ghostly, historic quality to the works.
The gold thread seen on Moore’s silverpoint drawings was incorporated by his mother, Sabrina Nelson, and marks routes along the Underground Railroad.
“It’s meaningful to Mario,” said Wcisel. “He’s done quite a bit of silverpoint and thinks of it as imbuing these people with value. ‘I’m literally creating you out of silver to honor you.’”
Another section of Midnight and Canaan features a collaborative piece between Mario and his wife Danielle, a filmmaker.
Approximately five minutes long, the video is tied directly to Moore’s painting depicting the journey of Lucie and Thornton Blackburn. In the painting, Moore casts friends as the historic couple, but in contemporary clothing and a contemporary setting.
Contemporary couple portrays Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, both on canvas and in film (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“But it’s still telling that story of the past in a way that makes it very clear that the present is so connected to the past. It’s this direct line between what was happening in the 1830s and these people today,” said Wcisel, adding that the two figures in the painting are the actors within the short film.
Escaping enslavement in Kentucky, the Blackburns lived in Detroit for a few years before being identified and imprisoned by a slave catcher.
The community of Detroit banded together to save the Blackburns, their efforts allowing the couple escape to Canada.
A New Frontier
Moore’s research into the Underground Railroad led him to the relationship between Detroit and Windsor, and Detroit and Canada – a pivotal point on the Underground Railroad to freedom.
Moore realized the city of Detroit had been founded to establish the fur trade in the United States to support fashion and culture in Europe.
“[He began] looking at the fur trade, discovering that it wasn’t just the French and indigenous people in partnership. They also brought enslaved Africans to be involved in the fur trade,” said Wcisel.
Moore began looking to Dutch paintings of European masters wearing furs for inspiration. And Pillars of the Frontier was born.
Pillars of the Frontier depicts powerful women in Moore’s own family, with wife Danielle at center, as wealthy men were seen at the beginning of the fur trade in Detroit (Courtesy, Mario Moore)
“Now [Moore] is putting these important women in his life in the role of those important men of the past who were making all the political and economic decisions at the time,” said Wcisel of Moore’s painting, Pillars of the Frontier.
Books portrayed in Moore’s oil on linen titled Birth of Cool (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It’s the powerful women in his life. They are pillars of Detroit society, the Detroit community in many ways. And in a snowy Michigan landscape. It’s a wonderful painting.
Moore also included several books throughout the Revolutionary Times series.
“It’s a way that he is acknowledging the labor of these people who have informed his work,” said Wcisel. “You can very clearly see the titles and the authors, and it adds more depth to the history.”
Though Moore’s art carries complex themes, Wcisel says the artist’s message is easily communicated.
“He has such a way of explaining it in an approachable way so that his message can be very easily communicated to people reading about it, listening to interviews with him, and looking at his paintings,” said Wcisel.
Love immortalized
Moore also recently completed his first bronze sculpture – a bust of his wife Danielle titled Love.
“I’ve actually been working with sculpture and three-dimensional objects since I was a student in undergrad, but I’ve never done a bronze sculpture before,” said Moore.
Moore went on to say that he continually has ideas that make more sense in three-dimensional form.
“It was really just wanting to create an object and something that had a presence to it very different from a painting,” Moore said. “It ignites another part of the brain.
“And I wanted to try bronze. I’ve always been excited by bronze sculpture. I’ve always been in love with the idea of how it can hold the form of clay, but has the hardness and permanence of something more concrete. It was just the time to make it.”
Danielle, always willing to support her husband’s art, sat for Moore as he worked on the sculpture.
“She is his constant muse,” said Wcisel. “He’s always looking at her with an artist’s eye.”
Working with a Michigan foundry, Moore used lost wax casting technique. Initially carved out of wax, the wax bust was then cast in plaster to create a mold. The mold was filled with bronze, filling in gaps as the wax melted from the mold.
“We were so lucky to be able to purchase Love for GRAM; it’s part of our permanent collection,” said Wcisel.
Art = Life
Standing in the Roaring 20’s (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
For artist Mario Moore, art is a way of life.
“My mother is an artist, so it was always something that was present,” said Moore. “[I have] been involved with it my entire existence, so I don’t know anything else.
“It’s just a way of living. It’s how I see the world, how I take in information, how I think about ideas, how I do everything.”
Moore attended undergrad at College for Creative Studies for a degree in illustration, then received his Masters of Fine Arts at Yale.
Inspiration for Moore’s art comes from many venues.
“There is a lot of research and reading involved in my practice,” said Moore. “A lot of times, it’s just life. You’re watching something, and you’re seeing something occur.”
Everything is concept-driven, Moore added.
“It’s always an idea first, then from there I sketch out small compositions and thumbnails that make sense to me, but look like scribble-scrabble to anybody else,” said Moore with a laugh. “From that stage, it’s time to see who I can get to pose for the painting. Then it’s just about making the work.”
Moore went on to say that, despite having guidelines for a piece, things always change as the work progresses.
“The painting tells you what it wants to be,” said Moore. “Sometimes paintings die when you force them into being something. It’s important that the painting guides the way from the concept stage to actually making the painting.”
Moore hopes that each piece or series he creates possesses a new voice and direction, and he is always excited to experiment and work in his studio.
“He allows himself to be really fluid and flexible,” said Wcisel. “He is incredibly talented. I am in awe of his ability to capture people and faces…they look so alive.”
Honor Series: Portrayals of Harriet Tubman (left) and Sergeant William (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
During and After the Battle: Depiction of the Battle of Antietam (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Free State: Audio project recording lives of Black Civil War soldiers (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Moore’s paintings contain realistic detail, such as this portion of a painting where the subject wears an embroidered robe (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Recognizing local talent
“I love that we have this Michigan artist series project,” said Wcisel. “I love that we’re able to regularly give solo exhibitions to really amazing people working throughout our state.
“I think Mario is an artist who will be nationally and internationally known very soon. He’s doing amazing work; he’s really on the rise.”
Moore’s hope is that viewers of the Revolutionary Times series will take away something new and be inspired.
“I want the public to explore more on what they see in the show,” said Moore. “To question history, to question ideas. That’s always my hope.”
For more information about the GRAM Revolutionary Times exhibit, click here.
Certain paintings have an audio guide with Moore himself talking about those works. Look for QR Codes beside the paintings or on the GRAM website.
Find out more about artist Mario Moore by clicking here.
The Division Arts Festival on Saturday, June 1 will feature more than family-friendly activities, live music and vendors. Attendees will also be within walking distance of 11 brick and mortar restaurants serving a diverse array of dining and to-go options.
“This area of the community is incredibly diverse, and there are a lot of creative, cool things going on here that go under the radar,” said Hunter Van Klompenberg, one of the owners of The Stray art café.
One of those “cool things” includes a variety of international food choices.
International cuisine at your fingertips
The Stray art café offers far more than just coffee (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Two food trucks and 11 brick and mortar restaurants will be within 1-2 minutes walking distance of Festival activities.
The Honeybees Kitchen and Catering food truck specializing in Caribbean and soul food will be available, as well as gourmet burgers and loaded fries from Dune Buggy food truck.
Brick and mortar restaurants include several international options for diners:
B&N Sandwiches – Bahn MI Sub Sandwiches and other Vietnamese Specialties
Saigon Garden – Vietnamese
Pho Soc Trang – Vietnamese Soup Restaurant
Fat Man’s Fish Fry – Seafood
Brann’s Steakhouse – Classic American
The Stray – Café, New American Cuisine
Joe’s Pizza King – Pizza & Subs
Diversity, comfort and creativity
The Stray art café menu offers more than just coffee for those who walk in the door. A variety of choices include delicious flatbreads, soups, salads, desserts and more. Drink options include tea, soda, beer, wine and – of course – coffee.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Coffee enthusiasts can also peruse the works of various local artists showcased at The Stray as they enjoy their beverages. To-go orders are accepted during Festival hours, as well as indoor dining.
Owned by the Van Klompenberg family, The Stray works to bring diversity and community to a place of comfort and creativity.
Though officially hosted by the Division Avenue Business Association (DABA), The Stray has stepped in to help with Festival logistics each year.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I already work here at The Stray doing the music booking and that kind of thing for our Friday and Saturday evenings. It led naturally to artists I’d already developed a relationship with that I could invite back for this,” said Van Klompenberg.
His mother, Karen Van Klompenberg, is Creative Director at The Stray and manages the consignment art. Her connections with local artists also help with the inner workings of the Festival.
Van Klompenberg said they have continued to make the Division Arts Festival an annual event because they truly enjoy it.
“It’s a lot of fun to throw a party for the neighborhood,” said Van Klompenberg with a smile.
Connection and support
Concepción (left) and Manuel Cardiel (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
“It’s the simple things,” said Van Klompenberg, gesturing around the dining area of El Ganadero Mexican Grille where he stood.
“I come to lunch here occasionally, just chat with them, that sort of thing. That’s the easy way to say hello and support each other.”
Relationships with other business owners and patrons is important to Van Klompenberg. Those connections are formed through small actions.
That connection was evident as El Ganadero owner Manuel Cardiel met Van Klompenberg with a wide smile.
El Ganadero chicken and shrimp tacos (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
El Ganadero steak tacos (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
With efficient movements, combined with several smiles and upbeat conversation, Cardiel promptly created two fresh plates of tacos for Van Klompenberg and this reporter.
Cardiel, his wife Concepción and their children can be found at El Ganadero daily, serving fresh and authentic Mexican cuisine.
Nurturing cultural diversity
Café Boba, a Taiwanese boba café owned by Ted & Yili Bonarski, will also be welcoming patrons during the Festival – and offering a 10% discount on all orders.
A wide variety of boba drinks, coffee and ice cream are available, and can be customized to the patron’s preferences. A parade featuring a 20-foot dragon will also be part of the festivities as a way to honor Yili’s Chinese heritage.
The polished wood table made by Ted Bonarski from reclaimed barn wood (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Established in 2003 as Boba Latte under previous owners, the boba café closed in summer of 2013. Having moved his financial services office into the second-floor rooms of the building in 2006, Ted Bonarski bought the café in December 2013, renaming it Café Boba.
And Bonarski is committed to allowing diversity to flourish in their neighborhood.
“We are embedded in this neighborhood, which is multicultural, and we want to keep it that way,” said Bonarski.
Bonarski also ensures every item they offer is high-quality.
Bubble waffle cone with chocolate ice cream and jasmine boba pearls (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We saw bubble waffles as street food in Shanghai,” said Bonarski. “We bought a waffle machine and brought it back to the U.S. Friends own China City over on Eastern [and] they helped us perfect the recipe for the waffle.
“All of the coffee that we serve comes from Herman’s Boy, and nowhere else. We make the Vietnamese iced coffee, Café Sua Da, fresh. A lot of Vietnamese have given us input into the right strengths and the right tastes, so our Vietnamese iced coffee is very good.”
All coffee ordered is fresh, ground at the time of order with an AeroPress, then served to the customer.
More than a just boba and ice cream
Customers who walk into Café Boba will find a welcoming atmosphere designed by Bonarski’s daughter. A popular feature is the long, polished wood counter made from reclaimed barn wood from Michigan barns – and built by Bonarski himself.
But what Bonarski is most proud of is the family-friendly environment that brings in residents of all ages.
“We get the latchkey kids [from Kelloggsville and Godwin] that will come and hang out here after school until their parents can pick them up,” said Bonarski.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We have one or two social workers that will bring kids in here to sit and talk to them. We had a group come in a week or so ago Thursday and take over the whole table and play Dungeons and Dragons for 4 to 5 hours.”
Bonarski extends that nurturing atmosphere to his employees as well, ensuring they have a healthy work environment.
“We’ve had so many kids come through, work for us as a first job, come out of a shell, and become outgoing people who could handle the world outside because they’re facing customers and taking orders every day,” said Bonarski. “It is very important to us that it be a healthy environment.”
And that, Bonarski added, is something we should do all the time. “You take what you find and make it better.”
Be in the know: additional festival details
(Courtesy photo)
Set at the intersection of 43rd Street and Division Avenue, the Division Arts Festival runs Saturday, June 1 from 2 – 9 p.m.
The Festival will feature live music, with a social drinking zone nearby for those who would like a beverage while enjoying the music. There will also be 50+ vendors with art, handmade goods and crafts, and an interactive narrative art walk for children.
Attendees may also be periodically surprised by a sudden monologue from strategically placed local theater artists.
“The overall reason for the Festival is to bring recognition and excitement to the [Division Avenue] neighborhood, the businessest there, and the people,” said Van Klompenberg.
Safety Notes
Division Avenue will close down to two lanes of traffic, and 43rd Street will be shut down on both sides of Division.
Give ‘Em a Break Safety will help with traffic control. A crosswalk will also be put in for safety.
Vendors with tents will line each side of Division Avenue.
“It will be really easy to walk across the street [and] up and down the neighborhood,” said Van Klompenberg.
Updates and Event Lineups
The Division Arts Festival is organized by the Division Avenue Business Association and generously sponsored by LMCU, Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, Rivertown Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Brann’s Restaurant, Gordon Food Service, The King Family, The Stray and the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.
A new attraction for children will be available at the annual Division Arts Festival scheduled for Saturday, June 1.
All ages of children are invited to join in at the interactive kids art walk that will be set up in The Stray parking lot during the Division Arts Festival. Consisting of 8-10 stations, the art walk will feature a narrative called Ava and Leo’s Delightfully Different Day, written by local authors Lynn W. Francis, Elizabeth Meyette and Karen Van Klompenberg.
An interactive storybook
Author Lynn W. Francis (Courtesy, Lynn Francis)
“It’s almost like walking through a storybook,” said author Lynn Francis.
The story follows two young best friends and their dog Spot. They go through a day of trying different experiences, finding out what each of them does and does not like, and trying to find something they can do together.
As the story unfolds, there are different stations.
Each station contains a block of text that is part of the narrative, and a piece of art depicting the happenings of that scene. The station will also have actions for kids to complete that correlate to the story, such as spinning, dancing, or pretending to fly like birds.
“It will be this full story trail, and you can follow Ava and Leo’s journey as they go from here to there, try out the swing set and splash through a brook,” said Francis. “You just follow them through and reenact the story as you’re going along.”
A sketch of Ava and Leo from participating artist Brae Hoff (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
The art walk narrative provides thought-provoking questions for children and parents to talk through while emphasizing the value of friends with different backgrounds than your own.
Though directed toward ages 5-13, the art walk is something all ages can enjoy.
“Personally, I’m planning on walking through myself as a grownup just because I think it’ll be fun,” said Francis. “It could appeal to real littles who are just listening, and then the more active ages where they want to be a part of the story, or even a little older who would just enjoy reading it.”
From inspiration to reality
The idea for the art walk came from Van Klompenberg, one of the narrative authors and part-owner of The Stray art cafe.
Notes from an art walk storyline meeting (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
Wanting an activity specifically geared toward children, Van Klompenberg began brainstorming ideas.
“She had this vision in her mind beforehand of getting as many people involved as possible,” said Francis. “She brought myself, a couple other writers, and several artists who have work featured at The Stray together to work on this project collaboratively, which has been really cool,” said Francis.
Artists have been working together using shared color palettes and predetermined physical traits for the story’s characters and clothing. Character composites were formed and sketched by a sub group of artists. The pictured work in progress is by participating artist Alexis Hannah (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
Van Klompenberg sat down with the group she had pulled together and said, “The sky’s the limit.”
“We got the storyline figured out, and then she took that to the artists,” said Francis.
A local chalk artist had the idea of kids completing motions at each station to help them stay engaged in the story.
“[Karen] really wanted this to be an immersive artistic experience,” said Francis. “This is a way to get [kids] involved, see the different art styles, and see the different mediums that these artists can use.
“And the story itself too, about how everybody likes and enjoys doing different things. Some people make art, and some people receive art. Both of those things are valuable. Without each person, nothing would happen.”
Overall, there are 11 contributors to the art walk project. Artists include Rebecca Rodriguez, Rebecca Senior, Juan Pimentel, Brae Hoff, Alexis Hannah, Amanda Fairbanks, Karen Van Klompenberg, Yohan Daza, and local woodworker John Stutzman.
“It’s been a really collaborative effort, and I’ve been very lucky to be a part of it,” said Francis. “I’m very excited to see it all together, honestly. I haven’t seen all of the art yet, so I’m quite excited to walk through and see everybody’s contribution.”
Experience all artistic walks
Francis urges the community to come out and enjoy the Division Arts Festival.
Set at the intersection of 43rd Street and Division Avenue, the event runs Saturday, June 1 from 2-9 p.m.
The Festival will feature over 50 art and craft vendors, engaging games, creative art activities, a dedicated kids’ area, a variety of food trucks, delicious dishes from nearby international restaurants and live performances by local bands.
