Category Archives: Local Faces

Technology makes our reading lives easier but can’t replace the library

March 5, 2016Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Upcoming EventsDeidre Doezema-Burkholder, goodreads, KDL, kindle, march reading month, overdrive, Public Library, reading rainbowJoanne

Diedre w: Librarian — Book, libraries, and especially librarians have always been a big part of my life

By: Deidre Dozema-Burkholder

I’ve had a library card since I was in kindergarten. Thinking of the library always brings back fond memories of trips with my Dad to the local book heaven to check out books. I would select a few different books for my Dad to read to me at bedtime. I still enjoy reading at night before I fall asleep. There have been more than a few times where my husband has come to bed only to find me asleep with a book in my lap or on his pillow.

Over time, my choice in books has changed as well as how I choose to read those books. For a while I strayed away from the library and opted to purchase books directly from retailers and Amazon, back when books were pretty much the only thing they offered. Then in 2007 Amazon launched a digital reading device called the Kindle.

The idea of digital books wasn’t something exactly new – a patent from 1949 shows the idea for a Mechanical Encyclopedia – and books on Tape/CD had been around for years. However, the Kindle was a game changer. It was the idea of holding something tangible in your hand and reading for enjoyment and knowledge.

The first Kindle cost $399.99 and sold out in less than 6 hours. It remained out of stock for five months. While I would have loved a Kindle, the digital experience of reading books didn’t seem worth the $400 price tag.

With that, I rediscovered the library, and soon the library discovered technology. My local library had already placed computers into their realm but now it really looks like the libraries are catching up with the technological curve. Certain libraries can checkout Kindle or iPads just as easy has checking out the latest James Patterson novel.

Libraries offer other options through technology as well. There are a handful that I highly enjoy.

The first is called Overdrive, it’s an application which you can download on to your computer or mobile device and “checkout” books from the library. You can even request a book just the same as you would before. If you prefer picking up an album or movie at the library, you should try Hoopla. Hoopla offers movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and comics. If you prefer browsing magazines, take a look at the application Zinio.

I love all three of these applications because they’re so easy. I don’t have to worry about returning the item since many of these applications have auto-return. The item simply returns itself after the allowed checkout time. The one downside to auto-return happens when you’re midway through a book and the time is up. You end up having to go through the process of downloading or requesting it again the book again. However, that’s something I’m okay with because I no longer have late fees!

Of course, if you’re an avid reader it can be easy to lose track of what you have read or what you want to read. For this, I like to use the website called GoodReads. I was introduced to GoodReads several years back, and it’s something I like to keep in my back pocket to find books from authors I like.

On top of finding books from authors, GoodReads also offers the ability to check the order of your favorite book series, give notice when a favorite author is releasing a new book, and suggest other authors or books based on your reading history.

Sometimes when I’m wandering Schuler’s Book Store, I pull out the app and scan a book so I can remember the book when I’m at the library next. I also use it to check reviews from what others who have already read the book had to say about it. My reading list currently sits at 41 books and includes everything from classics like The Maltese Falcon and Gone with the Wind, to “beach reads” which will remain nameless.

I can’t write this without making note of a show way back in the day called Reading Rainbow. I watched this show growing up and would often go to my local library to find the book featured on the show. For over 23 years this show aired on PBS and featured specific books or a centered theme which was explored throughout the show.

After the show stopped airing in 2014, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to help fund an App. Within 24 hours the campaign reached $5 Million with over 100,000 thousand donors. The campaign set an all-time record for the most backed kickstarter since its inception. It seems that a lot of people still wanted to take a look in a book and see the butterflies in the sky.

If you don’t have the iconic Reading Rainbow theme song in your head by now, you should do so by clicking here.

As for me, I don’t think I will ever stop reading. While technology continues to evolve, I still enjoy picking up a book and holding it in my hands. It’s something tangible. Plus, reading an actual book is easier on the eyes than a digital screen. Trust me, your eyes need a break from the screen!

I still take the time to visit my local branch to see the same librarians that have helped me find books all my life. Their help and suggestions have helped enrich my life. Now, instead of just asking for books, I take time to talk to the librarians that mean so much to a community. They are more important than the books they recommend.

With March being National Reading Month, take a look and rediscover your local library.

Deidre owns and operates Organisum: Technology Services, a business serving the West Michigan area. In her free time she likes to hike & bike local trails with friends and family when she isn’t pinning, instagram’ing or Netflix’ing.

Some new faces leap into the year on a very special day

February 29, 2016Community Health, Health, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Citiesbirthday, calendar, existential crisis, feb. 28, feb. 29, leap year, leap year babies, leaplings, limo, march 1, neil degrasse tyson, pony, society of leap year babies, spectrum health, tyson's tweetJoanne

Joy Tatum said she decided Leap Day is a great day for her daughter's birthday. "It makes it more special," she said. "She is unique. So, IÕm happy." (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat) — Joy Tatum said she decided Leap Day is a great day for her daughter’s birthday. “It makes it more special,” she said. “She is unique. So, I’m happy.” (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma and Victoria Mullen

The chances of being born on Feb. 29 are about 1 in 1,461. So for brand-spanking-new Grand Rapids-area babies, Skylar Tyler, Luke VanWoerkom, and Riley Ann Schiefla, the odds were in their favor this year.

They join the ranks of a very exclusive club – no joke, there is the Honor Society of Leap Year Babies – today.

“It makes it more special,” said Joy Tatum in an article recently posted at Spectrum Health’s HealthBeat.

Just for the record, there are about 187,000 people who were born on what many call Leap Day, Feb. 29, which occurs only once every four years. Although according to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who took to Twitter to debunk Leap Day naming, the day is not about leaping anywhere. “The calendar is simply, and abruptly, catching up with Earth’s orbit,” according to Tyson’s tweet.

We’re fans of Neil’s just like the next guy, but geeze, what a wet blanket.

Actually it takes the earth 365 days, five hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds to go around the sun. In order to even out the calendar, a day was added every four years. Otherwise our calendar would be off by about 25 years every 100.

The VanWoerkoms said they plan to let Luke choose the day he celebrates his birthday. They might even celebrate two days - from Feb. 28 to March 1- in years when his birthdate is not on the calendar. (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat) — The VanWoerkoms said they plan to let Luke choose the day he celebrates his birthday. They might even celebrate two days – from Feb. 28 to March 1- in years when his birthdate is not on the calendar. (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)

Most Leap Day babies end up celebrating their birthdays on Feb. 28 or March 1, when there isn’t a Feb. 29. Existential crisis? Only if they let it be. Well, truth be told, sometimes they don’t have a choice. Birth certificates and most government agencies like Social Security use February 29 for those born on Leap Day, but leaplings occasionally encounter bureaucratic difficulties using their true birth dates. Some computerized drop-down menus don’t include February 29.

And you thought your life was confusing.

On the plus side, Leap Day babies have an awful lot of freedom with their birthday. Some may choose to strictly adhere to Feb. 29, while others elect to melt in with the crowd with Feb. 28 or March 1. Tatum said her family plans to celebrate Skylar’s birthday on March 1. We’ll have to ask Skylar how she feels about that when she’s old enough to have an opinion. By then, she’ll be either 8 or 2. Or maybe 4 or 1, depending on how precocious she turns out to be.

Aside from these fun facts, what can leaplings look forward to throughout their special lives? Here are but a few of the emotional and psychological benefits:

Leaplings may be buffered from the emotional pressure of aging one year at a time. Instead, they’re reminded only every four years. (But we must take into account petty annoyances, which we address below.)
Some may choose to take advantage of this quirk in time and celebrate their birthdays on both February 28 and March 1 in off-leap years. More cake and ice cream. And maybe more presents, too.
Others make the most of a fabulous thing and pull out all the stops, throwing an amazing party every four years on their real birthdays. One leapling’s parents rented a pony for her when she turned 4 on her first real birthday. And for her 16th birthday, her parents sent a limo to pick her up from school.
Having a Feb. 29 birthday is a great conversation-starter at parties, on first dates, while waiting in line, etc.

Holly Mercer and her husband laughed about the chance they would have a Leap Day baby. "I said, 'Oh, that will never happen,'" she recalled. "I always go late." (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat) — Holly Mercer and her husband laughed about the chance they would have a Leap Day baby. “I said, ‘Oh, that will never happen,'” she recalled. “I always go late.” (Chris Clark | Spectrum Health Beat)

On the minus side, there are way too many documented cases of tasteless jokes by well-meaning friends, such as gifts of coloring books and crayons on a leapling’s “real” birthday; being told they look old for their age (e.g., 24, or 6). Etc. In our opinion, these stunts are merely displays of ill-concealed envy.

In a society that makes such a big deal about celebrating birthdays, there are bound to be casualties. Birthdays that carry social weight, like Bar Mitzvahs and Quinceaneras, which are coming-of-age celebrations for boys and girls, respectively, may not be considered as significant if they don’t fall on the actual birthdate. Milestones like 18 or 21 can be just as frustrating.

But life isn’t easy for any of us, and this shouldn’t scare any baby away from being born on Leap Day.

Thankfully, our three little leaplings won’t have to worry about any of these things for a few years. For now, let’s just welcome these little cutie pies into the world and wish them all the best. Being a leapling can be enormous fun, and that’s what we hope for Skylar, Luke and Riley Ann.

LaughFest announces ‘High Five’ Corporate Challenge Day on March 4

February 29, 2016Community Health, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Upcoming Eventscorporate challenge day, emotional health, Gildas Club, high five, Laughfest, laughter, seriously funJoanne

Sheriffs high five — Members of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department participating in the “High Five” Challenge

By Tyler Lecceadone

Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s only community-wide festival of laughter, has announced their upcoming “High Five” Corporate Challenge Day open to all West Michigan businesses, offices and organizations to participate.

The “High Five” campaign celebrates the importance of emotional health and the role laughter plays in our lives. It creates visibility for the cancer and grief support programs offerfed through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and Gilda’s Club Lowell. This year they’re illuminating their children’s programs – cancer, grief and in-school emotional health programs.

Organizations may collect donations by inviting employees to wear jeans to work, or a hat, or a tee shirt, or the color yellow (for LaughFest!) or any other seriously fun and funny thing they can offer their team as “special” that fits with their culture and work environment. This year’s Grand Prize for the organization that raises the most money in High Fives on March 4 includes LaughFest tickets, merchandise, and goodies, along with restaurant gift certificates and more.

How the “High Five” campaign works is simple. Each participating business or organization is asked to give Gilda’s LaughFest a “High Five” ($5 donation or greater per person that wishes to participate). Their goal is to generate $50,000 for children living with cancer or grief, and for their in-school emotional health programs. All proceeds raised go directly to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.

“We’re very grateful for all the past companies who participated and helped us raise funds for our children’s programs,” said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and LaughFest. “We’re hoping to get many more local businesses and organizations to participate this year.”

Gilda’s LaughFest was created by a team at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids in 2011. Designed to celebrate laughter for the health of it, LaughFestfeatures free and ticketed events including stand-up, improv, film, authors, community showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. PastLaughFest headliners have included George Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Billy Gardell, Iliza Schlessinger, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Chris Tucker, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho, Betty White, Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Epps, Rodney Carrington, Martin Short, Kevin Nealon, Wayne Brady, Jim Breuer, Joel McHale, Lewis Black and Brian Regan. Proceeds from the festival will go to support the free cancer, grief and emotional health programs offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. Visit the website, or call 616.735.HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.

To sign up to participate in the “High Five” Corporate Challenge Day on March 4, please contact Shawn Ruetz, Director of Development at sruetz@gildasclubgr.org or 616.453.8300 ext. 137 for details and materials.

Not Just Another Pretty Face

February 29, 2016Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local FacesFace of Siegel Jeweler, Immigration, Joesph Siegel, Kathy Gray, Maria Erazo, Siegel JewelerJoanne

Meet Maria Erazo: Entrepreneur, business woman, author, motivational specialist…and the new Face of Siegel Jewelers. Maria’s story is remarkable and in many ways is similar to story of Joseph Siegel, the founder of Siegel Jewelers.

“I have fallen in love with the history of the family and the legacy that it inspires,” said Maria.

Maria was born in Michoacan, Mexico. She came to the United States when she was 15 years old, hoping to be reunited with her parents who had moved to the U.S. earlier. She came to be settled in the Grand Rapids area with relatives she had never met.

Joseph Siegel came to America from Russia at the age of 17. He worked as a clock and watchmaker and opened the first Siegel store in 1889. Both Maria and Joseph experienced the struggles of living in a foreign country with a limited ability to speak English. Both used hard work and perseverance to build successful careers.

Maria is a highly motivated young woman who is the founder of The ME Marketing Agency. She works to help entrepreneurs develop their own brand, based on their personal story. Utilizing digital marketing and social media, Maria leads business owners through training in personal development and sound business structuring. On top of her marketing agency, Maria is the founder of the Farmers Insurance Agency, located at 2435 Eastern Avenue, boasting more than 15 years in the insurance industry. She has also authored two books.

