Category Archives: Local Faces

Foodie Tours & Farm-to-Table Dining in West Michigan

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Our Cities, , , , , , , , , , ,
A tasty meal from San Chez Bistro, one of the amazing restaurants West Michigan has to offer
A tasty meal from San Chez Bistro, one of the amazing restaurants West Michigan has to offer

What is it that makes dining not just something you have to do, but also a rich, fulfilling experience? Think of the meals that stand out in your memory. The ones that were made with the freshest ingredients, the ones that pushed boundaries exploring new flavor ideas, the ones enjoyed with families and friends, and the ones that were prepared with love and attention. West Michigan has an abundance of restaurants, farm-to-table offerings, and culinary tours which are sure to get your taste buds watering for your next visit to West Michigan.

 

South

 

A Hungry Village Tour is the perfect way to enhance your Saugatuck/Douglas vacation. Small groups maximize the tour experience. Hungry Village Tours offers an exceptional “behind the scenes” glimpse of local culture, food, wine, customs, and fun! Let them create a special tour for your group, or join a scheduled departure. Hungry Village Tours begins each tour at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, acknowledging its weekly Greenmarket, culinary arts connection, and the Center’s history as a pie factory. There are two tours available from all year long: One is a 3 hour “Culinary Walk”, exploring Saugatuck’s and Douglas’ culinary secrets behind their storefronts with demonstrations and tastings. The second option is a 6 hour “Delicious Drive,” featuring a tour of the lakeshore’s producers including farms, orchards, blueberry patches, vintners, brewers, creameries and other artisans. Contact Hungry Village Tours leader, David Geen, at 269-857-1700 or info@hungryvillagetours.com.

 

There is the age-old adage that you are what you eat. If those words hold even a little truth, then Food Dance in Kalamazoo thinks it’s time to take a closer look at what we’re putting on our plates. This is more than their work – it’s a bit of an obsession. Food Dance is fixated on finding honest-to-goodness fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs that come from the farm, not the factory. All this brought together to build a menu of thoughtfully constructed great tasting American food.To you it may be a unique and natural alternative to today’s chain invasion – to Food Dance it’s like changing the world – one meal at a time.

Journeyman Distillery
Journeyman Distillery

 

It isn’t just food that can boast local farm-to-table offerings, but also local beverages! At Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, they are committed to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. They use midwestern grains in all of their spirits, and local ingredients are a large part of their food and cocktail menus. You can get a look into their process for yourself on one of their distillery tours, offered weekdays at 12:15pm and Saturday and Sunday at 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm and 5:00pm.

 

At Goldberry Woods: Bed & Breakfast, Microfarm, & Cottages, they know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and they aspire to inspire you with every bite. They make everything from scratch and strive to use the freshest ingredients possible, many grown right on the premises. Even their breakfast sausages and bacon are produced locally. The animals are raised organically and humanely in Harbor Country. They are happy to accommodate any special dietary needs and will do so as creatively as possible. The breakfast menu at Goldberry Woods in Union Pier changes with the seasons but always includes a fresh fruit starter and a full, hot, made-from-scratch breakfast.

 

Take a foodie tour of the Fenville area, and we guarantee you’ll leave full and happy. Start with lunch or dinner at Salt of the Earth, located in the heart of southwest Michigan farm and orchard country. They cook from scratch to create their entrees, sandwiches, wood oven fired pizzas, creative soups, fresh salads, desserts, and artisan breads. Their ‘Specialty Sips’ menu includes a scratch margarita, fresh mojitos, and other seasonal cocktails made with Michigan craft beers, hard ciders, spirits, and wines. Salt of the Earth is also an entertainment destination presenting the finest roots musicians on the scene at weekly house concerts. When you’re done with your meal, head down the road to Crane’s Pie Pantry, where you’ll have your choice of over a dozen different styles of pie! Grab a slice to eat now, a whole pie to take home, or a frozen pie that you can bake right in your own oven. Your final stop is Fenn Valley Winery, who’s tasting room is open year-round for free samples of their award-winning wines and champagnes. Hop on one of their public winery tours, and get a behind-the-scenes look at making world-class wines, with plenty of tasting opportunities along the way!

Bistro on the Boulevard
Bistro on the Boulevard

 

Discover the Bistro on the Boulevard, an extraordinary dining experience in downtown St. Joseph, MI. Their seasonally changing menus feature one-of-a kind appetizers, entrees, and desserts made with locally sourced ingredients. The Bistro was named “Region’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant” by Shore Magazine and is one of only two Southwest Michigan restaurants to boast Wine Spectators award of excellence for “one of the best restaurant wine lists in the world.” The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. When dining at the Bistro on the Boulevard you will enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients. Several farmers from Southwest Michigan deliver their meat and produce to the restaurant every week!

 

Arcadia Brewing Company was established in 1996 as a microbrewery specializing in handcrafted British-style ales. As well as craft beers, they also offer locally-sourced dishes at their two pub locations. In addition to harvesting from their own garden, they source from many local farms and bakeries to provide visitors with the freshest, high quality ingredients. They offer house-smoked BBQ and their own burgers, made with a custom blend of chuck and brisket ground fresh daily.

 

Central

 

A Celebration of Culinary Crafts! The Midwest’s largest wine festival comes together November 20-22 with over 1,400 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants at the International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. The event attracts thousands of food and wine enthusiasts and offers a vast array of extraordinary tastings, cooking demonstrations, wine and beer seminars, gourmet foods, specialty items and accessories. For more information, visit GRWineFestival.com. Keep an eye out for local chocolatiers from Grand Haven, Chocolates by Grimaldi, who will be on site offering their gourmet chocolates, including creamy truffles, buttery caramels, and their signature potato chips in chocolate.

 

Earth to Table Dining: Artfully Crafted Cuisine. Grove restaurant, located in Grand Rapids, is a tribute to the bounty of the earth’s harvest and how Grove brings that to the table with impeccable service, natural ingredients and innovative cuisine. Their seasonal, frequently changing selections hint at the classics with natural sauces and a slant toward sustainable seafood. They responsibly source as many ingredients as possible from local, family and sustainable farms and prepare each dish to demonstrate their respect for how these farmers raise or grow their products. Grove carefully pairs their daily, innovative menus with the best modern wines. Their beverage menu also includes eclectic and top-shelf liquors, their own housemade infused spirits, craft beers, pour-over coffee and espresso. They’re located in the heart of East Hills at 919 Cherry Street. Visit them online at grovegr.com or make a reservation by calling 616.454.1000.

 

Inspired, handcrafted foods that nurture both body and community. At Terra in Grand Rapids, they follow their passions – and the seasons – for only the freshest, health-filled ingredients from the region’s most dedicated growers. They pride themselves on distinctive fare, expertly crafted with passion, intellect and culinary skill. You’ll enjoy handcrafted meals that honor the purest ingredients from the finest regional farms and fields. Terra’s focus on seasonal offerings means they only use fresh, honest ingredients bursting with the flavors of each season. Not only will you find delicious dining at Terra, but also a community dedicated to the promotion and rewards of a health-conscious lifestyle.

Twisted Rooster
Twisted Rooster

 

Satisfyingly savory and always fresh, using Michigan made products with a twist—that’s what you can expect when dining at the Twisted Rooster in Grand Rapids. Twisted Rooster’s Executive Chef Dave Ogren and his culinary team work with local vendors and suppliers to provide guests with a decidedly tasty twist on classic American fare. Twisted Rooster’s mantra is to provide each guest with “Simply Impeccable Food & Drinks with Uncommon Hospitality.” Their locally sourced, scratch made menu is full of local flavor and includes vendors such as Byron Center Meats, R.W. Bakers, Faygo and Founders Brewing Company. Ogren said their menu is meant to emphasize their twisted “Commit to the Mitt” motto.

 

Fish Tacos are a must have at the Twisted Rooster. This house favorite #1 seller, consists of Founders Pale Ale battered flash-fried tasty Grouper, fresh pico de gallo, shredded white cheddar, housemade crispy noodle slaw, cilantro sour cream and tortilla chips. The Twisted House salad isn’t your typical house salad: it is made up of mixed greens; Traverse City dried cherries, Michigan grown apples, Roquefort bleu cheese, strawberries, cinnamon raisin bread croutons and toasted pecans tossed in a homemade cherry maple-vinaigrette dressing. The famous Twisted Mac & Cheese is a favorite for locavores everywhere. Twisted cavatappi noodles are blended with a bold white 5 cheese sauce, house smoked chicken, sweet peas, asparagus, cherry tomatoes with baked cheddar bread crumbs and fried parmesan. Needless to say, Twisted Rooster is a necessary stop on your next west Michigan road trip. Get more information at www.twisted-rooster.com.

 

Honest Fayre. Local Flair. At The Green Well they serve honest fayre with local flair in a neighborhood setting that keeps customers coming back. Their innovative gastro pub is green beyond its name: Their LEED® certified building is environmentally safe, ultra efficient and leaves behind the smallest possible carbon footprint. “Gastro pub” is British for a public house that specializes in high-quality food served in a relaxed atmosphere. The Green Well’s creative menu features a global range of eclectic flavors prepared with ingredients from local farmers. Over 20 rotating taps focus on Michigan brews, as well as a vast selection of bottles, ranging from local and American craft to traditional European styles. The wine list features creative flights that encourage multiple wine flavors paired with food. Classic cocktails are also available. Their greenness also spills over to their guests who benefit from affordable prices and outstanding service by a fun, welcoming staff. Located at 924 Cherry Street in East Hills.

Bistro Bella Vita
Bistro Bella Vita

 

Fresh. Natural. Local. Mediterranean Countryside Cuisine. At Bistro Bella Vita, they go above and beyond to deliver the ultimate dining experience with top-notch, personable service, whether it’s a simple pizza and beer with friends, or an elegant chef’s table meal perfectly paired with appropriate wines. Their vision is to be West Michigan’s most respected restaurant destination. Guests enjoy Bistro Bella Vita’s unique downtown atmosphere and their creative cuisine made exclusively from fresh, natural, ingredients purchased daily from local farmers in season. The culinary team creates authentic, scratch-made recipes that blend the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean countryside with a perfectly paired beverage offering served by a devoted staff whose passion is to ensure your complete satisfaction. They’re located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, just west of the Van Andel Arena on Grandville and Weston. Make your reservation online or call them at 616. 222. 4600.

 

Stop by San Chez Bistro for the most unique dining and entertainment venue in Grand Rapids. San Chez Bistro offers a blend of authentic European and Mediterranean cuisine in a fun, laid-back, and artful atmosphere. Take a break from fast food with breakfast and lunch by San Chez Café, made with the finest local ingredients, and prepared to order fresh seven days a week. Enjoy omelets, scrambles, pastries, bagels, yogurt, fresh fruit, or the best sandwiches and soups in town. Appreciate gourmet fair-trade coffee and whole leaf organic tea while you linger with free Wi-Fi, or hold a breakfast meeting in our comfy café.

 

CityVū Bistro is Holland’s hotspot for all things fresh. Fryers and frozen foods are out. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, creative menu concepts, and healthy yet delicious dishes are in. Their 100% whole grain, hearth-baked flatbread, topped with unique combinations of savory ingredients, is the ultimate edible plate. Now you can have your plate and eat it too! If flatbreads aren’t your forté, choose from a diverse array of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and desserts. Regular menu revisions by their chef, including a monthly “Taste Of” feature highlighting the culinary nuances of international locales, will satisfy even the most discerning of palettes.

 

The JW Marriott signature restaurant, six.one.six, and destination lounge, mixology, offer the breathtaking blend of sophisticated urban ambience, palate-pleasing cuisine, as well as the finest wines and perfectly poured cocktails. But more than just a “pretty face,” six.one.six. takes its cuisine seriously. Dedicated to the concept of buying local, the chef’s pantry is bursting with locally grown ingredients, some of which are picked just a few feet away at the JW Chef’s Garden. The six.one.six. kitchen also participates in Sort, a recycling and composting program coordinated with Zeeland-headquartered Spurt Industries, which helps turn food scraps into top-quality soil for area parks. You’ll find dishes sourced from New Holland Brewery, Black Star Farms, Founder’s Brewery, and many more when you dine at six.one.six.