“All artistic walks are there,” said Francis. “It’s a really incredible experience. You can meet a lot of really cool local authors, artists, artisans and musicians.”
Beauty in diversity
A painting holder prototype by local woodworker John Stutzman (Courtesy, Karen Van Klompenberg)
More than just a fun event, the Festival brings the community together to celebrate differences, support local entrepreneurs, and envision a neighborhood where diversity thrives, businesses flourish, families feel welcomed, and everyone can enjoy the vibrant culture and spirit of the community.
And art, Francis believes, is a big part of bringing a community together.
“Art has that thing where it brings people together,” said Francis. “Where you can look at it and say, I feel that too. I live in that same world too, and I’m not alone.
“You can find such a community in appreciation of art or in the creation of art. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
Francis went on to say that art is important to both artists and to those who enjoy the art.
“I think the biggest thing [art] does – because it does a lot – is it shows the beauty in our world,” Francis said. “It reflects the world that we live in – beauty, and pain, and sadness, and anger, and joy. It has everything broken down to this piece that you can look at and reflect on, and see a piece of the world, and a piece of yourself in it.”
More about the Festival
The Division Arts Festival is organized by the Division Avenue Business Association and generously sponsored by LMCU, Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, Rivertown Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Brann’s Restaurant, Gordon Food Service, The King Family, The Stray and the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming.
Thomas J. Bullock, a pioneer in substance abuse treatment and recovery, was the inspiration for the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund. His too-short life is honored by opportunities Arbor Circle and the Fund will present for addiction professionals and the broader community to learn together.
Creating opportunities to learn and reflect
Thomas J. Bullock (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)
The Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund was established through a monetary gift by James and Barbara Haveman.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to honor Thomas Bullock in this way,” shared James Haveman, co-founder of the Fund and former Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “This fund will create opportunities for substance use professionals to learn alongside one another and reflect on the current environment of treatment and where we might go together.
“We chose to entrust this work to Arbor Circle because of the organization’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, its creativity and their quality of services.”
Celebrated at annual event
In celebration of the professional contributions of Bullock, the Fund will underwrite an annual event for the West Michigan community focused on a variety of topics surrounding innovative and proven models for recovery in the field of substance use and addiction. The annual event will be hosted by Arbor Circle.
(Courtesy, Arbor Circle)
Arbor Circle will launch the Fund at their upcoming Spring Forward event on May 22, from 6–8 p.m. at the Grant Pavilion in Millennium Park. Spring Forward will raise funds for Arbor Circle while giving guests opportunities to learn more about Arbor Circle’s programs and impact. Jeffrene Woods, daughter of Bullock, will attend this year’s event.
To learn more about the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund or the Spring Forward event, click here.
“This is a blatant rip-off of the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids contest that Dr. Grins Comedy Club used to run,” said Brian B. (Brian Borbot), founder and MC of the SNF.
“Seeing that Wyoming is the 14th largest city in Michigan, I thought it deserved its own standup comedy competition with the overall winner getting a prize package worthy of the title the Funniest Person in Wyoming!”
The Kingpin of Comedy winner will receive $500 cash as well as prizes from Wyoming businesses Spectrum Entertainment Complex, Craig’s Cruisers, The Listening Room and Gilda’s Club LaughFest. The winner will also receive a Kingpin bowling pin trophy, a personalized Kingpin bowling shirt, and the opportunity to close at the Sunday Night Funnies LaughFest show in 2025.
The total prize package is over $1,000 in value.
Fifteen years of funny
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. Now in its 15th year, the SNF features weekly live standup comedy performances by a variety of local and national comics.
Admission to the SNF shows at Woody’s Press Box are free. SNF shows take place on Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. during winter and spring, and at 8:30 p.m. during summer and early fall.
Jessica Tomac, a member of Women Who Care of Kent County, talks with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed about the significant impact the organization is making in the community.
Women Who Care of Kent County (WWCKC) only meets four times a year. Yet these women are changing the lives of local residents in significant ways.
For the past 11 years, West Michigan women have come together to help local non-profit groups. WWCKC meets quarterly to promote and then donate to local charitable organizations.
WWC check presentation to Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music for Health program (Courtesy, Jamie Geysbeek Photography and WWC)
Jessica Tomac, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and WCC member, appreciates the opportunity WWC provides to contribute to her community without a huge time commitment attached.
“I really wanted to be a part of a group to give back to the community but didn’t have a ton of time,” said Tomac.
As a mother holding down a professional career, Tomac found it difficult to find the time to research organizations to which she might be able to contribute, much less become involved in them. WWC provided an opportunity to learn about several local non-profits – and give back – without a lengthy time commitment.
How it works
At each quarterly meeting, three members are each given the chance to present about a Kent County non-profit they believe is deserving of a WWC donation.
(Courtesy, WWC)
“They have five minutes to present, five minutes for questions, and then after all three are presented, we vote,” said Tomac.
Each member donates $100 to the winning non-profit.
“We find out right then and there who wins, and we all write our check for $100 to that non-profit,” said Tomac. “But then you’re done. And that’s just four times a year.”
Members are able to write additional checks to other non-profit organizations presented if they so desire. All money goes directly to the non-profits selected.
“We, as Women Who Care of Kent County, don’t earn any money,” said Tomac. “We don’t raise any money, we don’t have any marketing dollars. Your $100 check gets written right to the non-profit so there is no money lost.”
One hour = a big impact
Tomac says her favorite part of WWC is hearing back from the selected non-profit about the impact made through that donation.
“When you think about your $100 now becoming $15,000 or $20,000 or $30,000, your impact is so much more,” said Tomac. “And it has changed the lives of people who couldn’t have housing, or kids who needed power wheelchairs, or diapers for kiddos whose parents didn’t have money for formula and diapers.
“It is huge, and it took you one hour to make that impact. It’s pretty remarkable.”
(Courtesy, WWC)
Though each quarterly WWC donation can be given as general aid to the non-profit chosen, Tomac said the presentations are typically aimed at a specific need.
“Usually it’s presented with: What is this need, and how is this [donation] going to help,” said Tomac.
Any non-profit can be brought forward at WWC meetings. Tomac said the Kent County chapter has provided transportation vehicles for organizations, medical equipment, equipment for musical groups, provisions for the elderly community, and more.
“The member just has to be educated enough to speak about whatever it is that they’ve chosen,” said Tomac.
“Most of us either know about an organization, or something happens in the community and we say, how can we help them more? Ninety-nine percent of the time, a lot of the members are either on the board or volunteer at a lot of these organizations.”
Changing lives together
To date, WWCKC has raised over $630,000 for over 61 Kent County non-profit organizations.
(Courtesy, WWC)
This West Michigan chapter has 150 members and a foundation grant, allowing for each non-profit to receive a considerable gift.
WWCKC membership is open to all women residing in West Michigan. However, WWC is making an impact in more than just our small state.
As part of the international 100 Who Care Alliance, WWC consists of approximately 750 operational chapters worldwide.
WWC recognizes strength in each individual, and how that strength becomes a powerful force for good that lifts up a community when they are brought together.
Check out WWC!
Tomac urges community members to visit a chapter that aligns with their time and location needs, and see what WWC is all about.
“It’s easy, and doesn’t take a lot of time to have a big impact,” Tomac said, adding emphasis to the simplicity aspect of WWC. “For me, that was key. You get pulled in so many directions, and you only have so much time.”
With thousands of non-profit organizations in Kent County, Tomac believes WWC provides a philanthropic avenue while educating the community about those organizations.
“It’s a really powerful way to get together – and it is only 4 hours a year!”
Care Cardinal of Byron Center invites the community to join them in celebrating the beginning of summer at their weekly Farmers Market and family-friendly event June 1.
“We are doing a Farmers Market every Friday, rain or shine,” said Cassidy Boensch, Admissions Director at Care Cardinal Byron Center. “It’s going to be in our parking lot so the residents have the autonomy of selling stuff…and going outside. It’s something for them to participate in and do instead of only the regular day-to-day stuff.”
(Courtesy, Care Cardinal)
With seven established West Michigan care communities, Care Cardinal is no stranger to providing a thriving and energetic environment for its assisted living, memory care, and independent living residents.
“Well-being is our goal,” Care Cardinal’s website states, “as well as maintaining the health and happiness of each of our residents, no matter their level of care.”
Care Cardinal’s personal care communities are redesigning care for its residents by creating an intimate, home-like setting where staff and residents interact like family. Attentive care, loving compassion, valued dignity and continued safety for residents are hallmarks of Care Cardinal’s care program.
Boensch is dedicated to integrating events involving the entire Byron Center community as part of that care – and is doing so by offering free options for residents of all ages to take part in.
Farmers market begins in May!
Care Cardinal is hosting the Byron Center Farmers Market every Friday from May 17 – Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Vendor spots are free and the size of two parking spaces. Care Cardinal residents as well as community members outside the personal care facility are welcome to register and sell products.
(Courtesy, K.D. Norris)
Boensch says the Market currently has 25 registered vendors – but they are open to more.
“Spots are free,” said Boensch. “[Vendors] bring their own tents, and whatever [money] they make, they take with them.”
The Market boasts a wide variety of vendors and products, from homemade maple syrup, candy, baked goods, veggies, jellies, dairy products made with goat’s milk, plants, flowers, and natural household products, to beach totes, cosmetic cases, beaded jewelry…and more!
Updates on the Farmers Market can be found on Care Cardinal Byron Center’s Facebook page.
Vendor registration can be completed by contacting Care Cardinal through their website.
But wait – there’s more!
Children will be able to enjoy several activities at the summer kickoff event (Supplied)
Saturday, June 1 will feature a large, family-friendly summer event at Care Cardinal Byron Center.
“It’s going to be huge, and I’m super excited about it,” said Boensch.
The day will kick off with a free pancake breakfast from 10-11 a.m. A craft show and car show will open at 11 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.
The first 50 children to arrive at the event will receive a Summer Pack Giveaway. Each pack will include summer items such as a sand bucket, flip flops, a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts and popsicles.
Lawn games include cornhole, horseshoes and Rope the Steer.
Live music from local band Liquid Courage and Bootstrap Boys will provide entertainment for all ages beginning at 11 a.m.
Professional photography will be available throughout the event for all CC residents, community members and families.
All activities are free, excluding food truck refreshments and craft show purchases. The event will wrap up between the hours of 3-4 p.m.
“We want people to come out and be able to have a good time and not have to worry about pricing,” said Boensch.
Join in the fun!
Both the Farmers Market and June summer kickoff event will take place at the Care Cardinal Byron Center location.
“Everything is going to be here at Care Cardinal because we have some residents here that don’t have family members, so transportation would be an issue,” said Boensch. “They’re part of our family, so we wanted to have it somewhere they would be able to enjoy the event just as much as everybody else.”
(Courtesy photo)
Though the Care Cardinal location is well known to the area as the previous Byron Center Manor, the Care Cardinal facility is a new addition to the Byron Center area. Boensch said Care Cardinal is excited to engage with the community.
“Byron Center is an older town, so we want to be known in the area for what we do, [meet] with the locals, let people know that we’re here,” said Boensch. “We want people to be able to come in, see the facility, see what we do for our families.”
Care Cardinal resource links
Learn more about care and programs offered by Care Cardinal locations by clicking here.
Byron Center Care Cardinal information can be found here.
The Women’s City Club held its fifth Impact Award ceremony on Thursday, April 18. The 2024 award winners, Dilanny Perez and Nebyat Gebrehiwot, were honored with a luncheon presentation at Mayflower Congregational Church.
Developed in conjunction with Union High School (UHS), the annual Impact Award program recognizes deserving high school juniors who receive a cash award of $750.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” Wendy Sturm, President of Women’s City Club, told WKTV. Sturm added that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.
To apply, students present a piece of work that identifies and describes a personal role model – someone who has inspired them to achieve their own excellence.
“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” said Sturm. “We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”
Personal revelations
The winning entries are chosen by a committee of UHS administrators, teachers, and counselors.
“This year we had the most entries than we’ve ever had in the past – and the most variety of things,” said UHS Principal Aaron Roussey. Submissions featured musical instruments, artwork and various essays.
“They are very personal,” UHS Assistant Principal Dana Bachelder said of the entries. “We have so many different students from different areas of the world.
“Many times when we read [the entries], we’re learning a little bit about where they came from, what is important to them, things that they’ve been through.”
Both Roussey and Bachelder describe Dilanny and Nebyat as leaders in school and the community.
Values and valor
JROTC First Sergeant Ron Voisinet (left) with Impact Award winner Dilanny Perez (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
Dilanny and Nebyat were honored with a celebration lunch. They had an opportunity to talk with WCC members and were presented with a scholarship certificate and award money.
Dilanny’s Impact Award entry was a written essay about William D. Swenson, a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013. She learned about bravery, loyalty, and courage, and was inspired to strive for those things in her own life.
The battalion commander of the Union JROTC team, Dilanny was moved by Swenson’s willingness to put himself in danger to rescue his team when they were ambushed in Afghanistan by a group of 60 armed enemy fighters.
“Not many people get the Medal of Honor. Some people that get the Medal of Honor end up getting it because the activity cost their lives,” said Dilanny. “It’s something to be really thankful for, knowing there are people willing to go out and defend our country.
“It makes people realize that freedom isn’t free. People actually have to go out there and make a lot of sacrifices for us in order for us to keep our freedom.”
Impact Award winner Dilanny Perez (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
Involved with the JROTC program since her freshman year, Dilanny says the bond formed between team members is unique and one that she appreciates.
“Our main goal is to motivate young people to become better citizens,” said Dilanny. “We do many volunteer opportunities, and we also do activities that make people confront their fears and learn values.”
A recent leadership reaction course taught JROTC members the importance of communication and trust in the people they are working with.
“That’s what I like about JROTC, the type of things that [we] go through, and the life lessons they give you.”
Dilanny is contemplating becoming an Army officer through the ROTC program at Western Michigan University.
Highlighting culture
Nebyat, who is from Eritrea in northeast Africa, created a painting of a woman from her country. The portrait depicts the bright colors and cultural dress of Eritrean women.
Painting by Nebyat Gebrehiwot (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
Impact Award winner Nebyat Gebrehiwot (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
Nebyat says her mother was the inspiration behind her Impact Award entry.
“I asked her what I was going to do, and she gave me some advice,” said Nebyat. “She told me to paint something from our culture because it is a small country. Not everyone know this country, so she told me to paint our…culture.
“In my country, before I came here, everywhere you go, they would wear this long dress.”
When asked how she felt about winning the WCC Impact Award, Nebyat said, “I was surprised, and I was so happy.”
Nebyat is inspired by the women of her country who strive for gender equality and work to empower other women. She aspires to be a role model of her Eritrean culture by working for gender equality for Eritrean women in the U.S. and in Eritrea.
Nebyat plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College for two years, then further her education by attending a university. She said she will continue to paint, and is interested in exploring other art forms as well.
(Left to right) Assistant Principal Dana Bachelder, Principal Aaron Roussey, Nebyat Gebrehiwot, and Wendy Sturm (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)
A remarkable journey
The Impact Award is funded by generous donations from WCC members and the community.
“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” said Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid…and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.
“It’s been quite a journey. It’s been a wonderful aspect of our community outreach of the Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids.”
For a list of past Impact Award winners, click here.
Once upon a time there were two best friends and their names were Maya and Victoria. They were watching a movie and eating rainbow popcorn with extra rainbow butter and rainbow gummies, and then someone spilled a Dragon fruit-drink on the remote, and then the whole house shook.
And then they got sucked into the T.V. Then they got pooped out of the portal, and they landed on a gargantuan marshmallow. Then they got stuck in a marshmallow to their waist, and they had to eat their way out. It took them an hour.
After that, they saw a dogocorn and a unicorn. Then, the dogocorn and unicorn ask Maya and Victoria to help them. They agree to help, but only if there is a way to get home. They said they need to beat the evil turtle.
The only way to destroy it is true love.
They all work together to find a boy turtle. When they do find him, he has an awesome singing voice. His name is Timmy. Then they bring him to the evil turtle’s castle.
Timmy knows she is really pretty, so then they get married. The evil turtle is no longer evil. She is really nice and sweet, and her name is Mia. Then Mia shows them a secret portal.
They go home and live happily ever after.
The End
P.S. Dogo Corn made everything a mess.
Victoria (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Maya (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Maya (left) and Victoria are 4th grade students at AnchorPoint Christian School.
The Two Best Friends was a collaborative effort between Maya and Victoria, and is their first published work.
A quarter of the people landed in the UnderWorld. A quarter of the people landed in GrimGate. The rest landed in E. State.
It all happened at 5:45.
While Josiah and I were playing Fortnite, we got sucked into the game. Josiah and I were shocked. We found ourselves in E. State. We hid in a bush because we were scared. We hid there until 50 people died.
