Category Archives: Non-Profits

Local non-profit, long an advocate for persons with disabilities, gains grant to expand service coverage

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  • Before and after — wheelchair access to homes is often an issue for disabled persons, according to Disability Advocates of Kent County. (Supplied)
  • Before and after — wheelchair access to homes is often an issue for disabled persons, according to Disability Advocates of Kent County. (Supplied

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


Disability Advocates of Kent County, set to open a new headquarters in the new Special Olympics of Michigan campus in Byron Township and already one of the region’s leaders in advocacy for persons with disabilities, is set to become even more of a force for good in the region.

Disability Advocates has received a $975,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that will enable the organization to make “safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income senior homeowners that allow them to age in place,” according to an announcement from the non-profit.

The three-year grant will help 150 seniors in Allegan, Ionia, Mecosta, Montcalm, and Osceola counties — and there is anecdotal evidence that keeping seniors in their home environments longer is better for the seniors mental and physical health.

David Bulkowski, executive director of Disability Advocates of Kent County. (Supplied)

“While we do not have direct evidence for this, it would be safe to suggest that it is so as low-income folks have fewer financial resources to address the barriers themselves and would be more stressed by simple barriers in their homes and could lead to feelings of loneliness and despair,” David Bulkowski, executive director of Disability Advocates, said to WKTV.

Disability Advocates was the only organization in Michigan out of 32 nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and public housing authorities nationwide to receive an award from HUD’s $30 million “Older Adults Home Modification Program”, according to the announcement.

The national goal is to deliver home modification services to more than 5,000 qualified beneficiaries in primarily rural areas.

The move to expand its services into more rural areas of West Michigan is part of a natural growth for the group.

“Our work began in Kent County and almost only in the Metro Six cities as we were pretty small back then,” Bulkowski said. “From there we spread out throughout the county and especially with Senior Millage funding in Kent County.
 

“As for other counties, we would ‘sneak out’ into Ionia and Montcalm and Mecosta and Osceola to a lesser degree through the years as much as our funding allowed. This new grant has enough capacity that we can assertively market the services availability in those four counties and Allegan.”

And while Disability Advocates offers a wide range of advocacy and services, facilitating often simple but often very necessary home improvements and repairs has always been one of its goals.

Grant-funded services and qualifications

Examples of the home modifications which are available through Disability Advocates include installation of grab bars, railings, and lever-handled doorknobs and faucets, as well as the installation of adaptive equipment, such as non-slip strips for tub/shower or stairs, according to the announcement. These enhancements will enable older adults to remain in their homes — to “age in place” — rather than move to nursing homes or other assisted care facilities.

Working with persons with disabilities, for Disability Advocates of Kent County, is often just listening to client’s issues such as wheelchair access, and the working on solutions. (Supplied)

The HUD grant was awarded in August 2021. For the past several months Disability Advocates has been finalizing its project plan and is now sharing the information in the rural counties to find senior homeowners that could benefit from these services.

To qualify, recipients need to be age 62 or older, have proof of ownership for the dwelling they live in, and have income that does not exceed 80 percent of the median income for their area. For more detailed information visit Disability Advocates of Kent County at dakc.us.

“This is an exciting endeavor for our organization because, as our name implies, we focus on Kent County, but the same needs apply to our friends in neighboring counties, so we are eager to expand our reach with this programming,” Bulkowski said in supplied material. “We are very grateful to our state representatives who guided as through the application process.”

One of the governmental advocates for the Disability Advocates’ grant was Kent County’s U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer.

“I am pleased that HUD recognized the good work Disability Associates of Kent County does for our community, and I know their organization will use this award to improve the lives of seniors right here in West Michigan,” Rep. Meijer said in supplied material.

New facility but same goals

Providing home assessments and independent living solutions have long been a “cornerstone” of the 41-year-old organization and will continue to be a major portion of the services it intends to offer at is soon-to-open new headquarters.

In September 2021, Disability Advocates announced the Building Opportunities, Creating Independence campaign, a $2.5 million fundraising effort to move their headquarters to the Special Olympics campus. To date, the campaign has reached 90 percent of its goal and plans to move into its new space in late April 2022.

“We are on track to open for operations at SOMI (Special Olympics of Michigan) on May 2 … our community open house and ribbon cutting is May 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” Bulkowski said.

The opening of the new headquarters will also be the opening of a new Home Accessibility Center program.

The organization is using “a sizable portion of the campaign funding” to help cover construction of its Home Accessibility Center program, which will be the area’s first space where people with disabilities can explore ways to renovate and retrofit their homes so they can be more independent.

Peggy Helsel, development director for Disability Advocates of Kent County. (Supplied)

It will serve as a “test space” and showroom where persons with disabilities, their families, healthcare, and design professionals and building contractors to “explore options for a safer home, including models and adaptive equipment,” according to supplied material.

“The Home Accessibility Center is a response to a demonstrated need,” Peggy Helsel, development director for Disability Advocates, said in supplied material. “Often people ask, ‘What does that mean?’ when we talk about universal design and the home, we are giving people a real-life model home to experience what a universally-accessible space can look like.”

Sooner Rather Than Later: The Intent of National Healthcare Decisions

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By Emmanuel Hospice

It might be a stretch to say we celebrate National Healthcare Decisions Day, but to Erica Beitel, it’s certainly something she honors and observes.

It is important to have end-of-life care and death discussions so everyone understands your final wishes. (Supplied)

Though still shy of 30-years-old, she’s already had a conversation and drawn up documents in response to “the talk” about end-of-life care and death that many who are more than twice her age have not or aren’t willing to initiate.

“I had a loved one who was in a car accident,” she explained. “They couldn’t make their own decisions about healthcare. It was an unbelievably tragic episode that put the issue front and center for me.”

Beitel’s perspective is also unique because she works as a healthcare professional, serving as a social worker for Emmanuel Hospice. The role places her in front of people every day who are making tough decisions – and in many cases wishing they’d considered their futures much earlier.

That’s the whole point of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16 – to encourage adults of all ages to plan ahead for a health crisis. It’s typically recognized during the same week that includes “tax day” in reference to Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote, “nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

“This day is an annual reminder for people to consider making healthcare decisions for a time when they may not be able,” Beitel said, “and that includes everything from making advance care directives to choosing an advocate to honor your decisions about end-of-life care.

“Sometimes the biggest barrier is when patients are ready to opt for the comfort and care route that includes hospice, but the caregiver isn’t on board. They feel the patient is giving up hope, but hope can be redefined and can look different depending on where you are on your journey.”

Beitel also points out that people avoid the talk because “it’s a vulnerable space to enter, or you don’t think death or dying is imminent.” Indeed, having a talk about final wishes acknowledges the tough topic of death itself. Even with groundbreaking books like Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ book, “On Death And Dying,” in 1969, which revolutionized the public’s perception of death, many of us avoid the subject.

Beitel noted that it’s arguably easier than ever to tackle such challenges, thanks to organizations and websites that exist solely to promote open dialogue, including TheConversationProject.org. The site and others like it provide step-by-step suggestions for how to prompt the conversation, what issues to confront and even where to stage the conversation, such as the kitchen table, at a restaurant or during a walk.

Beitel said she wishes more people would approach advance planning like they do in arranging for home and auto insurance or providing a friend a spare key to their home in case of an emergency. We spend countless hours planning weddings, but recoil at the thought of devoting the same energy to our last wishes.

After having the talk, the next step is to take action, arranging for an advocate and creating directives, a task eased by the availability of free forms from a host of sites, including CaringInfo.org. Lawyers will also assist, usually for a fee.

“What some family members sometimes don’t realize is that a patient might endure the medical system for so long that they’re just physically spent and want to be home to enjoy what they can of the time they have left – to spend it with family and friends.

“Making that wish, or other wishes, known can prevent an ambiguous situation ahead of time. It’s also a gift to your loved ones. It’s lifting a burden from their shoulders.”

Senior Living: Developing an aging plan

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By Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Photo from pxhere.com

Planning for any future endeavor can be overwhelming; a big trip, a long-distance move, making a large purchase or upgrade. Developing an aging plan isn’t any different, it can be difficult to navigate. As with anything, starting to research an aging plan is often the first step.

So why do you need an aging plan? It is important to recognize that you may not age exactly how you wish, but having this plan in place before barriers arise, allows you to have a peace of mind that your wishes are carried out how you want.

Where to Start: The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is a great place to get started on your aging plan. Area Agencies on Aging are a nationwide network of nonprofit agencies created by Congress in 1974 to be one-stop shops with information about programs and services to maximize the independence and dignity of older adults. At AAAWM, we serve a nine-county region that includes Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties, and we partner with local agencies, organizations, and Commissions on Aging to provide vital support to seniors and their caregivers.