Downtown Market Grand Rapids
Downtown Market Grand Rapids

 

Downtown Market Grand Rapids offers farm to table dining, and everything in between. Visit in the spring and summer for their outdoor farmers market, where the best of everything fresh and local will be on display for purchase. The indoor Market Hall is open year-round, and offers everything from local produce, fish, meats, and cheese to restaurants serving tacos & thai food sourced from local ingredients. Downtown Market offers regular cooking classes & demonstrations to help you bring that fresh and local taste right into your own kitchen.

 

Not only can you tour a working dairy farm when you visit Country Dairy in New Era, you can taste the fruits of their labors in their Farm Store. Pick up your favorite cheeses, try one of their unique ice cream flavors, or visit the Fresh Meat Market for cuts of beef which are corn-fed and hormone free from Country Dairy’s own steer herd. They have a restaurant on site as well, so order a burger, wrap, or sandwich, and don’t forget about the bottomless cup of milk to go along with your meal!

Volunteer of the Month–Wyoming’s Own–Doug Broek

Local Faces,
Volunteer 3
Doug receiving his All-State VFW CMDR white hat and certificate. A very prestigious honor indeed.
Volunteer 2
Doug is a Volunteer Enforcement Officer and makes our community a safer place.

This man is on the go.  He’s always busy, doing what he loves best–Volunteering. Doug Broek makes our community a better place through his tireless efforts in helping others.  He is the winner of this month’s Volunteer of the Month recognition.

 

“I feel like I should give back to the community what I received,” he said during an interview with WKTV Community Media. ” I don’t want to become a couch potato.  Your mind starts to wander.  You lose everything you’ve lived for.” And what he lives for is to help people in need.

 

Doug volunteers extensively for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 702, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program–just to name a few. He helps Veterans through his volunteer efforts at their clothing room, bait shop, special events, Bingo and taking lock down vets for  long walks.  Doug raises funds by selling flags on Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

 

Through his work with RSVP he keeps the city of Wyoming safer.  He and his partner patrol the city for handicap and fire lane violations.  He does fingerprinting of kindergarten students at Wyoming Schools and house checks for vacationing residents. Does he ever get to see his lovely wife Joan? Let’s go straight to the source herself…  Volunteer 1

“He is way busier now then when he was working,” she explained with a chuckle. Why should people volunteer?  Our superstar Volunteer of the month explains:  “You are always kept  busy.  It helps expand your circle of friends and one develops such a sense of camaraderie.  Everyone should do it,” he concluded emphatically.

 

Editor’s Note:  This is the first of a monthly feature that WKTV Community Media has established to recognize volunteers in our area.   If you would like to nominate a volunteer who has made a difference give us a call at 261-5700 and ask for the Citizen Journalism Dept.

Sailors Overcome Tradgedy and Keep Coaches’ Streak Alive

Local Faces, Our Cities, Sports

South Christian girls golf team is headed to their 16th straight State Finalsmike_mollWhen someone asks what team or individual accomplishment in high school sports is the most impressive, many people respond with something pertaining to football or basketball. Those are the most publicized sports, as well as, events that attract hundreds or even thousands of people to them on a regular basis.

 

Over the course of covering local high school sports, I came across what I consider one of the most impressive accomplishments in Michigan high school sports history. An accomplishment in our own backyard that you’ve probably never heard of.

 

For 16 years this team hasn’t had the benefit of the crowd cheering them on. That has more to do with the sport they play where being a spectator requires you to be still and silent.

 

The sport is golf.  In this instance girls golf, and the South Christian Sailors deserve your respect.

 

This last week a streak was able to continue under very difficult circumstances after long time girls golf coach and teacher Rod VanDyke, more commonly known as Dyke, was struck and killed while riding a bike on Tuesday morning, October 7. After an all school assembly to inform everyone about what had happened, students were allowed to go home for the day or to remain at school to grieve with friends and their school family.

 

During that time, the team and Athletic Director Curt Copeland had a decision to make. The State Regional tournament was the next day, the qualifier for the Division 3 State Championship, but how could they compete after such a devastating loss? Copeland and the team came to the conclusion that Coach Dyke would want them to play.

 

The following day they not only played, but played extremely well! South Christian took 1st place to move on to the State Finals for the 16th consecutive time! They shot a team score of 357 which bested the runner up by 18 strokes.

 

The team consists of Juniors Nicole Hoekwater and Hannah DeVries along with Seniors Rachel Theule, Nicole VanderYacht, Marissa Smits, and Lauren Hofman. The Sailors next challenge is the Division 3 State Championship. The Championship will be held at Forest Akers East course in East Lansing this weekend (October 17-18).

 

In their 15 previous trips, the Sailors have won the championship twice, have been runner up five times, and have never finished lower than eighth.

 

What if, for just that one weekend in East Lansing, there were indeed hundreds of fans that gathered to support this group of girls? To show them just how impressive the streak on the playing field is, but also how much their efforts, talents, and dedication is appreciated and supported by the community.

 

But remember, quiet during play please.

 

Congratulations Sailors and Coach Dyke, you will be missed – job well done!

Community Still Matters at the Pumpkin Path

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation

douglas_broekIt was a dark and scary night… oh wait, that’s not how this story goes!

 

The sky was a bountiful blue and the sun wasn’t shy about showing its presence as hundreds gathered in Lamar Park for the annual Pumpkin Path.

 

Events like this are enhanced when the weather is cooperating, but it’s the people in attendance creating the feel of community and camaraderie. The flashing of white teeth and inviting smiles at every turn draw you in and create an environment of comfort usually reserved for mom’s home cooking. The City of Wyoming is ours, we share it, and the Pumpkin Path is a way for the Wyoming family to get together.

He's GRRRRRRRRREAT!
He’s GRRRRRRRRREAT!

 

There were 70 organizations and businesses to sponsor the fun filled night, with pumpkin carving, face painting, and tattoos for the kids to enjoy.

 

Parents sat back and soaked it all in, watching over their children taking in the fresh air and getting exercise without even knowing it. The kids would sleep well tonight!

 

Children aren’t the only ones able to let go, enjoy the moment, and enjoy being young. A father noticed Tony the Tiger and exclaimed to his son, “He’s GRRRREAT!” only to see his child start back at him with eyes of astonishment and wonder.

 

In a world wrapped up in electronics and the future, the Pumpkin Path is a way to go backwards. This isn’t an online community of people you’ll never meet. It’s your neighbors and friends, local store owners and new faces. It’s a community, it’s your community.

 

We hope to see you next year!Pumpkin Path

Bummed October is Halfway Over? Downtown Market GR is Here to Help

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Our Cities, Recreation
Downtown Market Grand Rapids hosts activities throughout the month of October
Downtown Market Grand Rapids hosts activities throughout the month of October

The Downtown Market Grand Rapids is bursting with all sorts of fall activities for kids, adults and families! We’re halfway through October, but there are still lots of fun classes and opportunities available!

 

Below is a list of the activities for the rest of October. Registration for all October classes on the Downtown Market site at http://www.downtownmarketgr.com/classes.

DANCE PARTY (Ages 21+)

Guests 21+: Dia de los Muertos Dance Party
Fri, Oct 31, 8p-Midnight
Cost: Free

 

Join us for a Halloween dance party to remember. The Downtown Market is hosting a free admission “Dia de los Muertos Dance Party” with music brought to you by DJ Adrian Butler. The party features a cash bar and costume contest among other spooky happenings. Come dance your mask off at the Downtown Market!

 

More Info: http://downtownmarketgr.com/classes-programs/dia-de-los-muertos-dance-party

FAMILY CLASSES (All ages, includes one adult and one child.)

Family: Spooky Sweets and Halloween Treats*
Sat, Oct 25, 10a-12p
Cost: $45

 

Celebrate Halloween with spooky cupcakes, scary cake pops, and creepy crispy treats, made by the whole family! Join Chef Jacob’s ghostly kitchen experience chock full of tasty spiders, eyeballs, witches, and black cats. Families will have fun turning everyday treats into creepy confections that are great for the lunch box or just to enjoy at home!

SOCIAL CULINARY CLASSES (Ages 21+)

Couples: Celebrate the Michigan Harvest
Fri, Oct 17, 6p-8:30p
Cost: $125

 

Ask any Michigan chef, and they’ll tell you that autumn’s bountiful harvest creates the best time of year in Michigan! With crisp apples and creamy squash, sweet corn and scrumptious pork, you’ll taste just how good October in Michigan can be. Join this hands-on culinary experience with Chef Jacob and create the perfect porchetta with apples, complete with amazing fall sides such as sweet corn fritters, delectable butternut squash soup, and savory apple tarte tatin.

KIDS & TEENS

Kids: Crazy for Cake Pops!
Tues, Oct 21, 5:30p-7:30p
Cost: $35

 

One of the hottest baking trends around…cake pops! They’re fun, their tasty, and iconic for Halloween! As they learn to mix, shape, mold, and decorate, kids will have fun turning these treats into jack o’lanterns, mummies, monsters, ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. All to take home and enjoy!

TECHNIQUE AND NUTRITION (Ages 16+)

Autumn Inspired Thai
Tues, Oct 14, 6-8:30p
Cost: $45

 

Join Chef Yang Hang in an exploration of the world of Thai cuisine using fresh local herbs and seasonal ingredients. This class is all about the discovery and creation of new autumn-inspired dishes based on traditional and authentic Thai recipes.

 

CAN you Gift It?
Wed, Oct 22, 6p-8:30p
Cost: $45

 

Preserve specialty foods just in time for holiday hostess or teacher gifts! Our resident canning guru Jolon Hull will help you through this fun, hands-on canning experience including: bourbon brown sugar mustard, pickled red onion, and vanilla extract. Beautiful mason jars with decorative embellishments make thoughtful foodie gifts!

 

Introduction to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Sat, Oct 25, 2p-4p
Cost: $35

 

This class is perfect for anyone who would like to know more about aromatherapy. You will learn what essential oils are and the benefits of including aromatherapy in your life. Once you have learned about the essential oils, you will have the opportunity to create a personal blend to take home and enjoy.

 

**This is not a Young Living or dōTerra product sales presentation**

 

Class is offered by Linda Bayer, RA.  Linda has been studying and practicing aromatherapy for over 15 years and is the owner of Bayer Essence Aromatherapy.

 

Meat with Montello’s: BRATober
Wed, Oct 29, 6-8:30p
Cost: $45

 

October is Brat Month at Montello Meat Market! Join owners Tony, Tina, and Hayley Larson for an evening of fun and meat education. Learn what goes into making Montello’s world-famous brats and sausages. Chef Jacob will show you how to prepare simple peppers and onions, we well as teach the history behind sauerkraut and how to make it! We will be sampling all of the food, then we will head down to Montello’s and stuff brats for you to take home!

GREENHOUSE CLASSES (Ages 16+)

Root Cellars – Preserving Root Vegetables for the Winter
Sat, Oct 18, 11a-12:30p
Cost: $15

 

Join us as we preserve the flavors of the fall! Our focus will be on experimentation with DIY root cellars for the winter storage of carrots, beets, onions, and other root veggies, as well as bringing herbs inside. All easy to do at home!

 

Terrarium Making Workshop
Thurs, Oct 23,
5:30p-6:30p Cost: $25
6:30p-7:30p Cost $25

 

Join Downtown Market Greenhouse staff for a session of tricks and tips on miniscaping your own little green world. We’ll provide the ingredients to build your own, including a selection of succulents, and care instructions for your nifty new terrarium.

MOMMY & ME (Ages 0-5, includes one adult and one child.)

Music & Movement
Fri, Oct 17, 10a-11a
Cost: $5

 

Listen to songs, dance, and make your own music as we play together.

 

Sensory Fun
Fri, Oct 24, 10a-11a
Cost: $5

 

Explore sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell through fun sensory stories and activities.

 

Little Pumpkins
Fri, Oct 31, 10a-11a
Cost: $5

 

Join us for some Halloween fun as we sing and dance with our friends in costumes! Decorate a spooky treat.