So, how exactly did this highly successful young woman become associated with Siegel Jewelers?

Maria will be the first to admit, she didn’t know Siegel’s existed two years ago. It was by the very social media that she utilizes every day that Maria came upon a contest looking for someone who would represent Siegel Jewelers at community events, in-store, and through the media. The winner would receive $200/month in jewelry allowance and the ability to borrow jewelry for events, photo shoots, and advertisements. Maria saw it as the perfect opportunity not only to promote the store, but also to reach out to the Hispanic community.

The Face of Siegel Jewelers was the inspiration of Amanda Gilbert, who works marketing and community outreach for Siegel’s. “Siegel Jewelers has been in Grand Rapids for 127 years,” explained Amanda. “Community relations and involvement are very important to Siegel’s.”

“We needed to modernize our outreach,” Amanda confided. “Facebook, Instagram, and other social media were the perfect path.”

As a model herself, Amanda had many contacts in the modeling and photography world. After the first contest post was made on the Siegel Jeweler’s Facebook page, they had over 100 applicants within 24 hours. “The response was amazing!” Amanda shared.

Finding a “local” face was important, as was the contestant’s commitment to the community.

Out of all the applicants, twenty were chosen to move on to the next round of the contest. After the official contest photos were taken, they were each tasked with getting as many “likes” and “shares” on Facebook as possible. After a long process of photo shoots and interviews, plus the Facebook outreach, a panel of judges (2 representatives from Siegel Jewelers and 3 members at large from the Grand Rapids community) named the top 3 candidates. Maria Erazo was ultimately chosen as the Face of Siegel Jewelers for 2016. Two other models, Liv Jackson and Jenna Coller, were also chosen to represent Siegel Jewelers in photo sessions this year.

“I see this as an opportunity to bring people in the community together,” stated Maria when asked what being the Face of Siegel Jewelers mean to her. “I would like to be an inspiration to young women, I want them to see that opportunities surround them every day.”

For Maria, empowering young women, especially minorities, is her motivating factor. Her early life story and the struggles she has faced are contained in a book she wrote entitled, En Busca de Mi Padre (In Search of My Father).

“I am honored that Siegel has given me this opportunity,” said Maria, “It gives me the chance to reach out and bring us all together.”

Always looking forward, Maria shared that she would love the opportunity to mentor the women who become the Face of Siegel Jewelers in the future. “I am the first!” she laughed.

Keep your eyes out at community events for Maria Erazo. She will be the outgoing, beautiful lady who is always looking to help others believe in themselves. Oh, and she will be showcasing some of the most gorgeous jewelry Grand Rapids has to offer!

Kathy is a long-time employee with Spectrum Health. She has been married for 28 years to her wonderful husband, Duke. Together they have 2 children, Emily and Daniel. In her free time she enjoys volunteering with the Casting Bread Mobile Food Pantry at Kentwood Christian Church, making sandwiches at Kids Food Basket, and leading Ladies Bible Study on Thursday nights. Writing has been her passion since elementary school and she loves to write about how others enjoy what they are passionate about!

This nun is fun: Sister Act premiers at the Civic Theater

February 29, 2016Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Reviews, Upcoming EventsCivic Theater, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Julianne Howe-Bouwens, Sister Act, Susanne AlbaitisJoanne

Civic Theater has done it again. They have assembled amazing Grand Rapid’s talent, chosen the perfect actors, created a fabulous set, and put it all together with incredible music for Sister Act.

Julianne Howe-Bouwens has established herself as a powerhouse of talent and continues to amaze, this time in the lead role as Deloris Van Cartier. With comedic timing and that voice (that voice!) she leads the cast through this very entertaining rendition.

Deloris Van Cartier witnesses murder and is sent into hiding in a convent. No one would think to look for this outgoing, sequin-wearing showgirl under the same roof as nuns. Deloris’s zest for performing soon takes hold of the nuns, and before they know it, they are packing the pews of the nearly closed church. It seems that the church has caught “Sunday Morning Fever”.

Deloris stays with the sisters until it is safe for her to leave. Once free, she returns to the convent for one last performance, realizing that she needs the nuns’ friendship as much as they need her voice. They are sisters.

Julianne Howe-Bouwens shines in Sister Act (Courtesy of GRCT.org)

Civic Theater was awarded the right to perform Sister Act along with playing Alan Menken’s original music from the Broadway show. The singing and choreography are perfectly matched with the music’s disco beat. Deloris and her back-up singers perform “Fabulous, Baby” in the beginning of the play. The song is then reprised later in the show with Deloris and the nuns. The music, directed by Wright McCarger, weaves in and out of the story line seamlessly.

Sister Act is directed by Allyson Paris who is the Associate Director of Grand Rapids Civic Theater. She also recently directed the travelling troupe production of The Hundred Dresses. You may remember her as the mean nanny from Mary Poppins.

Much of the glitz and glamour of the show is emphasized by the ensemble dance numbers. Choreographer, Torrey Thomas worked with the groups nightly to perfect the routines. Whether in sequins or pajamas, the nuns put on quite a show.

If you like to laugh, enjoy great music, and are amazed by talented singers, then make sure to catch Sister Act at the Civic. The show runs through March 20 with ticket available online at GRCT.org.

The Tree Amigos and a quest for a healthier Wyoming

February 22, 2016Area Education, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, VolunteersBill Brown, City of Wyoming, Greg Bryan, Mike DeWitt, Stelle Slootmaker, Tree Amigos, Tree City USA, Trees, Wyoming City CouncilJoanne

Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community

By: Mike DeWitt

What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.

“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”

That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.

Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.

Wyoming's former tree planting program — Wyoming’s former tree planting program

A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.

“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.

Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.

On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.

While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.

According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.

With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.

That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.

Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council

“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”

Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.

Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”

The ‘giants’ of Greater Grand Rapids featured on WKTV

February 11, 2016Education, Local Faces, Our Cities, WKTV ProjectsGiants Awards, Kimberly Coleman, Teresa Weatherall Neal, WKTVJoanne

CJ Killingham can certainly be proud of his Nana not because she happens to be the Superintendent of the Grand Rapids Public Schools but because Teresa Weatherall Neal was named the 2016 recipient of the Giant Among Giants Award at this year’s annual Giants Awards & Banquet.

For more than three decades, 13 African-American individuals and/or organizations have annually been honored for their exceptional contributions that shape the history and quality of life of Greater Grand Rapids. Originating from a proposal from Dr. Patricia Pullman and Cedric Ward, the first awards banquet was in 1983 in the “G” Building of the then Grand Rapids Junior College.

This year’s Giants Awards & Banquet were at DeVos Place’s Steelcase Ballroom Feb. 6. WKTV will be rebroadcasting the presentation which was recorded by Grand Rapids Community College, Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 10 p.m.

Neal received the award for not only her commitment for increasing the quality of the public school system but also for improving the community by fostering partnerships that promote engagement, collaboration and teamwork.

According to Neal’s bio on the GRPS website, she has been with the district for 40 years, starting as a student worker as a teenager. She has worked in the district in various capacities with her last position before being named superintendent in 2013 as assistant superintendent of community and student affairs.

The other recipients, who represent a staggering commitment to the betterment of the Greater Grand Rapids community, range from Grand Rapids Bar Association Executive Director Kimberly A. Coleman, who received the Floyd Skinner Justice Award to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Theta Chi Omega Chapter’s Ivylette/Rosette Program, which received the Phyllis Scott Activist Award.

Proceeds from the event are contributed to the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1987 by Michael Johnson and Mylece Brown Wilson through Grand Rapids Junior College Foundation. The scholarships are presented to African-American students as perpetual memorials to Brown, who was a businessman involved in various civic and social activities. This year’s recipients are Micah Rupert, Shawn Cummings and David Msema, who each received a $1,000 scholarship.

Click here for complete details on the Giants Awards, including the entire list of those honored.

When Kindness, Compassion Trumps Grades, Touchdowns

February 3, 2016Area Education, Education, Local FacesAlpha Wolf 11, Champion of Character, Erin Albanese, School News Network, Wyoming High SchoolJoanne

Lexi Pearson learns shes an Alpha Wolf 11

By: Erin Albanese – School News Network

About Wyoming High School sophomore Bryan Rosello Lizardo: “His peers describe him as someone who helps other students when the teachers are busy… dedicated, kind and a helper… He gives the greatest gift one can give. The gift of time.”

About sophomore Gabriel Pulaski: “Genuinely empathetic, this person is always a listening ear, and not just for his friends, but for anyone who might need someone just to be there.”

About junior Ryan Huizinga: “He approaches life putting others before himself, which has not gone unnoticed by his classmates.”

About junior Lexi Pearson: “One teacher said it is hard to put into words how much she has contributed to Wyoming Public Schools. Her volunteer hours have to be in the thousands.”

About senior Brendan Berg: “He exerts a quiet authority in his leadership, yet at the same time, shows great humility and respect for others.”

About senior Cindy Ochoa: “Attention must be paid to this 12th-grade recipient who exemplifies the actions of kindness by offering advice. She serves as a reminder that positivity and compassion are traits of a leader.”

Junior Ryan Huizinga celebrates with his family

An Alpha Wolf 11 has nothing to do with grades, sports or test scores, but everything to do with being kind, compassionate and gracious to each other, said Principal Nate Robrahn. These descriptions explain why six Wyoming High School students are Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character. Awarded at the inaugural ceremony for the new program, students wept as they were named supreme pack leaders of the Wyoming Wolves in front of an audience of staff, administrators, Board of Education members and City of Wyoming officials. U.S. History teacher John Doyle read lengthy narratives about each student before revealing them as winners.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, they’re an 11,” he told students. “It has everything to do with what you do here at Wyoming High School. This has to do with what people you are on the inside, and making us a better community inside the walls and outside this place as you spread what this is. You all here, all 1,000 of you in this gym right now, are great young people and you have the chance to make a difference.”

Putting Character First

Doyle approached Wyoming staff with the idea for Alpha Wolf 11 after his son, Ian, received a similar award through Grandville High School’s “Ryan Fischer Be an 11” program. The Grandville program is named after student and hockey player Ryan Fischer, who died of a heart condition 2014.

Doyle was so moved he wanted to bring a similar program to Wyoming. “I was just like, ‘We’ve got to do this. It is so impactful. We are going to pull this off bigger and better. We wanted to give it back to the kids and community.”

Sophomore Gabriel Pulaski reacts to being an Alpha Wolf 11

Doyle said he wants students to realize character is the most important thing in life. “We’ve got all these awards for athletics, scholarships, band, this and that. How about just the regular kids. How about kids getting an award for simply being good?”

Doyle told students that he sees great things happening. “This school, when facing adversity, just continues to impress me. I love it here. A lot of people love it here. Continue to be kind, compassionate and gracious… It will all work out.”

His voice boomed. “That’s why this school rocks. That’s why this school is a good school!”

Robrahn, who began as principal in 2013, said he’s constantly impressed with his students. In nominating each other, students wrote incredibly powerful things.

The first six Alpha Wolf 11s are honored on the gymnasium wall

“These are the nicest kids, the kindest kids I’ve had in my career,” he said. “That’s the piece we want for kids. All the academic content is important, but if we can help kids take care of each other, it’s a better world we live in.”

Six students, two from each grade at the 10th through 12th-grade building, will be named Alpha Wolf 11s each semester.

Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!

Feel Like You Belong – Arturo González Vargas: From Mexico, with Love, Art, and Compassion

February 2, 2016Area Education, Local Faces, Non-ProfitsAlan Headbloom, Arturo Gonzalez Vargas, Feel Like You BelongJoanne

By: Alan Headbloom

If you ever needed convincing that Arturo González Vargas was passionate about the power of non-profits to transform lives, spend just five minutes with this young man to dispel any doubts. For 18 months, the Grand Rapids Community had the privilege of sharing his wisdom, energy, and optimism for all things empowerment. An Atlas Fellow from Monterrey, Mexico, Gonzalez Vargas worked as a tireless advocate for Kids Food Basket, an organization providing daily nutrition to thousands of school children in Western Michigan.

‘Toy Stories’ at the Holland Museum Will Tease Out Your Inner Child

February 2, 2016Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Upcoming Eventsantique, Holland, Merrill Taylor, Taylor Toy Collection, toys, vintageJoanne

By Victoria Mullen

Remember the playthings you had as a kid? That favorite toy you took with you everywhere, even to bed–like a teddy bear missing an eye and loved to tatters? I never had a teddy bear, but I did have a cute little red corduroy horse. I don’t recall his name.

Such simple things we appreciate much too late.

