What was once a night club, pumping the bass and serving drinks to thirsty patrons, is now a car showcase full of muscle and metal. Classic muscle cars and exotic Ferraris and Porsches fill a room teeming with energy. While the nightclub is no more, it’s impossible not to feel the thrill of rising heart rate upon entering, no loud music necessary.
The cars in the showcase are all road-ready. Some needed tweaking here and there, but they’re eagerly awaiting a driver – after all – cars are meant to be driven. Where they currently sit, it’s impossible to tell if any of them have had any work done. They’re all in tip-top shape and manicured to a ‘T’. The horses have all been stabled and primed, and now are ready to be unleashed!
A nightclub has been turned into a jaw-dropping showcase
Welcome to Leadfoot Muscle Cars, a classic car dealership located in Holland, with a little something for every car lover.
“It’s always fun working on these muscle cars. These are what I grew up with in high school, and now they’re classics!” Explains manager Marty Boysen, his passion revving up and hitting second gear. Before Leadfoot, Marty owned his own dealership in the 90’s. Some of his former employees came with him to Leadfoot when the dealership opened a little over a year ago.
For Marty and the rest of the crew at Leadfoot, to say cars are an important part of their life might be the understatement of the century – like saying the Titanic hit an ice-cube. Cars are so integral to their existence that if you cut them open, an engine might purr in place of a heart!
A warehouse full of classic cars awaiting renovation
Leadfoot started a little differently than most dealerships, with an initial purchase of an 80-car collection. Some were ready for sale while others needed a full renovation, which Leadfoot was more than happy to furnish in their full detail and body shop. A warehouse a mile down the road houses more classic beauties awaiting their renovations, in addition to those in the showroom.
In total, Leadfoot owns an astonishing 250 cars.
As a young company, albeit one ripened with experience, Leadfoot is gearing up for Metro Cruise this upcoming weekend to entrench their name in the West Michigan community.
“We’re looking to get exposure and present our cars out at Metro Cruise. We’re bringing our five-car trailer. Expect to see some Mustangs and Chevelles,” mentions Marty. “We’ve sold our cars all over the country, but our home is in West Michigan. Metro Cruise will only help us connect to our community.”
Leadfoot Muscle Cars and their trailer will be next to WKTV’s DreamWheels! red carpet event at the old Klingman’s parking lot.
Growing up in South Korea, Guam, and the Bronx gave Emily S. Lee a close-up chance to reflect on race and identity. We were lucky to catch up with her while she was on speaking tour in the Midwest, and she shared with us her thoughts on immigration, sexism, racism, and motherhood. Her book, Living Alterities, is available from SUNY Press.
Before the number could reach 250, it had to start at 1.
When Ken Lingenfelter thinks back to when his collection truly started, it began with a car he no longer keeps around. “They’re beautiful cars, although, they don’t tend to work very well all the time,” describes Lingenfelter as he reminisces on his old Jaguar XKE, “They’re pretty special, as you know. Made those cars in the 60’s and a little bit into the 70’s.”
This is the beauty of Ken and the Lingenfelter Collection, if it doesn’t work, why keep it around? Cosmetics and aesthetics can only take you so far.
With 250 cars in the collection, 190 of which are housed in a jaw-dropping 40,000 square-foot garage in Brighton, Michigan, there’s enough variety to fill every appetite.
American muscle cars from the 60’s and 70’s fill 30 percent of the garage. Ken lived his teenage years with these cars, so they all have a special place in his heart. El Caminos, Cougar Eliminators, Mustangs, Shelby GTs, and Camaros are some of the muscle packed into a garage with more than enough horsepower to go around. A Pontiac Fiero – a car that seems out-of-place in one of the greatest car collections in the world – even makes an appearance! It helps that Ken owned one ‘back in the day’ and loved it.
The Duntov Mule – The first Corvette with a V-8 engine.
While the collection has a solid muscle foundation, the Lingenfelter name is synonymous with Corvettes. With 75 Corvettes, the Lingenfelter Collection could transition easily to a history museum.
The Duntov Mule, named after Chevrolet engineer Zora Arkus Duntov, may be the most historically significant car in the collection. It was the first Corvette to be outfitted with a V-8 engine, and the rest is history. Back in 1954, the Duntov Mule could reach speeds of 163 mph. A number that makes you cringe out of fear for the driver when taking a look at the vehicle. The Corvette hasn’t looked back!
LaFerrari – An invite only purchase
The third and final area of the garage is filled with exotic cars. These cars are rare, limited, powerful, and carry massive sex appeal.
LaFerrari – Italian for The Ferrari – is currently the biggest draw in the collection. It wasn’t as simple as showing up with a check ready. No, Ferrari had to personally invite you to buy the car! According to Ken, “Ferrari liked the charity work we do and that we share our cars with the public at events.”
In the exotic garage also sits a Lamborghini Reventon (one of 20 made in the world), a Bugatti Veyron and all the horse power that comes with it, and the Ferrari Enzo. The last of which happens to be Ken’s personal favorite in the entire collection, and one of only 399 in the world.
“That Enzo is special to me because I set a business goal for myself, and I reached it,” recalls Lingenfelter with passion oozing from his pores. “I worked hard to achieve a goal, and the Ferrari Enzo was the final goal at the end of that road. I’m a Corvette guy, but that Enzo is very special to me.”
The Ferrari Enzo, Ken’s favorite car in the collection
For Ken, the collection has always been something special. However, it wasn’t until the Lingenfelter Collection started participating in charity events that Ken realized he possessed something the rest of the world thought was special as well. It’s the people who keep on coming back that remind Ken of the gift he possesses, and Ken wants to share it with the world.
“I just have a pure passion for cars, especially Corvettes!”
Ken will be sending two cars from his collection to showcase during WKTV’s DreamWheels! red carpet television event at the 28th Street Metro Cruise. It all takes place outside in the old Klingman’s parking lot across from Rogers Plaza. The show goes live on Friday, August 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. and again with new cars on Saturday, August 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Best of all – admission is free!
The WKTV Citizen Journalism Team gets to visit with Ken Lingenfelter and view his collection.
Let’s talk about a passionate, generous man. He’s an affable, teddy bear of a man cub who just happens to own one of the most rare and expensive automobile collections in the world.
Meet Brighton Michigan’s own Ken Lingenfelter. He’s a guy with huge heart and a very large car collection. The Lingenfelter Collection totals around 250 and includes a variety of Corvettes, muscle cars, and sleek exotic sports cars. Several vehicles in the collection are among the most rare automobiles in the world, including a 1.5 million Lamborghini, a Bugatti Veyron, Enzo Ferrari, and a Lamborghini Reventón. Not your Grandpa’s automobiles. But you know what means just as much to him as this fabulous grouping of expensive cars?—CHARITY.
Lingenfelter is even generous with his time. When our WKTV Citizen Journalism team showed up we were expecting about a half an hour at the most of a guided tour and interview. Three hours later our jaw dropping experience in the 40, 000 square foot facility with the best tour guide in existence was drawing to a close.
The collection isn’t open to the public, but: “The reason for this collection centers around charity. It’s our mission! We have hosted everything here from black tie affairs, to beer and pizza events to having the Boy Scouts host their Pine Derby event here. We have about 100 events a year,” Lingenfelter explained.
Some charities include the Ronald McDonald House, Breast Cancer research, Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, Juvenile Diabetes, Boy Scouts, youth organizations and many more.
If a charity has a sound cause Lingenfelter is there. Everything that he touches is guided by generosity. The human dynamo is always in perpetual motion raising money with private showings, tours and events while continually showcasing his infectious enthusiasm for his collection.
While the collection currently is not open to the public, it is available for corporate and charity events, silent and live auctions, and car-club specialty showings. For more information on the collection, or to learn about availability and scheduling an event, please call (248) 486-5342 Ext. 10. Or, go to his website at www.thelingenfeltercollection.com
Two of Ken’s cars and many more will be featured during WKTV’s live production of “DreamWheels!” It all takes place outside in the old Klingman’s parking lot across from Rogers Plaza. The show goes live on Friday, August 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. and again with new cars on Saturday, August 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a crosswalk between Rogers Plaza and the old Klingman’s for easy access. Best of all – admission is free!
Some might call it sheer luck while others would say it was divine timing. For local filmmaker Thom Bell, it was a day out of the blue that captured his curiosity and introduced him to the tale of the Michigan Relics. A story that Bell would devote two years of his time (and money) to telling in his documentary “Hoax or History: The Michigan Relics.” His efforts also earned him an Eclipse Award this year.
From right to left, Paleo Hebrew scholar David Allen Deal, Thom Bell, UK based DP, Gregg McNeill – shooting Michigan Relics project in California. Photo credit: Gregg McNeill
“Winning the Eclipse award was a wonderful surprise,” says Bell.