Now there are 25 players left. We defeated five players. Now there are 19 players left. There used to be a gargantuan amount of players. 10 of them died. We destroyed four of them.
Now there are three left, not counting us. The other people destroyed the guy. Now it is a 2v2 and Josiah destroyed one person.
Josiah died to his teammate, and I destroyed him from behind.
Josiah Freeman (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Nathan Simeon (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Nathan Simeon (left) is a 3rd grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School.
Josiah Freeman (right) is a 4th grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School.
Fortnite World was a collaborative effort between Nathan and Josiah, and is their first published work.
Mrs. Kim Omanchi, AnchorPoint Christian School 3/4 Grade Teacher (Courtesy, Toby Lehnen)
By Toby Lehnen
3rd Grade Youth Contributor
AnchorPoint Christian School
This is Mrs. Omanchi. She is my teacher.
She wakes up and gets ready for work. She eats breakfast. Her breakfast is the homemade granola her mom made her.
Ezra gets up and she asks him what he wants for lunch and lays it out. They get in the car and drive to Potter’s House on the highway and Clyde Park Avenue.
When she gets to school around 7:40 a.m., she writes the morning message and prints the work we are going to do today.
She waits to greet her students at the door and see how we are doing.
Toby Lehnen (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Toby Lehnen is a 3rd grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School. Toby’s news article, Mrs. Omanchi’s Morning, is his first published work.
Led by teacher Mrs. Kim Omanchi, and in collaboration with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, students created unique pieces for publication on WKTV Journal.
The story is about sharks, there is a shark attack. It takes place at sea. It happened on July 12, 1916.
Once upon a time Jaxon and I were reading a book called I Survived Shark Attacks.
It was Feb. 10, 2024 when we were reading the book. We randomly got sucked into the book, and the teacher came and she saw that we weren’t there anymore.
It was July 12,1916. Jaxon and I were in the middle of the sea. Jaxon and I were scared because we thought we were gonna get eaten by a shark.
Afterwards, we saw people running to the sand because of five great white sharks. Two people had gotten eaten, and three people were left. But two sharks got two other people, leaving one person named Nick. He was running towards me and Jaxon.
Jaxon and I were jittery and started running to land, but we saw that he had disappeared. He came out of the water fighting the shark and killed the shark. Running from the other sharks, he made it to land.
Then Jaxon and I disappeared, coming back to school reading Shark Attacks.
The End!!!!
Alan Perez (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Alan Perez is a 3rd grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School. Alan’s short story, Stranded in Sharkland, is his first published work.
Led by teacher Mrs. Kim Omanchi, and in collaboration with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, students created unique pieces for publication on WKTV Journal.
Once upon time I was playing Fortnite, and I won the game. Suddenly I was invisible.
I went to Target and got a PS6. I set money on the counter which made the manager confused.
I took it home and plugged it in. I played Fortnite for 24 hours. My parents didn’t know because they couldn’t see me.
I took my dad’s credit card, so I could get the new XBOX Series and 10 Nintendo Switches. I charged them and played them for 10 hours, but I got bored. Then I decided to get the PS5. I liked it, however I got bored of that too. So I took a break to get ice cream.
When I came home, I went to sleep. I woke up and played Fortnite for 10 minutes. I got the Dub on Fortnite, but my invisibility ran out. And my parents caught me.
The end.
Joseph Montoya (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Joseph Montoya is a 4th grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School. Joseph’s short story, My Invisible Day Playing Fortnite, is his first published work.
Led by teacher Mrs. Kim Omanchi, and in collaboration with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, students created unique pieces for publication on WKTV Journal.
Suddenly, I am in the Ninja Turtle movie. I see if I can go meet the Turtles, and I become their friend. They show me around. They teach me how to fight. I fight the Krag with them. I have a sword and I can fight the Shredder and fight him with the turtles, and then I ride in the shell razor with the Turtles.
“Man, these buildings are gargantuan.”
Then I had my first fight.
“We went against the Krag. We won. It was easy with the Turtles. And the weapon I was using was a sword. It was cool.”
I was like Leo, but I was not the leader then we went home. It was stinky in the sewers but I had to deal with it.
Then it was time for bed. I slept on the couch, then I said, “That was the best day ever! And I know the Turtles are far-fetched.”
Dahmari Lee (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Dahmari Lee is a 4th grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School. Dahmari’s short story, Stuck in the Movie, is his first published work.
Led by teacher Mrs. Kim Omanchi, and in collaboration with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, students created unique pieces for publication on WKTV Journal.
Once upon a time there were two friends going to a magical theater. Their names were Taylor and Ashley. They’re both 16 years old.
Taylor has waist-length blonde hair and brown eyes. She hopes to be an actress some day. Specifically, on BROADWAY! They both live in New York City!
Ashley has brown, straight, shoulder length hair and blue eyes. She hopes to be a director some day. Specifically, working with Taylor, on BROADWAY! In New York City!
Texting
Ashley! You are packed right?! From Taylor.
Duh! Are you packed Taylor? From Ashley.
I’m packed and you are! Good! From Taylor.
Real Life
Taylor and Ashley were asked to come to “Emelia’s Star Theater” to perform in a movie. Taylor would be cast as Queen Shoreanna of the Shore Fairies. Ashley would be cast as Queen Flamebelle of the Flame Fairies. These two queens were forever enemies but their daughters, Princess Shore and Princess Flame, were best friends. Unfortunately, Shore and Flame were Taylor and Ashley’s younger sisters. Shore is Taylor’s sister Zoe and Flame is Ashley’s sister Hallie, they’re very annoying. Then there was Prince Sand and Prince Fire. Taylor and Ashley’s younger sisters’ twins. The twins were all 13 years old. Sand is Shore’s twin and Fire is Flame’s twin. Sand is Jake, Zoe’s twin and Fire is Kayden, Hallie’s twin. Taylor’s younger twins have blonde hair and blue eyes. Ashley’s younger twins have brown hair and brown eyes.
“Hey Shore! Sand! Get over here!” Taylor yelled from her room.
“Don’t call us Shore and Sand!” they said from their room. Jake and Zoe are particular about names.
“Goodness,” Taylor mumbled.
“We heard that!!!” they yelled.
“Well are you two packed?”
“Yes!”
Meanwhile
“Hallie and Kayden you better be packed!” Ashley yelled.
“Duh, we are!” Hallie and Kayden yelled.
“Jinx!” Kayden said.
“Mm!” Hallie said/mumbled. She said “COOTIES!” not using words though.
The next day Taylor, Ashley, Zoe, Hallie, Jake and Kayden arrived at…
“Emelia’s Star Theater!” Emelia herself said. “Welcome.”
“Thank you,” Ashley said, being polite.
“This is Luke and Matthew, my sons,” Emelia said. They were both 16 with blonde hair and green eyes, twins. “Luke and Matthew, the blonde one is Taylor and the brown hair one is Ashley, the queens. The younger girls are the princesses, the younger boys are the princes. More introductions later!”
“Looks like Ashley and I are the only ones with no twins,” Taylor said. Wow, Luke’s cute! she thought.
“How’d ya know we’re twins?” Luke asked.
“Same pale blonde hair, same emerald green eyes, DUH!” Ashley pointed out. Whoa, Matthew is super cute! She also thought one of the boys was cute.
“True,” Matthew said.
“MWA HAHAHAHA!!!” someone said, “Tis I, Witch Lemon, and the Lime Lovers! I’m casting a curse so no one may exit this so-called ‘star’ theater!”
“WHAT?! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!” they all screamed.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Rozemarijn L. De Graff, Youth Contributor (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi)
Rozemarijn L. De Graff is a 4th grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School. Rozemarijn’s short story, Thrilling Theater Time, is her first published work.
Led by teacher Mrs. Kim Omanchi, and in collaboration with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, students created unique pieces for publication on WKTV Journal.
Teddy is a 4th grade student at AnchorPoint Christian School. Teddy’s poem, I Draw, is his first published work.
Led by teacher Mrs. Kim Omanchi, and in collaboration with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed, students created unique pieces for publication on WKTV Journal.
Community members can vote to double the Make More Happen Award amount (Courtesy photo)
Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded Doyle & Ogden Inc. a 2024 Make More Happen Award for its volunteerism with Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite in transforming our world.
The award includes an initial donation of $5,000 for Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation and its Coats for Kids program, which can be doubled to $10,000 just by having community supporters vote online.
The Doyle & Ogden Inc. and Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation community story will be highlighted on the official Make More Happen microsite. Supporters can vote to help the team reach their donation goal.
If the featured story receives at least 500 votes, the $5,000 donation will be raised to $10,000.
A legacy of warmth and care
The Del J. & Jean B. Doyle Family Foundation was established in 2005 as a tribute to the founder of Doyle & Ogden, Del J. Doyle and his wife Jean, to continue their legacy of philanthropy and volunteerism.
As a part of this organization, Doyle & Ogden created the Coats for Kids program in 2009, providing winter coats to elementary children whose families are unable to afford one.
Doubling the $5,000 donation will help hundreds of children in need (Courtesy, Doyle & Ogden Inc.)
West Michigan winters are brutal, and a large percentage of children in need walk to school. Without a warm winter coat, students do not attend school. Subsequently, they do not have breakfast and lunch that day or receive their sack supper from Kids’ Food Basket. Without proper nutrition, students then fall behind in their education.
The $10,000 donation will allow the organization to supply an estimated 500 children with winter coats and expand the number of schools benefiting from this program.
“We are honored and incredibly grateful for being awarded the 2024 Make More Happen Award so we can continue to help our community and give back even more to local schools,” said Mike Doyle, agency owner and president of Doyle & Ogden. “The Coats for Kids program has had a significant impact in the Grand Rapids area and are thrilled to double the donation with community support.”
Expanding donations
In 2023, a total of 1,202 new winter coats were distributed among 18 schools and organizations in need. This year marks 15 years of the Coats for Kids program, and the agency is delivering more coats than ever.
Coats for Kids is providing more and more coats to kids in need each year (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The $10,000 donation is vital in continuing to provide winter coats to those in need.
The entire team at Doyle & Ogden assists with the Coats for Kids program. The agency holds internal fundraisers and solicits donations from partners. Several staff members have knitted scarves and hats for each coat donated.
“Recognizing independent agents’ dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards is all about,” said Lisa Hartt, Safeco Insurance Midwest Region Senior Territory Manager. “Doyle & Ogden is a shining example of the amazing work independent agents do in Michigan, and we hope sharing inspiring stories motivates others to do the same.”
Apply for the Make More Happen Award
Throughout 2024, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance will select up to 37 independent agents nationwide for a Make More Happen Award. They will donate up to $370,000 to the nonprofits they support.
Agencies became eligible for the award by submitting an application and photos demonstrating their commitment to a specific nonprofit.
It was a hot summer evening in 1923 when a group of Grand Rapids women ignited the spark that would become the iconic Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids (WCC).
One hundred years later, the women of Grand Rapids continue to provide support for each other and for their community through charitable and educational outreach…and fun.
On March 14, the GR Stories program – hosted by the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and the WCC – celebrated a century of resilience, influence and impact.
WCC historians Carol Dodge and Marcie Woods presented an oral history titled “Our First One Hundred Years” during the celebration. The presentation was derived from the WCC’s recently published centennial book bearing the same name and co-authored by Dodge and Woods.
“This Women’s City Club knows no boundaries,” said Judge Sara Smolenski during the event. “They’re in our community helping, reaching out and making an impact.”
This is the story of Grand Rapids’ most influential women and their legacy of resilience in times of challenge.
The year is 1923
It’s the roaring 20s. It’s a jazz age, another year of prohibition and speak-easies. Women have the right to vote. It was declared legal for women to wear trousers anywhere. It’s a year of prosperity, and there are new roles for women.
WCC historians Marcie Woods (left) and Carol Dodge present the history of the Club (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
On a hot July evening in 1923, a group of women sat on the steps of the Grand Rapids YWCA and dreamed about having a place to gather, socialize, entertain and inform. They longed to be women of common interest in the welfare of the city in public issues.
A spark was ignited. On January 4, 1924, an enthusiastic group of women came together in the first official meeting of the WCC.
“The Club was started at just the right time, with just the right people,” said Dodge during the presentation. “The community leaders among the women of Grand Rapids were the early leaders of the City Club, and they were diligent in inviting other civic-minded women to join.”
With annual dues set at $10 and meeting rooms at the Morton Hotel, the WCC was off and running.
When the Sweet House came on the market in 1927, the Club purchased and remodeled the building for their clubhouse. Almost everything inside the House was given or loaned to the Club.
By the end of the decade, the Club had 1,800 members and 165 on a waiting list.
The economy was down with the 1929 market crash, but optimism was high at WCC. It had become a welcoming second home for many women in the community.
The 1930s rolled inwith a vengeance
The Club was not immune to the trouble following the Great Depression.Membership dropped to 800 in 1933. Losing over half of their members, the board worked diligently to keep the doors open.
WCC member Rebecca Sneller performed a song from each decade (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
WCC members were empathetic to those less fortunate during the Depression. Their auditorium was turned into a sewing and workroom, and clothing was made for families in need. Food, books, and toys were collected and distributed.
As the economy turned around, so did membership numbers.
In 1936, membership had become so desirable that a membership limit of 1,400 was set – and they also had a waiting list.
The 1930s featured teas and dances. Many well-known guests presented at the Club during this time. Among them were Winston Churchill’s son Randolph and aviatrix Amelia Earhart. The first Bob Cratchit Holiday Dinner was served, and became a tradition for 77 years.
“During these difficult Depression years, the Club did not miss a single mortgage payment, and we ended the 1930s on a high note,” said Dodge. “The mortgage of the Club was burned, and after 12 years we were debt-free.
The 1940s were called the War Years
A WCC Friendship Quilt made in 1993 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Hazel Whitaker Vandenberg, a charter member of the Club and Senator Vandenberg’s wife, kept Club members abreast with her monthly bulletin reports from Washington DC.
Monthly urgent pleas went out to members for volunteers to help in the National Defense program.
The WCC auditorium was once again turned into a workroom where surgical dressings were wrapped, sewing machines made surgical gowns, baby blankets and baby layettes. Women were trained to serve in city hospitals to relieve the shortage of medical staff.
“Our members were active,” said Dodge. “Many were heads of war relief programs in the city.”
The Club collected money to buy personal items for wounded soldiers, and monthly hospitality events were held to entertain the soldiers from the Army Air Force Weather School.
“At the end of the war, the Club celebrated and offered thanksgiving for victory,” said Dodge. “And now it was time to plan for the future.”
1950 brought a revolution of the WCC bulletin
The bulletin was an extremely important part of WCC right from the beginning with its first editor, Miss Christine Keck. The WCC’s third president, Keck was the first to realize that included ads would defray cost.
Marcie Woods (right) signs a copy of the centennial book for a member (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Next came Miss Mabel Allen, who edited the bulletin for 35 years. Allen was in charge of all ads and editing, but had two dozen women gathering information and writing articles. The bulletins were now 50 pages long, with 40 ads in the January 1950 edition alone.
The bulletin covered all Club activities, added humor, and kept local women in touch with the world. It presented local and national issues and urged members to vote.
“It showed us where we could be active,” said Woods. “The goal was for each woman to be noteworthy in the life of the city.”
WCC ended the decade with an all-time high of 2,400 members and another 400 on the waiting list.
The 1960swere a tipping point
WCC members talk during the reception (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Membership remained at a high of 2,400.Three hundred of those members were on committees. They gave over 40,000 hours of volunteer work each year.
WCC began a six-week series on local national and international affairs issues. Armchair Cruises were established with a Club dinner featuring food related to the country shown on the slides. Exceptionally well-attended, Armchair Cruises continued for 20 years.
At the end of the decade, the Club still had 2,400 members but the waiting list had dropped to 36.
The 1960s were a tipping point for the entire nation. Clubs, churches and civic organizations all showed declining numbers.
The 1970s introduced a time of firsts
The Club turned 50 years old. Women could register under their own names – they did not have to be “Mrs. Him.” They had the freedom of wearing more casual clothing, including sandals – and no hats.
Helen Claytor, the first African American woman in the United States to be president of a community YWCA, joined the WCC. It was also the national bicentennial and Grand Rapids sesquicentennial.
Membership dropped, decreasing Club income. At the end of the decade, the WCC dining room, bulletin, parking lot and library budgets were in deficit. After years aplenty, the Club had to dip into reserve funds.
Carol Dodge signs a copy of “Our First One Hundred Years” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The 1980s began with 1,700 members
Fashionettes continued, and the Travel Committee booked several trips. A WCC favorite was Barbara Rinella, who performed book reviews in costume for 15 years.