LUNCH AND LEARN

Preserving Herbs for Winter
Wed, Oct 15, 12p-1p
Cost: $10

 

Visit the greenhouse and taste herbs that will put you in a fall mood! We will discuss herb drying and preserving methods, as well as how to bring herbs indoors to sustain the winter.

YOGA (Ages 16+)

October 1–30
Every Monday & Wednesday • 6p-7:15p Every Saturday • 9a-10:15a
Every Wednesday & Friday • 7a-8:15a

 

Pre-Registration Rate • $10 Drop in Rate • $12 Purchase a 10-pack punch card for $90 and drop into any 10 regularly scheduled yoga classes. Don’t have a mat? Rent one from us for $1.

 

About the Grand Rapids Downtown Market

 

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is the region’s new choice for fresh, delicious foods and amazing public market merchants. The Market is a LEED Gold certified, $30 million, self-sustaining, mixed-use facility that brings together production, distribution, marketing and education about local foods and growing. It incorporates entrepreneur and experimentation space for both emerging and experienced food artisans and merchants including a 24-vendor Market Hall, large outdoor farmer’s market and two full-service restaurants coming soon, one of which will be a micro-brewery. More at www.downtownmarketgr.com.

Justin David Gustafson, A Modern Day Impressionist

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities
If you lived here, you'd be home
If You Lived Here, You’d be Home Now

susanne_albaitisArtPrize, a social experiment started in 2009 by Rick DeVos, has successfully turned Grand Rapids into an autumn destination for thousands of art enthusiasts.  Visitors have seen Nessie in the Grand River, a T-Rex at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and push pins assembled to form portraits.

 

Last week I had the pleasure of learning more about first time ArtPrize artist, Justin David Gustafson of Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Justin’s entry, If You Lived Here, You’d be Home Now is a two dimensional, highly textured oil painting created by layering each paint color with a palette knife.

 

The charm conveyed in the painting stayed with me, and as a lover of all things romantic and idyllic, the image captured in the painting satisfied both.  Although much of the foreground is painted in darker hues, the mood of the picture is light and happy.  This is more than just a house; it is a home, a neighborhood and a community.

Justin David Gustafson
First time ArtPrize contestant Justin David Gustafson and his entry.

The palette knife technique is a painting method that Gustafson began using about thirteen years ago.  Influenced by impressionist painters such as Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh and Camille Pissarro, his paintings have a unique identity in that they are heavily layered, but still have a soft essence.  He explained to me that they have a “soft essence without being literal”, which describes his work and impressionism in general, perfectly.

 

Gustafson’s art has taken him from Michigan to California and back.  This Ludington native earned a scholarship to Kendall College of Art and Design where he graduated with honors.  From there he moved between Illinois, Minnesota, California and Michigan before finding his place among artists in the Park Trades Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

 

The Park Trades Center is a 140,000 square foot building, housing over 150 businesses and 95 artists’ studios.  One of those businesses is Homestead Cabinetmakers where Gustafson spends his days creating custom cabinetry.  By night he retires to his studio, also located in the Park Trades Center, to create his layered works of art.  Having a studio separate from his home has greatly increased his living space where, in the past, he would be actively working on fifteen to twenty pieces at once.

 

When I asked Gustafson for words of wisdom for ArtPrize first-timers, he gave me an answer that applies to more than ArtPrize, it applies to life.  He told me that accomplishment takes discipline.  Take care of yourself.  It’s not just the goal – it’s the steps.

Justin David GustafsonIf You Lived Here, You’d be Home Now is on display at 50 Monroe Avenue NW.

 

To learn more about Justin David Gustafson and his art, please visit his website, http://www.jdgus.com/my-emergence-from-the-void/ or friend him on Facebook, “Justin David Gustafson”.

ArtPrize Public Vote Reveals 20 Finalists

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Reviews
Intersections by Anila Quayyum Agha
Intersections by Anila Quayyum Agha The only art piece to appear in both the people and the jurors top-20.

After 11 days of voting, the public has selected from 1,536 entries in four categories the 20 finalists that will continue on with the possibility of winning a $20,000 category award and ultimately the $200,000 Public Vote Grand Prize.

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. October 5, 2014 — ArtPrize, the radically open international art competition today revealed the public’s top picks, 20 works from among 1,536 entries that are now one step closer to winning the world’s largest art prize. Thousands of visitors filled Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids this afternoon to hear ArtPrize founder Rick DeVos and executive director Christian Gaines announce the Public Vote Final 20.

 

“Throngs of curious visitors encounter and consider work of contemporary art during ArtPrize,” commented Christian Gaines, ArtPrize executive director. “It’s a phenomenon that happens no where else on the planet. The public vote at ArtPrize is the ultimate catalyst for visitor involvement, inspiring countless conversations around what art is and why it matters.”

 

Over the course of 11 days, 37,283 individuals cast 352,732 votes, selecting five, entries from within each of four entry categories to move onto the second round. These 20 works have captured the public’s eye and will move to the second round of voting, where they will vie for the chance to take home $260,000 in prizes.

Tumbleweed by Nathan Lareau
Tumbleweed by Nathan Lareau

 

The new awards structure has allowed us to see for the first time direct points of comparison between what captivated the public and what the jurors found most interesting,” said Kevin Buist, ArtPrize director of exhibitions. “One entry made it onto both the public vote and juried award finalist lists, [Intersections by Anila Quayyum Agha], so the tension between the results of these two ways of assessing art is exactly what makes it so fascinating and valuable.”

 

The ArtPrize 2014 Public Vote Final 20 are as follows, in no particular order:

 

Two-Dimensional

  • Frits Hoendervanger | Autumn’s Passage | Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | Detroit, MI
  • Armin Mersmann | Gabriella | Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | Midland, MI
  • Sandra Bryant | Into the Autumn Woods | DeVos Place Convention Center | Lynden, WA
  • Gretchyn Lauer | Outcry | DeVos Place Convention Center | Grand Rapids, MI
  • Mark Middleton | Perspective | The B.O.B. | Petoskey, MI

Three-Dimensional

Time-Based

  • Nathan Lareau | Urban Tumbleweed | Cathedral Square | Grand Rapids, MI
  • Liz Roberts | Always Nowhere | Grand Rapids Art Museum | Delaware, OH
  • Robert Shangle | Your Move? | Harris Building | Sparta, MI
  • NewD Media | Peralux | Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Farmington, MI
  • Carol Roeda | Color Out the Darkness | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum | Ada, MI

Installation

ArtPrize visitors have one more opportunity to voice their opinion and decide the winners of $260,000 in prizes. Round 2 Voting kicks off at 3:00 p.m. EDT today, October 5 and will continue through October 9 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Each registered voter may cast up to 20 votes, one for each of the Final 20 entries during this second round. The winners of both the public vote and the juried awards will be announced at the ArtPrize Awards on October 10.

 

The conversation will continue next week at the two-part series “Why These Finalists?”. On both October 6and 7, a panel of three art experts will discuss half of the public and juried finalists in a lively, humorous, and irreverent debate — further exploring the tension between public and expert approaches to assessing art. Free and open to the public, “Why These Finalists?” will take place in the ArtPrize HUB Soundstage in front of a live studio audience, and will be broadcast live on WOOD TV-8.

 

ABOUT ARTPRIZE

 

ArtPrize is an international art competition, open to any artist and decided by public vote. It invites artists to try out new ideas on a large and diverse population of people. It seeks to broaden the critical dialogue around contemporary art by awarding the world’s largest art prize, at $560,000. Registered artists and venues connect online at artprize.org and agree to present the artwork for public display during the 19-day event. The public votes using mobile devices and the web to distribute $260,000, while an additional $300,000 in juried awards are decided by a group of international art experts. ArtPrize 2014 will include 1,536 entries representing 51 countries and 42 U.S. states and territories. ArtPrize 2013 attracted more than 400,000 active participants. Since its inception, individuals of all backgrounds have cast more than 1.7 million votes for public art.

Childhood Hobby Becomes Artist’s Passion!

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities

michele_smith-aversa

Mason Taylor – ArtPrize entry 56605
Mason Taylor – ArtPrize Entry 56605

A quiet, humble man sits in a borrowed chair in the lobby of Fifth Third Bank Building at 111 Lyon. He wears a beige baseball cap, button down green shirt and khakis. His hands are dirty from the bailing wire he turns around and around.

 

This man is Mason Taylor, originally from New Mexico, now residing in East Lansing. In his southwestern accent, he replies to questions with a soft “yes, ma’am,” or “no, ma’am.” After growing up on a ranch in New Mexico, he dedicated his life to being a firefighter. Unfortunately, he damaged his shoulder and had to take a hiatus from his live-saving work.

 

Moving to Lubbock TX, he recuperated his shoulder and also met and married his wife. Taylor picked up his career again as a firefighter in Vincent, IN for several years, before moving to East Lansing to be closer to his wife’s family.

 

It was in East Lansing that Taylor was chosen as one of seven ‘emerging artists’ at the East Lansing Festival this year. A friend remarked that he should also enter ArtPrize this year. Taylor said he would be glad to, “but first I needed to know what ArtPrize was!” Taylor laughs.

The Wire Horse Stands 10 Feet High and Weighs Only 25 Pounds!
The wire horse stands 10 feet high and weighs only 25 pounds!

 

Taylor’s entry is a horse crafted entirely from baling wire. Having grown up on a ranch, he’s been bending wire since he was a kid. “Baling wire would fall out of the truck,” he says, “we’d pick it up, so animals didn’t get tangled in it.” Making small animals out the wire quickly became a hobby. When asked where those earlier sculptures are now, he grins, “Aw, my mom probably has them in a shoebox somewhere.”

 

Taylor’s ArtPrize entry certainly won’t fit in a shoebox. The quarter horse, in a rearing up position, stands 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide – but weighs only 25 pounds! The sculpture took six-and-a-half months to complete and is stored in a garage when not being showcased in competitions.

 

So, when you are out and about during ArtPrize, stop by the Fifth Third Bank Building and say ‘howdy’ to Mason Taylor.

 

You can view and vote for Mason’s piece here – http://www.artprize.org/mason-taylor/2014/a-baling-wire-horse

The Head of Mason's Horse Made Entirely of Wire
The head of Mason’s horse, made entirely from wire.

 

No Horsing Around

Crime Prevention, Local Faces, Our Cities, , ,

 

Mounted Unit Barn

Have you ever been downtown Grand Rapids and had the feeling of traveling back in time? Or maybe you felt like a Mountie took a wrong turn and ended up here in Michigan instead of in Canada, eh? Turns out, it’s still 2014 and you’re still in Grand Rapids. You just happened to come across the Kent County Mounted Police Unit, and they’re not as old as you might think.

 

In 2003, the first section of Millennium Park along the Grand River opened up to the public. The natural trails, lakes, and streams inside the park made vehicular law enforcement difficult, and in some cases, impossible.

 

The Kent Country Traffic Squad had a tough assignment on their hands. How would they navigate the park without vehicles? The answer to that question required going back to the future, back to the days when horseback was the quickest way around. It required a mounted unit and a large fundraising effort of $1.5 million!

 

Flash forward nine years later and the Mounted Unit has a beautiful new home in Rockford.  Over 30 acres of land east of Rockford High School was donated for the cause. On that land sits a state-of-the-art $725,000 barn where the horses live and train.

The Stalls in the Main Barn
The Stalls in the Main Barn

 

The entire complex features 15 acres for the horses to roam, a 150 by 300 foot outdoor training area, 11 stalls, along with an 80 by 200 foot indoor training area in the main barn and another barn on the property with five more stalls.

 

Currently, the barn houses eight horses with the goal of bringing in two more at some point.

 

The Mounted Division isn’t just used for navigating parks, but is an extremely effective method of crowd control. “One mounted officer is worth 12 to 14 on the ground,” according to Traffic Squad Captain Donley De Groot.

 

All of the horses are gelding Quarter Horses with a height of at least 16 hands (a hand is equal to four inches). Training can take up to six-months with the goal to be “bulletproof”, with no possible “spooks”.