“There were a couple of projects among the finalists that I thought were deserving of recognition so getting the judges votes of support probably wasn’t easily done. I’m really glad that the piece got recognition here in West Michigan.”
If you’ve never heard of the Michigan Relics, get in line. Most folks haven’t. But now you’re about to.
Just a few of the thousands of artifacts in the collection. Photo credit: Bell/McNeill
It’s a lost and forgotten story that falls under the strange but true category in Pure Michigan history dating back to the late 1800s. It is a collection of thousands of stone, copper and slate artifacts encoded with ancient symbols representing an early Mediterranean culture. While multiple discoveries were made by individuals, two men, James Scotford and Daniel Soper were responsible for orchestrating most of the findings throughout 17 Michigan counties (in mid and southeast Michigan) from 1890 to the 1920s.
Very interesting…
Bell admits that he had heard rumors of the Michigan Relics but despite his efforts to learn more, he could never find enough substantial evidence to produce a valid documentary. But what he did glean from his preliminary research, stuck with him. And one day it finally paid off.
A piece from the Mertz-Deal collection. Photo credit: Bell/McNeill
While Bell was on the hunt for a film doc topic with an original Michigan spin, he found himself in the Michigan section at Schuler’s Books.
“I was just going to scan the collection, when sure enough there was this book – and this was the only time I’ve ever seen this book anywhere – it was called Mystic Symbol by Henrietta Mertz,” Bell recalls excitedly.
Mertz, who died in 1986, was a scholar who was also intrigued with the story of Michigan Relics, especially with one of the ancient symbols that was found repeatedly on the artifacts. Bell knew it was referred to as the Mystic Symbol.
Upon examining the book, Bell further discovered that it contained additional research by David Deal, a self-taught Hebrew scholar.
“Her original book along with the companion of Deal’s work made this publication the best historical reference on the topic. She referenced everything so that gave me a lot of research material.”
A man on a mission
From that point on, Bell saw the vision for his documentary.
Deal, Bell and McNeill collaborating on the film. Photo credit: Gregg McNeill
“The discipline I gave myself on this project was first, I wasn’t out to prove if the relics were real or not, that wasn’t my goal,” he explains, adding that he wanted to make a film that relied on the intelligence of the viewer.
“That’s why I don’t tell you explicitly whether the artifacts are real or a hoax, but all the information is presented to you to determine that for yourself.
“My goal was to tell this really interesting story of Michigan history. I knew that in order to convey the controversy and passion that surrounded this story, I needed to let myself hear and experience everybody’s point of view. And I did.”
For the film, Bell interviewed four experts who knew the story of the relics from their own deep perspective.
“When I was interviewing the archaeologists, they were absolutely clear this collection was a fraud. But when I went to spend time with another expert, it was exactly the opposite. He had a compelling point of view and insights as well.”
For his part, the late David Deal, the self-taught Paleo Hebrew scholar, was able to decipher the markings on the stones as ancient Hebrew or third century Coptic.
“He was the one who deciphered that all the artifacts shared what Henrietta Mertz called the Mystic Symbol,” Bell explains.
The famed ‘Mystic Symbol.’ Photo credit Bell/McNeill
Originally thought to spell ‘MHS’ which is a Christian connotation, Deal studied it and realized the deciphering was backwards.
“It spelled ‘Yahew’, a Hebrew word for ‘God,’ which gave the relics a whole different cultural perspective,” says Bell.
While each expert interviewed in the documentary offers compelling viewpoints about the artifacts, Bell himself gets to the bottom line conclusion about their authenticity. When David Deal passed away before the film was completed, his family asked Bell to take all of his artifacts on their behalf.
“I took the tablet that David worked with, and was also in Henrietta’s collection, over to the University of Southern California Long Beach Archeology department. I had them do a luminescence test on it,” he explains. “That’s where they determined the tablet was made in 1895 – quite obviously a hoax.”
And an elaborate hoax at that!
A sign of the times
Symbols and markings likes these have intrigued experts for 100 years. Photo credit: Bell/McNeill
Think about it – For over 25 years these artifacts were unearthed in mid and southeast Michigan. That means that for that entire time, someone was creating the pieces, going to extreme care to mark them with ancient symbols and taking the time to bury them – thousands of them – hundreds of miles apart!
Who would do such a thing? And why?
As Bell’s documentary reveals, it was the work of James Scotford and his sons along with the aid of Daniel Soper, a shady hustler of sorts with a desire to be rich and famous. But what the documentary doesn’t tell you is this:
“Scotford had joined the British merchant marines earlier in his career,” Bell explains.
“They had a routine route to the Mediterranean which would have required him to stop in Cairo. There, he learned the antiquity trade.
When you take that piece of information and look at the artifacts, he’s taken accurate phrases from the third century and peppered them on these stones. They’re accurate,” assures Bell, “they were just made in the late 1800s.”
For a brief time, Scotford piqued the interest of the Smithsonian Institute and had hoped to make money by selling the artifacts to them. It wasn’t long before experts there declared the findings a hoax. Obviously it did not deter Scotford and Soper from abandoning their scheme. They continued to make the fakes, strategically bury them, and then orchestrate to have unsuspecting town folk make the ‘discovery’ of ancient treasures.
While Scotford made money off it for a while, Bell says he did not get rich. Soper did not get rich either, but seemed to enjoy the attention the claims gave him.
Riches are in the eye of the beholder
Today the majority of the Michigan Relics collection is in Lansing at the Michigan Historical Museum. A portion of it is also at the Smithsonian and an Ohio State museum. Remaining pieces are still held in private collections.
And while this fantastic story holds no monetary value, it is rich with Michigan history and now has added appeal.
Bell’s company, Eye Wonder Media, continues to work on historical documentaries with fantastic flair.
“Winning the Eclipse award, I hope, will impact the overall story of this project by gaining a wider audience,” says Bell.
Bell admits that the piece has struggled to find a distribution outlet because of its regional appeal and because he relied on ‘old school documentary storytelling’ techniques. Bell says that historical documentary projects today have adopted a more sensational style of storytelling.
“My goal was to create a piece that required the viewer’s intellect to sift the facts – instead of spoon feeding suspense and answers to the audience,” he says.
“Intelligent story telling is what the piece attempts and I think the Eclipse award will help find the audience that wants to watch that kind of programming.”
While all the white kids’ moms sent bologna on Wonderbread to school, Amal Berry’s mom packed her “weird” stuff like hummus and kibbeh. Finally, the proud day came: she opened her lunch, saw the coveted white bread sandwich, and took a bite…it was terrible. It turns out her native Lebanese cuisine was not only better tasting, it was healthy too! Berry joins Alan to talk about growing up ethnic and how that informs her daily life…as a parent and the chief diversity officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Most people would agree that we live in a fast-paced world. Aided by advances in technology, many spend their days hurriedly going from task to task while continually monitoring their social media sites like Twitter and Facebook so as not to miss anything important that may be trending. We have calendars and reminders on our phones, as well as the old paper versions that hang from refrigerators and file cabinets.
This sense of “living in the moment” leaves some with the inability to see beyond the next day, the next week, or the next year. Choosing financial goals and estate planning should be of utmost importance for the future of your family or business.
However, if you are like me, planning for the future may be one of those things that you continually put off until tomorrow. One never knows what tomorrow holds and routine daily life can change in the blink of an eye.
Heidi Hilton knows this lesson well. In August 2000 she was walking with her 2 year-old daughter, Ember, near the intersection of Dutton Road and Hammond Avenue. In an instant that would change her life forever, Hilton and her daughter were hit from behind by a drunk driver. Ember was thrown into a ditch. Heidi was thrown into the road. The driver sped off, not even stopping to see the damage he had wrought.
Heidi Hilton’s life changed when she and her daughter were hit by a drunk driver
Hilton woke in the hospital with no memory of the accident. In fact, she had no memory of her husband, Zan, who was at her bedside. Although she sustained no broken bones, Hilton suffered from a severe closed head injury as well as broken vertebrae in her neck. Her daughter, she was told, also had a closed head injury, but would recover. She did not remember her daughter, or her 2 sons, Hunter (10) and Marshall (8).
“He took my life away for 5 years,” said Hilton, “That day changed my life forever.”
The day of the accident, students from Dutton Christian were running for track practice on Dutton Road and had witnessed the event as well as taken down the license plate number.
An 86-year old man was tracked down and found with a blood alcohol level of 1.9 at 3:30 in the afternoon. He was found guilty and sentenced to prison.
Hilton was not involved in his trial and turned her anger at him into determination to regain her life. “I was bound and determined not to let this affect me,” she states. Her energy was put into physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and helping her daughter through the same. She made it a priority to return to work as soon as possible. It was a long road, but it had its bright spots. “I got to discover my husband and fall in love with him all over again.”
With a 15-year history as an investment planner, Hilton had worked with many individuals and families in times of crisis and times of estate management. She knew the lesson that life could not be taken for granted.