The women did what they could to save and raise money for the Club. But the decade still ended with a deficit, and membership dropped by 500, leaving only 1,200 members.
The 1990s was a decade of ups and downs
Mother Teresa and Princess Diana were lost. There was 24-hour coverage of Desert Storm. For the City Club, an “up” included $115,000 raised through a diligent campaign called Rising to the Future.
The board continued to vigorously promote membership and retention. The bylaws were amended to change the word “woman” to “person.” Joint ventures with the World Affairs Council and the Ladies Literary Guild were initiated, and the Club opened two Saturdays a month.
Budget issues remained a concern as house maintenance costs continued to mount. In 1998, a fundraising campaign was held, raising over $40,000 and enabling the Club to get through that decade.
It was apparent that changes needed to be made.
The world slipped quietly into the new century without Y2K predictions coming true
The world watched the horror of the 9/11 attacks and worried about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Women’s City Club stepped into the new century with anxiety, with anticipation of a committed membership, and a vision for the future.
The silver tea set is original to the Sweet House (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It was a decade of transition for the Club,” said Dodge. “We did continue the tradition of excellent programs and activities. We learned from city and world leaders.”
The Club’s Women’s City Antique Roadshow brought in people from the community. Club members donated clothing and gifts for children and clothing for women needing interview attire.
Because of budget deficits, their dwindling assets became a critical issue. Something had to be done.
“We had talked about it a long time, but now we had to make changes,” said Dodge. “We had to take action.”
An automated bookkeeping system and a strong marketing committee diligently promoting the Club were a few of those changes. They also held additional evening programs that were met with rave reviews.
The WCC formed the 501c3 Sweet House Foundation, allowing members and the community to donate tax-free dollars for the maintenance and preservation of the House.
This helped the Club end the last three years of the decade in the black and do much-needed maintenance and repairs on the clubhouse.
At the end of the decade, WCC had 223 members and 15 additional 50-year members.
The new decade began with relief, hope and high tech
WCC entered the electronic age with a website and social media presence. Simultaneously, the History Committee preserved the past by acquiring all 75 years of Club records and archiving them at the Grand Rapids Public Library.
Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids 100th birthday luncheon (Courtesy, WCC)
As an ArtPrize venue, tens of thousands came through the Sweet House, attracting more women to try a trial Club membership.
Things were looking up. Then the computer system crashed. The Club manager retired. The new management software was too complicated for staff to use. The dining room manager quit. The treasurer quit. In the new year, the general manager quit.
“And then came the bad news,” said Woods.
WCC’s reserve funds were almost gone. The accountants gave the Club six months until bankruptcy.
“We had choices,” said Woods. “Do nothing and let the Club die, stay in the House but close the dining room, or move to a different location.” Woods paused. “We chose to leave.”
On April 28, 2018, the WCC left their home of 91 years.
But…guess what?
“We are alive and well,” said Woods.
The WCC overcame decades of challenges and found new locations to meet and new opportunities for giving. Club members continued to create a legacy of compassion and charity through countless donations, by creating the Impact Award for juniors at Union High School, and creating a legacy that is embodied in the Sweet House.
“But that’s merely our physical legacy,” said Woods. “Our living legacy is our members. Many of our members throughout our history have been active in nearly every influential organization in the city.
We are women of influence, of impact, separately and together. And have been for 100 years.”
Woods continued, “Together, we find the support, inspiration, enrichment and friendship that tie us all together. Our social and educational programs, classes, and the opportunities to build relationships continue to offer the women of Grand Rapids a place to belong, to give back to the community.
“That is the history of the Women’s City Club.”
About the WCC historians
Carol Dodge worked in the insurance industry for over 35 years, is one of the founding members of the Sweet House Foundation, was WCC president from 2005-2007, and is a Club historian.
Marcie Woods was a professional educator who taught at several area schools, is editor-in-chief of the WCC bulletin, and also serves as a Club historian.
AnchorPoint Christian School in Wyoming is excited to announce that 4th grade student Dahmari Lee will be moving on to the MYWAY State Championships. Dahmari is AnchorPoint’s first student to move on to the championship round.
“I’m so proud of all the wrestlers this year!” said Coach Ed Harris in supplied material. “Each one has grown in a number of ways whether it is learning new moves, self-confidence, or how to handle adversity.”
Challenges and growth
Dahmari Lee with parents Andreen and John Wierenga (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
For the past two years, Dahmari has wrestled as a novice. The 2024 regional tournament at Grandville High School was his first taste of open wrestling, competing against opponents with two or more years of wrestling experience.
Dahmari enjoys wrestling with his dad at home, so when AnchorPoint’s 5-6th grade teacher Ed Harris formed a school wrestling team, he immediately signed up.
“He’s really into sports, so when they started a wrestling program here he wanted to try it,” John Wierenga, Dahmari’s father, told WKTV. “I told him we probably wouldn’t do any tournaments the first year, just practice. But after three practices, he was ready [to try] a tournament.”
Dahmari said he enjoys working hard and receiving medals (of which he has earned several) at competitions. The young wrestler is looking forward to participating at the State Championships, in part because he will wrestle open.
“Open is a little bit harder because you have to wrestle a couple years ahead of you,” said Dahmari, admitting that he likes the challenge of competing against more experienced wrestlers.
Andreen Wierenga, Dahmari’s mother, said watching her son wrestle is very emotional for her because she doesn’t want him to get hurt.
Despite her nervousness, Andreen supports Dahmari by attending his matches.
Dahmari Lee (right) prepares to scrimmage (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“When he’s winning, I like to cheer him on,” said Andreen. “But when he started to get the hang of it, he said, ‘I don’t like the excitement. You can stay home, and Dad can take me,’” said Andreen.
Andreen attended a recent match with the promise that she would sit quietly and not cheer. When Dahmari won his match, however, Andreen admitted that her emotions ran high.
“He came up and hugged me and said, ‘See? This is why I told you not to come,’” said Andreen with a laugh.
Dahmari’s willingness to accept challenges placed before him has garnered the notice of his coach.
“[Dahmari] is always willing to challenge himself in practice and in competition,” said Harris. “The fact that he placed 4th shows he belongs with those open wrestlers, and will continue to grow as an athlete and a person going forward.”
Iron sharpens iron
Launching AnchorPoint’s K-6 grade wrestling program stemmed from Harris’ own love of the sport.
Teacher and Coach Ed Harris believes in teaching more than just wrestling moves (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Harris began wrestling in high school and quickly fell in love with the sport. A Division 2 Team National Championship win at GVSU was followed by coaching positions at Godfrey Lee Middle School and then Wyoming High School.
When a donor purchased mats for AnchorPoint from Michigan State, the school’s youth wrestling team began.
“I love the sport of wrestling, and with a donor coming forward to help get the mats here, and my sons going to this school [and] with the opportunity to coach them, God’s timing was perfect,” said Harris.
Harris is also excited to incorporate faith into the wrestling program.
“I have always loved Proverbs 27:17: ‘Iron sharpens iron,’ because it is so true in wrestling,” said Harris, adding that a good partner provides refinement, but a bad partner creates stumbling blocks. “It is amazing how much faith and wrestling are connected, and we talk about that in our devotions before every practice.”
Life lessons
Dahmari (left) shows perseverance during a recent scrimmage (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Faith is only one life lesson AnchorPoint’s wrestlers learn through the program.
Strengthening their bodies as well as relationships with their peers as they work together in a competitive setting is also a focus of the program. Giving students a positive outlet for working through emotions, physical stress or anxiety, and learning the art of winning and losing gracefully are also lessons the students will take with them throughout life.
But one of the most important lessons, Harris said, is perseverance – especially through tough times.
“Wrestling is super tough, especially when you first start out,” said Harris, commenting that he was proud of the wrestlers for showing perseverance during a recent scrimmage. “No matter the score, they just kept wrestling and working to improve.
“I hope they transition that thinking to life and that, no matter what is going on in life, you can always find ways to work to make it better.”
Preparation and anticipation
As Dahmari prepares for the State Championships at Wings Event Center Arena on March 22-23, anticipation is high for both student and coach.
“I’m excited to see where wrestling can take Dahmari and all of our students in the future!” said Harris.
Four simple steps can save lives – find out how to BE NICE.
Christy Buck and Jessica Jones of Mental Health Foundation’s be nice. program reveal how to make mental health part of our every day conversation (Courtesy, WKTV)
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Christy Buck is changing the narrative on mental illness with her be nice. program (Courtesy, WKTV)
Christy Buck, Executive Director and Founder of be nice., is determined to make mental health a part of our everyday conversation.
Buck’s passion for transforming and saving lives through mental health education has led her through 36+ years of experience in the mental health field and the development of mental health and suicide prevention programs.
“I would challenge people to become more knowledgeable to have the confidence to talk about mental illnesses/mental health disorders,” said Buck to WKTV Journal.
Due to a 20% increase in mental health disorders, people are talking more about mental health than ever before. But Buck says we are still missing a vital piece of the solution.
Greater understanding breeds prevention
“What’s not being talked about is recognizing when somebody is struggling with an illness,” said Buck. “That, to me, is one of the biggest things that we owe the community and the nation right now: a better understanding of recognizing the onset of a mental health disorder.”
Buck continued to say that talking about mental illness/mental health disorders is going to raise a greater understanding of one of the most common illnesses in the world – anxiety disorder.
Normalizing conversations about mental illness combats stigma (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
And when we make it okay to talk about mental illness, we combat stigma.
“One way we can combat stigma is by listening to conversations, [and] correcting people when they might not be knowledgeable about mental illnesses,” said Buck.
Since 2006, Buck and her staff have educated over 300,000 people in West Michigan about mental health awareness, bullying, and suicide prevention. And though Buck says she has seen a large shift over the last few years, there is still more work to do.
“When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s very scary for those individuals,” said Buck. “Oftentimes there is self-stigma too…viewing yourself as unworthy, viewing yourself as defeated, that there is no hope.”
Dare to swim upstream
Conquering stigma requires knowledge and willingness to open conversations “upstream.”
The four-step be nice. action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) addresses all of these issues.
Be willing to “swim upstream” and have those open conversations (Courtesy, WKTV)
“It’s a simple tool,” said Buck. “Oftentimes we complicate mental health.”
The first step to unraveling that obstacle is to notice when something is different than the norm.
“It’s huge to have ownership of what I am seeing and what I am noticing,” said Buck. “Now I have this knowledge, and having a knowledge base is going to build my confidence to take action.
“Confidence is that tool to invite myself into a conversation.”
That conversation should begin with what is good and right about the person you are talking to. It allows that person to know you care and are concerned. Then acknowledge the differences you have noticed.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Then give hope.
“[Hope] comes through language like: you can feel better, you can get better,” said Buck. “Because it’s the truth. It is huge to be able to give that person some hope.”
Also using the word(s) love and I care about you can instill hope in someone.
Protective/Preventative Measures
Ensuring access to services and usage of those services are two main protective factors for those struggling and/or at risk. Another protective factor is friends and family – having people you can talk to.
Eating right, getting sleep and exercising are three things that release chemicals in your brain that help a person feel better. Spiritual wellness can also help, whether in the form of church or meditation that focuses on positive thinking.
“These are all pieces of empowerment,” said Buck. “When somebody is struggling with a mental health disorder or mental illness, they can’t find those protective factors.”
Buck went on to say that inviting someone struggling into a conversation by asking how you can help guides that person toward self-awareness.
Anyone can be N.I.C.E.
“No one is too young to follow the [action] plan, no one is too old to follow the plan,” said Buck. “This can be for kindergarteners through senior citizens. I love it because it is so multi-generational.”
The be nice. program and action plan educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.
And it has been proven to save lives.
“Be nice. is to go out and treat people with respect and dignity,” said Buck. “It is having that greater understanding that how we treat each other has an affect on someone’s mental health. On how somebody is thinking, how they’re acting, and how they’re feeling.”
Then, Buck continued, it turns into an action plan to change, improve, and save lives.
Notice the right and good of every individual you come into contact with, and invite yourself to share that good with them. Many times, the person may not have ever heard the good about themselves.
(Courtesy, be nice.)
By sharing that with them, you are “bringing about that greater understanding of how worthy they are,” said Buck.
Challenge other people to spread that kindness. Treat people with respect and dignity.
“Ultimately, it feels good,” said Buck. “That’s empowerment.”
Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, is an advocate for the be nice. program.
“As I have gotten to know some of the wonderful volunteers and people who are involved in this program, I have realized what a difference it could have made in Jessica’s life,” Gregory said on her blog, Picking Up the Pieces. “It could have affected the outcome of my daughter’s life.”
Gregory went on to say that, over the last several years, she has learned that how you treat people impacts the way they think, act, and feel.
“Be the change this world needs today,” said Gregory. “Treat people with love and respect, give them support when they are down, get involved, be positive role models and be nice.”
“We are here.”
Help others by educating yourself (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Knowledge surrounding physical illnesses has increased exponentially over the decades. Buck now challenges us to become more educated about mental illness.
Be nice. offers training on how to recognize mental illness signs and help those struggling. Training registrations can be found on their website.
“We are here,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for the Mental Health Foundation. “[We’re] ready to help people have those conversations.”
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Eradicate stigma through knowledge (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Ignorance results in stigma.
Stigma prevents those who need help from seeking it.
Knowledge and self-awareness stop both ignorance and stigma in their tracks.
“I’ve learned that when people say things about suicide,” Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, told WKTV Journal, “they’re not saying it to be mean or callous. They’re saying it because they’re ignorant to the facts.”
Christy Buck, Executive Director of the be nice. program, provides an action plan consisting of four simple steps that equip individuals with knowledge to recognize, understand, accept, and take action regarding mental health.
N: notice changes in someone’s thoughts, actions or feelings.
I: invite yourself to speak up if those changes last two weeks or longer.
C: challenge yourself to ask the tough questions, get help, and fight the stigma surrounding mental illness and treatment.
E: empower yourself and others with the knowledge that you can have an effect on how a person thinks, acts and feels.
Self-awareness and grace
For those struggling with mental illness, self-awareness and giving themselves grace are two key components of healing.
“The more self-aware you become, you also know what your limits are,” said Dr. Valencia Agnew of Adolescent and Family Behavioral Services.
Jessica Jones of the Mental Health Foundation discusses mental health with local clinicians (from left to right) Dr. Matthew Clark, Dr. Valencia Agnew, Dr. Jim Bettenhorn, and Dr. Brendan Kelly (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Being aware of your thinking gives you more control, said Dr. Brendan Kelly of The Well Being Counseling and Fitness Center. “Control over things you didn’t have [before], like a sense of empowerment over yourself.”
Preparation: It’s like clockwork…I know it’s coming…
In a place of recovery for mental illness, local resident Monica Ruiz said paying close attention to what her body tells her, and how it affects her engagement in activities that keep her regulated and healthy, is key in recognizing when her mental illness is triggered.
Opting out of her regular walks, skipping support group, and not making dinner are all signs that Monica’s mental health is faltering. She then digs into her coping resource toolbox to help manage those negative symptoms.
Signs of mental illness
Signs that someone is struggling with their mental health varies from person to person, but there are several indicators that appear with regularity.
Symptoms of mental illness come in many forms (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Changes in normal patterns lasting two weeks or more is a key symptom of mental illness. Some (but not all) signs are included below:
Changes in eating
Changes in sleeping
Isolating themselves
Not wanting to go to school or places they used to enjoy
Increase in crying/appearing sad
Changes in schoolwork
Violence toward themselves or others
Increase in crude or harmful language
Increase in anger/temper tantrums
Nothing to look forward to, such as events or the future
If you notice these signs in yourself or others, seek help.
If encountering resistance from a parent/adult, Agnew advises those struggling to say: “Even if it is a phase, what harm will it do for me to go and have someone help me? Who couldn’t benefit from support during a [difficult] phase?”
Adapting and Modifying
Simplify activities during difficult times (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When experiencing a low point, modifying daily routines can be helpful.
“One of my first lines of defense is to modify my daily activities,” said Monica. “Pausing, being still, and taking that time.”
For a few days, dinner might consist of protein shakes or frozen dinners. Groceries might be ordered and delivered via an online app versus spending hours in a store.
However, Monica added, simplifying activities should only be a short-term solution.
Rachael Braginton, Program Coordinator for be nice., said she has experienced struggles with her own mental health. She can tell her mental health has been negatively triggered when she becomes more irritable, her energy levels dip, and she regularly feels overwhelmed.
Slow down and breathe (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Rachael has learned to give herself grace during those times.
“It’s okay to take the evening,” said Rachael. “It’s okay to just sit. It’s okay if you’re just surviving…for a few days.”