Horses Scout and Dewey with Captain De Groot
Horses Scout and Dewey with Captain De Groot

 

Officers aren’t chosen to ride the horses, but instead volunteer for the Mounted Unit, and that officer must be a member of the Traffic Squad. Training can take up to a year before the Officer is ready to ride in a live situation.

 

While the horses are a great way to keep a keen eye and manage large crowds such as New Years Eve and ArtPrize, they are downtown for more than just big events.

 

The horses are also special with regards to citizen engagement with the police, “You never have anyone come up asking to pet a cruiser,” said De Groot.

Bargains, Baubles, and Baked Goods

Local Faces, Our Cities

http://youtu.be/fdbVEcSUoh4

Video Courtesy of Nate Diedrich WTKV Community Media

Saturday, September 20, was a sunny, muggy, pre-fall day for Kentwood families to explore the Fall Flea Market, Craft Sale, and Bake Sale at the Kentwood Activities Center. The center, located on 48th Street between Eastern and Division Avenues, was a hive of activity. Lorraine Beloncis, the Senior Enrichment Coordinator for the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, was pleased, “We are completely full—41 booths were rented!”

Lorraine Beloncis with senior volunteers at the Bake Sale.
Lorraine Beloncis with senior volunteers at the Bake Sale.

 

Always a popular event, the fall market has been occurring for 15 years while the spring flea market is in its 26th year.

 

“They provide funding for the Senior Enrichment Programs including travel, card days, exercise classes, and special luncheons,” explained Beloncis.

 

The smell of homemade sloppy joes filled the vendor area, while senior volunteers manned the well-stocked bake sale tables, including home-canned jellies and jams made from fresh local rhubarb, strawberries and Michigan cherries.

 

The Flea Market, Craft Sale, and Bake sale is indeed billed as a “Trifecta of Treasures.” A one-stop shopping opportunity for back-to-school bargain hunters, connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship, and lovers of sweets. Booths included treasures from jewelry to wood working, collectibles to homemade soaps and lotions. There was even a booth for a free computerized neck and spine evaluation courtesy of Dr. Mark Wolfmann of the MaximizedLiving Center!

Esther Middlewood, Chairperson of the Kentwood Historical Preservation Commission
Esther Middlewood, Chairperson of the Kentwood Historical Preservation Commission

 

The Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission was represented by 15-year Chairperson Esther Middlewood, and Commissioner, Jackie Moore. Their welcoming table offered beautiful bound copies of The Story of Kentwood including stories of longtime residents, as well as historical facts about the city.

 

Ms. Middlewood was also there to let the community know that there are currently 2 vacant Commission seats available. If you are interested in preserving and disseminating knowledge of Kentwood, you are encouraged to contact the Historic Preservation Commission at (616) 554-0709.

 

Judging by the number of cars and shoppers, the Fall Flea Market was a great success. If you missed it, you can wait until spring, but in the meantime there are other Kentwood events coming up:

 

September 27, 2014 Free Quilt Show “Every Quilt Has a Story” featuring Bette Jones Boulding at the Kentwood Branch Library. Door prizes include a beautiful quilt donated by Charles Osborn , designed by Grandma Annie.

 

October 16, 2014 Huddle Up Health Fair and Flu Shots at the Kentwood Activities Center—355 48th Street. Information available from health organizations, and local businesses including beauty, health, home care, housing, education, employment, finances, legal aide, medications, mobility aids, nutrition and much , much more.

Robert C. Luders Joins City of Wyoming As Finance Director

Local Faces

The City of Wyoming has announced Robert C. Luders has accepted the position of finance director and will begin his service to the City on Oct. 13.

 

In his new role with the City, Luders will be responsible for directing the planning, organization and maintenance of finance services which include the City budget, audit, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, revenue administration, investment programs and fixed assets. He will assess and manage finance department operations, staffing levels, equipment and software to achieve the strategic goals of the department and the City as a whole.

 

Luders will assist the City’s leadership team and its individual departments to set and achieve financial goals. He will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining policies, procedures, internal controls, capital improvement plans, grant reporting and fee and rate setting for the City and its departments.

 

Luders will also work with the City’s human resources department, insurance consultants, third-party administrators and sponsors to administer the City’s insurance and pension programs, coordinate and provide oversight to the City’s retirement system, review investment activities and manage the City’s general liability insurance and process, applications, claims and renewals.

 

“We are very pleased Bob has decided to serve as finance director for Wyoming,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “His expertise will be a key component in our strategic plan and help Wyoming continue on its course of streamlined, economically responsible growth.”

 

Luders brings more than 30 years of experience in directing the functions of municipal and private operations, most recently as director of finance and purchasing for Portage, Mich.

 

Luders holds a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. A native of Chatham, N.J., he currently resides in Caledonia with his wife, Cathy.

 

For further information, visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov. You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofWyoming, and on Twitter @WyomingCityHall.

Back to School Means Back to High School Football!

Local Faces, Sports

WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of High School Football, starting with the season opener at East Kentwood on Thursday, August 28th, 2014. Then we will

bring you the game of the week every Friday night onLive Wire Comcast Channel 24 Metro-Wide @ 10:30pm and repeat Saturday on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 in

Wyoming & Kentwood @ 11:00am. Support your team in every way by going to their games and cheering them on,then watch the featured game of the week on WKTV !

Thursday   8/28   Everett @ East Kentwood Friday         

9/5  Caledonia @  South Christian

Friday   9/12   Godwin Heights @ Lee

Friday   9/19   East Kentwood  @ Grandville 

Friday   9/26   Greenville @ Wyoming

Friday        10/3    TNT @ Lee 

Friday        10/10  Hudsonville @ East Kentwood

Friday        10/17  Calvin Christian @ Kelloggsville

Friday        10/24  Wayland @ South Christian

New Jersey Artist Introduces his Car-Toon Truck to Metro Cruise

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities

1928 Roadster pays tribute to old cars and cartoons!

The Car-Toon Truck has a personality all it's own and yes, it is fully operational.
The Car-Toon Truck has a personality all it’s own and yes, it is fully operational.

 

janice_limbaughIt isn’t your typical old classic car in the street-sassy sense, but when the Car-Toon Truck drives up and makes a stop, heads do turn and eyeballs pop wide open for a closer look. That’s because this 1928 Ford Model AR Roadster pickup truck has been transformed into a historical documentary on comics dating back to 1896 and into the present!

Robert Luczun and his Car-Toon Truck were sponsored by Marge's Donut Den. Even the engine is airbrushed.
Robert Luczun and his Car-Toon Truck were sponsored by Marge’s Donut Den. Even the engine is airbrushed.

 

Robert Luczun from Clifton, New Jersey has spent over 3,000 hours of brush/airbrush art on the ’28 Roadster. It all started in 2004 when he bought the car and entirely rebuilt it. But Luczun took the project one step further. “Being an airbrush artist, I can paint anything – anything at all. I happen to love cartoons. I have them painted on my fence posts all around my house. I did it for my kids, they loved it. Now my grandkids love it. So I thought ‘Hey! Everybody love cartoons – I’m going to paint them on this car,’ and I did!” Luczun explains enthusiastically.

 

“I started out with the very first cartoon from 1896 (The Yellow Kid) and that’s painted on the backside of the rear view mirror. Then I kept going through present day. It’s gets harder and harder to fit them in as they come out, but I do,” he laughs.

 

The first time Luczun (a car lover as well as a cartoon lover and retired fine arts professor), took the car to Hershey, PA and the largest antique car show in the world, he admits he was worried about the reaction he’d get.

 

“This was a show filled with hard-core  Model-A guys. I thought they might hang me!” he laughs. “But I kept everything else about the car authentic except the paint. They loved it!”

 

Luczun says his next big challenge was introducing the car to artists at Comic-Con in New York City. “Some of these guys were the original artists and they said they wished they thought of it!”

 

Some of these same artists wanted to be a part of Luczun’s cartoon truck so they gave him original art plates to put in the truck bed.

Cartoon Car CP

 

“As you can see, this car draws people in like a magnet,” he added as a young family swarmed around the car for a better look. “And I wanted the car to do more than attract attention, so I decided to use it to collect money for the Wounded Warrior Project.”

 

With his son in the Air Force and having been stationed in Afghanistan, Luczun knows of the hardships veterans face. So on the side of the truck, Luczun created a donation box for the cause. He says the Car-Toon Truck helps him collect up to $5000 a year for the Wounded Warrior project and other veteran causes. The popularity of the Car-Toon Truck has car shows paying Luczon for an appearance. “And that money they pay me, gets donated as well.”

 

While Robert Luczun’s passions are comics and old cars, his heart is into donating time, talent and money to good causes, like helping the troops.

 

This was his first visit to Michigan with the Car-Toon Truck in what we hope won’t be his last.

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100_1748

Not Your Grandmother’s Quilt!

Local Entertainment, Local Faces,

Quilt #1

By: Michele Aversa

 

Another successful AQS Quilt Week in Grand Rapids has come and gone. More than 10 thousand people attended the expo recently which had approximately 150 vendors on site and over 400 remarkable quilts on display.

Quilt Woman with Two Gents

The event involved four days of classes taught by internationally praised instructors, contests with total cash prizes of $50,750, sales of sewing and long-arm quilting machines, quilting kits, appraisals, fabric bolts and jelly rolls of the newest and most exciting patterns of the season.

 

For a beginning quilter like me, it was a lot to take in at one time: Every corner of DeVos Place Convention Center was packed with crisp fabrics stacked high – brick reds, deep blues, autumn oranges and sparkling yellows filled my vision. Women were everywhere, talking with excitement, planning new projects, watching demonstrations of the latest techniques and recording it all on camera phones.

 

Yes, women were everywhere. Only a few men were brave enough to dip their toes into this fabric frenzy! The ratio of women to men was approximately 100/1.
My first stop was the exhibit by the international non-profit organization Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) Masters II. Included in their collection were quilts from the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa and many other countries.     Quilt #4

 

These were nothing like my grandmother’s quilts!

 

Where I was expecting blocks and triangles, I found fluid shapes and graceful contours. I presumed neon-bright colors would assault my eyes from every direction, and that dots and swirled patterns would plague the majority of designs. I learned quickly that it wasn’t the craft of quilting that was stuck in the dark ages – it was me!

 

Each quilt seemed to have been created using an artist’s brush, not fabric, needles and machines. The works were not bedspreads or blankets. They were extensions of their creator, the physical result born from a wisp of imagination.

 

Two in particular forever changed the way I think of quilting. The first, titled Woman with 2 Gents, by Leslie Gabriëlse– Rotterdam, Netherlands, at initial glance looked like a painting. I did a double-take. Dark blue and black plaid fabrics made up her long hair. Small scraps of textiles embroidered on her face became delicate shading details of her feminine features.

 

The second, titled Theatre, by Izabella Baykova – Saint Petersburg, Russia, also caught me off-guard. The work depicts 19 private boxes at a theatre, each containing different characters such as Dracula, 5 nuns, a mafia family and a bride. The intricate detail, impressive enough in a painting, is made all the more extraordinary knowing it is fabric and thread.    Quilt Theater

 

Another collection on display was a mix of heart and art. The traveling exhibit, “Quilted In Honor”, is a dedication to our servicemen and servicewomen. The pieces were created by celebrities in the quilting world to support Operation Homefront and The Wounded Warrier Project. The majority of the colors that were used were red, white and blue fabric. When the quilts finish their “tour of duty” in the spring of 2015, they will be auctioned off; the proceeds being donated to these two charities.   Quilted in their honor 2

 

The pièce de résistance was the internationally known 120-foot long Quilt of Belonging. The project began in the fall of 1998 by Canadian artist Esther Bryan. Each of the 263 blocks is 11”. The purpose of “Canada’s most comprehensive textile art project” is to celebrate that every culture is unique and beautiful in its own way. Materials from the specific area were used in the designs for each regions’ blocks, from cotton to seal skin, the gossamer wings of butterflies to silk. Finished in 2005 by Ms. Bryan and a team of dedicated volunteers, this remarkable cultural statement began its global tour, starting in the Arctic! For more information, visit their website.