Until Feb. 27, you can find a glimmer of childhood past and wax nostalgic at Holland Museum’s “Toy Stories” exhibit, a fun-filled display with hundreds of toys dating back to the late 1800s. It’s the collection of Merrill Taylor and her late husband, Tom, who spent much of their adult lives collecting antique toys, games, decorations and advertisements.

You know what? The Taylors sound an awful lot like my Aunt Marina and Uncle Bob, who are now in their very late 80s. Maybe you have a family member like this, too. Aunt Marina and Uncle Bob collected everything—and I mean everything. Kewpie Dolls. Beanie Babies. Mickey Mouse figures and dolls. Vintage teddy bears. Glassware, magazines, lamps. My uncle had a penchant for Quaker Oat cereal boxes–his collection was stacked to the ceiling. He also had a collection of gem stones, cat whiskers… the list goes on. Wait. It was my aunt who collected the the cat whiskers.

One really cool feature of the Taylors’ toy collection is this: They will let you play with them. The exhibit also has an interactive “Toy Lab” that helps people learn about the mechanics and science of invention by building their own toys.

The collection has been featured in Country Living and other notable magazines. There is no apparent theme, just a chaotic and delightful mix of toys. The Taylors have never sold any of the toys from their collection.

“Toy Stories” will be on display through Feb. 27 at the Holland Museum, 13 W. Tenth St. in, of all places, Holland, Michigan. For more info, go here.

Wyoming High School Dean of Students Fired for Altercation with a Student

January 29, 2016Hard News, Local FacesAlleged assault, Dean of Students, fired, Rueban Riley, Teacher fired, Wyoming Public SchoolsJoanne

After an incident of alleged assault involving a student and another employee, the Wyoming High School dean of students was fired. The incident happened on Tuesday after Rueben Riley, 31, was sent to a classroom to help remove a misbehaving student.

The district released a statement on Thursday evening regarding the altercation:

On January 26 around 2:00 pm, Mr. Rueben Riley, a dean of students and assistant football coach at Wyoming High School, was forced to remove a student from class for being disruptive. The student refused to leave, necessitating Mr. Riley to physically guide him out. During that encounter, Mr. Riley became too physical with the student, who, at one point during the exchange was forced to the ground.

The district fully understands that there may be times that require a staff member to intervene physically in a situation–to break up a fight or to protect themselves personally. In this case the district determined that there was no immediate need for the amount of force used. Mr. Riley, who had been a model employee for the district and a champion for struggling students, was removed from his position yesterday and is no longer employed at Wyoming Public Schools.

It is vitally important for the district that its students and parents are ensured a safe, welcoming learning environment. When that environment is jeopardized for any reason, we will take swift action to make a correction. Our nearly 500 employees come to work every day committed to helping students succeed and feel at home here. This was an unfortunate incident that does not represent the care and dedication of our employees.

Riley, an assistant football coach at Wyoming High School and former football player at the University of Michigan and in the NFL, was arraigned Wednesday for misdemeanor assault and released on a $100 bond.

Some students have taken to twitter with the hashtag #BringBackRiley in support of their former teacher and coach.

2016 Annual Meeting and LocalMotion Awards Wednesday, Jan. 27

January 22, 2016Beer, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Eventschange agent, Goei Center, guy bazzani, Local First, local hero, LocalMotion awards, mover & shaker, triple bottom lineJoanne

By Local First

Local First will host its 6^th Annual Meeting and LocalMotion Awards on January 27, 2016, at the Goei Center. For those not well-versed in the subject, there are six LocalMotion Awards including the Guy Bazzani Local Legacy Award, Triple Bottom Line Award (one longstanding business and one up-and-coming business), Mover & Shaker Award, Local Hero Award, and Change Agent Award.

The LocalMotion Awards began in 2011 as a way to promote best business practices and recognize the achievements of local businesses and individuals in the community, such as outstanding work in sustainability and making the community more vibrant and resilient.

All awards will be given during the Annual Meeting. Tickets are $40 and available online here. For descriptions of these awards and previous winners, go here. The event takes place from 5-8 pm at the Goei Center, 818 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids.

Nominations for the awards were submitted by community members and businesses. Anyone could nominate a local business or an individual who exempliﬁes the qualities a speciﬁc award honors. Nominees then ﬁlled out an application and took the Local First and B Corporation’s Quick Impact Assessment in order to provide sustainability metrics. An award committee made up of business owners and community stakeholders selected the winners.

Nominees for the LocalMotion Awards include the following people and businesses:

616 Development
AL&S Green Solutions
Art of the Table
Black Heron Kitchen & Bar
Bob Schulze
Boxed GR
Brewery Vivant
Butch’s Dry Dock
Catalyst Partners
Community Automotive
Coppercraft Distillery
Dan Broersma
David Lokker
Eastown Veterinary Clinic
EcoBuns Natural Parenting and Baby Boutique
EPS Security
Furniture City Creamery
Gazelle Sports
Girlfriends Fit Club
Globe Design and Vision
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Grand Rapids Wellness
GreenMichigan.org
Harmony Brewing
Harmony Hall
Harvest Health Foods
Heather Vandyke-Titus
iChiro Clinics
Ken Freeston
Kylen Blom
Landsharks
Love’s Ice Cream
Luna Taqueria y Cocina
Madcap Coffee
Mixed Staffing
Salt and Pepper Grille and Pub
Shawn Mielke
Silkscreen Marketing
Simpatico Coffee
Sip Organic Juice Bar
SO Awesome
Swift Printing
Tacos El Cunado
Thad Cummings
The Meanwhile Bar
The Pyramid Scheme
The Rapid
Urban Roots Farm
Women’s Lifestyle Magazine

Barefoot’s Small Cast Gives a Large Performance

January 21, 2016Local Faces, Non-Profits, Reviews, Upcoming EventsBarefoot in the Park, Civic Theater, David Hatter, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Lexee Longwell, Susanne AlbaitisJoanne

Barefoot in the Park’s small cast gives a large performance in Civic Theater’s rendition of Neil Simon’s 1963 hit. As a Civic regular I have grown accustomed to the big ensembles, choruses, and multi-set-change performances. With this cast you grow to know and love the six performers throughout Barefoot’s two act play.

The story follows newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter as they begin their life together in a small and drafty, but charming, New York apartment. Corie, played by Civic newcomer Lexee Longwell, sees only the good in everything. No furniture? No problem, it will arrive soon. No heat? No problem, the super will fix it when he has time. Her zest for life puts a positive spin on the five flight climb, snowing skylight and unsavory neighbors.

Corie’s new husband Paul, played by David Hatter, has a differing view on their new surroundings. While Corie lives each moment to the fullest Paul would rather focus on his budding law career.

Life for the Bratters gets a little more complicated when they go on a double date. Corie fixes her prim and proper mother (Nancy Wagner) up with the worldly neighbor Victor Valasco (Don Vanden Heuvel). Victor introduces the group to a number of delicacies including brown salad and Ouzo. And when her mother goes missing, Corie takes the situation more seriously than previous events. Conversely, Paul surprises Corie by coming home drunk and barefoot, shedding his stuffed shirt image, for that day anyway.

It was refreshing to watch Corie and Paul figure out that compromise and listening to your partner will strengthen a relationship. Their differences provide a balance that will make their love last.

Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park ran on Broadway from 1963 – 1967. It was Simon’s longest running play. Come enjoy Civic Theater’s performance from January 15 through January 31. Please visit the GRCT website for all of the details.

Citizen Journalist Eyes on MLK Jr. Celebration

January 20, 2016Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our CitiesArch Program, Brett Wiesenauer, City of Kentwood, Kentwood Library, Martin Luther King Jr. DayJoanne

The Kentwood library held a celebration of the life and teachings of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the community room, consisting of readings from lead organizer Jessica Ann Tyson and Mayor Stephen Kepley, a fact-filled PowerPoint, a powerful and moving musical solo, and food and drink for guests. This celebration was an inaugural event in Kentwood’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day plans, in the works for now two years.

Lead organizer Jessica Ann Tyson led the proceedings, initially admitting she neither knew the late Rev. King or had actually participated in his rallies or demonstrations, but she was determined to keep his ideals alive through the celebration and remembrance of the iconic civil rights leader.

After the introduction came a presentation by the Kentwood ARCH program, the program helmed by Kentwood Public Schools in an effort to aid disadvantaged youth in the bottom 30% of the schools. ARCH stands for academics, recreation, community and health, and it allows students to focus on excelling in the classroom by connecting learning to their everyday lives. Later on, Mrs. Tyson gave out awards to student essayists and artists alike who made contributions to the celebration proceedings. It was a great choice to get the younglings involved in the celebration proceedings, so as to spur on their talents and imaginations with the universal topics Dr. King’s work can provoke.

Mayor Stephen Kepley spoke on how influential the Rev. Dr.’s I have a Dream speech was on his perspective and life choices. A Proclamation was performed by various personnel from around the area of varying ages, cultures, and viewpoints, all in the name of simultaneous equality and diversity.

Craig Tyson performed a song for the guests that was most effective. All present truly felt the emotion of his musical plea for leadership. Tears welled, guests cheered, and this here reporter cannot deny the passionate power of his simple musical interlude.

Passion is a powerful thing; ’tis something that can inspire, unite, employ the emotions of your surroundings to further a cause, and all present at the MLK Jr. celebration knew exactly how to utilize these feelings for the betterment of the community at large. This day speaks to not just persons of color, but to all populations, black, white, brown, pale, dark, big, and small, who believe in justice, equality, and the power of ordinary people in (extra)ordinary times.

Happy Birth Anniversary, Dr. King.

South Christian Golf Coach Posthumously Elected To MIGCA Hall of Fame

January 19, 2016Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Sports, Upcoming EventsBoys Golf, Coach Dyke, Girls Golf, Hall of Fame, Mike Moll, Rod VanDyke, South Christian GolfJoanne

Just over fifteen months ago, South Christian girls golf coach, Rod VanDyke was killed while riding his bicycle to work as he so often did.

This year, even though Coach VanDyke was two years short of the usual criteria to be elected, the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association has announced that the South Christian coach will be posthumously inducted on Friday, May 20, 2016. The induction will take place at Tullymore Golf Resort as part of the MIGCA Hall of Fame and Coach of the Year banquet.

This year’s newly elected members will also include Jack Baumgartner from Perry, Tim Bradley from Lapeer West, and Doug McKay from De La Salle Collegiate, bringing the total membership to just one hundred.

“Coach Rod was truly a man of God that enjoyed what he did everyday,” said Curt Copeland, South Christian Athletic Director. “He was very dedicated to his family, the school, his students, and his teams, but at the same time was never afraid to enjoy it and laugh at himself. He never took himself too seriously.”

In addition to his coaching duties, VanDyke was a teacher at South Christian for twenty-two years.

The statistics seem to lend themselves that Coach Dyke, as he was often called by both his own players and opponents alike, was more than qualified to enter into the elite Hall of Fame. The only thing holding him back was the minimum requirement of twenty years, or thirty combined seasons, of coaching boys and girls. He coached the girls teams for eighteen years and also led the boys team for seven seasons.

South Christian girls golf team is headed to their 16th straight State Finals — South Christian’s 2014 Regional Championship Team

His teams combined for a match and tournament record of 672 – 119. They secured thirteen conference and fifteen MHSAA Regional Championships. He had either an individual or a team qualify for twenty-four MHSAA State Championship tournaments, including his last team that had to play their Regional tournament the day following his death.

“South Christian has a different basis for things than some other places might have,” explained Copeland as he looks back on 2014 and that fateful October day. “We felt we put the people in place to help handle the circumstances with that basis as the emphasis.”

The result of South Christian’s foundation, and the people in the program, played a part into the decision to have the girls play the following day. The team ended up winning Regionals and qualified South Christian for their sixteenth consecutive State Finals berth. Coach Dyke’s tradition of excellence has only continued as the team extended the streak to seventeen this last October under the guidance of new coach Ben Cook.

VanDyke’s teams finished State Runners-up five times, once with the boys and four times with the girls. The girls won two Division III State Championships in 2007 and 2009.

In 2007, on top of a State Championship, VanDyke also brought home honors as Michigan Coach of the Year. He repeated the feat with the boys in 2011. In 2009, Coach Dyke become one of only three coaches to be named as both the girls and boys Coach of the Year in the same year.

When asked how Coach Dyke would react to the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Copeland said, “I think that he would probably be a little embarrassed by it all. It wasn’t initially his goal to be in the Hall of Fame. At the same time, he would say that he was honored, but would quickly add that he was blessed with good athletes to work with and that he was fortunate not to mess them up too badly.”

Coach VanDyke coached the girl's team for 18 seasons. — Coach VanDyke coached the girl’s team for 18 seasons.

Each of the young men and women that were fortunate enough to play for Coach Dyke over the years have a very special memory or token that they will carry with them not only on the golf course, but through life itself. Rod is survived by wife Julie and their three daughters Kelsey, Kenzie, and Maddie.