Everyone ages differently, and no two situations are identical. The resources that could work to support one family may not be the best choice for another. When you call our Information and Assistance team at (616) 456-5664, they listen to your unique situation and can help you get started. Whether you have current care needs or are planning ahead, we can help connect you to resources that focus on the goal of maintaining independence. The Eldercare Locator tool (www.eldercare.acl.gov) from the U.S. Administration on Aging can also be a helpful online resource for those not in our region or if you are caring for a loved one out of state.

What to Consider: In thinking ahead to your aging plan and having these proactive conversations, you should first consider what you may need help with as you get older. As you share your hopes for aging at home with your family, there could be some support they can provide for you and other things they may not. The good news is that there are many services available in the nine-county region to help fill these gaps.

Here are just a few of the many resources and some questions to consider:

Safety: Is your home safe for you to navigate? What if you were to lose mobility? Some home modifications can be simple, such as adding a handrail, others can be more involved like building an entrance ramp. Programs in the region exist to help older adults make these updates or required repairs and oftentimes will conduct a home assessment to help determine if the home is safe for independence and what steps to take. In some cases, agencies are able to provide adaptive equipment such as walkers and other mobility aids.

Home Support: Can you take care of yourself? Are there some tasks you require support with? Services are available to provide help with routine daily tasks like laundry, shopping, and light housekeeping. If your needs are greater, specific programs like the AAAWM’s Care Management or MI Choice Medicaid Waiver are in place for those who require a higher level of care.

Transportation: If you lose your ability to drive yourself, what are some of your options? Assisted transportation is available to provide older adults with pre-scheduled rides to doctor’s appointments, senior centers, meal programs, and more. Discounted public transportation vouchers are also available.

Meals: Are you able to prepare your own meals? Are you eating nutritious foods? For seniors who are able to still shop for their own food, a wide variety of nutrition services exist from food pantries to the Community Food Club. For the social older adult, congregate meals are a great option to have regular meals with others. Homebound seniors can still have the freedom to choose their own meal options and prepare their own meals through home delivered meals programs.

Health: Are you staying connected socially to peers and your community? Are you prioritizing your physical and social health as you age? Senior centers offer a wide variety of activities to help you stay engaged in your community including specialized programs and activities from woodworking to crafting and bingo. Evidence-based healthy aging classes are designed specifically for older adults to improve their balance and strength to avoid future falls.

Caregiver Support: If you care for an aging loved one, you likely require support from time to time. Services such as adult day, respite, and caregiver education programs are in place to walk with you on the caregiver journey and relieve some of this burden.

In many cases, you can choose the best options for you and what your needs are. It is important to note that in the case of some of these programs, based on age, financial, and medical criteria, some co-pays, or cost-sharing could be required. Call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664 to begin the conversation on how to get connected to the resource options in your community and develop your aging plan!

City of Kentwood, Georgetown Seniors to host annual ‘Spotlight on Seniors Expo’ April 19

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Graphic from City of Kentwood promotional material.

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood and Georgetown Seniors are inviting community members to have lunch and celebrate successful aging by connecting with resources from as many as 50 vendors, as well as free health screenings, at the 23rd annual Spotlight on Seniors Expo on Tuesday, April 19.

The free indoor event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. For more information visit kentwood.us/events. Vendor space is still available. For more information, contact Ann Przybysz at 616-656-5284 or przybysza@kentwood.us.

The vendors will include a variety of senior-oriented businesses, the free health screenings will include blood pressure, posture, grip strength and mental health, and there will be door prizes as well as free snacks and lunch.

“The Spotlight on Seniors Expo is a meaningful way for seniors and other community members to come together in celebration of successful aging and to learn about local resources that support healthy lifestyles,” Kentwood Recreation Program Coordinator Ann Przybysz aid in supplied material. “Our partnership with Georgetown Seniors and our event sponsors is key to the long-term success of this community favorite.”

Participating vendors include professionals knowledgeable in everything from physical therapy and assisted living to home improvement and health care.

“Staying active, healthy and connected is paramount to our senior neighbors,” Pam Haverdink, director of the Georgetown Senior Center, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to partner with Kentwood Seniors and we are grateful to the vendors who help make it happen.”

March is Reading Month: Leaders Eat Last

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!

Today’s book selection is from TJ Norris. Norris is a financial controller for an international manufacturing company.  She is also a serial volunteer for non-profit boards and organizations and loves seeing teams work together to accomplish amazing goals.

Book: Leaders Eat Last
Author: Simon Sinek
Genre: Business/self-help

In this era of “The Great Resignation,” retaining employees can make or break a company. Sinek’s book, though originally written in 2014, is as timely today as it was then. Filled with wonderful examples of what has worked for various companies, it’s not only a book about keeping your best employees, but it is also about keeping them happy, motivated and loyal. But read a little deeper. Substitute “company” for family, church group, or civic organization, and let the “aha! moments” kick in. This book is consistently on lists of the 10 best business books and, as the author himself states, “Leaps of greatness require the combined problem-solving ability of people who trust each other.”

Take the leap into making your team better, stronger, happier.

March is Reading Month: Firekeeper’s Daughter

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!

Today’s reading selection comes from Grand Rapids Public Museum’s educator Katie Bilby.

Book: Firekeeper’s Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Mystery/Thriller

Aspiring doctor, Daunis Fontaine is a biracial, unenrolled tribal member on the brink of adulthood. After witnessing a murder, she’s recruited for an undercover investigation into a harmful new drug. Now Daunis must combine her knowledge of modern medicine and traditional practices to save her community and become a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman).

 

Set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this thriller directly connects to the GRPM’s Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit. As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, author Angeline Boulley spent ten years researching how illegal drugs have impacted the Ojibwe people. Her self-proclaimed “Indigenous Nancy Drew story” is as educational as it is exhilarating.    

Adventure on Mt. Kilimanjaro: Michigan woman reflects on climb with team of kidney donors

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As part of WKTV’s special coverage of World Kidney Day, which was March 10, we are presenting a series of stories, first about a Michigan donor leading an active lifestyle; then a West Michigan recipient living a lively future thanks to another; an adventure of a lifetime, for a cause — a climb of Africa’s tallest mountain; and finally — here — a first-hand story from a Michigan woman on the climb.

  • Michigan’s own Emily Polet-Monterosso, a member of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) national group, was part of a team of “One Kidney Climbers” which climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain, the tallest on the continent, is shrouded in the background. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group on the trail leading up to Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. It was a multi-day trek to get to the mountain and then a multi-day climb. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain is the tallest on the continent. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain is the tallest on the continent. Shown is the group at the entrance to the Tanzania National Park. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group which climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. Shown is the evening meal tent on the mountain trail. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)
  • Members of the Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) group climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro in early March. The mountain is the tallest on the continent. (Supplied by Emily Polet-Monterosso)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


Adventures — even one for a cause — often do not turn out the way one plans, the way one envisions. But that does not lessen the adventure, or the importance of the cause.

Michigan’s own Emily Polet-Monterosso, a member of the Kidney Donor Athletes national group, was part of a team of “One Kidney Climbers” which, with support both in-country and back home, climbed Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro.

On the morning of March 10, in Africa, on World Kidney Day, the Kidney Donor Athlete team reached their goal — the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. (Supplied)

After a multi-day hike to the mountain and then a multi-day climb, most of the team summited the continent’s tallest peak on World Kidney Day, March 10. Emily got to the mountain, but not the summit.

WKTV has been following Emily’s African adventure, and as she returned from the trek, she talked about her effort, and how while she was disappointed fate denied her the peak of Kilimanjaro, the cause for which she and her companions got blisters for remained fulfilled.

“Out of 22 kidney donors from our group who made the climb, only 20 summited,” Emily wrote in a March 16 email. “Myself, and our President Bobby McLaughlin, did not summit. Bobby had a fever on summit night which prevented him from making it to the top, and I struggled with altitude sickness for most of the climb and was going on four days without any food at the time that the group attempted the summit … (the climb leaders were) not going to allow me to summit for safety reasons.”

(McLaughlin pointed out that “The fever I picked up had nothing to do with the climb itself — it was a random bug picked up somewhere, possibly even the day before the climb began.”)

Instead, Emily said, she waited at Barafu base camp  — still at approximately 15,000 feet above sea level — for her teammates to return from the summit so that they could all descend together.

“Neither my nor Bobby’s inability to summit had anything to do with our status as one-kidneyed people — both situations were a result of circumstances relating to the difficulty of the climb that could have been experienced by any other two-kidneyed climber.”

The climb was the first coordinated event by Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) to bring attention to the need for living kidney donors and that those who donate can be “healthy and thrive” with one kidney.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 97,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplants. Over 3,000 new patients are added to this list every month. With fewer donors than there are those in need, 13 people die every day waiting for a kidney.

“Our mission was to prove to ourselves and anybody watching us that you can donate a kidney and still experience life fully and without negative health consequences,” Emily said. “We believe we accomplished that mission, and our deepest hope is that someone heard about it and considers donation themselves.