Unfortunately, Hilton again suffered a head injury in an auto accident in 2008. She again faced long hours of therapy. Hilton now felt a new urgency to convince others that life is fragile and people need to look to the future including finances, business investment, and family relations.
She set a personal goal of attaining her Master’s degree in Management. After obtaining her degree from Davenport University in 2012, Hilton and her partner, Craig Coughlin, who had more than 20 years of financial expertise, brought their talents together in the Thornapple River Group.
Thornapple River Group, co-founded by Hilton, helps plan finances for the future
The vision statement of the Thornapple River Group includes providing facilitated services using an integrated team of experts to achieve goals and to preserve the quality of life they desire. For high net-worth individuals, this includes business succession, estate planning, debt management, as well as concierge services such as travel arrangements, household management, personal shopping, and security services.
“I live each day with intention,” shares Hilton, “Each day I work to help someone accomplish goals.”
Both she and Coughlin are very involved in volunteerism and philanthropy. It is an essential part of their business supporting groups such as Rotary International, Van Andel Institute, and the International Student Foundation. In 2014 they became a “family office,” serving as “family officers” for those needing assistance with financial, as well as family, business, and organizational goals. Hilton’s husband, Zan, also assists clients with property management and estate holdings through his business, Thornapple Consulting.
Hilton sees herself as coming full circle since the accident in 2000. She still lives with chronic pain and slight cognitive and memory issues, but she is proud of her accomplishments. Hilton’s life philosophy now is living with an “attitude of gratitude.” She is grateful for her husband’s patience and for the tight bond she shares with her daughter due to their shared experience.
“We are all dealt a hand,” she states, “It is up to you to make the cards work.”
She stresses that no one knows what the future holds, but we do have the ability to plan, to invest, and to organize so that when a sudden death, an unexpected diagnosis, or a life-altering accident happens we are prepared.
Have you been putting off making a will? Planning your estate? Setting financial goals? Perhaps now is the time to get moving because no one knows what tomorrow may hold.
As a teenager could you imagine impacting the world by living with a family on the other side of the ocean? Allowing a teenager to live with you would certainly be an interesting experience. Every year from January to August organizations around the world ask for families to volunteer to give a teenager a home for a year. As a volunteer for Youth for Understanding Intercultural Exchange (YFU) we run orientations during the summer for families that have volunteered to host. Families who have never hosted before are thinking this will be a experience to be part of. They can’t imagine the impact this teenager will have on so many people in such a short amount of time. The misconception with student exchange is only families with teenagers can host. The truth is a there is no typical family. As an organization (YFU) and all other organizations have to follow requirements set forth by the government. What are some of those requirements? Background checks need to be completed for all adults in the home, the student needs to have their own bed (but can share a room with a same sex sibling), the family needs to provide 3 meals a day and be there to support the student throughout the year. As an organization it is our job as staff and volunteers to train families and students at orientations and be a support throughout the year. Students can be placed in homes ranging from young couples to a retired Grandma. How has Student Exchange changed not only my family but this community? About 45 years ago my Aunt brought home an Exchange Student from Finland who was attending Godwin Heights and told my Grandparents that she needed a new Host Family. My Grandparents were interviewed and the student moved in for the rest of the school year. Fast forward to 25 years ago and my Dad reads and article in the Grand Rapids Press about Exchange Students needing a home for the next school year. For the next 10 years we added a new member to the family every other year who would attend Wyoming Park. Part way through each year the student became a true member of our family. You could no longer tell who the outsider was so much so that my husband does not know our family without our former students. Three years ago my husband and I were running orientations for families when we decided it was time to welcome a 6’4″ German boy into our home as our only child. It wasn’t long before I became that Mom rooting for her boy at the Basketball games (Go Godwin!) and the next year becoming the Soccer Mom for an amazing Italian boy. Ask yourself some questions. Do I have room for a student? Could I feed another person? Can I be a soccer parent (or any other sport/activity)? Three years ago my husband and I decided the answer was yes. Maybe you know what it is like to live in another country. We are always looking for volunteers who are willing to talk to students and families as well as help with orientations. We have the chance to change the world. If you are interested, just let me know. Just leave me an email under this website comment site.
Meet Fred Winter, a 100-year old World War II US Navy veteran. He plans on competing in this year’s Meijer State Games of Michigan Track & Field event. Not just one event, but five (javelin, shot put, 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, discus) Track & Field events.
Fred grew up in Scranton, PA, a coal mining town where natives were destined for a life of black lung disease due to inhaling coal mine dust. “These gold miners would only live till about 50 because of the diseases they got,” Fred explained. “They knew it was just a matter of time for the Grim Reaper to call their name.” Determined to have a better quality of life, Fred enlisted in the US Navy as his only way out.
Fred served a total of 25 years while in the Navy, which included a term during World War 2 in the Battle of Okinawa. He started as a deck scrubber, and eventually worked his way up to a Chief Petty Officer. Fred recalled fresh water being so scarce in the Pacific that each crew member was handed a bucket of water to start the day. This was all they got to wash their clothes and bathe. All showers onboard operated with salt water from the ocean. Among his many years enlisted as a member of the Navy, Fred served upon the USS Mississippi, Enterprise Air Craft Carrier, and the Amphibious Command, which was the second line of defense behind the Marines.
When his time in the Navy was up, Fred studied pre-med at York College in York, Nebraska. It was at York College he met his eventual wife of 65 years, still going strong to this day. Following graduation from York, Fred had trouble getting accepted into medical school, so he turned his studies to Accounting. After receiving his master’s at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, Fred became a college professor in the subject. In a state that runs its economy off crops, however, the teaching salary in Nebraska was not cutting it. At the age of 65, Fred got a job offer as a high school accounting teacher in Holland, Michigan, that offered $3,000 more per year. Needless to say, Fred jumped at the opportunity. He has lived there ever since.
When Fred turned 70-years old, he decided he wanted to start competing in Track & Field through the Senior Olympics, something he hadn’t competed in since high school. “I wanted to compare myself, physically, mentally, morally, with people my own age,” Fred said about his desire to enter the sport, “and the one way to do that is to go into Track & Field.” At first, Fred struggled to qualify for most events, but through hard work, he slowly started earning bronze medals, then silver medals, all the way up to the point where gold medals became expectations.
You might think that Fred has a collection of all the gold medals he has won, but you would be wrong. During combat in the Navy, there was a time that Fred was 10 feet under the Pacific Ocean surface and was certain he was going to die. A fellow member of the Navy, however, rescued Fred and brought him back to the surface. Beyond grateful for having his own life saved, Fred decides to give his gold medals away to anyone he can find that has saved a life. According to Fred, “They deserve it more.”
To be successful in Track & Field, Fred relies heavily on maintaining a healthy living. Every day Fred does aerobics at six in the morning, gradually increases in push-ups (currently at 110 a day), and runs outside. If the weather is poor, Fred avoids excuses and simply runs alongside the walls of his house. When asked what the key to a long lifespan is, Fred answered, “Face God, face your fellow man, and face yourself.” Fred also encourages staying active no matter how young or old you are.
With the Meijer State Games of Michigan just a week away, Fred looks forward to competing and trying to win a few more medals to handout to those who have saved lives. At 100-years old, Fred Winter is nowhere close to slowing down. His wisdom, generosity, determination, and no-quit attitude is something we can all learn from.
To view our interview with Fred, you can find it on our YouTube page or by viewing his athlete spotlight on our website: http://stategamesofmichigan.com/fredwinter.
The year was 1982 and Little League’s District 9 needed an effective and convenient way to release its tournament schedule and results to the rest of the public. The internet didn’t exist, phone calls left much to be desired, and snail mail slowed the spread of information to a crawl.
Players giving shout outs to their parents
The solution ended up being more successful than anticipated, the District 9 Scoreboard Show, a television show three decades in the making.
Little League is a massive organization that manages youth baseball and softball throughout the country. In 1982, officials reached out to WKTV with an idea, create a show geared towards the Little League playoffs. The show would air the game schedule and results, interview players and teams, and keep the league updated during the hectic playoff schedule!
While the main purpose of the show was to disseminate information regarding the league, the Scoreboard Show allowed the Little League participants their shining moment, and shine they did.
Players enter the studio back in 1984
Teams, complete with full roster and coaching staff, are given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community on WKTV. The players and coaches are interviewed and give insight into their team and season. Players talk about themselves and take time for shout outs to family and friends!
With the prevalence of the internet, and technology as a whole, the Scoreboard Show’s initial responsibility has lost its muster. League schedules and results can now be found online.
It’s quick and easy, just like everything in the internet age.
The Scoreboard Show has had to adapt with the changes in technology. While the scores and schedules are still reported, it’s the focus on the players, the kids, that keep the show alive.