The Hall of Fame is something that only the best in that particular area are allowed to be a member of, and the rest of us can only look at, read about, and remember. In Coach Dyke’s case, when his membership is reflected upon, and since this is for golf, say a quiet “Thank you for the job well done and congratulations Rod.”

102-Year-Old Dynamo

January 15, 2016Community Health, Local Faces, Senior Living102 years old, Dorothy Simon-Tibbe, Gladys Misiewicz, Villa Maria Senior Living CenterJoanne

By: Dorothy Simon-Tibbe

Gladys Misiewicz ran a 5k race at the ripe, young age of 100 in a benefit of Oasis of Hope Center, sponsored by Grand Valley medical students. She is now 102, and still running up and down the many stairs of the six building complex of Villa Maria Senior Living Center on Walker Ave.

This petite lady looks more like a 75-year-old as she runs through the building with no cane, no walker, nor any other type of aid. She exercises daily in her room and in the Physical Therapy Department. Her doctor comes to her apartment in the Villa Maria complex once a month to check her general health, which is excellent except for glaucoma. No grass grows under this plus-two centenarian’s feet!

Gladys was born as a part of the Dubis family in East Chicago on October 31, 1913. One of her earliest memories was the noisy celebration of Armistice Day, which frightened her so badly she hid under the kitchen table. That same day, her mother gave birth to her brother Stan, so she was unavailable to calm little Gladys’ fears.

The Dubis family moved to Hammond, Indiana, and then made their way north to the Twin Lake area near Muskegon, Michigan. While in Michigan, they lived on a farm, with no heat source except a wood burning kitchen range, one bedroom, and a path to the out-house. Her father worked in Grand Rapids, only coming home every two weeks.

Both of Gladys’ parents were Polish immigrants. She taught her father to read and write so he could attain citizenship and vote. Since her mother became a U.S. citizen when her husband’s paper were processed, she never learned to speak English well and she couldn’t read or write. The family spoke Polish within the home,

St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church became home for the Dubis family by the time Gladys began school, where she attended through the eighth grade.

Her family sustained themselves during the Depression Years by doing piece work for the String Factory by inserting string through paper tags to mark prices on goods for sale. The entire family of six children, with their parents, sat at their kitchen table each evening to string the tags. Once the tags were completed, they were delivered to the factory the next day and a new supply was picked up in their little wagon.

Mrs. Dubis worked as a dishwasher in a local restaurant where she was given left over food for her family when it was available.

Gladys began high school at Union, but she did not fit in with the life style and teaching methods of public school. So, she quit there and went to Davis Tech.

By obtaining a work permit at age 16, she was able to work at Steketee’s Department Store. While working at Steketee’s, a former teacher gifted her with the ‘fortune of $500′ to be used to go to college. Before college, she had to complete her high school courses, which she did with several classes each morning until her graduation at age 22.

Her family never considered education important, and none of her family attended her graduation.

Gladys attended her first year of college at Catholic Junior College, now called Aquinas College. While there, she played the roll of a very grumpy Mother Superior performed at Ladies Literary Club. Every minute of practice, rehearsal, and performance was cherished.

The following year, Gladys moved on to Western State Teacher’s College to follow her dream path as a teacher. Unfortunately, that dream never materialized because of a call from home; “Come home immediately. Your mother is very sick and in the hospital having surgery. We need you to take care of the house and children.”

There was no hesitation to answer the urgent call to aid her family, but as soon as her mother’s health returned, her dad demanded she pay rent or move out.

She chose to move out to a farm that had 800 Leghorn chickens. In exchange for room and board, she cleaned the chicken house each morning, gathered eggs, and then delivered the eggs to local hospitals before gong to work as a secretary in a law firm.

By December of 1941, Gladys became the Insurance Adjuster for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Chicago. She married Army Engineer Chester Misiewicz in May of 1945. He was career Army for 23 years, while Gladys remained stateside performing various nursing duties and raising her three children – Kevin, now 70, Karen, age 67, and Lynee, age 64 – and continuing her self-taught scheduled learning and exercise.

Gladys’ father was later diagnosed with leukemia, and once again she gave up home and hearth to move closer to care for her family. She moved with her three small children to live with her in-laws, who lived within a mile of her ailing father. She would walk over each day to bathe and care for him, and would sit beside his bed for hours just to be close and reassure him that she cared.

This ‘young’, 102-year-old dynamo radiates energy, love, and happiness along with a sharp, intelligent mind. She assists at Mass in the Villa Chapel, lights Altar candles, and leads the singing with a clear and pleasant voice. She is an avid reader, especially of historical and medical topics, and enjoys line dancing. She enjoys listening to lectures by noted doctors, especially Dr. Sinja Gupta and Fareed Sakaria. Her favorite fiction author is Nicholas Sparks.

“As long as I can remember, I have always believed that Jesus was close, guiding me, blessing me with good mental and physical health,” remarks Gladys as she looks back over a century of life. “Today is the most important day of my life. I must make the most of it. With my daily thanks, I use these blessing to influence and help others to make the most of their day.”

Gladys has a wonderful attitude on life, which may be the secret to her longevity. She is content in her space in this world

Meijer State Games of Michigan Award Winners Announced

January 14, 2016Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, SportsAthlete of the Year, Aubrey Cohoon, Isaac Washburn, Maddy Frank, Meijer State Games of Michigan, Michael Edward Droste Jr., Volunteer of the YearJoanne

Since its inception in 2010, the Meijer State Games of Michigan has given athletes the opportunity to compete against each other in summer and winter games emulating the Olympics. Following the completion of the Summer Games, and after receiving nominations from coaches, parents, spectators, and peers, officials with the Meijer State games of Michigan choose participants from the games as Athlete of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

Three athletes – youth, female, and male – are chosen every year and one volunteer is also awarded and recognized. The 2015 winners were recognized at the Grand Rapids Griffins game this past Saturday and are as follows:

•   Aubrey Cohoon (Youth – Figure Skating – Spring Lake, MI)
•   Maddy Frank (Female – Mountain Biking – Walker, MI)
•   Michael Edward Droste Jr. (Male – Tae Kwon Do – Saranac, MI)
•   Issac Washburn (Volunteer – Grand Rapids, MI)

Aubrey Cohoon (Youth AOY), 11, competed in Figure Skating during the 2015 Meijer State Games of Michigan taking first place in the pre-preliminary freestyle program and fourth place in the preliminary compulsory moves event. Her first place standing at the State Games of Michigan qualified her for the 2017 State Games of America. In May 2015, she had the opportunity to skate at the Make-A-Wish Michigan Wish Ball alongside her idols, Charlie Wait and Meryl Davis. She has raised over $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Michigan and has been awarded the title of the Fox 17 Pay-It-Forward person of the Week and Month. Aubrey is currently a student at Spring Lake Intermediate School.

Maddy Frank (Female AOY), 15, competed in Mountain Biking during the 2015 Meijer State Games of Michigan, winning the Women’s A Division in the Short Track Event. Maddy competes in biking events year-round and recently took first in her age group in the Iceman Cometh Challenge in Traverse City, MI. She is also a track & field athlete at Grandville schools and enjoys volunteering for local running and biking race events including the East Grand Rapids Trailblazer Run, the Grand Rapids Triathlon, and the Skirts in the Dirt all-female bike race. In 2014, she was awarded the “Ryan Fisher be an Eleven Award.” She is a member of the Freewheeler Racing Team and is an ambassador for Lapierre bikes. Maddy is currently a student at Grandville High School.

Michael Edward Droste Jr. (Male AOY), 32, competed in Tae Kwon Do during the 2015 Mejier State Games of Michigan, winning the yellow belt division of the Tae Kwon Do forms division. Being born with cerebral palsy and ligament issues, he has overcome adversity as an athlete. Michael is a resident of Saranac, MI and enjoys participating in martial arts for the friendships he has made and the lessons of respect, self-control, and discipline he has learned. Michael is an inspiration to all athletes and is an outstanding example of overcoming adversity.

Isaac Washburn (VOY), 27, has been involved in the Meijer State Games of Michigan for five years. He is crucial to the organization and success of the high school hockey tournament. He takes pride in ensuring this event is well-run and properly executed, aiding in set-up, teardown, and problem resolution for all 18 hockey games during the tournament. Isaac is a 2012 graduate of the sports leadership and management division at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). He is currently the Video Coach for the Kalamazoo Wings, Head Coach for both the Division 1 and Division 3 Roller Hockey club teams at GVSU, and the Director of Team Development for the Midwest Collegiate Roller Hockey League.

Previous Athlete of the Year award winners include:

•   2014: Alex Garcia (Male – Wrestling), Cory Bush (Female – Speedskating), Jade Walleman (Youth – Track & Field)
•   2013: Joe Skrycki (Male – Track & Field), Joan Berman (Female – Track & Field), Liam Smith (Youth – Archery)
•   2012: Russell Williams (Male – Tae Kwon Do), Lauren Hooker (Female – Lacrosse), Derek Nicks (Youth – Wrestling)
•   2011: Bob Miller (Male – Swimming), Jessica LeMire (Female – Racquetball), Chandler Simmering (Youth – Judo)
•   2010: Jimmy O’Hearn (Male – Track & Field), Emily Wee (Female – Track & Field), William Vosejpka (Youth – Hockey)

2015 Year In Review – City of Wyoming

January 1, 2016Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Volunteers2015, ArtPrize, City of Wyoming, GM Bringing Jobs, Pinery Park Little League, Rogers Mansion, Wyoming Schools, Year in ReviewJoanne

Another year has come and gone. Here at Wyoming-Kentwood NOW, we take a look back at the year that was with some of our favorite, and most memorable, stories from here in Wyoming.

Wyoming Deputy Manager Receives Heartfelt Farewell – January

After almost 15 years on the job, former Wyoming Deputy City Manager Barbara Van Duren retired. Her retirement was celebrated at the Wyoming Public Library to make room for all the people in attendance! 28th West, the re-development of 28th street, was a project close to Barbara’s heart. In the words of Barbara Van Duren, “28th streets needs a facelift.”

One Wyoming 1 on 1 mentors make a difference – January

One Wyoming 1 on 1 offers mentors the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives. Not only that, but the children will make just as big–if not bigger–of an impact on you! Deb Havens shares her story on mentoring Amber and the bond they’ve created.

Wyoming Public Safety Honors Top Employees – February

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety recognized their top employees. Among those honored was Jason Caster for Officer of the year, Brian Illbrink as Firefighter of the Year, Terra Wesseldyk as Civilian of the Year, and Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence.

High School March Madness
Wyoming and Kentwood Area Basketball Teams Feel the Magic of March – March
Survive and Advance: Two Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams Still Left – March

March is a special time for basketball lovers of all ages! The MHSAA playoffs kicked into full gear with multiple schools from the Wyoming area vying for a State Championship.

Wyoming’s Landscape Sees Positive Changes – May

Harriet Sturim, a proud Wyoming homeowner since 1977, highlights some new and positive building in the city. From the new Veterans Clinic in Metro Village to the new businesses on 28th and 36th street, the City of Wyoming is continuing the city’s growth of vision and progress.

Wyoming’s Oldest Home, ‘Rogers Mansion,’ Up for Sale – June

Wyoming’s, and most like Kent County’s, oldest home was put up for sale in 2015. For the first time in 179 years, the ‘Rogers Mansion’ was put on the market for someone outside the Rogers family. The house comes with the original skeleton key to unlock the front door. History is all around us.

GM Bringing New Jobs
General Motors announces 300 new jobs and a $119 million dollar expansion at Wyoming Plant – June
GM Set to Invest 43 Million into Wyoming Plant – December

General Motors used 2015 to invest in their Burton location with capital and full-time job opportunities. $119 million and 300 jobs were announced in June and another $43 million 55 new jobs were announced later in December! A reinvestment in West Michigan manufacturing is sometime to get excited about.

Wyoming Memorial Day Ceremony in Pictures – June

Citizen Journalist Harriet Sturim took pictures to capture Wyoming’s Memorial Day celebration at its core.

New Business Construction in Wyoming – September

Wyoming continues to add new businesses to the area. Three new businesses found a home at the corner of Clyde Park and 44th Street. A four-story WoodSpring Hotel, a Fox Powersports, and a J&H Mobil Station with a Tim Horton’s right next-door broke in the dirt.

Wyoming Residents in ArtPrize
Wyoming, Michigan Artist’s ArtPrize Entry Shines Light on Peers – September
Wyoming, Mich. ArtPrize Artist Explores Interpretation of Structures – October
ArtPrize Entry by Wyoming, Mich. Artist Makes the Final 20 – October

Artist’s from right here in Wyoming, Michigan entered their work into ArtPrize 7. One of the artists found themselves in the top 20!