“If even one life is saved as a result of our efforts, every ounce of difficulty we navigated will have paid off, and then some.”

The cause and the adventure

Emily Polet-Monterosso lives in Metro Detroit, but grew up in Holland, until 15 years old, and “still have lots of family there,” she proudly says. And she is a kidney donor — having donated one of her two healthy kidneys to someone badly in need — she also proudly says.

Emily is also a kidney donor athlete, and a member of KDA, founded by ultra-athlete Tracey Hulick who donated her kidney in 2017. Emily’s team, climbers from 16 metro areas across the United States and Canada, left on Feb. 28 for Tanzania, where their group will prepare for their climb.

The One Kidney Climber team had about 110 support staff in porters, guides and cooks helping them up the mountain, a 42-mile 8-day expedition led by hired experts on the mountain. Embark Exploration Company out of Portland, Oregon is the guide company.

Emily Polet-Monterosso was fit before donating a kidney, but she now is even more an athlete. (Supplied)

And while athletic endeavors are nothing new to Emily, her African endeavor for a cause she has come to really believe in, and believe in enough that she pushed herself to her physical limits — limits that most persons with two kidneys would only dare to do.

“Not having summited does not in any way negatively impact the experience I had,” Emily said. “I still engaged in the most challenging physical feat of my life for eight days, and I feel nothing but pride in what I’ve accomplished.”

And she made friends for life.

“I also feel extreme pride in my teammates for the effort and attitude they all brought forth,” she said. “I have never spent such a large amount of time in intimately close quarters with a more encouraging, upbeat, inspirational group of people.

“Additionally, the support staff from our guide company, Embark Exploration Co, deserves the highest praise for the job they did in getting us all safely up and down the mountain again.”

More information on KDA

For more information on the Kidney Donor Athletes climb, and other resources, visit kidneydonorathlete.org.

Founded in 2018, Kidney Donor Athletes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience.

Gonzo’s Top 5: LaughFest, butterflies, and doing the Irish Jig 5K

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By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

From butterflies to an Irish jig, we’re ready for the weekend!

My Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal, also includes comedy, one of Christian music’s most successful acts and a show primarily for women.

What are you going to do?

Gonzo’s Top 5

Casting Crowns first performed at Van Andel Arena in 2005 and last graced the stage locally in 2019. The band returns on The Healer Tour on Saturday, March 19th along with special guests We Are Messengers and Jonathan Traylor. (Photo by Jim Hill)

5. Casting Crowns

As part of their “The Healer Tour,” award-winning Contemporary Christian Music act Casting Crowns makes a stop this weekend at Van Andel Arena. The show is at 7 p.m. Saturday (March 19) with special guests We Are Messengers and Jonathan Traylor. Known for multiple hit songs and albums, the group has been a staple on the charts since 2003 when its self-titled album became an instant hit and sold nearly 2 million copies. The band also has been honored with four American Music Awards, a GRAMMY Award for their 2005 album “Lifesong,” and eight additional GRAMMY Award nominations. In addition, the group has garnered 18 GMA Dove Awards. Ticket information at vanandelarena.com. Learn more about the band at castingcrowns.com.

The West Michigan Women’s Expo takes place this weekend. (Facebook)

4. West Michigan Women’s Expo

The Women’s Expo is a great opportunity to get out of the house with friends and explore a variety of exhibits, seminars and shopping, all tailored to women and their families. Attendees will enjoy interactive activities, pampering, food tastings and even a Great Lakes Writers book and author area. Also, see my friend Jackie Blankenship, who recently was named Mrs. America 2022, as she shares her story about “Confidence and a Belief of Purpose.” She speaks at 1 p.m. Saturday. Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at DeVos Place. Learn more at kohlerexpo.com/wm-womens-exp.

3. 38th Annual Spectrum Health Irish Jig

One of the biggest events in the running community is the Spectrum Health Irish Jig, which kicks off the summer season. Even if you have not trained much this winter, you can still get out for an easy run or walk. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at East Grand Rapids High School. Learn more at spectrumhealth.org/irish-jig.

Butterflies and flowers will be on display at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)

2. Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies are Blooming

One of my favorite events in Grand Rapids opened a couple weeks ago – the annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition at Meijer Gardens. It is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. The kids will love watching tropical butterflies from around the world fly freely in the balmy Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Throughout the exhibition, guests can experience special educational programming and butterfly-themed activities. It is open through April 30. It’s never too early to start planning a trip or Spring Break outing. More info at meijergardens.org/calendar/butterflies-are-blooming/.

MORE: Spring is around the corner as the butterflies bloom at Frederik Meijer Gardens

Pop Scholars get their LaughFest on along with everyone else. (Facebook)

1.Laughfest GR

This awesome, six-day community event built on the love of laughter, continues this weekend with a jam-packed lineup throughout venues in Grand Rapids. The annual benefit for Gilda’s House Grand Rapids, the non-profit to support the free cancer and grief emotional health programs founded by Gilda Radner, features some of the top local, regional and national acts. I’ll be at tonight’s sold out trivia show at Golden Age inside Creston Brewery. But tickets remain for Tone Bell, Maria Bamford, improv shows, the All Y’all Comedy Showcase and more. Shows continue through Sunday. More details at www.laughfestgr.org.

That’s it for now.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Local YMCAs, including Wyoming’s, seeking lifeguards, offering training — and not just for young adults

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  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)
  • YMCA lifeguarding training, and work, is for all ages. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

By WKTV Staff

With many employment opportunities across the city and region, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids invites current and “future” lifeguards to join their team and launch a fulfilling career, according to a recent announcement.

And while most lifeguards are high school and college students, the ranks are also made up of professionals, retirees and stay-at-home parents.

Maybe the Y’s greatest lifeguarding success story is YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids CEO Scott Lewis. Lewis began his tenure at the YMCA as a lifeguard at a New Jersey YMCA in 1986 where the organization “invested in his leadership potential,” according to the announcement.

“The role of lifeguard is one that can launch a great career, and I know from experience,” Lewis said in supplied material. “Providing a safe and exceptional experience, working with a diverse customer base, problem solving, and having an exceptional attention to detail are all skills that serve professionals long term.”

YMCA lifeguard training at an outdoor, summertime venue. (Supplied/YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

The organization has increased wages, according to the announcement, now offering $14.61 to $16.44 per hour, opened free training opportunities, and “invested in creating year-round, flexible hours for these aquatic leaders to develop life-long professional skills.”

 

However, maybe the most rewarding work as a YMCA lifeguard is the satisfaction of knowing you actively make an impact in the lives of others, while working with and guarding a group of diverse individuals.

“Becoming a YMCA lifeguard provides you a support network to be successful from the day you decide to pursue the opportunity,” YMCA Human Resources Director Peter Reiff said in supplied material.  “What’s more is that at the YMCA you are part of a larger team of leaders and health and wellness service providers that work together to meet the needs of the community year-round, every year.”
  

For more on the Y’s four lifeguard training classes planned between now and May, visit https://www.grymca.org/aquatics-careers/#training. For those already trained and wish to apply, visit www.grymca.org/careers. For more information on the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids visit grymca.org.

Kent County Board of Commissioners approves new probate judgeship

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Kent County residents will be electing a new probate judge this falls as the Kent County Board of Commissioners recently voted to add one new probate judge position.

The Kent County Commissioners has decided to add a fifth judgeship to the probate court. (Supplied)

“Our current judiciary staff is hard-working, but the work and time needed to handle the high caseloads was not sustainable,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek. “The addition of a probate judge will provide much-needed support to our court while being efficient with our resources.”

With Kent County’s increasing population, the probate court’s caseload has grown by more than 60 percent since 2008.

In 2019, the State Court Administrators’ Office (SCAO) recommended three judgeships for Kent County- one in each in the Probate, 17th Circuit, and 63rd District courts – based on a review of population trends and court caseloads. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly slowed and altered the legislative approval process of adding additional judgeships. However, Governor Whitmer signed into law Senate Bill 694 (Public Act 08 of 2022) in February, which created a new probate judgeship for Kent County and five other new judgeships across the state.

Meanwhile, a Board of Commissioners Judicial Resources Subcommittee was appointed to review the actions of the SCAO and the State Legislature and make a recommendation to the full Board regarding the addition of new judgeships. The Subcommittee subsequently recommended adding an additional probate judge position.

“The Probate Court is facing an overwhelming docket so adding a new judge to the bench will ensure cases will be considered timely and more efficiently,” said Chief Probate Judge David M. Murkowski.

Chief Probate Judge David M. Murkowski

“The beneficiaries of this additional judicial resource will be the residents of Kent County. We appreciate the Board of Commissioners, State Legislature, and Supreme Court understanding our need and approving the addition of a new probate judge.”

The new probate judge will be chosen by election, with the filling deadline in April and the primary election in August. The general election is in November 2022. The new judge will assume the office on Jan. 1, 2023.