Rachael makes a conscious effort to slow down and tell herself it is okay if everything she planned doesn’t get done. But, after taking a moment to relax, Rachael makes a revised plan: What two things am I going to do, so I feel accomplished?
And again…grace.
“You’ve got to continue to give yourself grace in that process,” said Rachael.
First steps: Reaching out
Seek help and reach out to someone you trust (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When your mental health is triggered, reaching out to a person you trust is crucial.
“My biggest encouragement would be, find that one person who you are the most comfortable with, that you can say, ‘I’m struggling, and I don’t know what the next step is. Can you help me?’” said Rachael.
Monica agreed that finding a person you trust and who can help you navigate those first steps of the healing process is impactful.
And support is often needed more than advice.
Support vs. Advice
Though it is human nature to want to help a struggling loved one find relief or a solution, a listening ear is often most important.
“Do not fix, control or hand out advice,” said Monica, adding that she personally does not want advice most of the time. “I’m not looking to be fixed.”
Listening, empathizing and letting someone know you support them often helps the most.
“Don’t tell them you know exactly how they feel, because we don’t,” said Dr. Matthew Clark of The Clark Institute. “A lot of times people just want someone to listen, to reflect back to them what they are saying.”
Dr. Matthew Clark (left) and Dr. Valencia Agnew discuss ways to provide support to those struggling (Courtesy, WKTV)
Minimizing or invalidating an individual’s struggle is also damaging.
“Invalidation can be very harmful, and it can immediately fracture that trust and feeling of safety,” said Monica.
Rachael added that causing someone to feel shame about their struggle is also harmful.
Find a team of supportive people (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Most people struggling logically know what they are doing is not helpful, or logically know [that] I should be able to do X, Y, and Z. [But] I can’t,” said Rachael. “There is a logical piece to all of us, and we know it’s not right. So quick fixes – those little things – just aren’t helpful.”
Eliminate “Just” statements such as Just breathe, or Just calm down.
“If I could ‘just’ think really hard and change my chemicals, I would,” said Rachael. “But I can’t.”
Madelyn Musser, a local resident with personal mental illness experience, said to stay calm if approached by someone looking for support. Simply ask, What do you need from me? Would you like advice? Or do you just want me to listen?
“That is something so powerful, just those two little options,” said Madelyn, adding that it is important to surround yourself with supportive people. “Build a team.”
Hold space, leave space
“Leave space for silence,” said Rachael. “Allow the other person to fill it. Let them say what they need to say.”
If there is any indication someone is struggling, it is vital to ask how that person is doing and hold space for that conversation. It is also just as important to hold space for the answers you receive.
Asking someone if they are okay shows you care about them (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Don’t be afraid to have that conversation with someone,” said Agnew. “Nine times out of ten, they’re going to tell you [if they are thinking of suicide].
“You are not going to make someone suicidal by asking. You are not going to plant a seed.”
Clark said that simply checking in with someone is a way to show support.
“Sometimes we feel like no one really cares about what [we are] going through,” said Clark. “Sometimes we think that if they don’t ask, they don’t care.”
#ThereIsAlwaysHope
“I do believe that all suffering is temporary,” said Monica. “I do believe that, as humans, we are capable of healing ourselves, and we know what we need.
“Life experiences can get in the way of that and make us feel hopeless, that we will never get better and there is no help. But I do believe that is not true.”
All suffering is temporary – there is always hope (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“When we sit here and say there is hope, it’s because we’ve seen it, we’ve lived it,” said Rachael.
When hope is not easy to see, Rachael urges those struggling to take it one step at a time.
“It’s not always easy, but there really is hope out there,” said Rachael.
Monica said that even in the lowest times, there will be moments of reprieve. “So please hold on. There is help. It gets better.”
Recognize your worth
“I remember the first time someone told me that I was worthy just because I existed,” said Monica. “It brought me to tears immediately.”
She continued, “It’s something I say to others. I do believe everyone really does belong here.”
Changing things up
Rewriting the narrative surrounding mental health and mental illness is long overdue. Action is how to make it happen.
Rewrite the narrative on mental illness by taking action today (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“You change the narrative by doing something,” said Agnew. “Go talk to someone. It changes the narrative just by taking that step.”
Buck’s be nice.book visualizes the four-step suicide prevention process as a pyramid (pg. 143).
Knowledge of mental illness signs and risk factors – and how to approach them – creates the base. Confidence generated by that knowledge is the middle. At the top of the pyramid is action: the steps taken to address the concern.
Dr. Valencia Agnew shares how we can change the narrative (Courtesy, WKTV)
“Knowledge breeds confidence,” said Buck in her book (pg. 144). “Confidence breeds action.”
Increasing personal knowledge, having a support system and building resiliency are all steps to rewriting your story, or the story of a loved one.
“Any of those things can change the narrative,” said Agnew. “Literally change the narrative.
“It’s not always easy to do, but it is possible to do, and it is well worth the investment. You get to go from existing, to living.”
Eradicate Stigma
To learn more about be nice. and the four simple steps to recognizing depression and preventing suicide, visit the Mental Health Foundation.
Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice.Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.
*Find more Mental Health: Rewriting the Narrativeresources by clicking here.
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Madelyn Musser was 15 years old when she attempted suicide. Rachael Braginton attempted to end her life as a freshman in college.
It was several years before Monica Ruiz realized her depressive episodes and struggles with suicide were a result of complex trauma from her childhood and the resulting PTSD.
These three local women sat down with WKTV Journal to share their mental health journeys in the hopes of eradicating stigma surrounding mental illness.
Moderated by Jessica Jones of Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, lived experience participants (left to right) Madelyn Musser, Monica Ruiz and Rachael Braginton discussed the stigma and challenges of mental disorders (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Managing their mental health journey is a daily endeavor for millions of people worldwide. It is one undertaken and shared by these three local women. Joined by local clinicians and the Mental Health Foundation, they strive to rewrite the narrative surrounding their struggles.
Stigma: Victims of our own conditioning
You are going through: hormone changes, emotions, being ‘that age.’
But you have: a loving family, material possessions, a roof over your head.
All of the above are a fraction of what Madelyn and Monica heard from doctors and family members over the years as they struggled to understand a persistent sense of hopelessness.
Harmful beliefs and narratives make it difficult for those suffering to receive help (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I don’t think my family are bad people,” said Monica. “I think they’re just a product of the culture in which we live, and these harmful beliefs or narratives that have been passed on from generation to generation.”
“I had to break out,” said Madelyn. “I did have a suicide attempt when I was 15, and I think that kind of set in everybody’s mind that she does need help.”
Rachael Braginton now works as Program Coordinator for Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan (Courtesy, WKTV)
Rachael believes stigma resided inside her, ultimately stopping her from seeking help. Even with a caring and supportive family, good grades in school, great friends and good health, one question kept circling her mind: “Why would I be feeling this way?”
“I remember wishing I could be [physically] sick to make it make sense to myself,” said Rachael.
Because she couldn’t make sense of her feelings, Rachael feared judgment from others. Afraid people would think she was lazy, or couldn’t handle a certain stage in life, she repeatedly implied that she was doing well.
“It spiraled into a hole of lies,” said Rachael. “There’s support there, but I’ve been lying to my support. So now what do I do?”
Feeling she had cut herself off from all avenues of help, Rachael attempted to take her own life.
Perpetuating Silence
Monica Ruiz was met with disbelief and indifference from people she thought would help her (Courtesy, WKTV)
While Rachael struggled with crippling silence, Monica chose to be vocal about her inner battles – and was met with painful responses.
“I don’t believe you.”
“This can’t happen…You can’t not show up.”
The comments above, made by Monica’s graduate professor and co-worker, hurt Monica deeply.
“When those things happen, it really fractures trust, and really damages the relationship to the point where I feel this person is no longer safe to be honest [with],” said Monica.
“And that perpetuates the living in silence a lot of us experience.”
Therapist and owner of The Well Being Counseling and Fitness Center, Dr. Brendan Kelly, also believes that fear of judgment is a root cause preventing people from seeking help.
You are not alone – most everyone has experienced anxiety or depression at some point (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“People are afraid of being judged,” said Kelly, adding that people are even afraid of what their therapist might think of them.
Dr. Matthew Clark of The Clark Institute agrees: “They see it as a weakness, or something they don’t want to admit to somebody because they might feel ashamed.
“Almost everybody at one time or another has struggled with anxiety or depression, and there’s help out there. And if you get help for yourself, then you can help other people, too.”
Treatment – Understanding the journey of healing
Treatment is a journey that takes work and is an imperfect process.
“Not everybody understands that everybody is different in their treatment,” said Madelyn, admitting that it took years to realize medication did not work for her.
Instead of medication, Madelyn Musser relies on various coping skills to manage her mental health (Courtesy, WKTV)
Clark agreed, saying there is not one set therapy or treatment.
Regarding medication, Clark said, “You can try until you find a medication that works for you. And [you] may not need it forever. It might just be a short period of time to get you through this period.”
Length of time until treatment begins working also varies.
“It can take a while,” said Kelly. “We are the world’s most complex organism known to mankind. We’re all different.”
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with can also be a challenge. Many clinics have bios and pictures of available therapists to help that process.
Affordability of treatment
“One of the worst things is that, a lot of times, financial stress is a part of why a person is struggling,” said Kelly. “I really wish insurance would just remove the deductible for mental health.”
Financial resources are available for those seeking treatment (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Checking with your insurance provider is a good place to start. Those enrolled in Medicaid do not have a copay for mental health services. There also are foundations who provide financial help to those who need it.
Agnew’s staff includes Masters-level interns that clients can see at a much lower rate.
“It was really important to me that our services be available for people who can’t afford it,” said Agnew.
Closing the gap, filling your toolbox
While medication can help close the gap between a low point and the stability sought, having a toolbox of coping skills is also important.
“I like to say I have a toolbox with resources,” said Monica.
Movement (e.g., walking) and mindful practices such as meditation and yoga are tools Monica engages in on a regular basis. However, community is an important resource for her as well.
“At my lowest, I tend to isolate, and I don’t really want to be around anybody,” said Monica. “But I know the people [in] my circle that I trust, and that I can call in those moments, that I feel safe around.
“Getting that contact – that social contact – has been really helpful for my mental health.”
Being around other people who have experienced similar struggles can be very helpful (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Support groups are a great way to find that human connection.
“I can’t explain how helpful it is to be in a group who all struggle with complex trauma and mental health issues, and I know they all understand,” said Monica.
Though Rachael put off participating in group therapy at first, she quickly found solace in the rapport she found there.
“We all get it,” said Rachael. “There are people who can relate, and that can be uplifting.”
A life-changing impact
Christy Buck, Founder of be nice. and Executive Director of Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, has made it her life’s mission to provide that support system – and she does it by way of educating people about mental illness.
Removing stigma so people understand what is happening in their lives, helping people identify signs of mental illnesses, knowing where to go, and how to help themselves or others are all part of Buck’s suicide prevention program.
Julie Gregory, mother of suicide victim Jessica Gregory, encourages individuals and organizations to embrace the be nice. program.
“Get onboard with the be nice. program and encourage people to listen and train these kids on how to watch for [warning signs],” said Gregory.
(Courtesy, MHF)
To learn more about be nice. and the four simple steps to recognizing depression and preventing suicide, visit Mental Health Foundation.
Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice.Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about depression and suicide that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Jessica Gregory (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
At approximately 3 a.m. on March 10, 2015, 28-year-old Jessica Diane Gregory silently ended the internal pain she fought to free herself from most of her life.
Jessica’s mother, Wyoming resident Julie Gregory, prefers to focus on Jessica and her struggles versus the act of suicide when talking about her daughter’s death.
“I lost my daughter to depression, bullying and bipolar disorder,” said Gregory when talking with WKTV Journal.
Mental illness does not discriminate
Jessica had a family who loved her, was in the top 20 in her high school class of 2004, participated in sideline cheer and the competitive cheer team, ran track and had amazing friends.
Despite all of these things, Jessica was hounded by a darkness that led to physically harming herself and a suicide attempt in high school. Jessica’s internal struggle eventually spiraled into a loss of all hope.
Excerpts from Jessica’s journal and various other writings reveal the internal pain she battled daily:
Several pages of Jessica’s journal contained detailed plans of how she could end her life.
“I’m not ashamed or scared to talk about suicide or how my daughter ended her pain,” said Gregory. “We need to end the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. Redefine the way people talk about suicide and the way we think about suicide, and look at it as an effect of an illness.
“Why is it that the brain is the only organ in your body that will get judged for being ill?”
Gregory went on to say that those who die by suicide have lost a battle with a disease.
“They couldn’t hold on any longer,” said Gregory. “I feel it’s our job to help them hold on. Mental illness is treatable.”
‘I’m sorry, Mom. I love you.’
The last time Gregory saw her daughter alive was like a hundred others. There was nothing to indicate Jessica planned to end her life that night.
After having dinner with her family, Jessica and Gregory finished a jigsaw puzzle and began another.
Gregory had no idea Jessica purchased a handgun nine hours earlier.
Jessica’s journal and last letter to her mother (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Jessica helped her mother put the puzzle table away and went home to her apartment.
After writing one last letter to her mother in pink marker – her favorite color – Jessica silently ended the pain she battled daily.
Before you ask…educate yourself
Gregory said one of the hardest questions people ask her is: “How did she do it?” Gregory’s palms turned toward the ceiling, shrugging in disbelief and saying, “Does it matter?”
An entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
What matters to Gregory is that her daughter is gone forever.
Another question Greogry repeatedly faces is, “Why didn’t you get her help?”
“We did get her help,” Gregory said vehemently. “She did go to the doctor, she was on meds, she went to therapy. She had a psychiatrist, she had a counselor, she had all these people. She had a team of people.
“You can put a mask on and show people what you want them to see,” Gregory continued. “It’s not always easy to see.”
“Even when parents, and people in general, have noticed a lot of signs, it is also possible to miss signs,” said Agnew.
Jessica with her cat, Desi (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
When Gregory went back and looked at specific dates in Jessica’s journal, she was stunned at how well Jessica hid her true emotions.
After one particular journal entry that conveyed Jessica’s wish to die, Gregory looked back at Facebook pictures, realizing it was the same day the family attended a birthday party. All pictures from that day portrayed Jessica as happy.
Gregory thought to herself, “She was happy. That was the mask she wore. And she was thinking all day about how she could die?”
Selfishness vs. Mentally Ill
Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Gregory shares her daughter’s struggle because she wants others to understand that the thought process of a mentally ill person is not normal.
“I am simply showing people how the mind of my mentally ill daughter was thinking,” said Gregory. “She wasn’t looking to hurt anyone. She was ending her pain and what she thought was a life that couldn’t get better.”
Suicide is not selfish, Greogry continued. “Suicide is a desperate way to end pain, physical or mental. It is a hopelessness that things will never get better. It is a feeling that family or friends will be better off without them.
Entry from Jessica’s journal (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Those who are suffering don’t want to end their lives, they want to end their pain.”
Gregory also hopes to end usage of the term “committed suicide.”
“In 1964, it was a law that it was illegal to commit suicide – but they didn’t know anything about it,” said Gregory. “Now that we know more, we can talk more about it and we don’t have to use those ‘committed’ words.”
“We say ‘died by suicide,’” Gregory continued. “Instead of focusing on the act, we focus on the person and what was going on.”
Picking up the Pieces
Gregory and her family faced a lot of “firsts” as they learned to maneuver life without Jessica. Gregory credits their faith in God and having each other to lean on as the key to their survival.
Julie Gregory is dedicated to helping others navigate the pain she endures daily (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The grieving mother’s main focus after losing Jessica was making sure her son, younger than Jes by 14 years, was okay. That everyone around her was okay.
And that included other people who found themselves enduring the loss of a loved one.
“I had hundreds of people send me messages,” said Gregory, adding that she welcomes those messages. “People can come to me.”
Gregory is a vocal advocate for the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. program. She encourages schools and organizations to take part in the program, take action, and save lives.
However, for Gregory, personal comfort and healing comes in the form of helping those enduring the aftermath of loss. She does this through the i understand love heals program.
“For me, helping people pick themselves up after – it just hit home.”
Grieving and healing
“I didn’t have time to grieve, and I still won’t take that time to feel sorry [for myself], because I need to be 100% to help all these other people,” said Gregory.
While Gregory admits that is not the healthiest approach, she has no plans to stop being that voice for Jessica and a source of hope for those grieving.
Jessica’s last words are tattooed on Gregory’s forearm (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Just to know that I’ve helped others is healing to me, and so I don’t know any other way to grieve,” Gregory said. “I grieve sitting at that big table and having new people come to the group that literally just lost their family member two weeks ago.
“And I feel their pain, and I will grieve for that family and those lost, and for Jessica.”
A voice for Jessica
Gregory proclaims herself to be an open book, refusing to hide that her daughter ended her own life.