“As a community media station, we’re here to serve the community,” explains WKTV General Manager Tom Norton, “The Scoreboard Show is a perfect example of what we’re here for. People now go to the internet for the scores, but the internet doesn’t build the community. The internet can’t showcase the players and their coaches. The Scoreboard Show can.”
When a show’s been on the air for over three decades, some evolution is necessary, but it’s important to keep the soul of the broadcast. That soul is what people come back for. The Scoreboard Show has kept its soul – every Little Leaguer in District 9 who has stepped onto the diamond.
Polyglot Luna Atamian has many passions. Armenia, Uruguay, and France – the lands of her heritage. Opera – the art form that gives her solace and energy, whether singing or listening. Immigrant entrepreneurship – the life force that fosters creativity and dynamic companies. And New York City – her adopted city-nation and symbol of what multicultural paradise can look like. Join us as we talk about the spirit she shares with FWD.us founders Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates. An inspiring look at what can happen when one embraces life across the oceans and into one’s dreams!
Marching bands, classic cars, local businesses and community service groups will all be participating in Kentwood’s 4th of July Parade. It begins at 9:30a.m. and the route starts on Eastern Ave between 52nd and 60th.
WKTV Community Television will be there with numerous volunteers and state of the art equipment to bring you live views of the parade. So if you can’t get there, watch it on Channel 25 at 12:30 and 7:30p.m. that day.
The parade coverage will be hosted by Linda Pacic, Kathey Batey and Sophia Maslowski. Show Producer Nate Diedrich is looking forward to coordinating the project which the station has covered for the last 20 years.
“Produced entirely by volunteers, WKTV’s coverage of the Kentwood 4th of July Parade is one of our favorite annual events. The parade provides a fantastic opportunity to create exclusive local content made by and for the people in our community,” he said.
Here are just a few of the participants that will be featured:
Kentwood Fire Dept., East Kentwood Marching Band, West Michigan Mustang Club, and Celebration Cinema.
Restaurants: Culver’s, Dave & Busters, McDonalds, The Salted Cupcake, and Java Cone.
There is nothing like the excitement of a parade to commemorate the 4th.
If you would like to be a volunteer for WKTV’s production team, give the station a call at 261-5700.
Would you think the man who helped eradicate leprosy and polio from the interior of Nigeria would live in your neighborhood? Dr. Dirk Vander Steen has been serving with Rotary International for 37 years, and the last 20 years with Kentwood since he moved back to the United States and the West Michigan area in 1990.
“It is an accomplishment that I really treasure,” Vander Steen said proudly. In Rotary and even before that, Vander Steen has stamped his passport with numerous locations and different experiences all around the world.
As a youngster he was already traveling around the world– but not for a good reason. He spent months in Grindelwald, Switzerland with three hundred other boys from his homeland of the Netherlands to be researched on the trauma effects of wars on children. The reason being he was suffering heavily from lack of essential foods and vitamins.
He then moved to Canada, quit school at the age of 13 and began working in a grocery chain store. At the age of 21 Vander Steen said God gave his life a purpose.
“I went to a young people’s convention where I heard a missionary speak and that touched my life then and there,” Vander Steen explained. “After that, I drove to Grand Rapids, met the Dean of Calvin College and he took me in, even if it was on probation from my two years of high school experience.” Here at Calvin, Vander Steen met his wife Jean who also wanted to be a missionary, and after a year they were married and on their way to Nigeria.
Dirk’s group of missionaries work as a team.
The Vander Steen’s stayed full time in Nigeria for 13 years, and even today make it a point to go once or twice a year to complete his ten years as a Trustee of the University of Mkar in the Benue State of Nigeria. They also help out and bring gifts they collected from Rotary. The Kentwood Rotary’s most recent gift was musical instruments to a Rotary club in Jos, Nigeria.
“It was part of Rotary’s peace project in Nigeria,” Vander Steen said. “To make music instead of war.”
Vander Steen has served many roles in Tivland, Nigeria- being a Rotary Club member, making prosthetic limbs for polio and leprosy patients, translating a steward manuscript, working with local churches, and his most rewarding role of being a teacher.
A gift from a Nigerian student to show appreciation is a treasure to Dirk.
“I see kids that I taught and have watched them grow to become heads of organizations and the university or even being my boss,” Vander Steen shared enthusiastically. “It is one of the most rewarding feelings to see them succeed.”
One woman in particular has stood out in his memory.
“In 1965, I had the first female students in my secondary school class,” Vander Steen explained.
In Nigeria, young ladies were not allowed to attend any secondary school due to social customs. Rhoda Ako, one of those first ten females in his class, became the Head of Nigeria’s Customs. Vander Steen said that he is most proud of her work to create unity in a country torn apart by tribalism, and by her kind heart.
“When Rhoda Ako heard that I was back in Nigeria about seven years ago, she came to say ‘thank you for believing in me and helping me when I wanted to drop out’,” Vander Steen remembered fondly. “I think that is the best reward a teacher can get.”
Vander Steen has put more than 50 years of his life into his mission work in Nigeria and in serving Rotary. He takes great pride in the role he played in eradicating and educating people from Nigeria in regards to leprosy.
“I have done so many different things.” Vander Steen recalls. “My life has been so enriched. God has blessed me and helped me be a blessing to many people on both sides of the globe.”
Awards, trophies and plaques are given in appreciation of Dirk’s efforts around the world.
The visuals tell this story well. The Kentwood Public Library was the site for the second Touch a Truck Event. It was a brilliantly sunny day to house the crowd of more than 500 people. Everywhere you looked, families were experiencing the fun of the day. Check out the video for a sense of all the hands-on excitement!
What does an Indian farmer do when his son takes a job in the United States? If you’re 60-year-old Kashmir Singh, you move along with him, take the bus to daily English lessons, and then study for a driver’s license in your new second language. After that, because you’ve worked all your life, you look for any job you can find to feel productive, ultimately becoming the prize employee at the local car wash. As old dogs, can we learn new tricks? One delightfully plucky immigrant demonstrates yes, we can!
We are fortunate to have a non-profit like Feeding America West Michigan in our community. Recently, they held their summer fundraising luncheon honoring those individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to assist those in need of food assistance throughout West Michigan, as well as the Upper Peninsula. Ken Estelle, CEO of Feeding America West Michigan, shared that distribution was up 10% over last year, totaling 26.5 million pounds of food provided through associated pantries, mobile food trucks, and other hunger-relief agencies. Though the economy may be slowing improving, “a lot of people are still struggling,” stated Estelle. He emphasized that solving hunger here in our community requires “many hands” and the importance of organizations, corporations, churches, and individuals working together.
Feeding America Artwork by Local Artist Reb Roberts.
Honored this year was Food Donor, Kellogg Company, having donated over 740,000 pounds of food, as well as contributing an endless supply of volunteers and funding. The Nelis family were awarded the Excellence in Advocacy award for their tireless efforts in raising awareness. The Outstanding Partner Agency was awarded to Love INC Newaygo who serve over 900 families a month, running 15 mobile pantries. Since 2006 Love INC has distributed 3.8 million pounds of food. The Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank has over 3,00 volunteers, and Carole Griffeth was honored with the Exceptional Volunteer award, putting in 2400 hours of service since 2009.
While Feeding America and their many volunteer groups are known for distributing needed food assistance, perhaps the most engaging testimony of the day was given to a women who has been on the receiving end of assistance, Michele Childs. She is currently a client of Streams of Hope, an affiliate of FAWM, located in the Townline community of Kentwood. Just 3 years ago, Childs shared, she was told she was super morbidly obese. Super morbid obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 50+–normal being 19-24.
“At 40 years old I could not tie my shoes, get in or out of a bathtub, or fit in a restaurant booth,” she explained.
“I guess it’s true you are what you eat because I ate comfort foods, high in calories, carbs, sodium, and saturated fats.”
Childs and a dear friend, Charnette Perry, who was suffering from obesity, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, made a promise to each other to get healthy. After Charnette passed, at the age of 44, Childs felt the need to fulfill that promise. A struggling single mother of 2, having survived an abusive relationship, Childs was in a dark place and found herself at nearly 400 pounds. She admits that she was “clueless how to purchase and cook food” to improve her health. She needed help.
From Left to Right: Regina Thomas, Michelle Childs, and Barbara Nauta. Photo by Kathryn Gray
Knowing that she would do “whatever it took,” Childs underwent bariatric surgery in October 2011. Dealing with diabetes that was out of control, Childs’ dietician introduced her to the Spectrum Nutritional Options for Wellness (NOW) program at Streams of Hope. She shared that the first time she visited the food pantry she felt humiliated. Fortunately, Childs found that the staff and volunteers passed no judgment but were instead eager to help her with more than just food assistance. The staff provided not only calorie information but the right kinds of food, combined with exercise and education for making lifestyle changes.