Rebuilding networks, social capital key for nonprofit organizations

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By Brian Vernellis
Grand Valley State University

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Charities and nonprofit organizations will need to develop stronger ties with their supporters because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Grand Valley professor.

photo from pxhere.com

The pandemic challenged charities and nonprofit organizations in an unprecedented fashion, forcing them to strategize virtual ways in connecting with donors online, said Salvatore Alaimo, associate professor of nonprofit management, within the School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration.

However, Alaimo said charitable organizations rely on the social capital of networking, relationships, trust and reciprocity that they build and maintain with supporters.

 

“This social capital feeds into whether people donate, whether they decide to volunteer their precious, expendable time or whether they want to serve on the board of your organization,” said Alaimo.

 

The holiday season usually means an increase in donations to charities and nonprofits, and after nearly two years of pandemic restrictions limiting in-person gatherings and events, this season is even more important.

Giving USA’s 2021 annual report stated Americans responded by donating more than $471 billion to charities and nonprofits in 2020, a 5.1 percent increase over 2019. Foundation giving also increased to more than $16 billion in 2020, a 19 percent increase over 2019.

According to the Urban Institute, about 1.5 million charitable organizations function in the United States. While charitable giving has increased, Alaimo believes they will face long-term ramifications due to the challenging times.

  

“For nonprofits, it’s going to be an adjustment of priorities,” said Alaimo. “Staff leadership and boards of directors will have to go back to basics. Who’s the audience they are trying to reach, who are the stakeholders, and how do they maintain relationships if we’re being kept separate from each other.”

More than 80 percent of nonprofits have budgets less than $500,000, so they faced challenges even before the pandemic, said Alaimo.

In-person events are integral to forming connections between supporters and the nonprofit, said Alaimo. But, with the pandemic limiting in-person functions, charities resorted to a myriad of virtual events.

Auctions, fun runs and even golf outings moved online, making those all-important connections difficult to maintain. For all the good technology did to ease the logistics of fundraising, it still created separations between organizations and supporters, said Alaimo.

“As I remind my students, just because we are electronically networked does not mean we are good at networking,” said Alaimo. “Now that COVID has come along, the isolation factor of technology is amplified. My concern is all of that is going to put a dent into social capital, and that’s not going to bode well for nonprofits.”

When it comes to selecting nonprofits that are reputable and allocate money efficiently, Alaimo said there are several websites and databases to help such as GuideStar, Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.

WalletHub released its list of best charitable organizations for 2022.

“The nonprofits that best form long-term relationships are going to be more fiscally viable and sustainable,” said Alaimo.

Gift of Life: West Michigan kidney recipient celebrates ‘transplant-aversary’ looking back, forward

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Heather and Todd Luchies just before their surgeries in 2017 (Supplied)

As part of WKTV’s special coverage of World Kidney Day, March 10, we are presenting a series of stories, first about a Michigan donor leading an active lifestyle, then a West Michigan recipient living a lively future thanks to another, and also an adventure of a lifetime — a climb of Africa’s tallest mountain — to bring awareness to the need for more people will to share the gift of life. In this second story, West Michigan donated kidney recipient Heather Luchies.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org


Heather Luchies, who grew up in Grand Rapids and has lived in Howard City since 2001, is one of the lucky ones, and maybe a bit blessed. And she knows it. In 2017, she received a living-organ donation of a kidney, from the love of her life, her husband.

But she also knows others are not so lucky, so blessed. And as she celebrated her 5-year “transplant-aversary” in January, she continues to advocate for those who, like her, need a kidney to live, and urge those who can to give the gift of life.

Heather and Todd Luchies celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary in October 2021 (Supplied)

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 97,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplants. Over 3,000 new patients are added to this list every month. With fewer donors than there are those in need, 13 people die every day waiting for a kidney.

“I love talking about my experience. I am doing so well overall and love to give hope to those who are struggling,” Luchies said to WKTV. “I have been a volunteer with Gift of Life Michigan for the past three years, teaching others about organ donation is so important. Signing even one person up is life saving to many others.”

One of her favorite quotes, she says, is: “When you stand and and share your story in an empowering way, your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else”
 

The awareness of the plight of those in need of a donation, awareness of the need for donors — and the awareness that a donor does not need to radically alter their lifestyle, even an athletic lifestyle — is part of what is driving a team of the One Kidney Climber group planning to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro on World Kidney Day, March 10.

Mount Kilimanjaro viewed from Moshi (Wikimedia Commons)

The climb, now in progress, is the first coordinated event by Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) to bring attention to the need for living kidney donors and that those who donate can be “healthy and thrive” with one kidney. WKTV is following the African adventure of one Michigan woman, Emily Polet-Monterosso, who is part of that climb.

Emily met the person who received her donated kidney, they actually became friends. Heather knew her donor even before her surgery was needed — her husband, Todd.

“The fact that I went through this whole process 5 years ago with my husband being my living donor is so humbling,” Heather said. “I was by his side throughout the whole testing process as he was by mine. We recovered together and would argue who had the more ‘painful’ surgery. I still think me, while he thinks the other. Donors are so special, a true gift.”

Heather’s story

Heather Luchies had known for years that she would, eventually, need a kidney transplant. She was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a disease which causes scarring (sclerosis) of the kidney, when she was in her 20s.
 

Doctors told her it would eventually lead to kidney failure, but could not provide a timetable, and for a while she “stayed pretty stable … I was one of the lucky ones.”

But “I knew I would need a kidney one day; I just didn’t know when,” she said in a 2021 interview with Gift of Life Michigan. Her husband, Todd, also knew it was just a fact of life, dating back to when the couple first met more than 25 years ago.

“We always knew it was the eventual outcome. It was always on our mind,” Todd said.

Her kidneys gradually got worse. In late 2016, they were bad enough to have her put on the transplant waiting list — and at that time Todd said he wanted to see if he was a match.

“I called the next day,” he said. “We started getting tested a few days after that.”

After a series of tests, it was determined that he was a good match — something that Todd said was “a tremendous sense of relief” — and the transplant was scheduled for Jan. 7, 2017, and occurred at Mercy Health in Grand Rapids.

Heather and Todd Luchies, with son Cayden. Cayden is a senior at Grand Valley State University. (Supplied)

The couple had been married for about 18 years at the time. And now they have been given five more years together, five more years of watching their son, Cayden, now a senior at Grand Valley State University, grow into a man.

And, hopefully, they will have many more years.

As a donor, Todd recovered well and his “life has not changed,” Heather said. “He is 100 percent, physically, the same as before donating.”

Heather Luchies’ meds right after her kidney transplant surgery; they have greatly diminished since then. (Supplied)

Life is not exactly “normal” now for Heather, she does still have to take medications. But nothing like she did immediately after transplant.

“You start anti-rejection meds also called immunosuppressants. These meds weaken your immune system decreasing your body’s ability to destroy the new kidney,” she said. “I will be on these the rest of my life (or the duration of the transplanted kidney) … I have a love/hate relationship with them.

“The downfall of these meds is your weakened immune system and fighting off other viruses, infections … as well as some lovely side effects. But overall I am so thankful for these meds. Without them I would be on dialysis or not here today.”
 

Heather Luchies meds today, some continuing due to her kidney transplant and some just regular supplements. (Supplied)

And here, today, is pretty good for Heather.

“I had my 5-year ‘transplant-aversary’ on January 9. Just over 5 years. Time sure does fly,” she said. “Since my transplant I have lived a pretty normal life. I work part time for an electric company in Rockford. 99 percent of the time I work by myself (aside from my dog Wyatt who comes with me) which has been a huge blessing the past two years with COVID.

“I am very active. I work out daily (cardio and kickboxing are my favorite) this is something I could not do before my transplant, I just got too tired. I love hiking with our dog, being with family and just doing normal everyday things. I became vegan a few years ago, I love making new, thrown-together vegan meals.”

She also loves being involved with groups which support kidney donation.
 

“I have been a volunteer with Gift of Life Michigan for the past three years, teaching others about organ donation is so important. Signing even one person up is life saving to many others,” she said. “I am also a kidney mentor at my transplant center.”

Heather Luchies at Donate Life Day, a living donor informational event, at Grand Rapids Zoo. (Supplied)

Heather is also a “kidney mentor” at her transplant center, and with her friend and fellow transplant patient, she started a West Michigan Kidney Transplant/Disease Facebook group about two years ago “with hopes of meeting everyone in person. But COVID has set us back a tad. We hope to be able to meet up this Spring. I call it therapy.”

She also, strangely enough, has a connection to the group of donors currently in Africa, preparing to climb a mountain to advocate for kidney donation.


“Another cool thing is my Dad summited Kilimanjaro about 12 years ago,” she said. “So I have a slight connection to these climbers, aside from kidney stuff.”

More information on KDA

For more information on the Kidney Donor Athletes climb, and other resources, visit kidneydonorathlete.org.