Pinery Park Little League
Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League – September
Pinery Park Little League on the Right Track – October

The Pinery Park Little League was in troubled water as they risked losing their contract to the fields at Pinery Park with the Wyoming City Council due to a lack of transparency and losing their 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. Fortunately, the league was able to get it together but will need to run more efficiently going forward.

Wyoming’s New ‘Sinking Fund’ Will Keep School Infrastructure Afloat – November

Wyoming Public Schools found themselves on the winning side after election day with the passing of a sinking fund to help the school. The sinking fund works a little differently from a bond issue and will end up raising over $400,000 per year with little, if any, increase to Wyoming tax payers.

The Great Candy Cane Hunt – December

The Great Candy Cane Hunt had another successful season with Santa being delivered by the fire department and then leading the children on a candy cane hunt throughout Pinery Park. The event continued at the Wyoming Senior Center with “life-size” jenga and connect four that families could enjoy!

Our Most Read Stories From 2015

December 31, 2015Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, SportsBold Socks, Ex-Cons, Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids Comic Con, Jesse Flores, Kidney Donation, Lingenfelter, Local Soccer Star, Paczki Palooza, Pinery Park, Rick and Marci, Top ten stories, Trash Bag TabbyJoanne

WKTV Community Media Center, Wyoming MI — WKTV is home to Wyoming-Kentwood NOW. Sharing the stories in your community!

Every year stories are written and consumed by the masses, but here at Wyoming-Kentwood NOW we focus on the hyperlocal. More specifically, we focus on YOU and YOUR community.

As we say goodbye to 2015 and get ready to say hello to 2016, let’s take a quick look back at our ten most popular stories from the past year:

1. Local Soccer Stands Lands a ‘Homegrown’ Dream Tryout
2. Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League
3. Trash Bag Tabby
4. A Man’s Passion Becomes a World Famous Collection
5. Kidney Donation Saves Local Man’s Life: Rick and Marci’s Story
6. Socks That Really Sock it to You (In a Very Good Way)
7. Grand Rapids Comic-Con
8. From Rags to Riches: The Founders Brewing Co. Success Story
9. New Michigan Law Helps Ex-Cons Return to Work
10. It’s a Paczki Palooza at Marge’s Donut Den

Don’t forget to make now.wktv.org a part of your daily routine, and if your interested in writing about the stories that surround you, we know just the people to talk to! Email us at news@wktv.org.

Happy New Year!

Listen to GRAAMA: Conversations with the Elders Bring to Life Experiences of a Bygone Era

December 29, 2015Area Education, Education, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming EventsAfrican American history, GRAAMA, Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, keepers of the stories, oral historyJoanne

By Victoria Mullen

Long before the advent of written language, storytellers used the spoken word to preserve a record of past experiences from one generation to the next. Oral history was transmitted in song or speech and took on many forms: chants, folktales, ballads, sayings, or songs–knowledge shared without a writing system. This was especially key where people of a society were denied access to education or were afraid to leave a written record of their knowledge.

In America, slaveholders forbade slaves from learning to read or write to keep them in ignorance; the idea was to discourage escape or rebellion. In fact, the legislation that denied slaves formal education likely contributed to their maintaining a strong oral tradition, a common feature of indigenous African cultures.

African-based oral traditions preserved history, mores, and other cultural information among the people. This was consistent with the griot practices of oral history in many African and other cultures that did not rely on the written word. The folktales offered African Americans the opportunity to inspire and educate one another.

It is the rich, local history that Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA) now seeks to preserve by interviewing the elders of a bygone era–the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. It doesn’t really seem that long ago, but once the keepers of the stories are gone, the histories will be lost forever.

The new organization has recently launched a multimedia project called ‘Grandma’s Voice.’ Made possible in part by a $25,000 grant from The Michigan Humanities Council through funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the acronym is a play on the word, ‘Grandma,’ which conveys the museum’s core mission: to document the oral history from some of the area’s oldest living people–particularly women–who can offer insight into their long-ago experiences. Some people are 80 to 100 years old, so time is of the essence.

GRAAMA has teamed up with the Grand Rapids Urban League and the Kutsche Office of Local History at Grand Valley State University. The organization is looking for elderly folks who can tell the story of early Grand Rapids or the surrounding area.

You don’t have to be a grandma to share your stories. GRAAMA encourages families and individuals to inspire others by sharing skills, experiences, and knowledge with other creative minds. Call the elders of your family, and then email george@graama.org. The organization says that those who are interviewed will receive a small stipend. The finished audio/video disk will be the main attraction at Museum once it opens in 2016.

For more info, go here.

Images courtesy of GRAAMA

Local Soccer Star Lands a ‘Homegrown’ Dream Tryout

December 29, 2015Local Faces, Recreation, SportsAtlas, family, Guadalajara, Jesse Flores, Mexico, Mike DeWitt, Romer Carrasco, Soccer, Wyoming High SchoolJoanne

Life can have this fascinating way of coming full circle. A way of bringing us back to our roots on pathways that don’t become clear until a glance is taken in the rear-view mirror – which only happens once we’re at a place to truly call home. It is that sense of settlement that makes us feel secure enough to take a look back, and while the vision isn’t completely clear, it’s no longer a muddled mess; it’s an exciting and enthralling chance to see the events of the past lead to an optimistic future.

It’s a journey towards a new position in life to call home.

For Jesse Flores, 18, life is shaping a path to venture back to a home he’s never visited, it’s a dream scenario with love and passion at the core, and soccer as the catalyst.

“I started playing soccer when I was 4, but I didn’t start to take it seriously until freshman year of high school,” describes Jesse with the tone and tenor of someone fondly remembering the moment they first fell in love.

For Jesse, soccer has always had that relationship. Sports are a bond that can bring generations, especially a father and son, together in ways that transcend the playing field.

“I remember growing up and watching Atlas games on TV with my dad. They’ve always been my favorite team.”

While Jesse is from Wyoming, MI, his parents Jose and Icela both hail from Guadalajara, Mexico, where Jose played soccer for the youth team Atlas Fútbol Club. That bond to Atlas, and Mexican soccer, was passed down to Jesse.

With a new focus on the game as a freshman at Wyoming High School, Jesse’s game started to flourish. As a three-year varsity goalie, Jesse became a leader on the team and utilized his 6’3″ frame and long wingspan to defend the cage. His size and leadership allowed Jesse to lead the state in saves his senior season and earned him post-season honors.

Even with all the success, it was hard to imagine playing soccer at the next level.

“I didn’t consider it a real possibility until my high school coach, Romer Carrasco, told me that he thought I could play at the next level. Once I realized an opportunity after high school was possible, more doors opened up.”

Jesse and high school coach Romer Carrasco

Jesse wound up earning a scholarship to play soccer at the University of Saint Francis in Indiana. While the team struggled this past season, Jesse played well and compiled a highlight film to send out to professional teams in Mexico.

A professional opportunity was still nothing more than a dream.

“I connected with an agent in California who works with young players. He gets your info and film in front of Mexican teams,” recounts Jesse as he racks his brain, still marveling at the details of his incredible journey and opportunities awaiting on the path before him. “I’ve always dreamed of playing professionally, but I didn’t know if I’d have a chance.”

Since that time, two teams have reached out to Jesse to schedule tryouts: Chiapas Fútbol Club and hometown favorite Atlas Fútbol Club of Guadalajara. The tryout with Chiapas is already in the books, and the Atlas tryout will happen this summer. Chiapas didn’t offer a contract, but Jesse took some positives from the experience to build on before the tryout with Atlas.

“I didn’t end up getting the contract with Chiapas, but I was able to get a feel for how a professional tryout works. I was nervous and didn’t play loose. That won’t happen next time.” The club also gave Jesse some feedback on his play. “They told me to work on my conditioning, but also that they saw my potential. That was great to hear because it gives me more confidence knowing that I have the tools and the skill. I can always work on my conditioning!”

In the meantime, before the tryout with Atlas, Jesse will continue his education and playing career at Davenport University after transferring from Saint Francis to be closer to home. The newfound possibilities of becoming a professional soccer player mean more to Jesse than just personal achievement; he sees it as an opportunity to inspire.

“I want to inspire others as I go along. I was once that young kid who wanted to be professional, and now I have that opportunity. I want to do my best and achieve what I can so I can give back to the community of Wyoming and my high school. They’ve been so supportive of me up until this point. I want to give it back.”

This summer, Jesse will travel down to Guadalajara for an opportunity of a lifetime. Not only will he be trying out for his childhood team, but Jesse will visit his parents’ birthplace and meet family for the first time. He will see the city that his favorite soccer team calls home and immerse himself with the Club he hopes to call his own.

Jesse’s story is more than just an inspirational tale; it is a journey of family and sport coming full circle because of the bond created by a father, a son, their team, and a ball.

West Catholic Makes it a Three-Peat

December 18, 2015Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, SportsCarl Myers, Connor Nemmers, Katelyn Kohane, River Rogue, State Championship, West CatholicJoanne

By: Katelyn Kohane

Each of the last four years, West Catholic High School has earned the right to play in the Division 5 Championship Game at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. This season, the Falcons were looking for their third straight title.

Making it to Ford Field is a statement of a long season of hard work paying off and it culminates into the biggest game of the season as a battle for the best team in the division. Division 5 consists of teams with an enrollment of around 400 – 500 students.

The day of the championship, the team met at West Catholic High School to have breakfast together before loading on the bus. After breakfast, the team, along with many of its fans, attended Mass together at Saint Adalbert’s Church, which is a nice way to start the day before the Big Game. After Mass, the team loaded back on the bus to head to Detroit.

I am a graduate of West Catholic. My family and my cousins have all gone through West Catholic for many years. My father taught math, coached track and football, and ultimately retired from the school after 40 years. We always go to the football games. West Catholic as a program travels very well. Many people past and present make an effort to go to the games.

This year, there were five big Grey Hound buses that made the trip to Ford Field. Hundreds of cars ended up making the trek to support the team in the Championship as well.

The bus ride was a blast. Of course, everyone on the bus knows each other because they are all from West, which makes the trip even more fun. After arriving in Detroit, the whole bus went to Hockeytown Café for lunch and to talk about the game with fellow friends and fans.

This past season, I was very proud watching the team play. One of the players, Carl Myers, happens to be my cousin! Carl is one of the captains and is an all-star lineman who earned All-State Honors. Carl has chosen to continue his education next year at the University of Michigan as a “preferred walk-on” for football. Carl also excels in track and field events such as the shot put and discus throw.

After lunch, it was time to head over to Ford Field to cheer on our team as they prepared for another State Championship against River Rouge. It was an exciting game that was consistently back and forth, especially during a 20-point 4th quarter when River Rouge threatened West Catholic down the stretch.

In the end West won 40 to 34! As the clock worked its way down to zero, you could feel the excitement brewing on the sidelines and in the stands. After the clock hit zero, the team ran onto the field to celebrate with their teammates and coaches. They received their third straight championship trophy and will also receive rings.

With the season in the books, I had the opportunity to talk with two important pieces to the Falcon’s success in 2015, my cousin Carl Myers and his good friend, and fellow captain, Connor Nemmers.

What do you remember from the game?

Carl: “The guys were very big, very fast, and came down very hard. It was super hot in the stadium after playing in the snow the week before. They [River Rogue] were very disciplined. I knew that since it was my senior year and that it was going to be my last game, I had better go out on top! It was a lot of fun.”

Connor: “I remember everything from the game. Every snap and whistle. It was such a great way to leave our legacy at West.”

Connor, can you give me a few details describing the game? Also, what was the toughest part of the game from your standpoint?

Connor: “It was the greatest time of my life. The atmosphere inside was unbelievable when I looked around seeing all of the fans. In the game, the toughest part for me was, the last quarter as a whole. They started scoring very fast, and I thought we were going to lose at one point. We ended up coming up with the win though.”

Carl, you were voted to be a part of the “Dream Team”, could you tell me a little about that?

Carl: “I was the only one from the west side to be on the Dream Team, there were tons from the east. I got to meet and talk to some of the top guys in the state, but it’s cool knowing that I am also in the top. Mark Dantanio gave a good speech to the guys on the team about dreams.”

Connor, last question, looking back on the season, which game was the most rewarding?

Connor: “My favorite game of the season was probably when we played Lansing Catholic. They were expected to win the state championship, but we ended up with the win. It just felt like a great game.”

It certainly sounds like the boys really worked hard to pull off the win at the championship game and it definitely shows they pulled together to get the final win. Good luck to the team next year and to Carl and Connor as they finish up the school year. Go Green! Go White!

Katie works in the film industry as a camera operator and has worked on films like ‘All You Can Dream’, ‘Set Up’ and a TV show called ‘American Fallen Soldier.’ She loves helping WKTV with the Citizen Journalism team and working as a tech at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Katie loves working in the film industry and loves watching movies just as much!