Barbara Nauta, organizational leader for Streams of Hope, explains that beyond providing food assistance, SOH provides educational and emotional support, building relationships, mentoring, and meeting family needs, all leading to healthier communities. Streams of Hope currently serves 5800 families, providing 336,000 pounds of food, while providing exercise classes, student tutoring, and a community garden. As healthy lifestyle choices are not just for adults, SOH is gearing up for the 2nd annual World Cup Readers Soccer Camp, engaging kids in reading activities combined with games and sports, including a nightly cook-out.
Michele Childs is surrounded by friends and supporters. Photo by Kathryn Gray
“Surgery is just a tool,” explains Childs. “The programs and classes at Streams of Hope helped me before and after.” Childs has a brighter outlook today. Currently she has lost 180 pounds. She was not flown to a glorious ranch, did not have a personal trainer at her beck and call for months, or compete for a $250,000 grand prize. Michele Childs made a promise and with the help of Streams of Hope, is a beautiful example of the Biggest Loser in Kentwood. She shines as she proclaims, “I eat right for my life!”
Feeding America West Michigan and Streams of Hope are always in need of help: be it volunteers, food donations, or monetary contributions. As Ken Estelle shared, there are still a lot of people struggling, wondering where their next meal will come from. One in four children in West Michigan are still considered “food insecure.” We all have a role to play in ensuring that those in need find the food resources available in our community. To volunteer, or to make food or monetary donations go to Feedingamericawestmichigan.org.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35
The Citizen Journalism Team of Mike DeWitt and Colleen Pierson get the opportunity to hear Marge Wilson’s stories.
It will be a huge celebration. As well it should be. Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, MI. celebrates its 40th anniversary with entertainment, low prices, food, religious services and fun for the entire family.
Donuts and coffee all day will be priced at 1975 prices at .45 cents.
When Marge opened 40 years ago she put her children to work for $1.00 an hour.
“They had to do their homework and then wash dishes and help. I earned 00.00 from the bakery, Marge shared. My total sales from June to the end of the year was $6,000.00.”
Marge juggled a job at Union Bank during the day and the bakery at night.
“The flour bags made a good nap place. I loved the children who picked out donuts with sprinkles and a toy. Watching them all grow up has made me love my job all these past 40 years. Now I get to enjoy their children,” she exclaimed.
So the 40th anniversary will be a time to thank her customers. It will also be the opportunity for people to see her newly remodeled expansion. Paul Collins’ Artwork graces the wall and there’s plenty of space in the community room.
Here is the schedule for the 40th celebration:
June 20
4:00a.m. Open–Coffee and donut here or to go is 45 cents
7:00a.m.– Catholic Mass
8:30 Breakfast ( Donation only)
9:00a.m.- Freddie the clown
10:00a.m.- Silvertons
2-4:00p.m. Grand Rapids Accordians
June 21
6:00a.m. Open
7:00a.m. Protestant Service
Noon–Lunch ( Tickets Only) $10.00 each
1-4p.m. Hark Up Group playing Music as a Gift for our Anniversary
Coffee & Donuts are still 45 cents a day. Dozens to go to regular price.
Team Yellow wins the gold, Team Orange takes the silver and Team Purple claims the bronze – all for a good cause!
by Mike Endres
Neighborhood Spring Olympics put the “fun” in fundraising.Participants play for big bucks!
For the seventh year in a row, a group of local residents held their Spring Olympic games to raise money for charity. These ‘backyard’ Olympics consist of eight teams of two players each. Each team represents a charity that they are passionate about and pay a buy-in to compete in the games. The team that wins the Olympics has the total purse donated to their favorite charity.
Prior to the big day, the teams vote on which games will be played. This year the players chose bowling, ladder ball, washers, hockey, miniature golf, Nerf archery, pool, corn hole and ping pong. Although it rained the day of the event, participants couldn’t help but have an amazing time!
All participants are entitled to a cookout following the games.
By the end of the competition, the Yellow Team (Jason and Ashley Martin) won it all for their charity, Family Life Today. And just like in the traditional Olympics, the top three teams win gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.
In addition to overall winners, some individual events featured prizes thanks to generous local sponsors including Marge’s Donut Den, Park Center Lanes, Debbie’s Twist & Shake, Waste Management, blueVortex.net, and EP Adventures.
The coolest thing about this effort is that YOU too could plan a similar event as a means to have fun with friends and make a contribution to a good cause. For information on how, contact event organizer Mike Endres at mike@blueVortex.net
How does Michigan attract and keep top talent? The state government believes it is done by making immigrants feel welcome to live and work there. Alan talks with Karen Phillippi, Deputy Director for Michigan’s Office for New Americans, about such initiatives.
Afif Gaibi escaped from Saddam Hussein’s tyranny as a teen.
Editor’s Note: As Citizen Journalists we make an effort to highlight the different experiences of people living in the Kentwood and Wyoming area. We teamed up with West Michigan Lutheran High School English students to focus on stories about individuals immigrating to the United States in search of a better life. The following story was written by one of those students giving their perspective of immigration.
by CJ Blanchard, West Michigan Lutheran High School
Afif Gaibi is the team leader for Oliver Products shipping and receiving department. I was able to interview him through my mom, who is a coworker of his. I am glad to have been able to sit down and talk with Afif because he shares many stories along with a good deal of knowledge. His life is quieter now, but in his younger years, it was far more dangerous than what most people in the states would experience.
As a teen, he lived in Kuwait. His father was from the Middle East while his mother was from India. This was crucial for their escape from Saddam Hussein’s tyranny and also the Gulf War. They fled to India, where Afif went to the University of Bombay to study.
Before he came over to America to attend college, Afif traveled around the world, most notably England and Hong Kong. He was also able to land a job at MTV in Asia. Meanwhile his parents had other plans. They were not happy with him partying and having fun all the time, so they sent him off to America to learn. It was not hard for him to adapt to American culture because he had always watched American television growing up and learned English in his grade school.
He first landed in Atlanta in 1996. He lived there for a bit before traveling to Oregon and then finally, Michigan. In Michigan, he attended Davenport University after a long distance cousin was able to set him up with a scholarship. He majored in Science and earned a bachelor in electronics, both of which he has never used.
Afif has not stopped traveling and doesn’t plan to in the future. He believes knowledge is power, and that traveling has opened many doors for him, physically, mentally, and spiritually. “Everyone has the same direction, just different paths,” he says adding that without religion as the center of your life, you are lost.
Along with traveling and enlightening himself with religion and knowledge, he enjoys his favorite things, which are motorcycles, country music, and baseball. His advice to anyone who wants to travel like he does is pretty simple.
“You have to have it personally inside you. Be ready to learn and want to go and actually do it. Have a positive mentality and use others to inspire you, because traveling changes you, and your perspective, for the better,” he explains.
In America, a cohesive and strong family unit can typically mean spending one night a week playing board games or even heading to the movies. While the Pearson family spends time participating in all of the above, they also have another unique common interest.
The Pearson Family, ranging from ages 4 to 15, are all talented singers and musically inclined artists.
Husband and Pastor Scotty Pearson said it all began when he and his wife Layfoya met in choir class at Ottawa Hills High School, and from there, it blossomed as they married and started having kids. Now, they perform throughout the West Michigan community as a family. Lafoya explains they truly began to perform together as a whole around 2009 and that music has always been a niche for the children.
“[The kids] harmonize really well together,” Layfoya explained. “We never really had to teach harmony.”
Layfoya states that singing comes naturally to the kids, so naturally even, that they don’t ever have a specific practice time.
“We like to keep it fun so they don’t get burnt out,” Lafoya said. “We’re on the road a lot so we get our practice in, in the car…it really is fun for us, we’ll be hanging out and then pull together and just start singing.”
Son DeLonte Pearson agrees and said that even his interest has gone beyond just singing.
“We all love to dance with each other, we make fun of each other a lot,” DeLonte explained, “But once we finish making fun of each other we do correct each other.”
Daughter Azaria Pearson and son Scotty agree. They said they love goofing off with the family.
“I think people are amazed to see a family that can enjoy each other,” Dad Scotty said.
Overall, Lafoya and Scotty both say they feel blessed and fortunate to be able to share a passion with all of their children. As far as their goals for the approaching future, Scotty says they’re looking to record a CD.
“I really wanna do [a CD] before everyone grows into who they are so we can hold that balance of family and just branch out from there,” Scotty said.
Roberto Torres stands tall in the community and not just because he wears cowboy boots and a ten-gallon hat. This humble campesino child learned to fight for his dignity in Anglo schools. He went on to become an avid reader, U.S. Marine, and community organizer. Through the great recession of 2007, he led economic development activities in northern Ohio until being selected executive director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. The two proudest possessions in his office? A pickle hamper and a construction helmet. Find out why in this inspiring interview with Roberto Torres.