A videographer is set to accompany the group to document the climb and WKTV plans to produce a story and video using supplied material after the climb. (We are told cell service is not great on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.)

Founded in 2018, Kidney Donor Athletes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience.

Active advocate: Michigan kidney donor to climb African peak to celebrate World Kidney Day

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As part of WKTV’s special coverage of World Kidney Day, March 10, we are presenting a series of stories about a Michigan donor leading an active lifestyle, a West Michigan recipient finding a lively future thanks to another, and an adventure of a lifetime to bring awareness to the need for more people will to share the gift of life. First, donor and mountain climber Emily Polet-Monterosso.

Mount Kilimanjaro viewed from Moshi. (Wikimedia Commons)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Emily Polet-Monterosso lives in Metro Detroit, but grew up in Holland, until 15 years old, and “still have lots of family there,” she proudly says. And she is a kidney donor, she also proudly says.

She is also one of 20 or so climbers on their way to Africa as part of a One Kidney Climber group planning to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro on World Kidney Day, March 10, the first coordinated event by Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) to bring attention to the need for living kidney donors and that those who donate can be “healthy and thrive” with one kidney.

 

Emily Polet-Monterosso, show here hiking at Yosemite National Park, lives in Metro Detroit but grew up in Holland. (Supplied)

Emily is a kidney donor athlete, and a member of KDA, founded by ultra-athlete Tracey Hulick who donated her kidney in 2017. Emily’s team, climbers from 16 metro areas across the United States and Canada, are scheduled to leave Feb. 28 for Tanzania, where their group will prepare for their climb.

An athletic endeavor is nothing new to Emily, but this is endeavor for a cause she has come to really believe in — believe in enough that she donated one of her two healthy kidneys to someone badly in need.

“When I was in high school, a friend from youth group who was sixteen years old needed a kidney, and our pastor’s wife donated to him,” Polet-Monterosso said to WKTV. “I was in college at the time and wasn’t in a secure enough financial position to take six weeks away from work and school, but I told myself at the time that if the opportunity ever arose to do something so meaningful for another person in the future, I would take it.”

And she did. And there is one more good-news story in a world where not all such stories end happily.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), more than 97,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for kidney transplants. Over 3,000 new patients are added to this list every month. With fewer donors than there are those in need, 13 people die every day waiting for a kidney.

Emily’s decision and her reward

At one point, Emily stated that she really can’t quite “articulate” why she donated other than it being the right thing to do. But, talking to WKTV, she said there was that moment.

“Before I donated, I met a young woman through my work … who had been in kidney failure during high school and was therefore unable to go to college after graduating, due to a rigorous dialysis schedule,” Polet-Monterosso said. “She received a kidney from her grandmother and was now able to enroll in college. I was reminded of my friend from years ago, and kidney donation was brought back to the front of my mind.

Emily Polet-Monterosso, with the man she donated a kidney to. (Supplied)

“A couple of weeks later, my sister shared a viral Facebook post which showed a car with a sign in the back windshield: ‘Single dad of 3 needs type O kidney’, and then a phone number. The phone number had a local area code, so I knew this person lived geographically close to me, and I know I have type O blood, since I’m a regular blood donor. It seemed like it was meant to be, so I called the number and started the process.”

She eventually met the “single dad of 3” recipient, although that is not always the case.

Emily Polet-Monterosso, at the wedding of the man she donated a kidney to. (Supplied)

“The phone number on the back of the car was actually the cell phone of the single dad who needed the kidney,” she said. “When I called, I awkwardly told him why I was calling, and he gratefully gave me the link to the intake questionnaire at Henry Ford Hospital for his specific case. My understanding is that somewhere around 250 people started the evaluation process trying to donate to him, and I’m the only one who made it through.

 

“We are now friends. We chat every few weeks and our families get together every few months. I was blessed to see him get married at the end of last year, and I hope to witness many more milestones that he gets to enjoy with the years this surgery has given him.”

Being a donor and an athlete

Emily and Bobby McLaughlin, president of Kidney Donor Athletes, Inc., both understand the perception that kidney donors are making a decision to change their lives forever by giving part of their body away.

And, surely, there are impacts. But not being an athlete, or even continuing a long, healthy life is not one of them.

Emily Polet-Monterosso was fit before donating a kidney, but she now is even more an athlete. (Supplied)

Polet-Monterosso “is climbing because she believes it’s an amazing way to prove to those considering kidney donation that diminished physical/athletic capacity post-donation does not need to be a concern,” McLaughlin said as part of her introduction of Emily.

And Emily, herself, is proof.

“All potential living kidney donors are evaluated at length to determine if giving a kidney could possibly be detrimental to their long-term health based on their existing physical health,” Polet-Monterosso said. “Only the healthiest of the healthy are cleared to donate.

“All donors work with a team of doctors during the evaluation process — dietitians, nephrologists, psychologists, and many others. Doctors on the team agree that if a donor is healthy enough to be cleared to donate, then there is no expectation of long-term decrease in physical capability once the acute healing period (six weeks post-operation) is complete. … Donors do need to pay extra attention to staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet, but if they’re cleared to donate, it’s likely they were already doing those things anyway.”

There is even some evidence that if a donor is healthy enough to be cleared to donate, they are at a high enough threshold of health that even with one fewer kidney, they are still less likely to experience decreased kidney function long-term than the average American. 

And about that African climb

The One Kidney Climber team “will have roughly 110 support staff in porters, guides and cooks helping us up the mountain,” McLaughlin said. “It is a 42 mile 8-day expedition and these people we have hired are experts on the mountain.”

Embark Exploration Company out of Portland, Oregon is the guide company.

The National Kidney Registry is supporting the climb as well — “The National Kidney Registry is where we are directing those who may want to explore what it takes for kidney donation.”

While Emily will be part of the team, and she considers the opportunity to be one of a lifetime, she admits she is not an experienced athlete and also knows her limitations on such an adventure.

“I am totally new to climbing,” Polet-Monterosso said. “I live in Michigan, which as you know is not super mountain-ey. I’m also relatively new to athleticism … I actually first started caring about my fitness in the lead-up to my donation.”

She donated in January 2019 and said she started focusing on her fitness in late 2018 — “to ensure that I was as healthy as possible before surgery. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve maintained my interest since then.”

Currently her sports of choice are obstacle course racing and weightlifting. And while the COVID-19 pandemic “put a damper” on both of those activities she keeps working out at home as much as possible, “and I’ve obviously added lots of hiking to my repertoire” in the lead-up to this climb.
 

“Kilimanjaro is kind of the perfect mountain for people in my situation — relatively physically fit, but not experienced climbers. There is no ‘technical’ climbing involved. It’s basically a really long, steep hike. So I’ve been trying to replicate that as much as possible in my training by hiking local trails and climbing lots of flights of stairs.”

And her expectations for the climb?

“This climb will last for eight days. It will take us six days to get to the summit, and another two days to come back down again,” she said. “I’ll fly home on the 14th (which will give her enough time for the turnaround on a Covid test result after the climb, which will be needed for her to fly home).”

Then it’s back to work and school — she currently hold two jobs and is a full time graduate student. Yet she made time for the climb because it is important for her and for her advocacy of kidney donation.

“Gotta live life while you’re here, right?” she said.

More information on KDA

For more information on the Kidney Donor Athletes climb, and other resources, visit kidneydonorathlete.org.

A videographer is set to accompany the group to document the climb and WKTV plans to produce a story and video using supplied material after the climb. (We are told cell service is not great on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.)

Founded in 2018, Kidney Donor Athletes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the gift of life through living kidney donation among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the experience.

Rotary Club of Grand Rapids names Dave and Karen Custer for annual community service award

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Dave and Karen Custer (supplied)

Anyone who meets Dave Custer will probably eventually hear the story of faced with his father’s story closing, he was able to support the tuition at the then Grand Rapids Junior College.

“Grand Rapids Junior College had lower tuition and allowed me to stay at home and helped me get a start on a college degree,” he said in article from the Grand Rapids Community College. “And having that degree allowed for better opportunities of employment, which molded by career.”

Because of the difference that GRCC had made in the CEO and founder of Custer Inc., Custer and his wife, Karen, have dedicated their time and abilities to ensure current GRCC students get the same opportunities that he had.

This month, the couple is being recognized for their service to the the Greater Grand Rapids community as this year’s Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award presented by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.

 

“We are pleased and excited to honor the Custers as the 2022 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winners for their contributions to our community,” said Meijer, Inc. Executive Chairman Hank Meijer, who is the son of Fred Meijer. “Dave and Karen’s generous and gracious spirts embodies the true meaning of this award.”

The Custers have been involved in a number of organizations such as the WMU Foundation, Chairman of GRCC Foundation, Hope on the Hill Foundation, Clark Retirement Community Capital Campaign Chair and Board Trustee. Dave Custer is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, member and past chairman of the Grand Rapids Economic Club, member and past president of Cascade Hills Country Club and director at Irwin Seating.