Instead, two years after Jessica’s death, Gregory chose to open both her own life and Jessica’s to scrutiny and possible ridicule in the hopes that even one person would see – and choose – hope.
Jessica with family and friends (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
Picking Up the Pieces is a blog that unveils Jessica’s journey, her internal pain, bullying she experienced at her job, and the aftermath Gregory endures daily since finding Jessica in her apartment nine years ago.
Gregory does not hold back, laying bare the pain and darkness – and emphasizing the glimmer of hope she knows is always present, even if not always noticed.
Though Gregory has been pushed out of her comfort zone countless times over the last several years, she embraces each challenge so she can share Jessica’s story and be that voice for her daughter.
“If I reach just one person, letting them know they aren’t alone, it is worth sharing,” said Gregory. “Or, maybe someone reading these pages who doesn’t have a mental illness will be enlightened by what is in someone’s mind that does.”
#ThereIsAlwaysHope
Jessica applied for a new job before she took her life. A job at a hospital where she could help others and could carry out her personal life mission. Multiple interviews and a job shadow followed.
A Picking Up the Pieces blog entry (Courtesy, Julie Gregory)
The darkness Jessica fought against, however, overwhelmed her before she heard their decision.
“The day after Jessica’s suicide, there was a message left on her cell phone voicemail,” said Gregory. “It was a message from the hospital she had applied at.
“She received that call one day late…”
Julie and Jessica both have a tattoo symbolizing a mother and daughter and their love for each other (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The timing of that voicemail is something Gregory encourages all who struggle to contemplate.
“There is always hope,” said Gregory. “No matter how bad today can be, things will get better. You can’t leave today, because tomorrow everything could change.
“Life is all hills and valleys, and for every valley that you’re in, those hills are going to be amazing.”
Monica Ruiz, in a personal place of mental health recovery for the past few years, echoes that message.
“I do believe that all suffering is temporary,” said Ruiz, adding that there will be moments of relief even in the lowest times. “So please hold on. There is help. It gets better.”
A radical resolve
Gregory’s resolve to eradicate stigma and live with hope is evident in each word of Picking Up the Pieces.
“I am determined to be more than just a survivor,” said Gregory on her blog. “I am determined to find the silver lining, I am determined to see my glass as half full, I am determined to keep talking about mental illness and the side effects that ‘Pain’ can cause some people.
“I am determined to help change the definition of suicide.”
Eradicating stigma
“The stigma needs to be lifted about mental struggles,” said Gregory. “We need to talk about it, out in the open, and not treat it like a dirty secret – those days are past. We need to continue this conversation.”
Help stomp out stigma surrounding mental illness by joining the free annual be nice.Stomp Out Stigma 5K Walk event in May each year.
The be nice. program and action plan (notice, invite, challenge, empower) educates students, staff, and community members about mental illnesses and encourages them to exchange stereotypes for understanding, compassion and acceptance.
Resources
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential support, information and local resources.
“The Sunday Night Funnies has always been a diverse show,” says Brian B., MC and Founder of the SNF. “I wanted to celebrate the contribution women comedians have brought to the show through the years.”
Brian B. went on to say that, locally, women performing standup comedy was rare.
“Over the course of the last few years, that number has been steadily growing,” Brian B. says. “We’re featuring seven extremely funny women comics for this show.”
The lineup
The March 3 special performance will feature Grand Rapids comedian Kim Cook, a Second City alumni and semifinalist in the 2022 Kingpin of Comedy competition; Nicole Melnyk, voted Lansing’s Best Comic three times; Lauren Corbett; Cheryl Stoner; Amanda VK; and SNF first-timers Lucky Lee and Cinda DeBolt.
Lucky Lee (Courtesy, SNF)
Kim Cook (Courtesy, SNF)
Cheryl Stoner (Courtesy, SNF)
Amanda VK (Courtesy, SNF)
Cinda DeBolt (Courtesy, SNF)
Lauren Corbett (Courtesy, SNF)
Nicole Melnyk (Courtesy, SNF)
Mark your calendars for upcoming SNF events!
The following Sunday, March 10, is SNF’s annual LaughFest show. Comics 50+ will celebrate Older American Month with a show on Sunday, May 5. Soon after will be the start of SNF’s sixth annual Kingpin of Comedy competition.
About SNF
The creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. (Brian Borbot), the SNF is a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country.
WHS Art 3 students recently studied a contemporary artist who uses tape to create large-scale optical illusions. Inspired by this work, students collaborated to create six unique designs that would give a 2D space a 3D appearance.
Students worked in pairs and used two kinds of tape as a creative medium to explore the idea of space.
“It’s good to have them collaborate, it’s good to have them work in a different space and on a different scale,” WHS art teacher Liz Duffield told WKTV. “We use different things, different materials, so they recognize art is not just drawing and painting, that we have a lot more in the art world.”
Painting…with tape?
Tape art emerged in the 1960s as an alternate urban art form that uses only adhesive tape as a medium. The work of tape artists has garnered a great deal of media interest over the last decade.
That interest is partly due to the advantages of “painting” with tape versus aerosol cans.
The tape art installations cover the walls from the floor to the ceiling (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
No longer needing protective measures, such as masks, to guard against dangerous vapors is a convenience as well as a health benefit to tape artists.
Adhesive tapes can be applied quickly and easily to materials such as stone, wood, glass, aluminum and more. The tape can also be removed without leaving residue.
Strange, interesting, unique…all of the above?
“It was an interesting concept,” said Jordan, WHS junior. “I never would have thought of this for an art project, putting tape on walls. That sounds strange; it was abstract.”
Jovanny, WHS senior and Jordan’s collaborative partner on the project, agreed. “It was really fun. We’re always doing painting or drawing, and I think this was a unique experience, using tape and creating art with it.”
Jovanny (left) and Jordan with their tape art installation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Though both students agreed the 3D project was not the easiest, both enjoyed the challenge of designing and executing the art.
“We just went with the flow, and this is how it turned out,” said Jovanny, gesturing to an image of their art installation on his computer.
Jovanny also enjoyed the collaborative aspect of the project.
“I liked how we collaborated together because usually we don’t collaborate often in this class,” Jovanny said, adding that creating an art piece with another student – and having it turn out well – produced a sense of accomplishment.
Jordan, who typically creates 2D drawings on a much smaller scale, admitted that while she enjoyed the 3D project, she has no plans to repeat it.
“One time is enough,” Jordan said with a laugh.
An opportunity to share and inspire
Collaborative partners Daira and Deborah, both WHS seniors, enjoyed the opportunity to share their art with the entire school.
Daira (left) and Deborah with their 3D tape art creation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I liked it because a lot of students can see [it],” said Deborah. “I had three or four students ask me, What class is this? What are you doing this for? I think it catches students’ attention, and that is good if they want to take art.”
Daira said that, though she typically enjoys painting, she had fun working on the tape art.
“I don’t think it was that difficult because you have just straight lines,” said Daira. “The difficult part was making them look even.
“I would want to do something like this again and experience more than just painting. Art is more than just painting and drawing.”
Deborah would also like to try tape art again, but the WHS senior is thinking…bigger. A bigger canvas and a larger audience.
“Somewhere downtown, somewhere where everybody can see it,” said Deborah.
Art as an outlet
That creative expression is what draws both Daira and Deborah to art in general.
Art teacher Liz Duffield periodically walks by and checks to make sure the tape remains secure (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I like that you can express your creativity,” said Deborah. “Instead of like every other class where you just write and read, in this class you can actually express it more in colors and lines and shapes.”
“Expressing your feelings too,” Daira added. “Art has a lot of feelings and emotions that you can show. If you are not good in English and writing, you can express it in art.”
Allowing students the opportunity for that expression is important to Duffield – though she admits that she never expected to become a teacher.
“I always knew that I loved art and being creative, design and things like that,” said Duffield. “I never actually thought I wanted to be a teacher, and then I started volunteering in a classroom–and I loved it.”
Value in variety
While the medium of watercolors is Duffield’s personal favorite to work in, she believes in the value of all art forms.
“I think it’s really important to expose my students to many different kinds of art,” Duffield said.
Beacon Hill at Eastgate is more than a retirement community – it is a mission to deliver a new standard in senior living.
“We’ve made a great change here in the way that senior care is delivered in Grand Rapids,” said Jeff Huegli, President and CEO of Beacon Hill at Eastgate.
That standard has garnered notice by more than just Beacon Hill residents.
Recently recognized as one of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) by Newsweek and Statista, Beacon Hill at Eastgate is ranked at #45 out 250 CCRCs in the United States, and #2 within the state of Michigan.
“It’s been a head-turning moment for the organization,” said Huegli.
A humble beginning
Located in the heart of the Eastgate neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Beacon Hill is a distinctive, not-for-profit retirement community dedicated to providing a vibrant life for Grand Rapids’ seniors.
The vision for Beacon Hill began in 1951 by five area Baptist churches. That vision came to fruition on a 10-acre site named Michigan Christian Home.
“It’s a historic building that initially served independent living residents, with some assisted living, and skilled nursing,” said Huegli.
Huegli came to Beacon Hill in 2003 to help expand the campus in a different part of the county.
Beacon Hill at Eastgate has expanded over time, but its values remain constant (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)
“After recognizing that our market and our call to service for the community is here on the southeast side, we reinvested and bought the hospital that was here, Metro Hospital, and gained the 12-acre site to begin constructing independent living – which is now known as Beacon Hill at Eastgate,” said Huegli.
Huegli and the Beacon Hill staff are dedicated to continuing the original vision and core values of the founders: Christ-inspired compassion, service, collaboration, generosity and integrity.
“Even though we’re now known for hospitality, wonderful lifestyle, community connection, all of our heart and service model is rooted in the original values that were established by that board,” said Huegli.
Skilled nursing is the core of that original service model.
“We have done a tremendous job in building out our healthcare system,” said Huegli. “We’ve attracted great service partners. Trinity Health comes out of that organization, and they have really committed to forming a high-quality health system.”
A thriving community
The heart of Beacon Hill’s mission is community.
“We are a faith-based community,” said Huegli. “We hold onto what Jesus Christ taught us for hospitality and personal care in the gospel, transferring that into a modern healthcare system.
“Attending to all people, irrespective of where they come from. That has given us a really rich tapestry of a wonderful, thriving community.”
Beacon Hill provides a thriving community for seniors and their families (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)
Beacon Hill works to provide a warm, high-quality environment for its residents and the community. Part of that environment includes walking paths and a community garden.
“What’s different about Beacon Hill from other communities is that we’re located in the [Eastgate] neighborhood. We love that it’s urban, and we intentionally invest in connecting to the people, and to the geography, of this area.”
Beacon Hill’s commitment to each individual and where they are in their life journey is shown in the care of every resident, family member and guest.
“Each person is known,” said Huegli.
Experiencing life…again!
Beacon Hill serves over 400 residents, many who are learning to experience life for a second time.
“My favorite people [are] the residents who reluctantly come here,” admitted Huegli. “These are folks who have had a highly independent professional career where they have made their own decisions, they have had great influence over process or an organization, and are fiercely independent.”
However, Beacon Hill becomes their home, Huegli continued. “This place just seeps in over time, and we see engagement over and over again.”
Beacon Hill residents at a summer celebration (Courtesy, Beacon Hill)
The Beacon Hill community provides residents with opportunities for activity, exercise and optimism.
“And optimism,” Hugeli said, “is a significant portion of physical health. That’s what Beacon Hill can do for people.”
The highest standard of care
Huegli said satisfaction rates with Beacon Hills’ extended care services of rehab memory care, assisted living and other personal services, are high.
“We work minute-by-minute to ensure that we’re meeting the standards, and that we’re exceeding expectations in every form,” said Huegli. “We know the effort our 250 employees give will be reflected immediately on quality of life for each resident and their family member.”
Continuous investment is also a Beacon Hill priority.
“We put over $150 million of capital into this campus over the years that I’ve been here, and what has resulted is something that’s way deeper than a dollar bill,” said Huegli. “It’s connection.
“City connection, connection to our immediate neighbors, and bonds between residents and the staff who work here every day.”
Beacon Hill is committed to continual improvement and care (Courtesy photo)
The recent national recognition of Beacon Hill’s efforts is meaningful because they did not seek it out.
“I don’t even remember hearing about this before it was announced,” Huegli said. “So the fact that it’s an independent study is all the more meaningful.”
Intentional care creates increasing demand
The demand for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) is steadily increasing, a fact that is not surprising to Huegli.
“Communities like us, we are intentional in creating a friendly, warm and optimistic place that’s just packed full of resources,” said Huegli. “The value that we can add as a provider for any resident here – independently or otherwise – is astounding.”
Out of the 2000+ CCRCs throughout the United States, Huegli said: “Beacon Hill is a gold standard, and it’s been my career’s work to see it through.”
Generations of service
To Huegli, serving the senior community is not just a job – it is his passion.
“I’ve got a long history in my family, generations of people who have dedicated their lives to community service, community development, social change,” said Huegli. “That inspired me to find a career path that would make a difference but also make use of my interests.”
Huegli has dedicated his career to serving others (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Those interests include planning, finance, design and marketing. But Huegli finds his purpose in caring for others.
“Taking care of seniors has been an amazing find for me personally,” said Huegli. “Impacting individual seniors as their needs have changed and interacting with a care team who is equally committed – I can’t think of anything more noble.
“Touching these lives in a positive way…there’s nothing better.”
What’s next?
Committed to being state-of-the-art and progressive in their programs and designs, Beacon Hill is poised for even more growth.
“Our next work will be to construct the finest assisted living and memory care program around, just as we have with other components of our service model,” said Huegli. “You’ll be seeing more from us very soon.”
To learn more about the Beacon Hill at Eastgate services and community, click here.
Award-winning local author Susie Finkbeiner wrote her first novel in secret.
“I would sneak out and go to a coffee shop and write for an hour,” said Finkbeiner. “Nobody knew I was writing a novel. Not even my husband.”
Since that first novel, Finkbeiner has written several more, with awards following close behind.
Two-time winner of the Michigan Notable Book Award, a Christy Award Nominee and Selah Award Finalist, Finkbeiner is making waves in the historical fiction genre.
Stories = Love
The Wyoming author is more thrilled to have the opportunity to be a full-time storyteller than she is by awards.
“My family is very story-centric,” said Finkbeiner. “My dad is also a novelist, and he would always tell us stories. My mom would read to us all the time, and do the voices of the characters.”
One of Finkbeiner’s earliest memories is of her big sister reading a story to her.
“When [my siblings] had to practice reading, my mom would send them to read to me,” said Finkbeiner with a laugh. “My big sister reading a story to me, I felt very loved.
“That is the feeling I associate with that memory. So in my mind, sharing stories equates to sharing love.”
That value of books and stories is something Finkbeiner tries to instill in her own children.
Writing in the margins
Finkbeiner was writing plays for a local church and blogging snippets about life when a friend said she should write a novel.
At first, the idea seemed crazy to Finkbeiner. Then… “That little seed of a thought kept growing.”
Chasing after three young children and being employed didn’t leave a lot of time for writing. That time was carved out in quiet moments at coffee shops and while her children were sleeping.
Finkbeiner’s first novel began in a coffee shop (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I would write when they were napping, I would write when they went to bed,” said Finkbeiner. “I really wrote in those margins.”
After finishing the first draft, Finkbeiner thought it might have some potential.
“I never knew if it would go anywhere,” said Finkbeiner. “I got a lot of rejections.”
After several of those rejections, Finkbeiner decided to change course for bit.
What did I get myself into…?
Finkbeiner posted on Facebook, committing to writing as many short stories as she was given ideas for during the month of September.
“I thought I would get three or four,” Finkbeiner said. “I got 32.”
With each story 1,500 words or less, the process taught Finkbeiner how to get to the point, characterization, and about working toward a deadline.
“It stretched me,” said Finkbeiner. “They would paint me in a corner and I had to find my way out. I learned so much.”
But Finkbeiner has no plans to repeat that challenge.
“I don’t know if I could ever do it again. Now that I write such long pieces, 1,500 words sounds like a sprint.”
While Finkbeiner was posting 32 stories in 30 days, an editor was paying attention. Shortly after that short story challenge, Finkbeiner received a request for her novel.
The rest, as the saying goes, is history.
History? No, thank you!
While Finkbeiner’s novels are centered around historic events and times, it took some time for her to embrace the genre.
“My first two novels were contemporary because I didn’t think I could write historical fiction,” said Finkbeiner. “It seemed too daunting to me. In my mind, historical fiction was the 1700s, 1800s, the Civil War. I just didn’t want to reach back that far, so I thought [that genre] wouldn’t be for me.”
Another deterrent was that most historical fiction Finkbeiner saw was centered around romance – a genre she was not comfortable writing.