The City of Wyoming will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 7:00 pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW). Harriet Sturim, 5th District Auxiliary Chaplain, will be the guest speaker for the event, with her address entitled, “Voice for our Veterans”. The Lee High School band will perform along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard. Bronson Swan, a graduate of Lee High School, and a veteran, as well, will perform “Taps”. Mayor Jack Poll will host the ceremony. In addition, the newest arch for the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (made possible by Community Development Block Grant funding) will be recognized.
“The City of Wyoming prioritizes the recognition those who have served, and continue to serve, our country in the armed forces,” according to Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services for the City of Wyoming. “Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies are a tribute to that service. We are grateful to have a place in Wyoming (Veteran’s Memorial Garden) where we cannot only hold these ceremonies, but where people can honor and reflect, at any time, on those who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedoms.”
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people, parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area. For more information, please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/WyomingParksRec.
65-year-old Jim Phillips is one of the original River Bank runners and ran the race for 33 consecutive years. He has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma and is undergoing continual chemotherapy. Jim underwent brain surgery and Doctors removed part of his brain–the right cerebellum– which controls balance and equilibrium. He also had prostrate cancer, a hernia, has gone through bacterial meningitis and hydrocephalus and fights highly aggressive cancer. Did any of these severe medical issues stop him from taking part in this year’s 5/3 event? As the saying goes, you can’t keep a good man down.
He and his wife Linda braved the humid and rainy day during race day walking hand in hand completing the 3.1 mile walk.
” I just wanted to be part of the event, it’s fun,” he said.
His wife knew he could go through with it. “He’s a fighter and just doesn’t give up,” she said.
The retired letter carrier always keeps a positive mental attitude to fight the aggressive cancer and stays in shape by exercising.
“I don’t cling to the past, I don’t dwell on the future. I enjoy every day and try to do as much as we can.”
Jim has lost over 100 pounds since all of his medical issues and looks forward to going to Iceland this summer with his wife and friends.
So how was the entire 5/3/ experience?
“I am so glad that I did this, I was very, very, tired the last half mile, but I completed it and that makes me very happy.”
His wife Linda was at his side the entire time.
“His legs got weak and they start buckling on him at the end of the race. The crowd and police officers could tell he was struggling, so they began cheering him on loudly with encouragement. The determination that he has is what has gotten him to this point. It was a really great experience for him,” she shared.
And what about next year?
“Good Lord willing, and if his health is okay, yes we will be back and we will do it again,” Linda concluded enthusiastically.
Choir Teacher Carrie Hoeksema teaches lessons well beyond the classroom
This series of stories were written by high school students from Joe Pellerito’s Advanced Teen Leadership Class at East Kentwood High School. They wrote about the heroes in their lives. Stories were written especially for now.wktv.com.
A hero in my eyes is someone with a genuine and caring heart. Someone who is there when I and others need them and unafraid to speak their mind.
One of my heroes is a strong and spirited woman who walks into a classroom with a bright smile on her face and a positive attitude that shows she’s ready for whatever life has to throw at her. She has a powerful voice that can be heard across an entire school and is never afraid to use it. My hero is an absolutely wonderful choir teacher named Mrs. Carrie Hoeksema.
Each day she walks into the choir classroom at East Kentwood High School full of energy and ready to lead our class and motivate us to perform beautiful music. She consistently pushes the class to sing out and let our voices be heard, and always compliments and teaches us how to do better and grow as musicians. She’s always there for her students, and is always looking to help in any way she can.
Her inspiration to become a choir teacher came during her freshman year of college. She had been in band in high school and had her doubts about what choir would be like, but she decided to give it a try anyway. The choir instructor at the time was retiring, and the new instructor was the one who really inspired her to pursue a career as a choir teacher herself.
As a choir teacher, she feels like the most satisfying part of her job is the interaction with teens, the wide range of emotions surrounding them, and just the dramatic flair that comes with it. She thinks teens are full of hope and ideas, that they are unbreakable, and even responsible. The best part about her job is finding out these things from her students and creating strong relationships with them. She is sure they take the lessons she has taught and make use of it long after high school and college.
Her faith is very important to her, and she owes her biggest influence to God. She believes God inspires her to be the best person that she can be. She also believes God planted her on Earth to help and inspire kids and be a positive role model. Her faith keeps her going, and inspires her to keep kids and even staff members upbeat. Along with her faith, she owes her peppy spirit and personality to her late Grandma Sorensen, who was also quite bubbly and positive.
As a leader herself, she looks up to students who show leadership skills. She believes compassion, ethics, confidence, commitment, the willingness to learn, helping others, and the sense of community and world are all very important qualities of a leader.
Mrs. Hoeksema is not only one of my heroes, but also a strong and positive leader, an amazing teacher, and an awesome person to be around.
Competitive cheerleading has been an eye-opening experience for April Martinez.
There’s more to competitive cheerleading than performing heart-stopping extended split stunts and the toe touch basket toss. Godwin Height High School team members say the sport literally changes lives.
Just ask eleventh-grader Joy Parker.
“I was failing all my classes before coach gave me a place to relieve stress,” she said.
Joy said she was considering dropping out of school, but the friendships she has forged with her teammates has enabled her to tunnel through her troubles.
“I didn’t think I could graduate,” Joy said. “Cheering saved my life. This team is my life, my family. It has given me hope.”
This stunt is called the “toe touch basket toss to a cradle catch.”
Tenth-grader April Martinez joined the team in November because she’s outgoing and cheerful, which convinced her that competitive cheerleading would be a good fit. Her hunch didn’t disappoint.
But competitive cheerleading also has been an eye-opener. Before she joined, April assumed cheerleading would be a cakewalk. Far from it. But it’s that inherent challenge competitive cheerleading requires that ensures April shows up for each practice and competition.
It Takes Strength, Stamina
“You have to have strength and stamina,” April said. “It’s a lot of work, commitment and time. If you try your best, you can do it. Coach has taught us if you can dream it, you can do it.”
“Coach” is Amanda Cook, one of the 25-member varsity cheerleading team (grades 9-12) and 30 sideline cheerleaders seen at football games. Godwin’s team competes against Lee, Kelloggsville, Hopkins, Calvin Christian and NorthPointe Christian.
It’s competitive cheerleading that gets the heart pumping, Cook said.
Competitive cheerleading is judged for cheer creativity; emotion and voice strength; skills in executing splits, tumbles and jumps; and “stunting,” which ranges from the two-legged variety to one-legged extended stunts and high-flying basket tosses.
Like Any Other Sport
Make no mistake, Godwin’s cheerleaders consider competitive cheerleading a sport just as much as shooting hoops or running on the gridiron.”We run like other athletes,” said tenth-grader Najha Lofton, who’s been cheering for four years. “We have to lift bodies in the air. You get tired. You still have to work as hard as other athletes.”Najha likes that challenge. She also appreciates how it helped her overcome her fear of flying – in an airplane.”I’m very determined to get things done,” Najha said. “I used to have a fear of flying in a plane or roller coaster. Not anymore. I love tumbling. It’s my favorite part. I’m really flexible, so that helps.”Coach Cook said being involved in cheerleading often surprises those on the team.
“A lot of the girls don’t consider themselves athletes and after one season, they really see themselves as athletes,” she said. “We really do lift weights and run laps. I’ve had seven girls play soccer for first time this year because they were too afraid to join until they joined the cheerleader team.”
That was the resounding question at the second annual Give On…To Live On event on May 7, 2015. The “heart” refers to the red heart insignia provided by the Secretary of State when you register to be an organ and tissue donor.
The Give On…To Live On event, sponsored by Gift of Life Michigan, was held, according to organizer Karla Huitsing, “To not only raise awareness, but also to celebrate life.” In attendance were many who had received life-saving organ transplants. Chef Oliver Hale, affectionately known as “Chef O,” is a two-time kidney recipient. Chef O confirms his heart-felt gratitude for the opportunities has been given stating, “I have been blessed. I have been given a second chance at life.”
Rick and Marci are friends for life
Also in attendance was Marci Prince who felt the call to become a “living donor” while watching an appeal by Kate Couric on television. “My family had always been involved in donating blood. After watching the program I knew it was my time to donate a kidney.” Soon afterward Marci would learn that her kidney was an excellent match for Rick Herlacher, a local man on the kidney waiting, whose need would also be the inspiration for the first Give On…To Live on gathering in 2014. Marci met Rick and the two bonded immediately. The transplant was a success and both Marci and Rick continue to speak on behalf of Gift of Life outreach efforts. Although Rick could not attend the event this year, Marci states, “Rick is living proof of the gift of life.” When asked about her personal giving, she responds, “ Isn’t that what the human race is designed to do?”
The fact is that the need for organ and tissue donors in Michigan is great. As of March 1, 2015 there were 3,497 patients awaiting transplant. Thousands of others need tissue to relieve their pain, heal their wounds, and help them see again. On average, 400 people are added to waiting lists every 20 minutes, while 14 people awaiting organs die each day.