“We are honored to receive an award that bears the name of Fred Meijer and believe that you should do all you can for others when you can and while you can,” Dave Custer said. “We are humbled by this recognition which is truly an honor to us.”

The Custers join City of Wyoming’s Marge Wilson, owner of Marge’s Donut Den, along with several others who have received the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award.

 

The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will honor the Custers at the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Celebration May 10 at 6 p.m. at The Cultural Center, 2250 E. Paris Ave. SE. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. Tickets are on sale at grrotary.org or by calling 616-429-5640.

Local resident helps students become money smart with their own finances

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , ,

By Nathan Slauer
WKTV Community Writer

No one taught Dondrea Brown about money as a kid, and the last thing anyone around his kitchen table wanted to mention was the rising pile of bills. Growing up in a single-parent household, he admired how his mother juggled multiple jobs and raised his five siblings.

As Brown learned about money management later in life, he kept hearing people say, “I wish kids knew about this stuff, too.” While studying education at Kent State University in Ohio, he drew upon his experience of overcoming economic hardship to develop a financial literacy curriculum geared toward an audience between ten- to seventeen-years-old. 

Dondrea Brown talks to a group of students in his Young Money Finances program. (Supplied)

This curriculum now forms the basis of Young Money Finances, a nonprofit providing financial education to more than 2,000 participants across West Michigan. The fast-growing organization has garnered media attention and significant sponsorship dollars for its innovative approach to removing obstacles to financial security for young people.  Because of his work in teaching financial literacy, Brown, along with Henry Sapp from of Better Wiser Stronger and Cole Williams of the Delta Project, was recently invited to help launch the new collaborative initiative We Matter Now, which is designed to help guide and provide role models for young black and brown men.

“I want this to be the last generation to start from scratch,” Brown said. “My goal is to teach the next generation how to have increased control and awareness of their financial journey, not this perpetuated cycle of ‘oh, we didn’t know.'”

For many young people, the balancing act of caring for family members, finding a job, and keeping up with schools feels overwhelming. Those who lack a support network rely on misleading information from social media, seek instant gratification, and wind up in debt.

At Young Money Finances, participants learn how to address this balancing act by completing one or all three program paths: money management, investment, and entrepreneurship. After completing at least one of the paths, they can meet with a money mentor to discuss real-world spending and saving decisions and practice using the budgeting planner and flashcards in their money manager kits.
 

Even when sessions dive deep into complicated topics like the stock market, the team at Young Money Finances never forget to have a good time. Sessions use “fun police,” who remind instructors to use games and culturally relevant examples such as online sneaker sales when explaining complex concepts.
 

For some participants, the lessons delivered during these sessions have been life-changing. Quavon Hallman, a music enthusiast who spends his free time DJing and running sound for New City Kids and his local church, learned how to use a budget app and track travel expenses.
 

For some participants, the lessons delivered during these sessions have been life-changing. Quavon Hallman, a music enthusiast who spends his free time DJing and running sound for New City Kids and his local church, learned how to use a budget app and track travel expenses. 
 

“I was broke, but I saved up $10,000 and bought my first car,” Hallman said. “I learned the difference between getting rich quickly and building wealth.” 

Another program graduate, Thailin Johnson, found a simulation focused on building on a starting point of $500 in the bank and cutting frivolous spending habits to be helpful. The exercise taught Johnson the importance of making incremental progress toward achieving his life’s ambitions, including attending college to study sociology or international relations, leading community service projects, and traveling to foreign countries like Ghana and Israel. 
 

“Pay attention and take ownership of your money,” Johnson said. “The training taught me how to break the cycle of the poverty mindset. Young people’s money matters.” 
 

After class, Dondrea Brown sits down with a student to review the matierals. (Supplied)

Reginald Haynes, an athlete who enjoys basketball, football, and wrestling, developed an interest in videography during his time in the program. He records special events for Young Money Finances, with a highlight being a basketball game hosted in partnership with the NAACP.
 

            “I want to help pay off my mom’s house and just provide relief,” Haynes said. 

Hallman, Johnson, and Haynes represent the fulfillment of one of Young Money Finances’ goals to help program graduates find employment. Each of these individuals will receive internship credit for assisting with workshop presentations, curriculum development, and social media. 
 

The rapid expansion of Young Money Finances excites Brown, who hopes to purchase a bus for field trips and a building with simulated stock market walls and bank teller stations. 

The organization applied for and received grants from Heart of West Michigan United Way, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Huntington Bank, and Edward Jones. It also established partnerships with local universities, nonprofit organizations, and the Grand Rapids Public School system.
 

To learn more about Young Money Finances, visit the organization’s website or Facebook page.

Three West Michigan nonprofits partner on new initiative serving boys, young men of color

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Finances, Non-Profits, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The leaders of three West Michigan nonprofits have joined forced to create a new collaborative initiative that will serve boys and young men of color under a single mission: becoming something they don’t always get the chance to see.

Cole Williams, o the Delta Project

“We Matter Now reflects the importance of seeing positive Black male leadership that will enable boys and young men of color to create positive change in our community” said Cole Williams, of the Delta Project, who is joined by Dondreá Brown of Young Money Finances and Henry Sapp of Better Wiser Stronger. “Boys and young men of color don’t believe they have an opportunity to change their lives because they don’t see enough successful men of color as role models.

“By sharing our lived experienced, We Matter Now strives to provide examples of what boys and young men of color can become.”

With multiyear financial support from Heart of West Michigan United Way, Brown, Sapp, and Williams have joined forces to serve as resource brokers for We Matter Now. The initiative curates its programming from a strengths-based approach, working to empower “at-potential” boys and young men of color and to equip them with the necessary tools to close the gap on education, wellness and financial achievement.

This year, We Matter Now will offer a conference, summer programming, a celebration and ongoing initiatives for approximately 60 at-potential boys and young men of color in grades 9-11. The inaugural We Matter Now conference will be held Friday, April 22 at Grand Valley State University’s Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids, gathering 60 Black and Brown youth for a day of education, recognition, celebration and connection.

Those interested in joining the first We Matter Now cohort and attending the conference, which is free of charge to participants, can sign up online.

 

Dondrea Brown, of Young Money Finances

“Recognizing the power of words, We Matter Now seeks to serve ‘at-potential’ boys and young men of color, flipping the narrative that too often begins with ‘at-risk’ youth,” Brown said. “Our initiative strives to create a safe space, working to provide Black and Brown high school students with the tools, skills, resources and relationships needed to face challenges within their community.

“Henry, Cole and I appreciate the support from United Way, which has encouraged us to develop programming that will resonate with youth we are already working with in our community. Together, we are creating a road map that will help young men in West Michigan build deeper, stronger relationships and grow into leaders.”

As one of its first steps toward mobilizing the community for change, Heart of West Michigan United Way developed the Transformation Strategy in 2021 to close the economic and achievement gap for people of color in Kent County. Through this strategy, the organization created the Opportunity Initiative to provide local Black, Indigenous and People of Color, or BIPOC-led/founded grassroots organizations –including Young Money Finances, Delta Project and Better Wiser Stronger – financial and educational support through a one-time grant. United Way’s goal was to help build the capacities of small nonprofits and collaboratives that were already successfully addressing systemic change.

“United Way is funding the We Matter Now initiative because we saw how intimately these three organizations work to empower young Black and Brown men who struggle to achieve due to structural racism and other forms of oppression,” said Shannon Blackmon-Gardner, vice president of community impact at Heart of West Michigan United Way. “We are so excited to support their work and see the change, growth and impact that this collaborative will have on our young men of color.”

The theme of the first conference, Our Vision, Our Voice, Our Choice, underscores the initiative’s desire to have boys and young men of color be partners in what programming will look like. Sessions will focus on financial education, healthy behaviors and conflict resolution training, equipping attendees with the support to be impactful members of the community.

Henry Sapp, of Better Wiser Strong

“We Matter Now will serve as a resource broker, collaborating with curated organizations to connect attendees to the high-impact services, information and support they need,” Sapp said. “Research shows it’s critical for young people to have adults who believe in and support them in order to develop a positive sense of their future.

“Youth who can see a future for themselves are more likely to exhibit positive behaviors, such as good decision-making and goal planning, while avoiding problem behaviors and poor choices.”

Through its three partner organizations, We Matter Now will offer summer programming to those who attend the conference as a way to extend the conversation and share resources. This programming will include:

  • Better Wiser Stronger will offer its Blueprint Journal workshop, which is part of its boys-to-men curriculum and designed to provide a blueprint for success.
  • The Delta Project will offer its Delta Conversation, which uses storytelling and video editing to tell personal stories in a meaningful and digestible way.
  • Young Money Finances will offer three sessions – Young Money Managers, Young Investors and Young Entrepreneurs – enabling teens to sharpen their skills around managing money, investing and starting a business.