 

Intricate to festive, subtle shifts of color to explosions in every block, winning quilts were on display at every turn. Some depicted sites, such as Arch Rock on Mackinaw Island (by Dorothy Janose & Karen McClurkin of Hastings, MI), and some celebrated the tradition of hand-sewn creations, such as 1st place winner for Hand Quilting, My Version of a Persian, by Christine Wickert, Penfield NY).

Quilt Belonging

 

“I’m on sensory overload,” said Mary King, first time Quilt Week attendee. “I couldn’t even do one square! It’s not just the design but all the work. It’s the execution, choosing the just the right fabrics and threads, and all the time it takes to put it together.”

 

I entered the convention center assuming quilts belonged on beds. I left the convention center knowing that quilts belonged in art museums. Quilt #3Quilt #2

Frankie V’s Pizzeria and Sports Lounge–actively involved in our community!

Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food
Frankie V's 8
A proud Grandpa–Frank Vitale holds his granddaughter close to his heart.

colleen_pierson

Frankie V's 6--use this one
Owner Frank Vitale on the job at Frankie V’s!

Frank Vitale, Owner of Frankie V’s Pizzeria and Sports Lounge in Wyoming, MI., believes in giving back.

 

“The community supports you, I have to give back,” he explained in a recent interview with WKTV’s Citizen Journalism program.

 

He grew up in a family who owns numerous restaurants in our area including Uccello’s Ristorante and Vitale’s restaurants.

 

“I started working in restaurants when I was ten years old,” he explained enthusiastically.  ” It is my passion.”

 

Frank was excited about taking part in this year’s Metro Cruise event.    He enjoyed seeing his customers have such a great time and the restaurant provided D.J’s and local bands to fire up the crowds during the event.  WKTV is also appreciative to him for providing a venue to sell raffle tickets for the 1970 Olds Cutlass Indy Pace Car Replica raffle.  Tickets can still be purchase online at 70OLDSRAFFLE.ORG.

 

“This is such a tight knit community.  Everybody knows everybody.  It is like a big reunion coming to work everyday and being part of the Wyoming area.”

 

Frank has four children and three grandchildren and takes great  pride in coaching football in Wyoming.   He also looks forward to the upcoming plans surrounding 28 West.

 

“This gives people such HOPE–such a renewed spark to bring people to our area,” he concluded.

 

Photo Credit: Janice Limbaugh

Frankie V's
Everyone at Frankie V’s took part in making Metro Cruise a big success!
Frank Vitale takes time out of his busy schedule to talk to WKTV's Colleen Pierson,
Frank Vitale takes time out of his busy schedule to talk to WKTV’s Colleen Pierson,

Mary and Molly–A Very Special Mother/Daughter Story!

Local Faces,
Molly and Mary 1
Photos by Macy Albaitis
Molly and Mary 3
Photo Credit: Macy Albaitis

susanne_albaitis

Molly VandeWater’s resume reads like that of most twenty-something’s. She has worked in restaurants, at the mall, has volunteered, plays the guitar and takes weekly dance classes. The only difference is that Molly has done all of that and she has Downs Syndrome.

 

I met with Molly and her Mom, her advocate and champion, Mary VandeWater at the Biggby Coffee on 28th Street in Grandville. We chatted for a little over an hour, touching on only a few of Molly’s many interests and accomplishments.

 

Molly came into this world ready for anything and everything. At less than one day old she had surgery to correct a pinch between her stomach and intestine. The surgery allowed her to digest food, but she still needed a second surgery on her trachea which would allow her to eat without a feeding tube. Mary spent two years battling with the insurance companies to cover the second surgery, and finally won. Molly went to Omaha, Nebraska for the corrective surgery and her health has flourished ever since.

 

When Molly began school, Mary wanted the teachers to “expect a lot out of Molly.”  Soon after Molly began elementary school in Wyoming, Michigan, she came home one day, found a comfy chair, turned on a lamp and sat down to read I Hate My Bow!, by Hans Wilhelm. Years later, when Molly graduated from high school, her elementary teacher gave her a copy of that book as a graduation gift. Her love of reading started with that book and has grown tremendously through the years.

 

After high school, Molly had two fabulous years at the Grandville Transition Center. Part of the center’s curriculum is real world experience for those with special needs. Molly spent her days working at Fazoli’s, Younkers and Big Boy. The Transition Center group also volunteered at Kids’ Food Basket and local churches. According to Molly, this is when she gained her confidence. Helping others and working alongside wonderful, supportive teachers gave Molly the extra boost she needed for the next chapter of her life.

 

Molly is now in college, taking classes at Grand Rapids Community College’s Noorthhoek Academy which was founded in 1989 to provide a college experience for special-needs students. Molly takes one class each semester and has already studied communications, China and photography.

 

For fun Molly participates in Shape Up!  This is a class that combines forty-five minutes of exercise with forty-five minutes of cooking/nutrition. Over the past year Molly has lost over thirty pounds and is teaching her whole family the benefits of healthy eating. She puts her cooking skills to work making her specialty, spaghetti and meatballs, on a regular basis.
One of Molly’s newer interests is a group called Young Life which meets at Calvin College once a week. The group pairs college students with special needs kids. Molly’s face lights up and her head goes back for a big laugh as she tells me about the whipped crème pies the college kids throw. But the group is about more than pie throwing, it gives both groups an opportunity to learn and grow from one another.

 

Like most mothers and daughters, Molly and Mary have a special bond. “She continually surprises me,” Mary said, with a smile that mirrors Molly’s. And I can see why. With Mary’s infinite love, anything is possible. She dug in her purse for a few seconds and then pulled out an information sheet for the 5K that Molly is running this fall.

 

For additional information on resources and advocacy regarding Downs Syndrome, please see the Downs Syndrome Association of West Michigan’s website at https://dsawm.org/

 

Photos by Macy Albaitis.

Molly and Mary 2
Photo Credit: Macy Albaitis

Wyoming High School Teacher Wins American Legion Teacher of the Year Award!

Area Education, Local Faces
Teacher #3 American Legion
Clark VerHulst accepts his award from the American Legion for Teacher of the Year Award!

To say he is a superstar, could be an understatement!

 

Government teacher Clark VerHulst has spent 29  of his 30-year teaching career at Wyoming High School. He graduated from Rodgers High School and has lent his talents to the district as a coach, teacher and an active community member.

 

He was recently awarded the American Legion Teacher of the Year Award. One of five teachers statewide–and the only one in West Michigan– to receive the highly prestigious award.

 

“I love having the opportunity to see young students grow and develop as people, he said during an interview with WKTV Community Media. I like to teach them life skills beyond the classroom—to me that is what it is all about.”

 

He was nominated by David Wheeler, a volunteer with the American Legion. VerHulst taught all four of Wheeler’s sons.

 

“He knows and cares about his students,” Wheeler said. “He has also been terrific to work with on the American Legion’s Boys and Girls State Program.”

 

This program helps students learn about the workings of our government and how it works.

 

Walk into Clark’s Government classroom and witness hands-on learning at its finest! Student’s take an active role by running for office and developing political campaigns.
“Everyone has to run for some type of office,” he explained. “They choose political issues and their personality traits make them special. You will see students dressed up, bringing in food, working on yard signs and endorsements.”

 

In short, there is never a dull moment in his classroom.

Teacher 2
Clark enjoys time with his family!

 

The students and staff at Wyoming High School should be awfully proud of the award-winner named Mr. Clark. He is a teacher that truly cares!

 

 

Robin William’s death leads to more depression awareness!

Community Health, Local Faces


Noted actor, comedian Robin Williams struggled with substance abuse and severe depression for many years.  His death, caused by an apparent suicide,  leads all of us to examine our mental states.

According to the University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Depression Center, one in six people will experience an episode of depression in their lifetime. Although depression is a common illness, it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.. Like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, depression is a serious, chronic condition that ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Depression does not discriminate. It affects men and women of all ages and cultural and economic backgrounds. Individuals with depression and the loved ones who support them have suffered without help or hope for too long.

WKTV’s Citizen Journalism program had the chance to examine the University of Michigan Comprehensive Depression Center (UMDC). Established in 2001, it is the first of its kind devoted entirely to bringing depression into the mainstream of medical research, translational care, education, and public policy. The Center is at the forefront in changing the paradigm of how depression and bipolar illnesses are understood and treated.

Their vision is the following:   Depression’s stigma will be a vestige of the past; people will be empowered with knowledge; better detection, outcomes, and fewer recurrences will be a reality; and prevention will no longer be a dream.

Resources for wellness

Depression can be a difficult illness to understand, particularly since no two people experience it in the same way. As part of the Depression Center’s mission to counteract stigma and prevent recurrences and progression, we provide clear, evidence-based information in a variety of formats to help people understand depression’s causes, its symptoms, and prevention and treatment options.

Our DepressionToolkit.org site provides the latest information on depression, bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse from leading experts in these fields. The Depression Toolkit stresses highly effective “self-management” techniques, offering a wealth of tools and other resources to help individuals with depression and related illnesses gain greater understanding about their condition, take charge of their wellness, and work toward improving their symptoms. It allows individuals to more actively participate in their own care and collaborate with their clinicians on their treatment plans. Visit the Depression Toolkit site to learn more: www.depressiontoolkit.org

Visitors to the Rachel Upjohn Building can browse the Friends Depression Education Resource Center’s lending library of print and video materials, including free brochures, pamphlets, and articles focusing on a wide variety of depressive disorders, as well as computer access to reliable mental health information websites. The Depression Center has also produced a range of brochures, factsheets, worksheets, and other tools that are available for downloading from our website.

This is the first of many articles which will address the issue of depression and programs available for treatment.    Go to their website, to learn more:  http://www.depressioncenter.org/health-information/

A Look Back at the Kelloggsville Neighborhood Block Party

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities

National Night Out-New 1 Although rain showers threatened, it didn’t rain on the more than 750 people whom attended the 6th annual block party for the Kelloggsville area.  The event took place on August 5 on the lawn of Kelloggsville School.

 

Since 2009 Kelloggsville neighborhood businesses, community groups, Kelloggsville Public School and Kelloggsville Church have joined together to create an annual block party that helps build community and celebrates diversity. The event is able to provide free food, interactive activities like a photo booth, an inflatable slide, a fishing derby, a craft tent from The Home Depot, a cash machine and door prizes provided by local businesses. There was also free dinner, ice cream cones and pizza samples for those who attended.

 

“This is such a vibrant community of individuals and we were blessed to gather for an evening to get to know one another better,” said Ron Bouwkamp, Specialized Transitional Pastor for Kelloggsville Christian Reformed Church. The church is located to the east of the school and helps spearhead the event. This year the event was held in conjunction with the National Night Out.

 

“This event gives local businesses the opportunity to give back and meet many of their neighbors,” said Deb Nol, Arie Nol Auto Center. “It’s awesome to see everyone come together to celebrate what makes this area special.”

 

Local businesses who participated included: Java Cone, Papa Murphy’s, 5th 3rd Bank, Fun Spot, Family Video, Bo Rics, Fun Services, KDL, Kids Life Bible Club, Kelloggsville Senior Parents and PTG, Kelloggsville Rocket Boosters, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Harold Mast, Culvers, The DOCK, The Pier, E. W. Karate, Home Acres Building Supply, Silver Bullet, Peak Perf, Arie Nol, Home Depot, Preferred Credit Union, Kelloggsville CRC, Kentwood Fire Department, Ride the Rapid – Silver Line Bus.

 

The pictures tell the story well!  Photographer: Chris Mulder    National Night Out-New 2National Night Out New 5

 

National Night Out New 3National Night Out New 8National Night Out New 6National Night Out New 4National Night Out New 7

Art Cruise 2014 sure to be a huge hit!

Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces

The West End Business Leaders on 28th St. are hosting an Art Cruise the entire month of August 2014.  Artwork will be featured at local businesses for the community to enjoy and purchase. The participating businesses are  Marge’s Donut Den,  Instant Cash (Two Locations), Grand Rapids Law Group , Edward Jones- Rich Wadsworth, The Chiropractic Doctors, NV Massage, Steve’s Antique Auto Repair, Lenger Travel, Hair By Cliff, Maximus Fitness,AAA Insurance- Diane Engelsman,  Park Center Lanes, Performance Plus Quick Lube,  Gremlin Gallery,  Brann’s Steakhouse & Grill,  Auto Finance Company, Aurora Pond, Good Motor Sales,  Right Way Auto, and Lindo Mexico and Frames Unlimited.