Santa Comes to You at the Drive-Thru

December 15, 2015Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, RecreationChristmas, Drive-Thru Santa, Kentwood Activities Center, Kentwood Parks and Rec Department, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, Mike DeWitt, OlafJoanne

Santa waiting to spread Christmas cheer to all the Children ready to hear!

Cars full of kids made their way to the Kentwood Activities Center this past Friday night. It was chilly, but the weather was clear of any wet particles falling from the sky, and everyone was bundled up as needed for a brand new event held by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. Instead of the children and their families hustling out of the vehicles and darting towards the activity center, they stayed in the car as the event was brought to them.

How often does Santa take the time to meet with you from the warmth of your own car on a cool December evening? Since we know all about his vehicle of choice (a sleigh) and the horse…er… deer power that pulls it from chimney to chimney, Santa decided to take an interest in the cars of the citizens of Kentwood. The big man greeted all those willing to see him with a HO HO HO!

However, Santa wasn’t the only one eager to meet new people, everyone’s favorite snowman Olaf was there as well. Yes, I would like to build a snowman!

In the end, over 100 kids experienced a new way to interact with Santa. It was one more time for the children to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and also make mention of their yearlong good behavior. No coal for anybody this Christmas![huge_it_slider id=”23″]

Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt

December 8, 2015Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsChristmas, City of Wyoming, City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, family, Games, Great Candy Cane Hunt, Holiday, Kenny Westrate, Mike DeWitt, santaJoanne

This Saturday, December 12, a multitude of children will find themselves waiting patiently at Pinery Park in hopes that Santa will arrive. However, instead of appearing on his sleigh pulled by reindeer, Santa will be coming in hot thanks to the Wyoming Fire Department!

After the spirited arrival, the real fun can begin with Santa leading the children on a Great Candy Cane Hunt throughout the park. Immediately following the hunt, the adventure continues as the group scampers across the street to the Wyoming Senior Center to play board games, color, eat lunch, and sit down with Santa to share their holiday wish list.

This year, the Wyoming Senior Center will have some new “life-size” games for the everyone to enjoy. Enlarged Jenga pieces and giant Connect Four boards are sure to bring some extra magic to an event already beaming with it.

The Great Candy Cane Hunt is a timeless Wyoming tradition and a kick-off to the ensuing Christmas and Holiday seasons.

“I plan a lot of events, but this event is special,” exclaimed City of Wyoming Recreation Programmer Kenny Westrate. Westrate has planned the Great Candy Cane Hunt for the past eleven years. “You get to see the smiling faces of the kids during the hunt and when they see Santa. You get to see families playing board games and enjoying each other. You don’t always see that with other events, but it’s guaranteed every December.”

Come on out to Pinery Park this Saturday for a fun-filled day of laughs, smiles, family, and Santa!

Pre-registration is required. You can download a registration form here or you can register online.

Event details are below:

Date: Saturday, December 12
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pinery Park for the hunt followed by lunch at the Wyoming Senior Center
Age: All ages
Cost: Ages 3-14 – $4 Resident, $6 Non-Resident (All others – $2)

Remember, the Great Candy Cane Hunt is outdoors, so dress accordingly!

Underage and Homeless: Mortisha Olvera

November 27, 2015Citizen Journalism, Education, Local Faces, WKTV ProjectsCommunity Awareness, Donna Kidner-Smith, homeless, Mortisha Olvera, TeenagerJoanne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOIPNkv74JA

Community Awareness is a show produced at WKTV and hosted by Donna Kidner-Smith. The show acts as a conduit for people in the local community to share their stories. Donna’s latest series focuses on homeless teenagers and how they were able to cope.

Mortisha Olvera was found herself homeless at 17 years old, here is her story. The full interview can be seen in the view above.

Thank you for joining us to share your story.

Thank you Mrs Smith. I appreciate that a lot. I have been wanting this opportunity ever since I was a little girl, to tell my story because I have a really good one, and I would love for my story to help many other children out there. Because what I went through, I don’t want anyone else to go through too.

Mortisha, what is your earliest childhood memory?

When my mom, sister and I went to the park and we were having a really good time. My mom was barbecuing but my dad wasn’t around at the time. We were having a really good family time, and I miss that to this day.

How many sisters do you have?

I have four sisters.

Tell me a little bit about your family set up?

My mom and dad were married. They were together for nine years, but when I was three my father left. I actually just recently got to see him after 17 years! I was scared, I didn’t know what to say. He got to meet my little daughter, and I was happy for that. It was nerve-wracking because I don’t know what to say when I meet new people.

And where has your dad been since then?

He’s been in Florida the entire time.

What brought your father to Michigan?

To come see my 9 month old daughter. That one of the reason I wanted to see him. So he could meet a new member of the family.

So he was seeking a relationship with you?

Yes, he always has, but I’ve been too afraid to reach out and be willing to meet him. I don’t want to get hurt either.

Have you completed High School Mortisha?

I actually have not. I didn’t drop out, I quit in the 11th grade because I was in Comstock but going to school in Ottawa Hills. That was a long distance and very difficult to do.

So you were living in the Comstock Park area and you were enrolled at Ottawa Hills High School?

Yes I was. It was hard to make that transfer every day, and then my mom was also sick at the time. She has been sick almost her whole life, but it got worse and we started living at York Creek.

What do you think about school?

I like school. I like art. I think more kids should go than skip it to do drugs and the whole immaturity thing.

Tell us a little bit about elementary and middle school. What were some of the things that you enjoyed the most in school?

I liked the people. I liked the teachers. I got to know the teachers very well, they were like my friends because I didn’t have many friends in school. The teachers were my friends and they helped me through so much! Without them I wouldn’t have made it through any grades.

When you say they helped you through so much, are you speaking academically or otherwise.

Academically, physically and mentally because I was going through a hard time in those times.

Well then, let’s launch into that if it’s not too personal Mortisha. What were some of the issues that you were contending with, that you needed the teachers’ assistance with.

Well, I was in special ed because I had a really hard time reading and in math. When I was born my umbilical cord wrapped around my brain and the lack of oxygen killed some of my brain cells. I try to fight that because It’s a really hard difficulty to deal with, but I fight through it every day.

Now you mentioned that your mother has been sick most of your life.

Yes, she’s been sick ever since she came out of the womb because she has a hole in her heart, but the doctors never found it until 4 or 5 years ago. It’s been getting bigger too. She’s been doing okay, but she’s been getting worse.

As far as a home, tell us about your home life. Experiences or hobbies that you had. Maybe some activities you did as a family.

Well, my mom was never home because she always worked. She would get up at 5 in the morning and be home at 5 at night. So every day, she only had one day off, she would go to work and come home and relax. She worked as a housekeeper for Heather Hill Care Center for 10 years. She did for 10 years on top of taking care of us at the same time.

What was the dynamic like in your neighborhood? Were they neighbors to watch over you?

No, I was an alone child. My sisters went off and did what they wanted to do. I stayed by myself. I didn’t go around anyone. I’m still that way today. Being around people scares me sometimes. I don’t know what to expect when I see a new person.

What would you say is your number 1 challenge? Being the age that you are, you are now 19 years old, what would you say is your number 1 challenge?

My daughter. She is a blessing because I never thought I could have kids. Being a first time mother, every day is different and I don’t know what to expect. Every day she’s changing. Everyday she’s growing and eating different things. It’s hard because you don’t know what she wants and since she’s only 9 months old she can’t speak. So all she does is run around on her little toesies. I went to he doctor yesterday. She’s 9 months, 20 pounds and 29 inches. So she’s a pretty good, healthy baby.

Is the father involved in her life?

No. I was tired of the abuse. I was tired of the mental abuse. I was tired of always being put down and called names. I was with him for 2 years, and for those 2 years I was going through some major, harsh stuff. For those 2 years I was homeless, pregnant, abused, and raped. I just pray everyday that I don’t have to see him ever again. I’m personally scarred. I have PTSD from this man and I can’t deal with it.

You mentioned that you were homeless. Are you currently homeless?

No, it’s my first place that I’ve ever had that I can call my own. I’ve never had that and I pray to God that I will have it until the end.

May I ask what caused the homelessness?

My mom got evicted from York Creek by the baby daddy because he was causing issues. My mom and my baby sister left to go live with my older sister. I had to get left behind because there wasn’t enough room in the car, but they said if there was enough room in the car I would’ve been taken with them. So, they left and I got left behind. Still, to this day, my mom cries and says she wishes she would’ve taken me that day. When they left I became homeless. I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I was 17 at the time. A little baby in the streets not knowing what to do.

So, you’re left there in the parking lot. What what the first step after that?

To find somewhere to stay. I was worried about when I was going to eat again because I didn’t have food stamps or state ID. I left with nothing.

And where did you go?

I stayed on the street. I stayed in a park, under a tree, hoping that it was not going to rain because it looked a little cloudy that night.

So you went from York Creek in the Comstock Park area to Downtown Grand Rapids area?

Yes, and that’s where I stayed for two years. Then I met this awesome place called Unlimited Alternatives. It is a rehab center, but they took me in. They have washers, dryers, showers, computers, stove, a kitchen, and a food pantry. That place really helped me out when I was homeless. I went there everyday. It was open from 8am to 4pm. So it was a very good time for me to stay warm.

In the evening, when those doors closed, what happened?

I went down to Rosa Parks Circle and I would spend my time there. Or I would go to the library or I would go to GrandLAN, which is a video game place. When those places closed I would find a place to stay in an abandoned apartment. Through two summers, fall, and winters that’s where I stayed. That abandoned apartment.

Were there others there with you? Or were you alone?

It was just me and the baby daddy. We stayed in the abandoned apartment. Just somewhere we could stay warm and put our stuff. Everyday I was always scared because I didn’t want to wake up to guns pointing in my face telling me to get out or getting arrested for trespassing. But I didn’t want to stay outside. I wanted to be safe. So I took my own risk and stayed in the abandoned apartment.

Did your family know you were homeless?

I didn’t inform my family of any of it. I didn’t want them to worry. If my mom has a little bit of stress, it could kill her. I didn’t want my mom or sisters to feel any stress or worry about me. I didn’t want them to feel bad for me. I need to be strong and I don’t need anyone to feel bad, because they need to be strong too.

What are your plans for the future Mortisha? You’re sitting here and you’re 19 years old, you’ve completed the 11th grade, but as you look ahead with the responsibility of a child, what do you envision as of next year?

I’m going to Youth Build which is a place that helps you with your GED. My sister just graduated from there. From her whole process being there, she’s now a certified construction work, she’s a first aid, she got her driver’s license and her GED. That’s what I want to do. I want to become a construction worker, I want to become a first aid, I want to get my driver’s license. That would be something really cool. But then when I get done with school, I want to go into cosmetology for horror films. I love horror films. That’s something I’d love to do. Doing makeup for horror films. Dead skin and blood.

Mortisha, you mentioned a few minutes ago about being homeless, having a baby and having a boyfriend. Walk us through that. That is something that has impacted you and will carry forward through your adult life. Here you are in Grand Rapids, a homeless teenage, tell us about that.

After my mom left when I was 17, I had to find a place to stay. I found different places to stay on different nights. A year and a half after being homeless I found out I was pregnant. Remember, I stayed with my boyfriend for two years. When I found out I was pregnant, I thought that was going to change him and make things better, but it actually made things worse. He constantly told me I should get an abortion and that we weren’t ready, but I’m not going to kill a kid just because I’m not ready and you’re gonna be selfish. I’m going to have this kid and I’m going to do everything I can to make this right. Well, nine months later, here comes my daughter. I had to have a C-section because she got stuck in my pelvic bone. Being a first time mom and never having a C-section was scary.

He would never help me. My boyfriend never helped me with the baby. At that time, I was taking care of two families. The family I was living with had three kids that I was taking care of because the mother didn’t do anything besides sit on her bed and be on Facebook. So I took care of their kids and my newborn baby. My baby daddy didn’t help out with the our baby either because the crying would get to him and he would go insane and not take care of her.

Elaborate on your boyfriend a little bit. You mentioned that he beat you.

Yes, he beat me everyday. When I was 4 months pregnant, he raped me because he was blackout drunk. He told me he didn’t remember, but I told him I did. I wasn’t the one doing drugs or getting blackout drunk. I remember all of it. I was sober for nine months. He constantly called me a liar and denied what he did.

So why did you stick with this guy?

I didn’t know where to go. He said he was homeless before. That’s one thing I can say that he did. He kept me safe, he made sure I ate everyday, and he kept me warm. That’s the only positive thing that happened when I was homeless.

Were you afraid?

I was scared! I was so scared because I didn’t know if I was going to get jumped, raped, or die. Especially during the winter. These past two winters were crazy with all the snow.

So what was the turning point? You found an apartment and had your daughter, but you lived there until that fell apart and you had to get out.

Yeah, after that I stayed in Mel Trotters for three months and from there I found this amazing guy. I never knew a guy as amazing as him existed. He helped me through so much and got me out of situations that I couldn’t get myself out of. I am very blessed that I met this man.