We Matter Now will also hold a celebrationin August before the start of the new school year to celebrate the connections forged during spring and summer, connect families of attendees with one another and promote a successful return to the classroom.

Guiding Light opens an ‘Iron House’ in Kentwood as part of growing addiction recovery program

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At the opening of Guiding Light’s Iron House, sober-living apartments, in the City of Kentwood in late January, Guiding Light Board Chair John Harrington provides opening remarks and Esther Yff-Prins, one of the Guiding Light spiritual directors, gives the blessing of the Iron House. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org


Guiding Light, a Grand Rapids non-profit that helps men struggling with addiction and homelessness to return to society, announced this week the opening of its sixth Iron House as two of its clients moved into the sober-living apartments in the City of Kentwood.


Clients, staff, board members and volunteers gathered for a private blessing and tour of the recently remodeled building on Jan. 28.

The new Iron House comes at a time of increased demand for addiction recovery services, according to the announcement. Since the beginning of 2021, Guiding Light has experienced increases in the number of inquiries and program enrollments for its Recovery program.

The opening of a new Guiding Light Iron House in the City of Kentwood. (Supplied)

Able to accommodate seven men, the four-unit apartment building increases the nonprofit’s capacity to house men “as they transition back into the mainstream of society after successfully completing the Foundation phase of Guiding Light’s Recovery program,” according to the announcement.

In total, Guiding Light can house a total of 42 men in its six Iron House locations.

The apartments are designed for community-oriented sober living and are reserved exclusively for men who have finished four to six months of intensive residential treatment that combines evidence-based practices, life-coaching, therapy, support groups, spiritual direction and other resources to equip men to stay sober and reengage with their family, friends and community.

Background on Iron House  program

The Iron House model has proven to be a “key component” in setting clients up for success to achieve long-term recovery, according to the announcement. Guiding Light has found 76 percent of men who move to Iron House reach at least one year of abstinence-based sobriety.

Guiding Light Board Chair John Harrington provides opening remarks at the opening of a City of Kentwood Iron House. (Supplied)

“We want to give men the best opportunity possible for living a healthy, connected life in recovery,” Recovery Director Brian Elve said in supplied material. “That’s why we created a structure with Iron House that allows men to stay connected with the support offered by Guiding Light.

“We recognize it takes a year or more to change the physical structure of the brain and its response to addiction. Iron House allows for truly comprehensive, long-term, transformative care and we are excited to invest in our community this way.”

After completing the “Foundation” phase of recovery, Guiding Light clients who are interested in continuing their recovery journeys at Iron House are able to apply for the opportunity. If accepted, clients are able to move into an apartment once they have secured full-time employment.

In addition to abstinence-based sobriety, Iron House residents focus on honing important life skills. Residents all have jobs. They buy and prepare their own food, pay their own bills and engage with each other in a communal-living environment.

“They look after and support each other, practicing community and providing support to one another with a common goal of creating lives worth staying sober for,” according to the announcement.

Programs, goals of Guiding Light

While living more independently, residents still have access to the support and resources of the recovery program, such as the opportunity to attend classes or support groups, participate in a spiritual direction group, work with a life coach and give back to the community through service.

Not only has Iron House been a key part of helping residents maintain their sobriety, it has also generated profits to ensure Guiding Light’s programming can remain free to participants, according to the announcement.

Funds from Iron House and The Job Post, Guiding Light’s two social enterprises, benefit clients while also aiding in the financial sustainability of the nonprofit’s programs. The programs are otherwise entirely funded by donations and grants.

Founded in 1929 as the West Fulton St. Mission, Guiding Light has grown into a recovery and reengagement community designed to “help those living at society’s margins fulfill their God-given potential,” according to supplied information.

For more information about Guiding Light’s recovery program, call 616-451-0236, ext. 23 and “take a confidential first step.” Learn more at guidinglightworks.org.

Local non-profit Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services launches capital campaign

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This video, produced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, as shown at the kickoff of the group’s “Expanding Equal Access: A New Home for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services” fundraising campaign.

By Phil de Haan

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

The first-ever major Capital Campaign for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services was publicly launched on January 24, 2022.

“Expanding Equal Access: A New Home for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services” is a $266,000 fundraising campaign that will allow D&HHS to become part of a large non-profit center being developed at the old South Christian High School on 68th Street in Grand Rapids, just west of a major bus line on South Division Avenue.

The project is being headed up by Special Olympics of Michigan and will see the 127,000 square foot building (which includes two gyms and a 735-seat auditorium) become home to 10 non-profits, all of which have advocacy and empowerment at the heart of everything they do.

D&HHS will join Special Olympics of Michigan, Autism Support of Kent County, Brody’s Be Café, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Far Out Volleyball Club, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan/be nice, MOKA, and Thresholds in this new space.

The public launch event included remarks by Tim Hileman, president and CEO of Special Olympics of Michigan, who said: “I love days like today. It speaks to what really good organizations can do both individually and collectively. What they can do together.”

Hileman commended what he called the “great, great leadership” of D&HHS, including the staff and the board.

He added: “I love the name of your campaign. This new non-profit center truly is multiple organizations coming together to create access, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is an important part of this project.”

D&HHS Board President Rowan O’Dougherty agreed.

“Deaf people need our agency,” he said. “And Deaf people need community. That’s why I am so excited about the move here. We currently have such limited space, but when we move here those limitations will go away. We can draw our community together to socialize, to play sports, have coffee at the Café. Our Deaf senior citizens could make this a weekly activity. It’s going to be great.”

For Mary Andringa, step-mother to Chad, now a Deaf adult, the new space will continue a long legacy of D&HHS service to her family.

“D&HHS has been a rock on which Chad could build his core values and see himself as a unique individual with talents and abilities,” she said. “The people here (D&HHS staff) were pivotal to his growth and mine. He has had the advocates he needed to protect his rights, and he has been called to grow. This agency has been a conduit. Or should I say a can-do-it place. This agency always feeds back truth.”

Board Treasurer, Mickey Carolan, asks for support of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services capital campaign. (D&HHS)

Mickey Carolan, the treasurer for the D&HHS board, spoke not just about money (though he did that too!) but also about his experience growing up as the child of Deaf adults, a CODA.

“I was born into a majority Deaf community,” he said. “It’s the reason I am here today. I remember growing up and the access my parents had to communities in Detroit and Flint and Saginaw. There hasn’t been a place on this side of the state for that kind of community. Until now. This is the spot. And I hope that the energy everyone here today brought inspires you, whatever that is. Maybe it’s a gift of $1. Maybe it’s $50,000 I don’t want to limit you. But whatever it is, we are grateful.”

Earl Howell and Dr. Robert Hohendorf of Lions Club International District 11-C1 present a check. (D&HHS)

Indeed, Carolan was grateful at the event to accept a check for $15,000 from Earl Howell and Dr. Robert Hohendorf of Lions Club International District 11-C1. That gift brought the current fundraising total to just over $133,000, just over half of the $266,000 total goal for the campaign.

D&HHS hopes to start the renovation of an old science lab into its new space in March 2022, pending fundraising. If all goes well it would move to the new non-profit center in the summer of 2022.

Images of the D&HHS space and the entire facility, plus the campaign video and photos from the campaign event, are online and available to media at: deafhhs.org/capital-campaign.

Writer, others share real life stories to raise awareness of current scams to warn readers

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Even legitimate websites can be impersonated as part of a scammer’s scheme. (U.S. Army)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

Encountering email and phone scams has become a common nuisance in recent years, even more so as we become more online- and internet-focused as a culture. It is not unusual for consumers to discover a fraudulent email in their personal and business accounts every day as scam artists attempt to cheat them out of money or information.

When this WKTV writer was asked to research an article on prevalent scams in the community, I was suddenly inundated with stories of those who had become victims of scams. Some escaped unscathed, others did not.

WKTV recognizes the importance of community members being aware of current scams so they can protect themselves against becoming victims, and has compiled several personal narratives, from this writer as well as other residents, to raise that awareness. (Names have been changed to protect the victim’s identity.)

Seeing red flags in emails

Within the space of a few days, my personal email account received a message with the heading, “Happy New Year – Your Order ID#740217.” It did not specify what company I supposedly ordered from, but did contain the message, “This message is from a trusted sender.” The body of the email contained two links. One labeled, “You have won!! Gift inside.” The other, “Go Here.”

It immediately raised red flags as I didn’t remember ordering anything recently, and the email didn’t specify the sender. The line about it being from a trusted sender, however, made me pause for just a moment and consider that it might be legitimate — and that is what scammers are hoping for.

(Michigan Attorney General)

Next came an email titled: “Re: (smiling emoji) Your Package delivery notification ID#87946477.” Supposedly, this email was sent by USPS. However, I couldn’t see the United States Postal Service using emojis in their emails, and when I noticed that the email address the message originated from was indecipherable, it became obvious that it was a scam.