 

The featured artists are Carly Seyferth, Barbara Chavez, Joel Canales, Kenzie Robinson, Isaiah Soergel, Chad Moore, Connor Schwartz,  Amy Lee, Emily, Nathan VanderVeen, Shannon Sowles, Charlotte Ambrose, Candice Schoenborn, Catherine Buckley, Ardie Danneffel, Madalyn Hatfield, Dirk Hughes, Deb Jenkins, Holly Cooper, Angela Smith, Lordia Dipiazza, Brad Ecklesdafer and Robert  Goodwin.

 

Look for Art Cruise location signs at the listed businesses.  We hope the community will cruise on in to enjoy a variety of art. It is sure to be a fun, community event.

Focus on Ferals Cat Shelter Celebrates a New Location!

Local Faces, Our Cities

KittyAt the end of March, Focus on Ferals (FOF) Cat Shelter asked our dedicated readers for help in the article, Cats in Crisis Need Your Help https://www.wktvjournal.org/cats-in-crisis-need-your-help/. Due to FOF’s success and growth, they were in desperate need of a larger facility.
Thanks to the generosity of our readers, dedication of FOF’s volunteers and especially the unwavering faith and energy of the founder and Director, Gina Marvin, a new location has been secured.

 

Come out for the Grand Opening Party, meet the volunteers and visit the four-legged residents!

 

Sunday August 17th, 11-5pm
7962 Clyde Park SW
Byron Center MI 49315

 

Tour our Facility (Adoption Center and TNR/intake!)
Enjoy some refreshments
Meet the Kitties (and take one home!)
Raffle Prizes
Volunteer Opportunities
**August Adoption Special – All kittens/cats $50 kitten adoptions!**

 

Marvin, FOF’s founder and director, asks if attendees would bring a “housewarming” gift for the kitties or the shelter, if possible. Just one item! Such as:
Food, Litter, Toys, Beds, Cleaning supplies, Catnip grass –Anything that a house needs…they probably need it too!

 

Available cats: http://www.focusonferals.org/our-kitties/
Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusonferals
Adoption application: http://www.focusonferals.org/adoption-application

An interview with Wyoming’s Chief of Police James Carmody and Capt. Kimberly Koster

Crime Prevention, Local Faces, Our Cities

WKTV’s Citizen Journalism team recently had the opportunity to interview Wyoming’s Chief of Police James E. Carmody and Capt. Kimberly Koster about what’s new with the Wyoming Public Safety department.  This interview took place before the  recently reported double murder/suicide.   100_1299

 

They have revamped and improved their medical and firefighting team.   With the addition of three additional firefighters, and the  rescheduling of their hours–the response time has been cut drastically.

 

“We are now able to have more firefighters during the day,”  Carmody explained.

 

They have also done extensive fire training with paid, on call firefighters and public works employees to provide better service to the community.

 

Chief Carmody was appreciative of being able to purchase a quick response vehicle through the generosity of the City Council.  “This is the first mini pumper–utility truck,” he explained.  It is a safe, innovative vehicle which allows them to fight fires more effectively and quickly.  Firetruck Wyoming

On the police side, Vice Crimes are being solved through high tech methods.  Crime, Sex trafficking cases, illegal gambling, drug enforcement, and animal fighting are just a few examples of cases continually being monitored extensively with technology.

 

Koster and Carmody explained how they use analytics to constantly focus on high traffic areas.   photo 2 of police chief

 

“The correlation is high– traffic areas and high crime go together,” he explained.

 

Both Koster and Carmody are proud of the employees at the Dept. of Public Safety and the results they are gaining for the community.  In lieu of the recent tornado, they have been on the streets working diligently to help Wyoming residents in any way possible.

Meet the Candidates–WE THE PEOPLE!

Local Faces, Our Cities

WKTV Community Media Center produced video segments with individuals running for public office. Meet Franklin Cornielle–Democratic Candidate running for Kent County Commissioner and Michael Johnston–Democratic Candidate running for Kent County Commissioner. Also, meet Republican Candidate Emily Post Brieve running for Kent County Commissioner. Our Citizen Journalism website will continue to share all candidate’s messages/platform from now until the election is over.

Kentwood Resident Resource Meeting provides answers for tornado’s devastation

Local Faces, Our Cities

100_1231“Together Everyone Achieves More!”

 

This quote can be applied to the community support shown by Kentwood and Wyoming residents when the tornado touched down on Sunday, July 6. WKTV Community Media attended the Kentwood Resident Resource Meeting at Kelloggsville Christian Reformed Church to get a feel for how the community is bonding together to help others in need. The room was packed with hundreds and hundreds of people.

 

They came to show their support and find out about services offered in their time of need.

 

Please watch this video to see all the highlights of the event:

Judith Wylie Remembered

Local Faces, Our Cities
Judith Moss Wylie loved the City of Kentwood.
Judith Moss Wylie loved the City of Kentwood.

To her friends and family, former Kentwood City Commissioner Judith Wylie lived her life being more than an inspiration. She was “an energetic inspiration” even after suffering a major stroke four years ago that left her paralyzed and in a care facility. At age 80, Judith died on June 10, 2014 leaving a legacy of public service, goodwill and fond memories to the greater Kentwood community.

 

“She was a force and quite unique,” says Joanne Monnier, her friend for over 40 years. “The first time I met Judy was at Welcome Wagon. We were both new to Kentwood in the mid 70s,” she recalls. “I was immediately impressed with how intelligent, witty and energetic she was. She brought that energy to everything she did.”

 

A tireless volunteer, Judith not only raised two sons with her husband of 60 years, Robert,  but also served on the Kentwood City Commission for 20 years from 1981 to 2001. She also co-founded and was president of the Kentwood Women’s Club and a former president and honorary life member of the Sallie Bender Guild of Spectrum Health Butterworth. In all of her life activities, her efforts were committed and consistent.

Judith with former Kentwood Mayor Bill Hardiman and his wife Clova.
Judith with former Kentwood Mayor Bill Hardiman and his wife Clova.

 

“Everything she did, she did one hundred percent,” says Nancy Shane, administrative assistant to the Kentwood Fire Chief and a friend and co-worker of Judie’s for 30 years. “To me and others, she was a mentor, always there to help and encourage. She would take new appointees and run them through the ‘tricks-of-the-trade’ of city hall.

 

“To Judie, the city of Kentwood was her friend and that included all the employees who worked there,” says Shane. She recalls Judie wandering thru the halls during the holidays and wishing every single person a happy holiday. “She really, really cared for city employees. Even when I’d visit her  after her stroke she would ask me, ‘What’s going on at city hall? How is everyone?’ Her caring about the welfare of others was always on her mind,” Shane adds.

 

“At the funeral, you could see that Judie had friends everywhere because there were big groups of diverse people that had no connections to each other except for Judie. She was special to so many people.”

Judith relishing time with two of her four grandchildren.
Judith relishing time with two of her four grandchildren.
Robert and Judith Wylie on their wedding day in 1953. The couple met while working at JC Penney on the east coast.
Robert and Judith Wylie on their wedding day in 1953. The couple met while working at JC Penney on the east coast.

 

Both Shane and Monnier were friends with Judie when she organized the Kentwood Women’s Club, a club to enhance cultural, social, educational and civic opportunities for Kentwood area women. The club just celebrated its 30th year.

 

Judie’s community involvement extended further as a volunteer and former president of the Sallie Bender Guild of Spectrum Health Butterworth. The guild has been in existence for 62 years managing the hospital gift shops on a volunteer basis and turning 100 percent of the profits over to specific projects and programs. According to Monnier, now president of the guild, SBG was responsible for donating $1 million to the DeVos Children’s Hospital and $500,000 to the Meijer Heart Center.

 

“Judie was a tireless volunteer and supporter of the guild,” says Monnier. “And absolutely one of the best sales people we had at the Butterworth gift shop,” she adds, laughing. “She enjoyed working on the floor, talking to people and helping them pick out gifts. It was really another way she served people.”

 

Monnier admits that the passing of her dear friend has prompted inner reflection, saying, “As I look over the years, she was an influence in my life. I’m doing things now because of her. Her support and encouragement is what helped me become president of the guild. I never would have tried something like that if it wasn’t for Judie.”

 

Recently the Kentwood City Commission proclaimed June 17, 2014 as Judith Wylie Day in honor of her 20 years of commitment and service to the city. Bob, her husband of almost 61 years says he was thrilled to receive the honor from Mayor Kepley. Of his wife he says, “She was something special. She was a sweetheart.”hat

Known for her love of hats, Judie wore a different one to church every Sunday. She served as a former deacon at John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Known for her love of hats, Judie wore a different one to church every Sunday. She served as a former deacon at John Knox Presbyterian Church.
Judie considered the City and its employees her friend.
Judie considered the City and its employees her friend.
Judie with former U.S. Representative Vern Ehlers.
Judie with former U.S. Representative Vern Ehlers.

Alternative Students Challenged to “Be Phenomenal”

Area Education, Local Faces, ,

by Erin Albanese, KISD School News Network

Kentwood Public Schools, MI —  If you can survive on the streets, you can survive in school and, later, in the marketplace.  If you don’t, there will be very few options available to you, motivational speaker Eric Thomas told Crossroads high school students.

Motivational speaker Eric Thomas challenges Crossroads Alternative High School students to turn “street smarts” into school success
Motivational speaker Eric Thomas challenges Crossroads Alternative High School students to turn “street smarts” into school success Photos from School News Network

“You’ve been through a lot,” he said. “A lot of times you walk through those doors and they don’t know what you’ve been through.  You’re a survivor. You’re a warrior…you can survive all this stuff and you can’t survive math class?”

“It’s your world, it’s your life,” said Thomas, challenging the Kentwood alternative high school students. “There are no limits except the ones you put on yourself.”

Dressed in Nike pants, a cap, Jordan shoes and a sweatshirt with the words “Be Phenomenal, Not Forgettable,” Thomas spoke about how he went from being a homeless teen to turning his life around, obtaining his master’s degree and now pursuing his doctorate in education administration at Michigan State University. He is the author of the books “The Secret to Success” and “Greatness is Upon You.”

While consulting at Michigan State, he developed The Advantage Program, an undergraduate retention program targeting academically high-risk students of color. He consults with professional and collegiate athletes including MSU teams.

Eric Thomas talks to students while posing with senior Shonteonna Dempsey
Eric Thomas talks to students while posing with senior Shonteonna Dempsey

No Degree, No Options

He told students to figure out what they want to do and “do it with excellence” and that they can get through the challenges they face.

Born in Detroit, he said he grew up in a rough environment as the son of a teenage mother. Still, at age 43, he is thankful to his mother every day for her love and support. She was a big reason he got on the right path, he said. Now he works hard for his wife and two children.

“What’s your ‘why?'” he asked. “Why do you get up every day?”

He said his education and hard work means he has options in life. He can set his own price for his services and do what he wants to do.

“I got options I didn’t have in high school,” he said. “When you’re a high school dropout, you have no options… I guarantee in 10 years with no degree, everybody will be telling you what to do.”

He told students to stop being their own enemies, to use their street smarts to do better at school, and to break the cycle of poverty and lack of education in their families.

Working to Motivate

Monica Petriuc worked to bring Thomas to the school as part of the after-school ARCH program, which she coordinates. The program helps students work toward their goals of credit-recovery and graduation though academic work, field trips and community service activities.

She said it’s very important for Crossroads students to have positive role models like Thomas.

“Our school doesn’t get the merit or the attention it should,” Petruic said. “These are some of the most underprivileged kids. They don’t get the motivation or the hope that they are going to be somebody at home. We are the only ones that push them.”

Eric Thomas chats with senior Thomas Robinson
Eric Thomas chats with senior Thomas Robinson

Ongoing Relationships

Students introduced themselves to Thomas, some told him how much they were inspired.  Thomas promised to continue to help them. “Social networking makes it easy,” he said.

He promised students that his work goes beyond a speech. When someone takes the time to care, it means the world to students, he said.