When you look back on your childhood Morticia, what is your saddest memory?

That would have to be when my baby sister was raped. That was the saddest thing because I was in still in school at the time and my sister brought me into the bedroom and said that grandpa is downstairs with Nina doing dirty things. So I went downstairs to the basement and said something and he got off of her. I told Nina to get upstairs and we locked ourselves in the bedroom until my mom got home from work.

Was he your mother’s father?

Yes.

Was this a first time event or something that happened before?

I heard it happened in the past but I had never seen it firsthand. So, when I got home from school and saw it, I was furious. I also felt guilt on myself because I felt I could’ve stopped it.

And then what happened? Did anyone tell on grandpa?

No.

Do you know if anything like that happened again?

No, after a little while my grandpa got really sick. His muscles and bones basically stopped working. He was a lot like a vegetable. So, me and my sisters had to help take care of him. We had to pick him up from the chair and carry him to the potty. I helped take care of this man who hurt my family.

So nobody told your mother what he had done?

No, we all told her. My sister actually took my other sister to a movie to get her out of the house so we could tell our mom one on one.

How did your mother receive that?

She was scared and furious. My grandpa was 70 at the time so she didn’t feel like she could really do anything.

Besides what happened with your grandpa, is there anything you wish didn’t happen with your family?

I don’t know, more than anything I wish my family was back together. I want my family to be back together so bad. Our family is spread out everywhere do to living arrangements. We don’t get to see each other much, but now that I have my own place, my younger sister comes over every now and then to get together. She’s actually coming over today!

You’ve walked us through your plan for the immediate future, and those are all great goals and I hope they workout, but where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?

I see myself running my own horror shop that has makeup and costumes. Something like the Kostume Room, but a little different from that. I’ve also always wanted to run my own gothic, metal bar. That’s something that I really want to do because I’ve never seen one of those in Grand Rapids.

Mortisha, thank you for sharing your story with us today. You have a lot of responsibilities and some lofty goals for yourself. If you keep your nose down and have people around you who encourage you, you’ll be able to reach them all. We wish you nothing but the best!

A Christmas Story The Musical, Love and Laughter for the Holidays

November 25, 2015Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Reviews, Upcoming EventsA Christmas Story, Civic Theater, Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Susanne Albaitis, The MusicalJoanne

Our neighbors moved last summer. My children were very upset by the news, not because we were particularly close but because every December they put a leg lamp in their front window. The leg lamp, made famous in the iconic ‘80s movie A Christmas Story, symbolized victory for the little guy and also made us giggle every time we passed their house.

Civic theater has brought a spectacular rendition of A Christmas Story to its stage. From beginning to end, the audience was engaged, laughing and tapping their toes along to the music. The solos, ensembles and choreography blended well with the storyline. Each character was well played and so enjoyable to watch.

Ralphie (Alex Sullivan) gave such an impressive performance that although you know that he will eventually shoot his eye out, you still want him to get that Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun. When he sings “Ralphie to the Rescue!” he imagines himself saving his teacher Miss Shields (Aimee Workman) from a villain, classmates from bank robbers, and his brother Randy (Ben Lowen) from a prisoner. His daydream is a compelling display of the many reasons he needs a Red Ryder BB Gun.

Once again David Duiven impresses on stage as the Old Man, Raphie’s father. His mutterings about the neighbor’s dogs and the famous tire changing scene brought big laughs from the audience. When the leg lamp arrives, the Old Man sings “A Major Award”, beaming with pride and finding the perfect front window display for his prize. The audience went wild when the Old Man and the cast broke into a leg lamp chorus line with the children holding little leg lamps.

At school Ralphie perfects his Christmas list essay, hoping that if he impresses Miss Shields, she will convince his parents that he should have the Red Ryder BB Gun. His essay seemed to do quite the opposite. Miss Shields transforms from sweet teacher to Broadway starlet, singing “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out”. The audience was dazzled as her big voice delivered the crushing news. The tap dance ensemble added extra drama to this already jazzy number.

A Christmas Story, The Musical combines love and humor, reminding us all of the moments that make the holidays special. This hilarious rendition of a Christmas classic plays on Civic Theater’s stage November 20 – December 20, 2015. Make sure to check out GRCT.ORG for tickets and more details.

Kentwood’s New Dog Park Enjoyed by All

November 25, 2015Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Faces, Our Cities, Pets/AnimalsCity of Kentwood, Dog Park, Mayor Stephen Kepley, Mike DeWittJoanne

After holding off until deep in November, planet Earth decided it was finally time to switch over to winter and bring down the snow from above. While the temperature drop necessary to bring on a nice snowfall usually keeps people indoors, it didn’t stop dog owners and the City of Kentwood from opening the city’s first dog park!

On Saturday, November 21, Mayor Stephen Kepley lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new dog park located in Kelloggwoods Park at 275 Kellogg Woods Drive. What ensued was doggy heaven as the pups quickly began socializing with their new furry friends in the winter wonderland.

The park has designated off-leash areas for dogs both big and small, dog-waste bins, water spigots and benches.

Dog owners, and citizens of Kentwood, look forward to having a dog park so close to home. Pets are family members too, and watching them play is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Mayor Kepley said it best, “Our dogs can now have just as much fun in the City of Kentwood as the adults do.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself Mayor!

Four-Legged Friends will have Space to Roam and Play in Kentwood

November 19, 2015Local Faces, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Upcoming EventsCity of Kentwood, Dog Park, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, Mayor Stephen KepleyJoanne

The City of Kentwood will officially have its first dog park this Saturday, November 21 after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

The park, located in Kelloggwoods Park at 275 Kellogg Woods Drive, was an idea brought by residents to the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. Together, the community was able to identify a need for a dog park and Kentwood Parks and Rec put together a business plan back in March to make it happen.

The park cost $15,650 and was funded through the park millage. Featured at the park are off-leash areas for both big and small dogs, dog-waste bins, water spigots and benches.

Mayor Stephen Kepley will give a speech at the grand opening. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m.

Don’t forget to bring your pooches and puppies!

Make sure to stop by the site next week to check out footage from the event.

Chili Cook-off and a Cornbread Recipe to Boot!

November 17, 2015Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Local Food, Our Cities, Senior LivingCatherines Cornbread, Chili Cook off, Ruby Roberts, Wyoming Fire DepartmentJoanne

Every year as the chills of fall set in, seniors compete in the coveted Bayberry Farms Village Chili Cook-Off. The steaming hot pots of chili presented for the October 23, 2015 competition included white and tomato based chilies, hot to mild.

This year’s lighthearted competition was judged by a team of jovial, yet highly-respected, Wyoming Firefighters. The winner of the 2015 Annual Bayberry Farms Village Chili Cook-Off was Ms. Ruby Roberts. After winning Second Place for two years in a row, Ruby tweaked her delicious white chili recipe to make it become the favorite chili of the day! Her mixture of chicken, white beans, cheeses and secret ingredients was the hands down favorite. Congratulations, Ruby!

Ruby intends to keep her recipe secret at this time as she is determined to win future competitions!

However, another big hit and highly requested recipe was “Catherine’s Cornbread.” It is not dry like a typical cornbread and not as fluid as a corn casserole. When firefighters ask for the recipe, you know it is good!

Catherine’s Cornbread

Ingredients:

Two Jumbo Eggs (Or Three Large Eggs)
1 Can Cream Corn
1 Can Drained Whole Corn
¼ Cup Sugar
2 Packages Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Splash of Milk

Directions:

Mix the eggs, both corns and sugar together until well blended. Stir in the corn muffin mix. If too thick, add a splash of milk.

Pour into a greased 9 x 11 dish.
Bake at 350 (325 for glass dish) until toothpick in center comes out clean (around 20 or so minutes) and top is golden brown.
Do not over bake.

Enjoy!

Pull Aside the Curtain for a Backstage Experience

November 12, 2015Area Education, Beer, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local FoodBehind the scenes, Bell's Brewery, Chateau Grand Traverse, Chocolates by Grimaldi, employees only, Grand Hotel, Grand Rapids Symphony, Henderson Castle, Journeyman Distillery, Leelanau Adventures, Long Road Distillery, Marshall Historical Society, Point Betsie lighthouse, St. Julian Winery, West Michigan Beer Tours, West Michigan Tourist AssociationJoanne

Whenever you visit a place, you’re never seeing the full story. There’s always something going on behind an “employees only” door or a little secret that only the well-informed know. Luckily for you, some of the best places to visit in West Michigan have tours to show you everything you need to know. Ever want to see how Bell’s brews their beer? Or how Grimaldi’s chocolates turn out so delicious? Look no further than some of these behind the scenes tours!

South Region

Henderson Castle

The historic Henderson Castle was built in 1895 and is one of Kalamazoo’s most treasured landmarks. Today, they welcome visitors to come explore the castle in its entirety with their VIP Legacy Tour package. With this package, you can explore all floors of the castle from their basement kitchen to their rooftop deck and everything in between. Places that guests typically don’t see such as the vineyards and wine cave are also shown. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Henderson Castle, look no further than this extensive tour package!

Journeyman Distillery

Journeyman Distillery offers tours every day! The distillery is located in an 1800s factory building and has retained much of the original and historic architecture. Tours last approximately one hour and include the history of the distillery, a tour of the production facility, and an overview on how their spirits are produced. Of course, the tour concludes with a tasting of some of Journeyman’s finest spirits!

West Michigan Beer Tours

Why just tour one brewery when you can tour three? West Michigan Beer Tours offers variety of public tours with most including stops at three breweries to sample, tour, and meet the owners or brewers. Your tour director is knowledgeable in both the beer industry and the local area so you know that you’re getting a great tour. You’ll travel comfortably from brewery to brewery on their mini-coach bus. West Michigan Beer Tours is one of the best ways to see the behind of the scenes of local breweries!

Bell’s Brewery

Bell’s Brewery was a significantly different kind of brewery 30 years ago. It had one employee, Larry Bell, who worked out of plastic garbage bags and a 15-gallon stock pot. Today, Bell’s employs more the 400 people over 22 states and has their original brewery still in Downtown Kalamazoo. They offer free tours there on Saturdays and Sundays for those looking to see what goes into making their beer. Their Comstock brewery offers self guided tours where the public is welcome to observe the large area at their own leisure.

St. Julian Winery

St. Julian Winery’s Paw Paw location offers free year-round tours! Tours run seven days a week and all ages are welcome. After your tour, don’t miss their standard tasting of six samples of your choice and a complimentary logo glass which is yours to take home. Choose from over 40 products including wines that are exclusive to their tasting rooms, their Grey Heron Vodka, and their A&G Brandy. If you want even more, their Enhanced Tasting & Tour is reservation only and more than just your average experience! This is an extended tour and includes your choices of cheese or chocolate pairs. Their wine educators offer an in-depth education on the winemaking process from bud-break to bottling!

Marshall Historical Society

Don’t miss the longest running home tour in the Great Lakes area with Marshall Historical Society‘s Historic Home Tour! Private residences, commercial buildings, museums, and fairground buildings are given the tour treatment. The public is always invited to come see some of these amazing and unique places. Want to learn more about the architecture or the history behind of some of Marshall’s most famous buildings? Then take a day or two to explore and learn from one of the most trusted sources on Marshall’s past. Keep an eye out for 2016 dates!

Central Region

Grand Rapids Symphony

Have you ever wanted to see what goes into producing a symphony? The Grand Rapids Symphony offers both backstage tours as well as musician meet-and-greets to educate the public on their exciting work. With their new program, Backstage and Behind the Music, each session corresponds to one of the symphony’s concerts and gives guests the opportunity to see the entire process. For adults ages 21 to 35, there is the MySymphony360 program which includes discounted tickets, best available sating, exclusive backstage access, and musical meet-and-greets.

Long Road Distillery

Long Road Distillery takes great pride in their signature whiskies, vodkas, and gins. To show how much work goes into these creations, they invite you to tour their distillery. Led by one of their distillers or owners, tours take visitors through the entire distilling process, its principles, and where the ingredients come from. Questions are encouraged so don’t hesitate to ask your knowledgeable tour guide. You might even get to sample a spirit or two when you’re done!

Chocolates by Grimaldi

The factory tour at Chocolates by Grimaldi is the perfect way to learn about the process of making chocolate. See everything from the pod, to the bean, to the chocolate that you can eat! Taste fresh samples right off the line and see the production area for yourself. Check out their 1950s enrober that is just like the one from I Love Lucy. Schedule your tour today to see how Grand Haven gets their unique chocolates!

North Region

Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel’s new stable is a great way to not only see the horses up close, but to also tour the island. Group carriage tours around Mackinac Island are perfect to learn about the area. These narrated tours start in downtown and stop at many points of interest along the way. The Grand Hotel’s concierge desk will help you personalize your route and even point out places on the island that are unseen by many. With an endless possibility of routes, adventure awaits you on Mackinac Island!