After reading a novel set in the 1930s, however, Finkbeiner realized she could write a Depression Era book.
“It worked,” said Finkbeiner. “And I realized how much I love the research. The 20th Century is fascinating. So much happened in this very condensed amount of time. And the research is a lot easier to access.”
The author especially enjoys talking to people who have lived experience in certain time periods.
“My dad wrote his memoirs of his time in Vietnam for me to use as research,” said Finkbeiner. “[I talked] to my mom about how she straightened her hair. It helps me feel connected to my grandparents and my parents in a way that I don’t know that I could otherwise.
“It makes me feel empathy for them. You grow to understand what they lived through.”
Anything is possible
“The ideas come in different ways every time,” said Finkbeiner. “It’s the most exciting part.”
The All-American, Finbeiner’s latest release, was inspired by two separate books that she read simultaneously.
“One was about [the author’s] father being accused of being a Communist, and the other was about women playing baseball,” said Finkbeiner. “Then I realized that the timelines met up between those two historical events.
“What’s less American than being accused of being a Communist, and what’s more American than baseball? What would happen if I put those two together?”
Written over two years, The All-American is a coming-of-age novel about two sisters in the 1950s. Finkbeiner’s relatable characters create a moving novel that inspires readers to dream big and believe anything is possible.
“I’ve been the recipient twice, which feels like getting struck by lightning twice – in a good way,” said Finkbeiner. “I think that one is so important to me because I love being a Michigander.”
That the recognition came from the Library of Michigan, and knowing she is part of the literary legacy of Michigan, is also meaningful to Finkbeiner.
“The library, throughout my life, it’s been one of those constant presences,” Finkbeiner said. “Sometimes during difficult times in childhood, I would go to the library and grab some books. Being honored by the library that made me who I am, it’s encouragement to keep going.”
Messages & Misconceptions
The misconception of writers not having contact with people is damaging, said Finkbeiner.
“I’m a noisy introvert,” said Finkbeiner. “I love public speaking. My favorite speaking events are at libraries because you get to meet readers. We really need to know who our readers are, because they are who we’re serving.”
Author Susie Finkbeiner on WKTV Journal Soundbites (Courtesy, WKTV)
“My novels aren’t just happy and fluffy,” Finkbeiner continued. “Things happen to the people in them. But through it, I always want the reader to know there is hope, that we are not left to despair. We all suffer, we all struggle, but there’s hope in the people around us, in faith, in the way that we can overcome.”
Any messages in Finkbeiner’s novels come organically, and tend to surprise her.
“That’s the beauty of writing and telling stories. Once it’s out there, it’s not mine anymore. It’s the reader’s. That is another reason why I like to meet readers; they always have insights that I would not have thought of.”
Words of wisdom
“There is a lot of rejection,” Finkbeiner said in advice to other writers. “When those rejections come, don’t quit. Sometimes it means it’s provoking them in a way that makes them uncomfortable. That can be good, because they will think about it later.”
Finkbeiner also gives writers permission to not write every day.
Giving your mind rest is necessary for creativity (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“You’ve got to let your mind rest,” said Finkbeiner. “You’ve got to let it wander. You’ve got to take in other art. Writing every day is not good for us. It’s too much hustle, and I don’t think art comes out of hustle.”
No guilt here!
“To readers, I would say that there is no guilty pleasure in reading,” said Finkbeiner. “Don’t let anyone judge you for it. If you like to read many things, go ahead. That’s what the library is there for. And if you don’t like a book, stop reading it.”
Next up: Joy of writing
Finkbeiner is busy writing a novel that is not currently under contract.
“I don’t have a deadline, so I feel a kind of freedom and space to breathe a little bit,” said Finkbeiner, adding that she is simply enjoying the process of writing right now.
Learn more about Susie Finkbeiner and her novels by clicking here.
Guillermo Galindo playing an instrument inspired by desert effigies (Courtesy, GRAM)
A multi-sensory exhibition addressing the complexities of the Mexican-American border is now on display at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM).
Border Cantos / Sonic Border is a collaboration between photographer Richard Misrach and composer/artist Guillermo Galindo. Misrach and Galindo came together in 2011 after discovering they were both creating work related to the border.
Composed of photographic landscapes, sonic composition, musical sculptures, found objects and interactive elements, Border Cantos introduces distinct yet interrelated ways of experiencing the human consequences of immigration policies.
“It provides a platform for us to talk about a really difficult issue – what’s happening along the U.S. – Mexican border,” said GRAM Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Jennifer Wcisel.
Richard Misrach (Courtesy, GRAM)
Wcisel went on to say that the artists are not making overt political statements with their work. Rather, they are attempting to communicate the experience of crossing that border region.
“Art is a powerful tool for creating conversations, challenging perspectives, and encouraging empathy,” said Wcisel.
Though Michigan is geographically removed from that border region, Wcisel believes in the importance of bringing Border Cantos to West Michigan.
“This is a conversation that our whole country should be engaged in,” said Wcisel. “I’m hoping that the show provides some understanding, some empathy, and starts to get people thinking about the circumstances of their own lives. And how the circumstances for others could be different based on nothing but chance or where they were born.”
More than just beauty
As a photographer, Misrach was drawn to the beauty of the desert.
While working in the desert, Misrach began seeing evidence of people, changes to the landscape – and then sections of border wall being built.
Border wall at Jacumba in 2015 (Courtesy, GRAM)
The artist could no longer think of the desert in relation to beauty only.
While both men have spent time in the border regions, most objects are collected by Misrach and sent to Galindo. Galindo then transforms those objects into musical instruments.
A photographic revelation
Portion of border wall in Los Indios, TX (Courtesy, GRAM)
Entering the Border Cantos exhibition, visitors will encounter ten of Misrach’s large-scale photographic works, organized in order of human intervention.
Guests will see the beauty that originally drew the artist, but also the border wall cutting through the landscape.
One photograph features a small section of wall standing alone in a remote location.
“At the time, it had just been erected and [Misrach] took a photograph assuming they were going to build more,” said Wcisel. “He returned three years later expecting it to look different. It did not.”
Another photograph captures drag tracks. Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) drag heavy objects behind pickup trucks to create smooth paths in the sand, making it easier to spot footprints.
Effigies found by Misrach (Courtesy, GRAM)
“They’re deliberately making it difficult for migrants to conceal their paths when they cross,” Wcisel said. “In response, migrants create booties made out of carpet, foam, anything to obfuscate their paths.”
One photograph contains a mystery that the artist hasn’t been able to solve.
The effigies, as Misrach and Gilando call them, resemble stick figures dressed in discarded clothing.
“Richard came across these and doesn’t know if they were grave sites, or memorials, or warnings. But whoever made them clearly stopped and took a lot of time to construct these,” said Wcisel, adding that she was unable to find any examples of similar effigies.
A symphony of objects
Border Cantos is one of the first times GRAM has incorporated a musical composition as part of an exhibition.
One of Gilando’s instruments created from found objects (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Eight instruments continuously play a composition created by Gilando in the gallery space as visitors walk through. Speakers inside each instrument pedestal play notes and rhythms from that instrument.
“If you’re standing in the middle, it’s like being surrounded by an orchestra,” said Wcisel.
Digging deeper
At first glance, Gilando’s instruments formed from found objects simply seem creative. A closer look, however, gives a disturbing revelation.
Instrument inspired by desert effigies (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Several found objects used as integral parts of the instruments are vertebrae and shotgun shells.
“When you really think about what [the instrument] is made out of…I think that’s very unsettling,” said Wcisel.
Vertebrae, shotgun shells, and rocks comprise this musical instrument (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Wcisel revealed that many migrants die from dehydration while trying to cross the border. A bottle wrapped in a towel shows attempts to prevent water from evaporating in the desert heat.
Water station near Calexico, CA (Courtesy, GRAM)
Humanitarian groups create water stations by placing barrels labeled Agua/Water in the most dangerous regions. However, BPAs often shoot at the barrels, or stop and empty the water.
A landscape that appears to be decorated with confetti is actually littered with thousands of shotgun shells from a BPA practice range.
A Border Patrol target range near GulfCoast, TX is littered with thousands of empty shotgun shells (Courtesy, GRAM)
“As you think deeper about all of these things,” Wcisel said, “you’re like, why are they doing this, why are they armed, why are they practicing?”
The connection between Misrach’s photographs and Gilando’s instruments is unique, said Wcisel. “Even though they might not have been creating the work together, there’s a sense of dialogue between the works.”
Increased danger
A large map of the border shows strategic placement of the border wall.
Sections of wall were built in areas with cities on either side of the border because those were more common crossing sites. This has forced migrants to cross in other areas.
Colorful shotgun shells were used in Galindo’s musical creations (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“People are going to these blank sections where there are no cities, they are far less populated, and it is far more dangerous to be out there in the desert so far away from any help,” said Wcisel. “It has really made the crossing all that more dangerous.”
Time for reflection
The final portion of the Border Cantos exhibit offers a chance for reflection and sharing.
Benches allow seating for guests as they watch videos of Gilando playing the exhibit instruments.
An interactive section allows visitors to share their migration story by writing or drawing about their family’s experiences moving to a new place on sticky notes, then placing them on a map.
Drag marks made by BPAs to better see footprints (Courtesy, GRAM)
“It gets at the idea that we all came from somewhere,” said Wcisel. “Migration is such an integral part of humanity. Humanity is always moving and responding to crises and change.”
The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan helped immigrants who made the border crossing, and are now living in Grand Rapids, tell their stories of migration.
“Those also will be added to this experience, but in a more permanent way,” said Wcisel.
A migration story on canvas
As guests prepare to leave the exhibit, a large oil painting by Michigan State University art professor Teresa Dunn tells one last migration story.
El Corrido De Javier Salas Vera details the journey of a man named Javier as he crossed the border into the United States.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Every image incorporated into the canvas has meaning.
Dark and light portions of the painting represent the three day and night cycles of Javier’s crossing from Mexico. Depictions of a coyote, skull, and grave represent danger and death.
Captured in vibrant color is Javier’s arrival to the United States, meeting his wife, a time of deportation to Mexico, and the birth of his son.
A song in the bottom left corner of the canvas touches on a Mexican musical tradition of epic hero stories told through song.
“That was sort of her touch point for telling this story,” said Wcisel. “Javier’s story is like one of these heroic songs from Mexican culture.”
Dunn painted Javier’s story, Wcisel said, to encourage people to put themselves in someone else’s shoes for a moment, and remember that no one is truly removed from this situation.
Still doing the work
A unique Galindo musical creation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
As Wcisel helps give voice to the thousands of people who have journeyed through the borderlands in hopes of a better life, she admits her job as curator can be emotionally difficult at times.
“It always feels very personal, whatever it is, because the artists are doing such meaningful things and trying to put these meaningful messages out into the world,” said Wcisel. “It’s hard not to make it personal.
“But what’s also lovely is getting to know these artists. It’s nice to see how optimistic and still hopeful they are about these things. They’re still out there, they’re still doing the work.”
Wcisel encourages GRAM visitors to reflect on the humanity shown in the Border Cantos migration experiences, and have empathy for the plight of migrants everywhere.
Exhibition details
Border Cantos / Sonic Border can be viewed through April 28, and is presented in both English and Spanish.
For more information about the exhibit and related events, click here.
Our Trip follows 12 Vietnam veterans back to Vietnam in 1995. Using WKTV Community Media facilities, Vietnam veteran Tom Sibley produced the 40-minute video with footage and photographs taken by the returning veterans and Grand Rapids Press staff that accompanied them. Recorded interviews with participants after the trip were also included.
The Our Trip experience
(Courtesy, Tom Sibley)
After a brief history of the United States involvement in Vietnam, the video combines the veterans’ wartime experiences via the various stages of the trip. Sibley said the trip was special and inspiring, but all veterans were “amazed by the warm welcome and friendliness of the people we met.”
The trip included a search for the helicopter crash site that killed pilot Floyd Olsen, a friend of one of the trip veterans. The crash site was located near the village of Hong Ha. Friends and relatives of Olsen later built a medical clinic at the village.
A visit to an orphanage found the veterans interacting with the children and then painting the orphanage. A year later, one of the veterans and his wife completed an adoption of two girls he met while at the orphanage.
Meaning, healing, and peace
Approximately 90 were in attendance for the video showing. James Smither, GVSU Veterans History Project Director, provided historical background and invited those in attendance to share their stories.
(Courtesy, Tom Sibley)
“Several of the veterans discussed how their faith had helped them get through their war experiences and make peace with them,” Smither told WKTV.
Showing the video at the MVH allowed residents to participate, Sibley said. Smither added that it brought an audience of people who had not seen it before.
“Many of them were Vietnam veterans, and two of them were in the video and had never seen it,” said Smither. “The video also says a lot about the Vietnam experience and what it means to be a veteran, so it was an appropriate venue. We drew a good crowd, and they clearly appreciated the video.”
After the video, all were invited for a social time with cake and coffee prepared by Connie Ceton and MVH staff.
MVH Volunteer Coordinator Gretchen Muir and Activity Director Becky Smit organized the event.
“Congratulations to Robel Abebe, who performed with the All-State Jazz Band last Saturday!” said EKHS Band Director Sho Dembinski in a school social media shout-out.
“Robel was selected from over 2,000 students to play with this band, and spent Thursday and Friday at the Amway Grand in Downtown GR to prepare for his concert. Way to go, Robel!”
The All-State Jazz performance was held Saturday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Amway Ambassador Ballroom.
Advancing to the All-State program is a competitive process and requires talent and diligence. Being accepted to All-State is considered one of the highest honors a high school musician can receive.
(Courtesy photo)
Students must prepare a 10-minute recorded audition that includes sight-reading, an announced etude and a series of scales. Auditions are submitted using only an identification number with no reference to the student or school.
The auditions are then evaluated by an adjudicator and placed in order. The required number of instruments is then selected to fill each section in the five All-State ensembles: Middle School String Orchestra, Middle School Band, High School Full Orchestra, High School Band and High School Jazz Ensemble.
Approximately 2,500 students audition each year for 400 seats in the All-State ensembles.
In January, the students assemble for two and a half days of rehearsal with nationally recognized conductors. All-State ensembles then perform in a concert held Saturday of the MMC.
(Courtesy photo)
Michigan Music Conference
“The purpose of the Michigan Music Conference is to provide relevant professional development and vibrant musical experiences that support music education for educators and their students,” states the MMC website.
Featuring school ensemble concerts, performances from Honors Choirs, All-State Bands, and Orchestras; sessions for in-service and pre-service teachers; professional development clinics; hands-on technology workshops; and association membership and business meetings, MMC attendance draws approximately 9,000 teachers, administrators, students, speakers, and guests each year.
A champagne toast on Jan. 24 marked the 100th birthday of the Women’s City Club (WCC) of Grand Rapids.
A century of friendship and community outreach was celebrated with a centennial birthday luncheon in the Blythefield Country Club ballroom. The event served as the kick-off event for a year of planned activities highlighting WCC’s legacy.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
And though some may think that the WCC is simply a social club, a closer look reveals that the Club is much more than a “coffee clutch,” as WCC President Wendy Sturm says.
“The City Club has had a great impact on the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “Not only have we lasted, we’re relevant.”
An historic footprint
“In 1924, a group of women in the community – the shakers and movers – got together and decided that there was a need for women to get together, be able to socialize, network with their interests, with their careers,” says Sturm. “And that was the very beginning of the Women’s City Club.”
Previous WCC President Kathleen Ray says that women were attracted to the WCC because it provided opportunities for women to learn, communicate and network with other women at a time when that option was scarce.
One of the WCC’s historians, Marcie Woods, is intrigued by the diversity of the founding members.
“Diversity today seems to be boiled down to a racial issue, but they were so diverse in education, background, social class and occupation,” says Woods. “But they were all united in wanting a place where they could just be women.”
The WCC has stayed strong throughout the years for many reasons.
“In addition to being forward-thinking, the members of the Club have always been strong, creative leaders who are willing to invest their time and talent in the organization,” says Ray. “Flexibility and ingenuity were regularly used when facing challenges.”
That ingenuity was seen in the early years when the WCC convinced the telephone company to conduct a survey of Club membership about what programs they would like to see aired. The Club also accepted military payment certificates (script) as payment for dues and lunches during WWII, and converted all programs and events to Zoom during the pandemic.
“The city is our clubhouse”
Judge Sara Smolenski, special guest and long-time favorite of the WCC, gave the keynote presentation in honor of her late mother, a WCC member.
“When you think about ‘Cheers to 100 Years,’ you’re thinking of all the things the Women’s City Club has done over the years,” says Smolenski. “You travel around this great city, and that’s where you have your celebrations.