 

“Now that the door is open I’m going to be the bridge to get them from here to where they want to be,” he said.

Freshman Kirk Taylor introduced himself to Thomas. He said he was moved by the message to not put limitations on himself.

“He came from a fatherless home; I come from one… He was a great inspiration to me,” Kirk said.

Senior Shonteonna Dempsey said Thomas was able to get the attention of students.

“Some of the guys asking questions usually don’t talk much,” she said.

CONNECT

Wyoming Department of Public Safety–Saving Lives!

Local Faces, Our Cities,

Wyoming police officers

Wyoming Department of Public Safety Marks One Year Anniversary of AED Deployment with a “Save”

Recognizing that police officers can be the first to arrive on the scene of a sudden cardiac arrest, the City of Wyoming implemented a program in March of 2013 that put Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in every one of the Department of Public Safety’s patrol cars.  The program was part of the City’s plan to combine police and fire services under one Public Safety entity.

 

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2014, the City’s program worked as intended when Police, Fire and Ambulance personnel were dispatched to a residence on the report of a 52-year old male not breathing.  Within just two minutes, Police Sergeant Corey Walendzik arrived on the scene, followed by Police Officers Dan Vlietstra and Kresten Green.  First on the scene, these officers began administering life-saving efforts using training and equipment that was previously available only to Fire and EMS personnel.  After confirming that the patient was not breathing and had no pulse, police personnel were able to use the AED to deliver a series of electric shocks to the patient’s heart followed by CPR until Fire Rescue and LIFE Ambulance could arrive on the scene to provide more advanced medical treatment.  As a result of a collaborative effort involving police, fire and EMS, the patient was breathing on his own with a good heart rate and pulse prior to being transported to the hospital.

 

“On these critical medical calls, minutes do count when it comes to someone surviving. Installing the AEDs in our patrol cars not only added much needed technology to our service capabilities; it put that same lifesaving technology closer to those who will need it the most.  We are extremely proud of the success of our police, fire and medical service members who worked together to help save this man’s life,” said Director of Public Safety, Chief James E. Carmody.

Mayor in Motion

Local Faces

colleen_pierson

Revised Kepley

 

He’s a man in perpetual motion. It’s been about six months since Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley took office and his days are fast-paced and he is always on the move.

 

“Lots of work and hours,” Kepley said enthusiastically. “You can’t do it by yourself. There are so many wonderful staff members doing an excellent job.”

 

Ordinance changes, code enforcements, budgets, event planning, partnerships, and mentoring are all in a day’s work for the busy mayor.

 

The first Saturday of May is Community Pride day in Kentwood.  All residents are encouraged to declutter, clean and get rid of stuff for free. Bring your own junk.  The city will take care of it.

 

Kepley is also excited about the huge 4th of July celebration in the community.  Plans are underway for a 5K run/walk, pancake breakfast, fireworks, and events for the entire family. Thousands of people will be in attendance.

 

During his tenure, Kepley is constantly evaluating work positions when individuals leave the city as an employer.

 

In the Human Resources area he continually reshifts, changes job descriptions, shuffles and divides responsibilities.

 

And as a result: “We were able to place another police officer on the street. This is great for public safety—More boots on the streets,” he explained.

 

Four directors are expected to retire from the city in 2014-2015.

 

Fiscal responsibility is of utmost importance to the city and Kepley has the support of his entire team.

 

“I trust managers to spend money like it is their own,” he enthused.

 

An upcoming project in the fall is a partnership with Kentwood Parks and Rec and local schools.

 

WKTV’s Citizen Journalism program will continue to keep you up to date on information from the Mayor’s Office.

2014 LaughFest Draws Thousands Worldwide!

Community Health, Local Entertainment, Local Faces


Grand Rapids was honored to have Michael Radner, Gilda's brother, on hand to witness the event. "Gilda would love that you're doing this," he told the crowd prior to setting the record. Mayor George Heartwell stands in the background.
Grand Rapids was honored to have Michael Radner, Gilda’s brother, on hand to witness the event. “Gilda would love that you’re doing this,” he told the crowd prior to setting the record. Mayor George Heartwell stands in the background.

                                                                                                                                              

Gilda’s LaughFest, the nation’s only 10-day community-wide festival of laughter, attracted 50,000 attendees from across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom during its fourth annual event. LaughFest officially kicked off on March 6 when 1,675 people broke the Guinness World Record for the most people wearing sunglasses in the dark.

 

Preliminary numbers indicate that nearly 50,000 individuals attended LaughFest’s 278 events (66 ticketed and 212 free) at 54 stages in Grand Rapids, Lowell and Holland. A total of 30,517 tickets were sold and visitors traveled from 593 U.S. zip codes across 35 states, and Canada and the United Kingdom. Attendances at the free events totaled 19,380.

 

In addition to the attendance figures, LaughFest officials are estimating the fourth year of the festival will have net proceeds of $235,000, bringing the four year total to $1,061,000. The money raised will support free emotional healthcare programs for children and adults living with cancer, grief and loss through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids (GCGR). Proceeds from LaughFest 2014 account for about 15 percent of GCGR annual operating budget.

 

“The community continues to come out and support the festival, and the important role laughter plays in emotional health,” said Wendy Wigger, president, GCGR. “Without their continued support, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids would not be able to provide quality programming and care. We look forward to continuing to spread the word about Gilda Radner’s vision, while raising the visibility of Grand Rapids and West Michigan on a national level.”

 

Almost 900 artists appeared at LaughFest, with 170 headliners and artists who participated in the ticketed events during LaughFest, and a total of 729 people from 27 states such as Arizona, California, Florida, along with Canada performed during the free showcases.

 

Artist Michael Gehl, of Milkshake, noted LaughFest provides a positive experience for those who perform. “We came to Grand Rapids as strangers and felt like we left with many new friends,” he said. “The audiences were enthusiastic and open-minded, folks on the street were friendly and helpful and the LaughFest staff was wonderful. It felt like an event and a city with a strong sense of purpose and positivism.”

 

“Without the amazing staff, volunteers, talent, community partners, sponsors and community support we would not be able to put together such an amazing event year-after-year,” said Wigger. “We are grateful to everyone who supports this event and cause, including our 370 sponsors and partners, 1,200 volunteers and all who attended LaughFest 2014. Together we’re able to build the success of the festival, bring dollars into the local economy and share a collective laugh while enjoying a wide variety of all things seriously funny!”

 

Call 616-735-HAHA (4242) to learn more about Gilda’s LaughFest.

 

Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids provides free emotional healthcare to children adults, families and friends on any kind of cancer journey or those grieving the death of someone in their life due to any cause. The comprehensive program, delivered by licensed healthcare professionals includes education, structured sharing times, networking, lectures, workshops and social activities. Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is one of the largest and busiest of the 52 affiliates in North America. The organization runs entirely on charitable donations and currently serves more than 10,000 individuals each year at its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., in various schools and in five community centers. For more information, visit www.gildasclubgr.org.

Announcing the 2014 Eclipse Award Nominees!

Local Entertainment, Local Faces

For Facebook

janice_limbaugh

Congratulations to All!

 

After receiving a record number of entries, the nominees for The 2014 Eclipse Awards have been selected by judges in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles and London, based on a process of scores.

 

The Eclipse Awards showcase the best in West Michigan’s film, video, and television community. Sponsored by WKTV with the West Michigan Film Video Alliance, an Eclipse is awarded to locally produced media for outstanding work in the crafts and several primary categories. The mission of the Eclipse event is to inspire and enhance the West Michigan “voice” in mediums of television, film, sound, and web, and to be recognized for excellence among international, national, and regional judges.

 

All nominated works listed below are eligible for the Eclipse People’s Choice Award. These will be available on the Facebook site for viewing and voting by the General Public. The Eclipse People’s Choice Award is new this year and will have one winner.

 

The following nominees in each category will be selected by the judges for the final award. The results of the tabulation from all judges are kept secret until the night of the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2014. The “Excellence in Craft” Awards Ceremony will be televised live by WKTV from City Flats Ballroom on Monroe Center in Grand Rapids.

Film and Digital

NARRATIVE FEATURE LENGTH

“Black Paper” –  Joshua Courtade, Producer

“Dogman 2: The Wrath of the Litter” –  Rich Brauer, Producer

“Lone Rivers” –  Jordan Foster, Producer

NARRATIVE  SHORT

“Cactus” –  Alyson Cailaud-Jones, Producer

“County Sheriff: Domestic Dispute” – Ryan Webber, Producer

“Dave and the Technicolor Toolbelt” – Clayton Saren, Producer

“Melonhead” – Andy Fortenbacher, Producer

“Moths” – Andy Fortenbacher, Producer

“The Forever People” – David Phifer, Producer

 Cinema Trailer

“Finding Home” – Ryan Webber, Producer

 Documentary

“Missio Dei” – Corwin Tobias, Producer

Television (Broadcast & Cable)

 Local TV and Cable 60 Minute Slot

“Lare Williams and New Direction: Detour Ahead” – Patty Williams, Producer

Local TV and Cable 30 Minute Slot

“Feel Like You Belong: Brayan Pena Show” – Alan Headbloom & Kim Roberts, Producers

“The Redeeming Duck” –  Angela Peavey Producer

 Local/Regional Segments and Promotional Pieces

“Local Treasures United Bank” – Ben Wilke, Producer

“Makeover” – Glen Goen, Producer

“MeasureUp” – Glen Goen, Producer

“Mortgage” – Glen Goen, Producer

“Movieland” – Jeffrey Goodrich, Producer

 On-line

 Online Programs Segments or Promotional Pieces

“2013 KCAD Digital Media Reel Titles” – Matt Taylor, Producer

“616 Lofts” – Matt Taylor, Producer

“Griffins Promo” – Chris Penney, Producer

“HUGS Ranch” – Mike Kren, Producer

“Soft Spring Carpets” – Ben Wilke, Producer

Branded Content

“Nutrilite Nutrikids” – Mike Kren, Producer

Crafts

Direction

“Dogman 2: The Wrath of the Litter” –  Rich Brauer

“Lone Rivers” –  Jordan Foster

“Melonhead” – Andy Fortenbacher

“Moths” –  Andy Fortenbacher

“Movieland” – Jeffrey Goodrich

Writing in Produced Content

“Dogman 2: Revenge of the Litter” – Rich Brauer

“Movieland” –  Jeffrey Goodrich

“Soft Spring Carpets” – Ben Wilke

Cinematography and Videography

“Cactus,” – Alyson Caillaud-Jones

“Dogman 2: The Wrath of the Litter” –  Rich Brauer

“HUGS Ranch” –  Mike Kren

“Nutrilite Nutrikids” – Mike Kren

 Editing

“616 Lofts” – Matt Taylor

“Finding Home” – Ryan Webber

“Griffins Promo” – Chris Penney

“HUGS Ranch” – Mike Kren

“Missio Dei” – Corwin Tobias

Visual Effects (Both CGI and Makeup)

“2013 KCAD Digital Media Reel Titles” – Matt Taylor

“The Forever People” – David Phifer

 Original Scoring

“Cactus” – Alyson Caillaud-Jones

“Lare Williams and New Direction: Detour Ahead” – Patty Williams

 Acting

“Black Paper” – Joshua Cortade

“County Sheriff: Domestic Dispute” – Ryan Webber

“Free Pie” – Ralph Lister

 

A Quiet Shooting Star

Area Education, Local Faces

kathy_grayThere are high school students who make the front page with an amazing one-handed touchdown catch or a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, but there is a young lady who is a shooting star at East Kentwood and her specialty is academics.

 

Kaitlin Williams is sailing through her senior year at East Kentwood with a grade point average of 4.465. To her, knowledge is her goal and academic pursuits are her passion.

The quiet shooting star, Kaitlin Williams, is passionate about knowledge. Photo by Kathy Gray
The quiet shooting star, Kaitlin Williams, is passionate about knowledge. Photo by Kathy Gray

 

I met with Kaitlin to discuss her advancement to the state finals of the Michigan History Day competition. The theme of this year’s competition is Rights and Responsibilities. In what began as a class assignment for Advanced Placement U.S. History, Kaitlin found herself stepping outside of her usual field of interest, science, and researching the early forms of religion and their evolution to monotheism.