Chateau Grand Traverse

The tasting room at Chateau Grand Traverse invites you to check out their award-winning wines and enjoy their breathtaking views! Complimentary tours of the facilities are offered along with an overview of the history of the Northern Michigan wine industry. Your guide will teach you about the winemaking process from harvest to bottling. Don’t miss the chance to check out Chateau Grand Traverse’s wine making process and the amazing view that brought them there over 40 years ago.

Leelanau Adventures

Leelanau Adventures offers awesome guided tours and overnight stays at various locations. Have you ever wanted to experience Sleeping Bear Dunes or Manitou Island with a tour guide that will show you the best kept secrets? Look no further! You can choose between guided backpacking day trips or overnight stays with everything you need provided to you. Learn what it takes to survive in one of West Michigan’s most treasured locales. Trips run from June to September so check back next year to book your adventure!

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Marking the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage, Point Betsie Lighthouse stands as one of Benzie County’s most famous landmarks. The lighthouse was built in 1857 and had significant restoration work done in 2006. Their tours give the public the chance to see the lighthouse up close and personal. You can even climb the tower! Tours run from May until October so make sure to check it out when they reopen it next year.

Veteran’s Memorial Garden hosts a Veteran’s Day Celebration

November 11, 2015Local Faces, Upcoming Events, Veterans, WKTV ProjectsGrand Rapids Home for Veterans, Mel Flikkema, Veteran's Day, Veteran's Memorial Garden, Veterans, Wyoming Veterans Day CeremonyJoanne

Today is Veteran’s Day, and with Veteran’s Day comes Wyoming’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll will host this years Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW).

The event will start off with the Lee High School Band performing the prelude at 6 p.m. The Lee Band will perform three more musical numbers throughout the Ceremony.

Guest speaker CH (LTC) Mel Flikkema, USAR (Ret.) will address the crowd with the focus being “On Remembering.” Flikkema served in Kuwait and Iraq during the Iraq war as the active duty chaplain of the 83rd Chemical Battalion.

On top of celebrating the Veterans who have served our country, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be accepting donations throughout the month of November for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Important items for donation include the following:
•   New batteries: C, D and AAA
•   New release DVD’s
•   Gift Cards to: Meijer, Gordon Food Service, Burger King, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, etc.
•   New postage stamps (Forever Stamps preferred)
•   Bic Disposable Lighters
•   Large print paperback books
•   Recent magazines
•   New and gently used men’s and women’s clothing
•   Personal hygiene products

While the Wyoming Department of Public Safety will be accepting donations through November, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans will accept donations through December 30. Their doors are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

WKTV will provide a delayed broadcast of the Veteran’s Day Ceremony that will be shown on Channel 26.

Model Railroads and the Track to Being a Child Once Again

November 5, 2015Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming EventsGrand River Valley Railroad Club, Ken Skopp, Model Train, Train showJoanne

By: Ken Skopp

I was 5 years old visiting my grandparents in Waterloo, Wisconsin, where a train track sat next to the farm. One day as I was playing near the track, a steam engine began moving freight cars back and forth. After some time had passed, the steam engine stopped. The engineer leaned out of the cab and asked me if I would like to take a ride in the engine.

“YES!” I screamed in the excitement that can only come from a youthful boy looking for an adventure. I was taken 5 miles down the track and back.

I didn’t realize it right then, but I was bitten by the “train bug” and there is no cure.

Now fast forward 60 years, my wife bought be an HO scale train set for Christmas made by the Bachmann Company. It came complete with a steam locomotive, three passenger cars, a small DC power pack, and a loop of track. I owned model train layouts before, but it had been 20 years and it wasn’t nearly as sophisticated as my new layout. My previous layouts mainly consisted of a track with some buildings and a sheet of plywood.

After being an “armchair railroader” thinking and dreaming about building a model railroad, I decided it was time to start working on a brand new layout! Purchases of Model Railroader magazines was only the first step in getting information on all that was currently available in the model railroad hobby. I wanted my track to be more than just a piece of plywood. It needed realistic track work and scenery.

One day, I visited Rider’s Hobby Shop and found a flyer listing a local train show. I started going to train shows to see what new products were available in locomotives and cars. I was amazed at how many shows there are here in Michigan, as well as in Indiana!

I spent a year visiting hobby shops and going to local train shows. Two years ago this past November, I attended a train show right here in Wyoming at the Home School Building hosted by the Grand River Valley Railroad Club (GRVRRC). The club had a test track at the show and invited me to visit their club! Once there, I realized just how real this hobby can be and decided to join the club.

Over the past three years, I’ve been working on a model railroad layout in a 9′ x 10′ room in our condo basement. Roger Fenske, former president of the GRVRRC, helped me build the bench work, lay the track, wire the layout, and create realistic scenery and backgrounds.

The GRVRRC has been an amazing resource for myself and other to share and exchange skills and information about our model railroad enthusiasm. From creative design to electrical engineering, there’s always something to learn and improve on.

The model train industry has come a long with the Digital Command Center (DCC) tracks. Up to the advent of DCC control, trains ran on electrical current from a DC transformer that powered the electrical motor in the locomotive. You could only run one locomotive at a time on your layout. If you wanted to run more than one locomotive, you had to divide the layout into isolated electrical blocks or segments. The wiring and controls for that kind of undertaking is complicated and not very flexible.

With the advance in computerization and miniaturization provided by the DCC, each locomotive has a computer chip in it with an individual address. With a DCC control cab, you can send signals to each individual locomotive address. This allows you to control the direction of motion for that particular locomotive address, plus speed and sound functions.

Having the ability to run multiple locomotives around a track is really something, but the biggest advancement to the model trains are the sounds. You can hear the sound of your steam locomotive as it moves, ring its bell, and blow its whistle just like a real train.

I now have a Pere Marquette Railroad Steam locomotive chugging around my train layout. At the same time, I can have a diesel switcher locomotive switching cars in the train yard, both at the same time, and both with realistic sound effects.

My knowledge of model railroads grew when I visited the GRVRR Club’s train show here in Wyoming. This past August, I became the Club’s Train Show Coordinator! We have a show this Saturday, November 7th and invite everyone to come join! It’s a great way to learn about the hobby, meet new people, and bounce ideas off one another.

It’s not just for adults either, there will be LEGO Train layout and LEGO play area for children!

When the train bug catches you, there’s no escaping it. We hope to see you there!

Grand River Valley Railroad Club Fall 2015 Train Show

When: November 7, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Home School Building, 5625 Burlingame Ave, Wyoming, MI

Cost: $5 (Kids under 12 are free)

Operating Layout: LEGO Layout, Thomas the Train layout, G scale, S scale, HO scale, N scale, Z scale

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Proposals Passed and Incumbents Stand Strong after Votes are Counted

November 4, 2015Hard News, Local Faces, Our Cities, PoliticsCity of Kentwood, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Elections, Michael Brown, Mike DeWitt, Robert Coughlin, Steven Redmond, Thomas Webb, William Wenzel, Wyoming Public SchoolsJoanne

By: Mike DeWitt

The results are in!

Kentwood and Wyoming residents visited the polls yesterday to cast their votes in the local elections and proposals. Between the two cities, there were two school district proposals and three city commission elections.

Kentwood

Commissioner At Large

Incumbent Commissioner-at-large Steven Redmond (appointed in March 2015) ran against Thomas Webb. Webb won the August primary by 46 votes, but both he and Redmond had to run again in November because neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote. This time, Redmond toppled Webb by winning 54 percent of the vote with a final tally of 2,147 to 1,855.

Commissioner (1st Ward)

Robert Coughlin ran for re-election against William Wenzel, and the voters decided to keep the incumbent in his chair. Coughlin won the race with 67 percent of the vote in a final tally of 1,293 to 637.

Commissioner (2nd Ward)

Michael Brown ran unopposed for his re-election. Brown pulled in all 1,715 votes.

Kentwood Public Schools

After voters initially said no to a $64.86 million bond proposal back in May (by only 353 votes), the Kentwood School District rededicated their efforts towards getting the word out on why the bond was needed. The new bond focused on building, security, and technology renovations and improvements. It was placed back on to the November ballot and passed by a vote count of 3,125 to 2,108.

Wyoming

Wyoming Public Schools

Voters in Wyoming voted to pass a building and site sinking fund for Wyoming Public Schools that will raise about $400,000 each year. The sinking fund will go to infrastructure repairs like roofs, parking lots, doors, windows, and boilers. The fund should get the district to 2021, then a millage can be proposed to renovate all the schools in the district.

Takunda Mavima: Second Chance, One Choice

November 2, 2015Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, WKTV Projectsa rise from the ashes, Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Takunda MavimaJoanne

Three years ago, Takunda Mavima had the world by the tail. He was an immigrant child whose family had worked its way into Middle America. He was an honors student who’d recently attended his senior prom. With a scholarship to Grand Valley State University, he was poised to enroll in the pre-pharmacy program and chase his professional dreams. Then, a night of drinking turned his life literally upside down. In this interview, we look at tragedy, forgiveness, and a rise from the ashes.

Reserve Wine & Food Welcomes Josh Adams as Executive Chef

November 1, 2015Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Our CitiesDianna Higgs Stampfler, Grand Rapids, great lakes chef, Josh Adams, Midwest Chef, Promote Michigan, Pure Michigan, Reserve Wine and FoodJoanne

By: Dianna Higgs Stampfler

Michigan’s award-winning Reserve Wine & Food proudly welcomes Josh Adams as its new Executive Chef. The James Beard Awards Semi-Finalist comes from Peoria, Illinois where he owned and operated June Restaurant for five years.

Chef Adams started his culinary education early. At the age of ten, his mother enrolled him in his first cooking class and from then on, the kitchen beckoned. Adams cooked throughout his childhood with his mom and grandmother, who encouraged his creativity and curiosity. His mother—a poet and amateur photographer, and father—a successful businessman, both nurtured his innovative spirit and instilled a strong work ethic.

Adams recalls a pivotal turning point in his career. “I went to Charlie Trotter’s to celebrate my birthday and had the luxury of dining at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen. Witnessing a professional kitchen operate at such a high level—so seamlessly—changed my perspective on what it meant to be a chef, forever.” Before leaving, he spoke with Chef de Cuisine Matthias Merges. Recognizing the potential in Adams, Merges offered him an internship position, which Adams eagerly accepted.

Committed to a career as a chef, Adams attended both the French Culinary Institute as well as Illinois Central College’s culinary arts program. He supplemented his scholastic studies with several internships (Alinea, Revolver) and outfitted his home kitchen to professional grade to further his knowledge.

In 2007, Adams worked at Vie restaurant in suburban Chicago under Chef Paul Virant; a chef known for his farm-fresh approach. Along with Chef Virant and Chef Trotter, Adams recognizes Heston Blumenthal, Pierre Gagnaire, Alice Waters and Ferran Adria as major influencers in his career.

These mentors helped Adams to shape his style, one that is a unique blend of farm-direct and molecular gastronomy. Applying progressive techniques to pristine ingredients, Adams seeks to preserve and accentuate the natural properties of the ingredients through precision cooking.

“With the development of each dish, I take into consideration the aroma, taste, texture, temperature, color, shape and arrangement to bring about the best possible result for the customer,” he says.

With his passion for seasonal and locally-grown products firmly rooted, Adams left Chicago in the spring of 2008, returning to his hometown—an area surrounded mostly by farms—to open his progressive, farm-direct June Restaurant.

In addition to being named a James Beard Awards 2010 Rising Star Chef Semifinalist and 2012 Best Chef-Great Lakes Region Semifinalist, Chef Adams was awarded Food & Wine Magazine’s 2013 “People’s Choice Best New Chef-Great Lakes Region,” was among Reuters’ “World Chefs,” and was one of Mother Nature Network’s “40 Chefs Under 40.”

June Restaurant was recognized in 2009 by the Wall Street Journal as a “Best New Restaurant-Heartland Region,” ManMade.com’s 2010 “10 Best Restaurants-Midwest,” Bon Appetit Magazine’s “Top 10 New Romantic Getaways,” NBC Chicago’s “Hottest New Restaurant in Peoria,” Travel + Leisure’s “50 Best New Restaurants,” Midwest Living’s “New Spots to Eat, Play and Stay” and Opinionated About Dining’s 2013 “Top 100 U.S. Restaurants.”

Opened since September, 2010 and celebrating its 5th year, Reserve Wine & Food has been recognized by Grand Rapids Magazine, OpenTable, Food & Wine Magazine, the James Beard Foundation and Wine Spectator. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids at 201 Monroe Avenue NW, Reserve Wine & Food offers a world-class menu fully embracing the West Michigan farm-to-table philosophy in an elegant yet casual fine dining setting.

This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!