“The enrichment programs you have, the community outreach…it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Judge Sara Smolenski, keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Enriching lives
Sturm says there is a lot of enrichment and fulfillment to be found in the WCC, with education being a primary Club goal.
“We attend these fabulous lectures, and learn together,” says Sturm. “It provides a lot of experiences that you might not otherwise have.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It stimulates you intellectually, socially, it provides a network of friendship that is really important.”
The WCC’s Enrichment Committee provides an abundance of programs for Club members. All programs relate to the Club’s mission statement: to provide educational, civic and social activities through study, community service and friendly associations.
“We have very well-rounded programming,” says Ray, citing programs about science and nature, arts and entertainment, philosophy, positive communication skills, fashion shows, book clubs, a Maj group, outreach opportunities – and more.
“We are not just little old ladies playing bridge,” Ray continues. “We are active, intelligent women who represent a wide variety of interests and passions.”
Making a difference
Equally important to the WCC is giving back to the community. This is accomplished through various nonprofits, charities and local schools.
The annual Impact Award was developed in conjunction with Union High School to provide an opportunity for high school juniors to win a cash scholarship.
WCC President Wendy Sturm welcomes members (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” says Sturm, adding that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.
To apply, students present a piece of work that reflects a person that has had a great impact on their life to that point.
“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” says Sturm. “We didn’t want to put people in a box and only have one type.
“We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”
The scholarship winner is honored with a celebration lunch where they have an opportunity to talk with the WCC members.
“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” says Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid, and their voices are very small – and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.”
Their greatest legacy
“Our greatest legacy is that, for over 90 years, we had a historic home in Grand Rapids called the Sweet House,” says Sturm. “That was our clubhouse, and we wanted that to be taken care of for perpetuity.”
Diane Jones (left) chats with a guest (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Sweet House Foundation was formed with the sole intent of preserving the Sweet House and its contents.
“The WCC donated property, house, and contents – which included valuable paintings, musical instruments, and architectural details – and established the 501 C3 foundation,” says Ray.
“Grand Rapids has a historic home built in the mid-1800s that is being preserved for the future generations of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “We do very impactful things in the community, and [the Sweet House] is one that will live beyond all of us.”
Friendship
Sturm went on to say that the Club women advocate for each other. “We respect each other; we really treasure each other.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Ray agrees, saying, “The Club has provided me with a group of friends who are supportive, interesting and fun! They are unafraid to be themselves and voice their opinion – even if you don’t agree – because they know it’s a safe place.
“They are respectful, encouraging, and highly motivated. This Club is all about relationships, and I treasure the ones I have at the Club!”
The WCC has adopted the pink rose – which symbolizes friendship – as their Club flower.
As a memento of the WCC’s 100 years and those friendships, the Club designed and launched a jewelry collection featuring the pink rose. Each piece is customized, personalized, and stamped with the Club’s birth year.
What’s next in the centennial celebration?
The 100-Year Planning Committee formed several years ago in preparation for this year, culminating in a variety of planned events.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
February will feature the launch of an online merchandise catalog for members.
“They are fascinated to have us as their guest to do this program and represent 100 years of women in the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm.
Kathleen Ray leads members in a toast (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
GRPM’s March 14 event will also feature the launch of “Our First 100 Years” history book written by WCC historians Carol Dodge and Marcie Woods. In addition to the book presentation, songs highlighting each decade will be performed on the piano.
The event is open to the public and free to attend. Free registration tickets for the event can be found here.
As 2024 progresses, the WCC will host a gala-style, red carpet event to recognize women throughout history who have been involved with the Club.
The centennial year will end with the WCC’s annual Evergreen Gala.
“We have a wonderful legacy that I hope people will come and learn about through our celebrations throughout this year,” says Sturm.
“Cheers to 100 Years” – a toast by Kathleen Ray (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Empowering women
“The group that we are today, we’re a very modern group of women,” says Sturm. “We’re shakers and movers in the community; we have a history of making things happen.
“And that was one of the reasons our group was founded. Leadership got together and wanted to socialize and make a difference – and they did.”
Interested in joining the WCC?
Individuals over 18 who are interested in becoming a member of the WCC may request an application from a member of the Club, the Membership Chair, or the Club Administer at wccgrbusiness@gmail.com.
Released in September 2023, 100 Things is an ode to the town Bareman fell in love with 20 years ago when she moved to Holland, Michigan.
A native of the Wyoming-Kentwood area, Bareman had only been to Holland once during her childhood – while on a school field trip to see the De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware Factory.
“That was my sole experience with Holland,” says Bareman. Many years later, Bareman met her husband, got married and moved to Holland. “In the short time after moving to Holland, I just fell in love.”
The artsy, close-knit community calls to Bareman. Being a college town, Holland also offers a variety of events throughout the year.
“We have a lot of really cool events and tons of parks,” says Bareman. “It’s just a beautiful town, and right on the lakeshore.”
How Hip Grandma with a Camera was born
Bareman loves to travel and make friends at every stop (Courtesy, Veronica Bareman)
Bareman’s love of photography founded Veronicajune Photography. Over the years, she became known as “the girl with the camera.”
“Whenever I would show up I would have the camera, so people would laugh about that,” says Bareman.
Five years ago, Bareman began blogging about photography – and welcomed her first grandchild into the world.
“People started laughing and saying, ‘Oh, you’re the grandma with a camera,’” says Bareman. “Then I had a friend who took one look at me and said, ‘You can’t be the grandma with the camera. You’ve got pink hair, you’ve got to be hipper than that. You’re a Hip Grandma with a Camera.’”
Between the pink hair and Bareman’s energy level, Hip Grandma with a Camera stuck.
A life shift: becoming a travel blogger
The photography blog led to traveling as Bareman’s five children grew up and moved out of the house.
“Life has a way of just kind of morphing here and there,” Bareman says. “All of a sudden, I find myself in this travel space where I’m traveling.”
And wherever Bareman travels, her camera goes as well.
People often miss what is right in front of them in their own communities, says Bareman (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Invited into communities across the country, Bareman visits destinations and then posts on social media about what the communities have to offer.
At every travel destination, Bareman chats with hotel employees and waitstaff at local establishments. They always ask why she is in their town, and Bareman replies that she travels to see what that town has to offer.
The travel blogger says the responses are overwhelmingly similar: We don’t have anything to see or do around here.
“No matter where I go, this is what people say,” says Bareman. “We’re all so busy thinking about where we should go next, and what plane we should get on.
“If you just look around, most communities have a ton of things to see and do.”
Bareman believes she was given a unique perspective on her own community because she moved to Holland as an adult. Instead of taking the town’s offerings for granted, she embraced each new opportunity to explore what was right in front of her.
“We just kind of take it for granted that ‘Someday we’ll go see that, but we’re planning something else right now,’” says Bareman. “It’s definitely a phenomenon. It happens everywhere, not just here in West Michigan. It happens all over the country.”
An ironic revelation
Then, almost two years ago, Bareman realized the irony attached to her travel blog.
“I’m writing about everything and I come home to the best town…why haven’t I written extensively about Holland?” Bareman asked herself.
Bareman realized she had never written about the place she loves most (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Bareman found the response from her previous travel destinations was the same response she found in Holland.
“People don’t know what’s within twenty minutes of their own back door,” Bareman says.
That revelation led the travel blogger to contact publishing company Reedy Press.
“They have a series of 100 Things books,” says Bareman. “I pitched the Holland, Michigan idea to them, and they were on board.”
100 Things to do in Holland, Michigan Before You Die has been well-received by people, Bareman says. Many local readers have told Bareman they had no idea certain attractions existed in their own backyard.
What came before and what’s next
(Courtesy Photo)
Bareman’s 100 Things is actually her second publication.
Twelve authors throughout the Midwest came together and compiled an informative book on Midwest state parks.
Titled Midwest State Park Adventures, the book covers all state parks in the Midwest states, with Bareman penning the Michigan chapter.
“Michigan has 108 state parks,” says Bareman. “I did a deep dive into those to figure out who has camping, trails and kayaking, then specifically wrote from firsthand experience.”
Bareman is looking at participating in another author compilation that will cover Midwest museums. She is also in conversation with Reedy Press about writing a bigger, more Michigan-centric book.
Never stop exploring
“Life goes on past 50, and it can be the most exciting time of your life,” says Bareman. “I’m in my 50s now, and life has taken off in my 50s in a bigger way than through all of the years prior.”
Bareman is loving her Hip Grandma Life and continues to carry her camera everywhere she goes. Her days consist of traveling, writing, photography, and speaking engagements.
Bareman says we should never stop learning and exploring (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
And, most importantly, being a grandma to her two grandchildren while looking forward to welcoming more into the Hip Grandma fold.
Bareman encourages those around her to never stop exploring, no matter their age.
“Don’t forget to explore your own backyard,” says Bareman. “We have the gift of a lifetime of experience and look through a whole different lens than we would have when we were 25 and trying to figure life out.
“Now we’ve kind of got the gift of having it figured out. We never stopped learning, and we never have it completely figured out, but certainly those years of experience are a huge gift when you’re at this point in life.”
Inspiration to get you started
Adventures of the pink-haired, high-energy Hip Grandma with a Camera can be found on her website, Hip Grandma Life.
WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed went behind the scenes with author Chavonne Mateen and her debut novel, Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots, on WKTV Soundbites (Courtesy, WKTV)
Set in an urban magical realm, Mateen’s middle grade novel contains everything the author loves about the fantasy genre – and about life.
“I have always been a huge fan of fantasy fiction,” said Mateen, adding that the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and the Children of Blood and Bone series by Tomi Adeyemi are among her favorite reads.
When not writing, Mateen fills her time as an HR Technologist for HRIS Streamline Consulting, is an Associate Integration Consultant for iCIMS, and is a self-professed serial entrepreneur.
Already living a life busy with the HR works she loves, this reporter couldn’t resist asking Mateen about the driving force behind her desire to pen a novel.
Living life to the fullest
“People go on journeys in life,” said Mateen. “One day I was writing down things I wanted to accomplish. Starting a business was one, finishing school was another, and writing a rap.
“The next one was to write a book. That’s how this was born.”
Mateen talked with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed about what lies at the heart of her debut novel (Courtesy, WKTV)
Not only did Mateen decide to write a book, she decided to create something groundbreaking that was also relatable.
Mateen wanted to write what she deemed was missing in the fantasy genre – a series featuring a beautiful, strong and present family that sticks together.
“I decided that I wanted to write something that I could relate to,” said Mateen. “This is more in an urban setting, and it’s characters that I can relate to.”
Shaylah’s journey is one of self-discovery.
Suddenly inundated with nightly visions of her deceased grandfather, Shaylah begins asking her mother some hard questions. As long-kept family secrets are revealed, the young teen realizes that she also holds magical powers and abilities.
Mateen chats about Shaylah Marston merchandise and fan art (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“When they begin telling her these secrets, that’s when the story begins to unfold and the magic occurs,” said Mateen.
The young heroine embarks on a mission with her family and friends, intent on saving a distant world and restoring her family’s name.
With a diverse cast of characters and a relatable and inspiring protagonist, Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots weaves powerful themes of friendship, courage and self-discovery throughout its pages.
Deemed “an exhilarating coming-of-age extravaganza” and “unapologetic fantasy fiction at its finest” by beta readers, Mateen’s novel will transport readers to a world brimming with adventure.
Interested readers can visit Mateen’s website to pre-order a copy of the novel, sign up for notifications regarding Shaylah Marston events and news, and purchase Shaylah Marston merchandise.
But Mateen isn’t stopping there.
Big screen goals
Bringing Shaylah Marston to the big screen as a Netflix series is a goal Mateen is already working to set in motion.
“That’s the ultimate goal, to bring it to the big screen, bring it to life, and bring the awareness to Grand Rapids that we do have offerings and more creatives in this space,” said Mateen.
Expanding worlds, chasing dreams
Mateen is currently working on the second Shaylah Marston novel (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Mateen plans to expand Shaylah Marston’s world through writing, though she admits that the writing process is not always easy.
“I’ve experienced roadblocks, setbacks, tumbles and stumbles,” said Mateen.
But she doesn’t let that stop her, and she encourages others to push through those difficulties as well.
“Just continue to write,” said Mateen. “Pick up that pen. If you don’t have a pen, pick up your phone. Jot those ideas down. You can always revisit and expand on it, but you have to start somewhere and keep at it because it’s a work in progress.
“It’s not going to always be perfect. But continue pressing forward.”
To learn more about Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots, visit the Shaylah Marston website and Facebook page.
Live reindeer from GG Reindeer Farm came to visit (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Brianna Pena Wojtanek, Wyoming Communications Specialist, was excited to see the reindeer (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
All ages joined in at the craft tables! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Wyoming PD officers created a festive sleigh (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Members of the Fire Department helped collect the clothing donations(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Wyoming PD Wrap Up Wyoming (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Council Member-At-Large Tommy Brann (left) and Mayor Kent Vanderwood showed their support of the holiday event (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Jingle Jams, led by Parks and Recreation Director Krashawn Martin (left) and Wyoming Senior Center Chad Boprie, were a favorite! (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, live music and cookie decorating were only a few highlights of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department’s new holiday event, Wrap Up Wyoming (WUW), that took place Friday, Dec. 1.
Not only did the holiday festivities help bring residents and neighbors together for an evening of fun at the Wyoming Senior Center, WUW also kickstarted a donation drive that will run throughout the month of December.
Wrapping Wyoming in warmth
Warm winter clothing was a greater need in the Wyoming area this year (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
After talking with school partners and other community members, it became apparent there was a great need for warm winter clothing.
“What a lot of the schools need more than anything are coats, hats and boots for their students,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Parks and Recreation Director. “Things that go well beyond the holidays [and] into the colder months.”
Attendees donated new warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots. The collected items will be distributed to Wyoming area schools.
“The reason we do this is so that residents can give back to the City, and to residents in need,” said Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood. “Part of my heart and my passion is to help those who need help.
“Sometimes it’s hard for people to know how they should give gifts at Christmas to those in need. By donating in this way, it makes it a little easier for them. I really enjoy the giving part of it.”
The Wyoming Jazz Band played several festive tunes (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Also in attendance was Tommy Brann, Wyoming City Council Member-At-Large, who likened the festivities to a Hallmark movie.
“This reminds you of a Hallmark movie where it brings the community together, and everybody is in a good mood,” said Brann.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were available for pictures and a merry chat (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Brann went on to say that he wishes the donation drive could continue all year. “People need help year-round, but this is a great thing, and I’m glad Wyoming is doing this.”
Martin agreed that there is a great need for help and support – and the City will step forward to meet that need.
“Anything we can do here at the City of Wyoming and as a community to meet that need for our families, we are looking and willing to do,” said Martin.
Music, Santa, and Cookies – Oh My!
Those with a sweet tooth could decorate their own cookie (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Special performances by the Wyoming Jazz Band and storytime with KDL Branch Librarian Adrianna Triche provided festive experiences for all age groups.
Seeing children’s faces light up with smiles was Martin’s favorite part of the event.
“Anything that is going to bring a smile to a child’s face,” said Martin. “When they come in, their faces are going to light up when they see the Christmas tree, when they see Santa…There are some fun surprises tonight.”
WPD Officers Tyler Zbikowski and Jack Tromp show off their cookie decorating skills (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Live reindeer from GG Reindeer Farm were in attendance, and allowed pictures and petting. Santa and Mrs. Claus were available for pictures and merry conversation, and WKTV Community Media recorded holiday greetings for city officials and residents.
Members of Wyoming Public Safety also participated in the festivities. Members of the fire department organized and collected clothing donations, and several police officers joined in at the craft tables and cookie decorating stations.
A Jingle Jam Sing-A-Long led by Martin and Wyoming Senior Center Director Chad Boprie rounded out the evening.
A new holiday tradition
KDL Branch Librarian Adrianna Triche read a holiday story to the crowd (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“This event is a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season and spend quality time with friends and family,” said Martin. “It’s the perfect opportunity to talk to your little ones about the importance of lending a hand and giving back to your community.”
Boprie said that, since having his own children, he sees the importance of events like WUW that provide ways for people to connect with one another.
“Ever since having kids, my view on things like this has totally shifted,” said Boprie. “Even more, I see the importance of events like this to bring the community together, to create family traditions that you can pass on and share with your kids.”
It takes a village
Clothing donations will be distributed among local schools (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“[For] events like this, it takes a team, it takes a village,” said Martin. “The Parks and Recreation team does a lot to prepare months in advance, but we can’t do events like this without the community support we receive.
“We are grateful for our City leaders and for our sponsors – LMCU and Challenge Island – to help make things like this possible.”
If you were unable to attend but would still like to donate, WUW donation bins are available at Wyoming City Hall through the month of December.
To learn more about the City of Wyoming Parks & Recreation Department, click here.