The quest to raise awareness in our state is urgent. The Donor awareness movement in Michigan has increased greatly due to the actions of the Michigan Secretary of State. Instead of the passive approach of waiting to ask family members for organ donation after a death has occurred, the Secretary of State branches now active as people if they would like to register for organ donation when they are obtaining a license or state ID.
Dr. Luis Tomatis, Director of Medical Affairs for the Richard M. DeVos family and renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, led a panel discussion regarding organ donation in West Michigan. The panel consisted of Dr. Daniel Borreson, Surgical Director of Adult Renal Transplant at Mercy Health St. Mary’s and the Surgical Director of pediatric renal transplantation at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; Dr. Muneer Abidi , oncologist with the Spectrum Health Medical Group Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant Program; and Dr. Martin Strueber, Surgical Director for the Spectrum Health Richard M. DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program. All stressed the need for increased awareness and the opportunity for Grand Rapids to become one of the leading transplant sites for adults, as well as children, in our state.
Dr. Abidi, who deals with blood cancers and stem cell treatments, reinforced the need for donor registry outreach, especially in minority communities.
Dr. Martin Strueber, who recently moved to Grand Rapids from Germany, saw the Medical Mile and the advancements in heart and lung transplants locally, and has ambition to grow the Center and make transplants more available in our area.
Dr. Borreson also sees opportunity for West Michigan to become a major transplant destination for two main reasons: First, Spectrum Health is a Regional Level 1 Trauma Center, increasing the availability of potential organs locally. Second, character of West Michigan is based largely on Christian values and altruism. When we see a need, we meet a need. One of the most important things stressed by Dr. Borreson is no matter if you have a heart sticker on your license, “Make your wishes known to your family.”
Many who attended the Give On…To Live On event were awaiting organs, just as Rick Herlacher was in 2014. Their hope and their prayer is that someone will be a match, someone will step up and offer the ultimate gift of life. Could that person be you?
To sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry simply go online to giftoflifemichigan.org or call 1-800-482-4881. You can also go online or visit any Michigan Secretary of State branch to receive a red heart to place on your license or state ID. You hold the keys to saving another’s life—register today!
By now you all have probably seen the results of yesterday’s vote on the Kentwood proposals. While we will celebrate the passing of the building and site/sinking fund, we are disappointed that the technology, safety, and building upgrade proposal was defeated. The citizens of our community are valued partners and we are committed to using their funds responsibly and carefully. The fact that the vote was split means that we needed to better identify what was needed and why it was needed. At the same time, this does not change the fact that we are committed to providing an education of excellence to every child within our district.
We appreciate those that went out to vote and the fact that they shared their perspectives
Thank you to all of you who worked so hard to get the word out.
Michael Zoerhoff
Superintendent
Kentwood Public Schools
It was a colorful, joyful celebration. The perfect way to take part in Cinco de Mayo. Hundreds gathered at the Grand Rapids Public Museum to honor the theme of hope, determination, inclusion and respect.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. It celebrates the victory in the Battle of Puebla by the indigenous people against the powerful French army.
Among the many accomplishments symbolized by Cinco de Mayo observances, the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez celebrates the determination of Mexicans as demonstrated in the Battle of Puebla. Like the steadfast commitment of the Mexican soldiers, the Committee is determined to give students the gift of opportunity through education. In doing so, the rich legacy, spirit and impact of the Battle of Puebla is forever a part of our lives throughout the year.
The 2015 Honorees this year were Michael Flanagan, Connie Dang and Chuy Morales.
Mike Flanagan has been State Superintendent in Michigan for 10 years;and was a local and regional superintendent before that. During his career in education leadership, Mike has been determined to make sure all kids in Michigan have a quality life and education–no matter their race, culture, or personal and economic circumstances.
Connie Dang serves as the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Grand Valley State University. In the community, she serves as board of trustee of the Historical Society of Michigan, member of the Unity Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez and a member of the West Michigan Advocates& Leaders for Police and Community Trust.
Chuy Morales, along with his wife Angie, embarked on a journey to provide a voice to many within the Hispanic Community. Their determination and passion led to the formation of an internet radio station called, La Mejor. This radio station has become a vital source of information for the Hispanic community providing program featuring education, health and sports.
The celebration also included music and dance by the Pearson family and the Cook Art Center, Mexican Folkloric Dance Class. The event proved to be inspirational, entertaining, and informative.
The Mexican Folkloric Dance Class from the Cook Art Center entertainCommittee members worked hard to ensure success
This is an event that will prove to be inspirational, informative and educational. Talons Out Honor Flight requests your presence at the Homecoming Celebration for over 110 World War II veterans on May 16, 2015! Talons Out is the Southwest Michigan hub of the National Honor Flight Network who recognizes the sacrifices and achievements of these veterans by flying them to Washington D.C. for a day at absolutely no cost. While in D.C. these servicemen and women will visit the National World War II Memorial as well as several events scheduled to honor their service.
“We are losing close to 900 WWII veterans each day, “explains Talons Out President Bobbie Bradley, “There are fewer than 2 million alive today.” Each veteran deserves to see the elegant memorial raised to honor those who gave so much for our country. Bradley describes the flight as their “final mission.”
The veterans and their guardians will be leaving out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. After a whirlwind of activity in D.C., the flight will land back in Grand Rapids around 8:30 that evening and have a heartwarming patriotic escort to East Kentwood High School. That’s where you come in!
“Everything we do from start to finish is to honor the veterans,” states Jamey Matheny, Flight Day Coordinator. “We would like not only family and friends, but the whole community to come out and show these men and women our gratitude.”
There will be food, entertainment, and an opportunity to make posters to greet the veterans as they roll in. Come out to East Kentwood field house after 7 p.m. to cheer them on, shake a hand or two, and thank them for their service! It promises to be a day the veterans will remember for the rest of their lives!
“Volunteers are welcome and we want to hear from you if you or your group would be interested in honoring our heroes, “stresses Matheny. For him and the whole Talons Out crew
Every day is Veteran’s Day!
For more information go to the organization’s website: Talonsouthonorflight.org
If you know of a veteran who would like to attend a future Honor Flight, the next scheduled mission is September 26, 2015.
Brian Kingshott’s mother liked to say her son “came into the world with a bang!” Find out how as Alan interviews Brian Kingshott, an anti-terrorism expert and professor of criminal justice. As a former British intelligence officer, Cornwall and Devon constable, and WW2 bombing survivor, Brian gives us insights on world history and police work… all wrapped up in his inimitable charm and British English accent!
April is National Volunteer Month and along with Michele Smith-Aversa and Kathy Gray, we would like to take the time to honor Mike Moll with his contributions to the sports department on-air and on the web at WKTV.
Mike is a man who loves sports and put that love to work by volunteering at the station. He started his volunteering stint six years ago when he was asked by Paul Kabelman – one of the Sports Directors at WKTV – to announce a high school football game. Mike was thrown into the fire as part of a three-man crew and he had a blast!
“My first game I did color with two other guys in the booth,” describes Mike, “I didn’t do a whole lot of talking, I wanted to soak it in and figure out what I was doing, but I did it once and loved it!”
As a part of the sports department, Mike does a lot more than just show up and announce at kickoff. On top of commentating, he writes stories for now.wktv.org, puts the full sports schedules together for the station, and works with athletic directors to get stats and set up communications with players and coaches.
Mike Moll has found a passion in announcing for WKTV
Mike, a self proclaimed stat nut, doesn’t mind doing the work necessary to get the information he needs, “It’s hard because there’s not a lot of info and stats available for high school sports. You have to do your own digging by making phone calls to coaches and athletic directors.”
The inside of WKTV’s Mobile Unit
Being a volunteer for the past six years, Mike has seen changes within the sports department and the technology offered by the station. He mentioned the truck and it’s massive changes. It’s now all digital and allows for beautiful broadcasts, and it’s all run by volunteers! He’s also very impressed with the new graphics and the focus they have on individual players and coaches.
“Kids and coaches have commented on the individual focus and how it helps get their stories out there. The players like to share information about themselves,” explains Mike.
Producing a game takes a lot of volunteers and their time. Not only do you need the announcers, but you also need camera operators, a director, people to run cables, and graphics and replay operators. They’re all needed for only one game!
It takes a whole team and a lot of hard work, but Mike sees the bigger picture for his volunteer work, “There are an awful lot of amazing student-athletes to cover and we get to give them attention. It’s an opportunity to give back. Could you imagine if no one volunteered?”
No, Mike, I couldn’t! Volunteering is important and also extremely rewarding. Plus, Mike sees another outlet for his volunteering, “It gives me the opportunity to put my work life away for a little while. If I could do my career all over again, I would be an announcer. I’m going to do this for as long as they’ll let me!”