 

Upon researching their selected topic, students choose to present their work as a paper, an exhibit, a performance, a documentary, or a web site. By employing a green screen and a Mac computer, Kaitlin worked independently to create her documentary; literally researching, writing, directing, narrating, filming, and editing her entry.

 

“It was a challenge,” she admits. “I had hours more video than I needed. It was difficult to edit it to ten minutes.”

 

Her documentary entitled “Monotheism: A Baby Story” explores how the circumstances in which monotheism arose and affects the way the religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism view land ownership and the rights of groups of people.

 

“I am especially interested in how the polytheistic religions of Mesopotamia evolved into Zoroastrianism (the first monotheistic religion) and how this interaction encouraged or even caused the rise of urbanization and the world we know today,” explains Kaitlin. She went on to recount how conquering nations would force smaller polytheistic peoples to adopt their monotheistic beliefs.

 

When asked about her personal faith life, Kaitlin speaks from the point of view of an observer. Although she says she is not a churchgoer, she is interested in the discussions her fellow students have about their religious beliefs.

 

“I have many friends who are actively involved in their faith or church, whether they be Christians, Jews, or Muslims.”

 

A wisp of a young woman, Kaitlin is an all-star in the academic arena. Beginning in sophomore year, Kaitlin has worked her way through the toughest classes at East Kentwood starting with A.P. World History and 2 A.P. level economics classes. Junior year she tackled A. P. Psychology, A. P. Language and Composition, A. P. Calculus, and A. P. Chemistry. As a senior she is currently taking A.P. Literature and Composition, A.P. Biology, A.P. Physics, A. P. U.S. History, and A. P. Statistics. Whew!

 

With school labs starting at 6:30 a.m. and a full day’s schedule of classes to follow, Kaitlin is a self-proclaimed “master of time management!” And she would have to be as she is also a Senior Captain of the track and field team at East Kentwood. In addition to her study workload, Kaitlin stays after school to train and mentor others in hurdling competition and the 4 x 4 relay.

 

Having taken her Advanced Placement College Board exams, Kaitlin has passed most with a top rating of “Extremely Well Qualified” – a sure sign she is excited about the opportunity to study at the college level. Although she has applied to as many as 11 universities and colleges, she has yet to decide where to attend. Regardless of where she goes, Kaitlin knows what she’d like to be doing in 10 years.

 

“I hope to be finished with a PhD in Biology and making a contribution to our knowledge of organic processes and interactions.”

MI History Day lgo

 

Meanwhile, Kaitlin’s documentary will advance to the Michigan History Day competition at Saline High School on April 26. 2014. Participants are encouraged to revise their work before submission to each new level.

 

“I think I would like to interview a rabbi, a caliph, and a priest to get their views, but maybe not in the same room at the same time!” If chosen to advance at this level, Kaitlin will head to the National History Day event in Maryland in June. Natl Hist Day lgo

 

When asked if there are prizes at this level Kaitlin demurs, stating that she has not checked into that yet. Upon researching the competition, the winning documentary can win $1,000. It seems to me that the knowledge and experience of participating give Kaitlin the most satisfaction from this project; any medals or cash prizes would just be the icing on the cake.

 

Kaitlin is an example of the many quiet shooting stars in our local schools. She has devoted herself to learning and knowledge, the same way a sports star or musician practices their craft. Headlines for academic all-stars seem too few and far between. Yet quietly and confidently Kaitlin Williams is sure to be a success in whatever she chooses to pursue.

Fun Facts: 2014 Winter Weather Trivia

Local Faces

michele_smith-aversaPeople love to talk about the weather. It is usually the first item mentioned in a meeting, “Sorry, I’m late, it’s coming down in sheets out
there!,”  the go to topic of strangers, “So, cold enough for ya’?,”  and it is considered the sign of the demise of a relationship – “Is that all we have left to talk about, darling, is the weather?”

To help you be more fascinating at your next meeting or party, I contacted Brandon Hoving, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, for some fascinating facts and weather trends.

*Statistics based on records dating back 122 years to 1892

 Winter Facts for Grand Rapids:

*2nd snowiest winter, with 114.2”. Average snowfall is 73.4”.

*7th snowiest December, 7th snowiest January and 8th snowiest February.

*2nd highest snow depth was on February 18 at 24”. This was a record for February!

*March peak snow depth was 20”, which was a new record for March!

 Temperatures for Grand Rapids

January was the 15th coldest

February was the 11th coldest

March was the 4th coldest

December – March (core of winter) was the 4th coldest

Lakes:

~~On March 8, Lake Michigan was 93.29% iced over. This set a new record! The last record was in 1977 at 93.1%.

~~The Great Lakes overall peak ice coverage was 92.19% in early March. This was not a new record, but it was one of the highest recorded (records for this statistic only date back to early 1970’s).

~~Lowest lake level recorded for Lake Michigan was in 2012. The levels have been slowly increasing and continue to date. “Snowy winters help keep the lake levels up.”

 Days of Sun:

҉  December – February had an overall average of 21% sunshine. This, according to Hoving, “is the cloudiest time of the year and therefore not unusual.”

 ҉  Fun Fact – Grand Rapids is the only city that records daily minutes of sunshine anymore. The instruments were decommissioned by the National Weather Service five years ago.

When asked for predictions of future weather, Hoving reported:

▪ Cooler than normal spring for April and May.

▪ End of May/early June we should start to see consistent temperatures of 70 degrees and higher.

▪ “With a prolonged cooler spring,” states Hoving, “the lakes will see a slower start to the warmer temperatures.” Lake July/early August is the time period when Lake Michigan reaches its warmest point, around 65-70 on average.

And what about autumn/winter 2014? “El Nino temperatures will help determine the weather patterns,” says Hoving. “If the ocean temperatures are warmer than normal, then our autumn may be warmer than normal.” However, that prediction will have to wait a few more months.

Until then, we will cherish every ounce of sunshine and every day without snowfall!

City of Kentwood helps local University!

Local Faces, Our Cities,

Pictured left to right are Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman, James Schaefer, Ph.D., Life EMS Paramedic Paul Pladziewicz II, and Kentwood Police Officer Bill Olenzuk.
Pictured left to right are Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman, James Schaefer, Ph.D., Life EMS Paramedic Paul Pladziewicz II, and Kentwood Police Officer Bill Olenzuk.

 City of Kentwood donates hand held portable radios to Lake Superior  State University

 

In a recent Kentwood City Commission action, approval was given to Fire Chief Brent Looman to donate 20 older hand help portable radios to Lake Superior State University’s Fire Science, Criminal Justice and Paramedic programs.

 

Receiving the donated radios was James Schaefer, Ph.D., Chair of the Fire Science, Criminal Justice and Paramedic programs. Lake Superior State University is the only state university in Michigan that offers Undergraduate degrees in all three of these professions.

 

The City of Kentwood has previously donated fire fighter turnout gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SBCA) to LSSU’s Fire Science program and they continue to be a partner with LSSU providing internships for individuals in the Fire Science program.

 

All of  individuals in the picture are Alumni of the Lake Superior State University, along with several other police officers and fire fighters of the City of Kentwood.

Words with Retired Fire Chief Austin

Local Faces, Our Cities,

by Janice Limbaugh

Retiring Wyoming Fire Chief Bob Austin is surrounded by well wishers during his retirement party on March 3rd.
Retiring Wyoming Fire Chief Bob Austin is surrounded by well wishers during his retirement party on March 3rd.

Retirements, as retirements go, are considered special milestones. But the March 3rd retirement of Wyoming Fire Chief Bob Austin went above and beyond the typical retirement party expectation, and for good reason. Chief Austin’s retirement not only celebrated his 37 years of service to the city of Wyoming, but it punctuated an incredible 85-year legacy of having one or more Austin family member working in the city’s fire department. The dedication that started with Chief Austin’s grandfather, Edward Tilma, in 1929 carried over to his father James Austin for 43 years, and on to Bob from 1977 to 2014. Each man serving as Wyoming Fire Chief.

 

Meanwhile, Chief Austin’s uncle, Robert Tilma, also served one year with Wyoming in addition to 29 years with the Grand Rapids Fire Department as Equipment Operator/Dispatcher. The family is proud to note that these four men have given 146 years of combined service to firefighting!

Gifts and memorabilia of years of service.
Gifts and memorabilia of years of service.

 

As if that tidbit of information didn’t make the day special enough, March 3rd was also,  DSC00675coincidentally, the Chief’s 55th birthday – Wyoming/Kentwood NOW couldn’t help but wonder, ‘It’s your birthday and your retirement day – was this your gift to yourself or a promise to your family?’

 

Chief Austin: This did turn out to be a gift to me but actually that was the date that I reached my retirement age and so, after 37 years with the department, it was just time to leave. I have always said that the Fire Service is a ‘young person’s job and when you reach retirement age, you should go, so I was practicing what I preached.

Friends and colleagues line up to add well wishes to the Chief's guest book.
Friends and colleagues line up to add well wishes to the Chief’s guest book.

 

Wyoming/Kentwood NOW:  You had a heck of a turn out – how does that make you feel?

 

Chief Austin: I did indeed have a huge turn out which was truly overwhelming, and I was very humbled by it all…. sometimes you don’t realize the impact you have in your field.

 

Wyoming/Kentwood NOW: What would you say is your fondest memory of being Fire Chief?

 

Chief Austin: My fondest memory is reaching the goal of being Fire Chief – to be able to serve in a leadership position as my Father and Grandfather did and represent the Wyoming Fire Department, throughout the community as well as the State.

WKTV's Nate Diedrich (foreground) records Chief Austin's retirement presentation. Wyoming Police Chief Carmody speaks with Chief Austin beforehand.
WKTV’s Nate Diedrich (foreground) records Chief Austin’s retirement presentation. Wyoming Police Chief Carmody speaks with Chief Austin beforehand.

 

Wyoming/Kentwood NOW: So what are your plans for now?

 

Chief Austin: The first few weeks of retirement I am staying busy writing thank you notes! But I’m planning to stay involved in some of the regional committees that I have been a part of, and to enjoy the summer with my wife.

 

Wyoming/Kentwood NOW: When you spoke about your service, you said you couldn’t have done it without your wife Brenda. When duty called you had to drop everything  and leave it in her hands – 

 

Chief Austin:  Yes, even the dinner check once!

 

Wyoming/Kentwood NOW: So she has been patiently waiting for this moment to arrive and it has. Now you’re off on a new adventure together! The only thing that I can think of that would make a perfect ending to a great story is if there Austin relatives stepping in to carry on the family legacy of serving the Wyoming Fire Department?

 

Chief Austin: No, not at this time.

W

ell it’s understandable that after 117 years of serving the Wyoming community, this family can step back and change course. All good thing must come to an end, but the long run has definitely been appreciated by the community. With that said,  Chief Austin, his wife Brenda along with their grown daughters, Liz and Courtney, have the blessings of many to enjoy this new chapter of life together.

Blue Star Mothers Welcomed!

Local Faces, Our Cities

Photos and story by Pat Moll

Pictured from left to right: Senator Mark Jansen, Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, Blue Star President Patty Alexander, Representative Winnie Brinks & Senator David Hildenbrand.
Pictured from left to right: Senator Mark Jansen, Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, Blue Star President Patty Alexander, Representative Winnie Brinks & Senator David Hildenbrand.

Nearly 75 people turned out Tuesday evening for the installation of MI-191 South Kent Blue Star Mothers branch. Honored guests included State Senators, Mark Jansen, Tonya Schuitmaker, David Hildenbrand, Representative Winnie Brinks, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley & Wyoming Chief of Police James Carmody. A flagline was provided by the Patriot Guard Riders.

Rick Sturim lighting candle on the POW/MIA Table.
Rick Sturim lighting candle on the POW/MIA Table.

 

Auxiliary President Gloria Hall standing with President Patty Alexander.
Auxiliary President Gloria Hall standing with President Patty Alexander.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley visits with a veteran.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley visits with a veteran.
Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line
Patriot Guard Riders Flag Line