This story has a happy ending, but a tough beginning.
Rick Herlacher of Rockford, Michigan suffered with a kidney disease that was discovered in 2001. He struggled through dialysis three times a week for four hours at a time and went through five surgeries within 12 weeks last year. It was a constant battle to live.
The continued search for a transplant donor finally came to an end. Family members didn’t work out–a total stranger did.
Enter Marci Prince from Hastings, Michigan. She saved Rick’s life by donating a kidney.
“I always wanted to be a donor and I just decided to go for it. I feel blessed to be able to do this,” she explained during a recent interview with WKTV Community Media.
Her selfless, courageous act of wanting to donate her kidney was nothing short of remarkable.
But what are the chances of a total stranger being a perfect match?
“This was a match beyond a match–one in a million,” Rick explained emotionally.
Marci gets ready for surgery with extreme courage and determination.
And so the process began. 26 tubes of blood, continual testing at St. Mary’s Transplant Center, and the surgery itself. Marci, who had been a smoker for 30 years, quit cold turkey when she decided to be a donor. The process involves major surgery and both were in the hospital for 4-5 days.
Rick definitely received the gift of life.
“I was ready to go. I knew right after surgery, when I popped right out bed, everything was going to be great. There was no pain. I walked 20 laps. The nurses were shocked,” Rick enthused.
Rick is ready to go
Rick and Marci are now great friends. They find it difficult to put into words the strong connection they have.
Both of them are continually monitored by the medical staff at St. Mary’s. Rick’s immune system works at 1/3rd his capacity and he can be more than three times likely to have cancer.
But, so far, so good, or should I say– SO GREAT!
“I live every day like it’s my last,” Rick said.
Knowing now all that is involved with being a donor, would she do it again?
“Hell yeah, I would do it again,” she said emphatically.
It is shocking to realize that an average of 18 people die every day due to the shortage of available organ donors.
In total, there are more than 120,000 Americans awaiting their organ transplants, while millions of people die each year without signing up as organ and tissue donors.
400 people are on the wait list right now in Michigan for a kidney transplant. There are people waiting to live, and dying while they wait –it is a statistic that calls us to action when we consider that only 38% of Kent County citizens are signed up as organ donors when their life has ended.
As editors of Wyoming/Kentwood NOW, Colleen, Mike and I appreciate all the contributions we get from people willing to help us share news about our communities. Our mission is to provide something other than what might already be out there on mainstream media. Wyoming and Kentwood are big geographical areas with many neighborhoods. Finding the stories within them take volunteer citizen journalists, like Kathy Gray of Kentwood, to write out the information and share it with us online.
April is National Volunteer Month and along with Michele Smith-Aversa, we salute Kathy Gray for her time, talents and contributions to this website and the community. But Kathy does far more volunteering than just writing articles for us.
The Grays have been married 28 years and have instilled the spirit of volunteering into their two adult kids.
Here’s a woman who loves Kentwood. She’s been a resident here for some 22 years. She works full time for Spectrum Health in physician IT training, has a husband and two kids, and yet finds the time to volunteer – a lot!
I admire people who can do this. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do more of myself. So I want to know how and why?
“I think it started out when my kids were little,” Kathy explains. “I’d come home from work, especially in the wintertime, and I would hibernate. I didn’t like that.”
Kathy decided to change her routine. She began to get out more in the evenings, first by joining a church community and getting involved with groups there. “Once you volunteer for things, you find they are addicting,” she admits laughing. Anytime someone would approach her to volunteer, Kathy would ask ‘What do you need? What do I do?’
“I believe we’re all on this planet to help one another – that’s my Christian philosophy,” she says. “You do whatever you can. Even if it’s helping a mom with three kids getting groceries in her car – that’s why we’re here. And it feels so darn good at the end of the day!””
Over the years though she has learned to use discretion. “It has to be a good fit for me. Something that I look forward to doing.”
Kathy Gray (left) and her friend Laura Boumis are in charge of their church’s food truck every month.
One of her favorite projects is running a mobile food pantry at her church, Kentwood Christian Church, with her good friend Laura Boumis. For the last seven years, they have partnered with Feeding America to provide 5000 pounds of food the second Monday of every month to roughly 150 families in need.
“All we ask is that they register by name and phone number. So they don’t have to show proof of need,” says Kathy. “Anyone can come for it.”
Food is collected by Feeding America and serves 130 to 150 families in the area.
The produce, baked goods and dairy products are collected by Feeding America from area stores just prior to their expiration date. The church pays Feeding America $500 for the food truck which works out to one dollar per person from each church member.
“It’s about distributing good food for use before it goes bad,” she adds. “And there are a lot of people who need it.”
Kathy admits that she looks forward to working Food Truck Mondays, despite all the work involved. “There are some days we’re standing out there in the rain and the sleet and the snow and the heat, and by the end of the day we look beat but we feel great!
“There’s just no greater high in the world!”
Volunteering for the Sunday Sandwich Makers involves her family and the families of her closest friends – 20 in all.
In addition to running the mobile food pantry, Kathy, along with her 17 -year old son Daniel, volunteer as Sunday Sandwich Makers for Kids’ Food Basket. One Sunday a month, you’ll find the Grays and their friends and family on an assembly line making 2500 sandwiches for 37 schools’ Monday lunch.
“Ham and cheese sandwiches are the fastest. Peanut butter slows us down,” she laughs.
Her most recent volunteering project is perhaps her most meaningful. She and her husband of 28 years, Duke, have become involved in the West Michigan Honor Flight for World War II veterans leaving Grand Rapids on May 16th.
“My dad was a World War II veteran and I started learning more and more about how they are dying off so rapidly now. Their mission (Honor Flight) is to get veterans from all across the United States to see the World War II memorials and tour Washington D.C., ” Kathy explains.
The one day event is a full one for the senior veterans and their guardians, beginning at 4:30 a.m. and ending after 8 p.m. in the evening. Upon their return to Grand Rapids, they will be celebrated with a parade, dancing, music and well-wishes from the community. Kathy and her husband Duke will be in charge of the Wheelchair Brigade, 100 of them.
“When the veterans get to the hangar in the morning they’re assigned a wheelchair. Most of them are still spry and fit but during a long day like that, they might need a wheelchair to get off their feet. And by the time they get back here, they’re exhausted. It’s been a 14 hour day. They’ll really need them.”
For Kathy, being a ‘doer’ is the best option for living life. “Otherwise,” she says, “I have a tendency to get depressed being a couch potato. And it’s too easy to have a pity party!”
April is deemed National Volunteer Recognition Month. We decided to pay tribute to some of our Citizen Journalists who have gone above the call of duty to deliver quality stories.
Michele Smith Aversa lends her talents to WKTV’s Citizen Journalism program.
Meet Michele Smith-Aversa. She has been with our online-media site since the onset. Her creativity, intelligence, compassion, and strong writing skills have been a pleasure to witness. Writing is her passion. She lives to share the written word.
“I find life to be boring. Writing gets me out of reality. It’s an escape”–she said.
Michele and her husband enjoy living in Wyoming, Michigan.
Michele lives in Wyoming with her husband Mark and in addition to writing and volunteering she loves to sew, bake, make jewelry and decorate. “If I can create and change something boring and make it beautiful to present to the world–that’s something.”
She is a member of the Cascade Writer’s Group and is working on getting her murder/love story book published. It is a 17 chapter, 70,000 word novel entitled, “Christmas is the Season.”
Her volunteer work at Focus on Ferals on 76th and Clyde Park is another passion. She looks after the cats, socializes them, cleans floors and kitty litter–anything she can do to get them adopted out. “If I can make a difference in one life–my life is worth something,” she said emotionally.
Michele’s life has been a constant struggle with her fight with Borderline Personality Disorder and anxiety. “I fight day in and day out. I don’t ever remember not being like this,” she disclosed.
She is currently in treatment at Pine Rest in a (DBT) dialetic behavioral therapy program.
“I take life each hour at a time.”
Michele also recommends that people don’t treat others with depression lightly by saying: Get over it, or let it go. “Unless you can teach me how to get over it, don’t say that,” she explained.
The WKTV Citizen Journalism team is proud to salute Michele Smith-Aversa. With all of her writing talents, she tends to take an ordinary story and make it extraordinary. She uses her rare brand of humor to examine everyday life situations in a unique manner. We are definitely happy to have her on board as one of our superstar writers!
If you would like to become a Citizen Journalist, call the station at 261-5700 and ask for Colleen, Janice, or Mike.
What was once a night club, pumping the bass and serving drinks to thirsty patrons, is now a car showcase full of muscle and metal. Classic muscle cars and exotic Ferraris and Porsches fill a room teeming with energy. While the nightclub is no more, it’s impossible not to feel the thrill of rising heart rate upon entering, no loud music necessary.