Some are harder to discern. The next email seemed to legitimately come from Best Buy, an electronics retailer. The sender was listed as Bestbuy.com, which made sense. The heading was: “Your Order #502-20201222—is still awaiting instructions!” It then instructed me to track the status of the order by clicking on the link offered.

There weren’t any misspellings or emojis to make me think twice about the validity of the sender. What did make me think twice was that I hadn’t ordered anything from Best Buy in years.

After a closer look at the email — which looked alarmingly similar to many invoices received from other online orders placed — I noticed that listed under Order Details was another listing of an order number. This one, however, contained a lowercase ‘n’ and then the degree symbol before listing the number, and ended with a right parenthesis. Those small mistakes reassured me that the email was a scam. A company as large as Best Buy would make sure those mistakes were nonexistent.

Another email appeared to be from a friend, but the sender’s email address did not match her true email address. Another claimed to be from Quicken Loans Affiliate attempting to confirm my mortgage savings package (I neither have a mortgage nor have ever used Quicken Loans) but the email address was a random jumble of letters and numbers, not a legitimate address.

Other stories, other scam attempts

We have all received emails that make us think, “Is this legitimate?” What we need to do is slow down and take a closer look before assuming they are real and clicking on links.

While scam artists use email more often than phone calls due to the online nature of our culture, phone calls are still prevalent, especially for elderly community members who may not be quite as media oriented.

Attempting to sell a SLR camera body on Marketplace, Denise was asked if she could chat to an interested buyer via Messenger audio. She agreed and was then asked to ship the camera directly to the buyer’s brother because it was a birthday gift. She was willing to do so. The buyer then asked if she would include a birthday card and a $50 gift card since it would be shipped directly to his brother, and he would not have the opportunity to do so himself; he would then reimburse her for the camera, shipping, and gift card once she showed proof of shipping.

Alarm bells went off in Denise’s head.

The buyer was insistent and talked fast, so she pretended to agree to do as he asked so she could bring the call to an end. When the call finished and Denise had time to organize her thoughts, she realized she would have lost the camera, shipping, and $50 if she had gone along with the man’s request.

Scam artists prey on their victim’s emotions and promote a sense of urgency that is hard to ignore when someone believes a family member is in trouble.

Molly’s father-in-law received a garbled call: “Grandpa, I’m in Atlanta, was in an accident and broke my jaw. I was arrested for being drunk but hadn’t had a drop … will you wire me money for my bail and attorney?”

Thankfully, Molly’s father-in-law suspected fraud and instructed the caller to phone his father, then called Molly and asked her to check with her son to make sure it was fraud and that his grandson truly did not need help.

It was fraudulent.

Amy’s elderly parents experienced the same call and “made it all the way to the bank, where the employee stopped them and explained that they must not make that withdrawal. We figured out that my nephew’s phone had been hacked. He was out of the country on a trip at the time.”

Mark received what appeared to be a legitimate phone call from a scammer who claimed to be from his bank, warning him that a scammer had tried to break into his account.

They asked him to verify his information to make sure everything was okay. The scammers listed his address and phone number (all easily accessed public information) and asked if it was correct. When he replied that it was, they asked, “And I have your social security number on my screen, can you verify that for me, please?” Once the Mark recited his social security number, the scammer said, “Yes, that’s right.”

The victim had just given enough information for the scammers to steal his identity and/or open various accounts in the victim’s name.

“They (the scammers) say it so casually that the victim often doesn’t realize they’ve just given away a vital piece of information to the victim; it almost sounds like the scammer supplied all of their info,” Mark said.

Marci relayed an experience of an elderly woman who received a call that her taxes were late, and her house would be foreclosed on if she didn’t wire funds within the hour. Fearing that she would become homeless, “the woman called a cab and told the driver why she had to hurry. He took her instead to the police department.”

The police handled the matter, and the woman did not lose any money.

What to do, where to for for help

Katie Grevious, Better Business Bureau Communications Specialist, urges residents to slow down and “think before you act.”

Even if you feel a sense of urgency or fear as a result of an email or phone call like the ones listed above, step back, take a deep breath, and search for those clues that will help you know if the message you received is, in fact, legitimate.

If you are unsure of the best way to identify if a message is a scam, visit Better Business Bureau’s website for tips on how to differentiate between authentic and fraudulent communications.

Please report scams to BBB’s scamtracker site: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker. This allows consumers to know what is happening and protect themselves. It also helps law enforcement and other government agencies like BBB to root out the source of the scam and put a stop to it.

Local law enforcement and BBB share tips on how to recognize scams and how consumers can protect themselves

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Every day online users are bombarded with real — and scam — communications. The trick to keeping your money and personal information is knowing the difference. (Pixere.com)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

With email and phone scams on the rise in an ever-increasing online and media culture, local law enforcement and government agencies are working to educate consumers on current scams and how to protect themselves from becoming victims.

Phishing, defined as the fraudulent practice of sending messages designed to trick individuals into revealing personal information, has become one of the main conduits for fraud.

Katie Grevious, Better Business Bureau Communications Specialist, told WKTV that falling victim to a scam has become more difficult to avoid as “scammers are becoming more crafty and creative.” Grevious said that scammers use fear and a sense of urgency to prompt consumers into following their directives: “It is an emotional situation. Something is wrong, something bad is going to happen — that’s what gets people.”

The ongoing pandemic has also played a role in increasing the phishing strategy, with emails offering grants to those out of work and in need of money. In a more general sense, an increasing number of consumers have begun shopping online, providing ample opportunities for scam artists to create situations that involve an emotional response of fear and urgency.

“We don’t see it really slowing down as the pandemic continues and we become more online and internet focused,” Grevious said.

This is the first of two stories on this on this subject; visit here for a story of personal interaction with possible scams.

Online shopping, social media scams

An online scam could also be as simple as clicking on a link to track an order. Scam artists often use the names of larger corporations, such as Amazon, to send emails offering a link to track an order that the consumer may not remember placing.

Grevious urges consumers to hover their computer mouse over the link, which will reveal a bar that states where it will actually take you, and even hover over the sender’s name to see the email address associated with that email. If it is a jumble of letters and numbers instead of, for example, Amazon.com, it is not legitimate. Also look at the browser — if there is a lock symbol and “https” listed there, it means it is a secure and authentic site.

“It is really important that people are vigilant all the time,” said Grevious. “Look for simple grammar and spelling mistakes. Big companies make sure everything is spelled correctly.”

Slowing down is also key to ensuring consumers don’t miss something important.

(Pixere.com)

“Think before you act,” Grevious said. “Our culture has a quick-go pace. We do a lot on our phones, so we don’t do that double-checking and hovering.”

Det. Andrew Tompkins of the Kent County Sherriff’s Office and member of the Metropolitan Fraud and Identity Theft Team agrees: “Good practice is that if you didn’t order anything or didn’t sign up for something, then it’s most likely a scam.”

Grevious also urges consumers to avoid emails that tell you to re-log into another account you may have, such as Facebook, and offer a link to do so in order to complete the instructions given. These are often ploys that will reveal your password to the sender.

“People may think it’s not important if their Facebook or Instagram account gets hacked,” said Grevious, “but a lot of people have a lot of similar passwords because it’s too hard to remember 200 different passwords to everything. Your Facebook password may offer a clue on how to get into more important accounts — like bank accounts.”

Preying on pet, gift card buyers

In 2021, one of the most common phishing scams involved buying pets online.

“People tried to buy pets online because of the pandemic,” Grevious said. “They pay for the pet through payment apps and then find out it’s a scam. The scammers will often use a random address on the website they create, so people assume it’s real. Then they show up at that address to get their animal and it’s not there.”

Buying pets online is also a place to be aware of possible cams. (Kent County District Court historic photo)

Grevious advises seeing the animal you are interested in purchasing in person beforehand, even if it involves traveling. “Legitimate businesses want to know you are a good fit for their animal. They want to see you in person.”

While email scams have become increasingly common, scams involving phone calls are still prevalent and used often in attempts to illicit money from victims.

Det. Tompkins said that one of the most common scams involves cold calls targeting people to send gift cards, claiming they are from various government agencies and that they have a warrant for the arrest of the consumer unless he/she pays to absolve the issue.

“Government agenc(ies) will never ask for gift cards to get you out of legal trouble,” Det. Tompkins said. “No legitimate business is going to ask for gift cards for services.”

Summer and winter have revealed an upward trend in scams as air conditioning and heat are turned on in homes.

“If you pay your electric bill online, and someone calls you saying they are from Consumers Energy and ask you to confirm personal information,” Grevious said, “say you will call them back and call the company from a number you know, like the number provided on the bill.”

Det. Tompkins had similar advice: “Do not give personal information or identifying information out. Don’t call the number that a person provides you over the phone, search the number for that business to call and confirm this is a real interaction.”

Some scams, however, play on the familiar. Det. Tompkins warns residents, especially the elderly, to be careful of scammers who call claiming to be family. “Scammers call elderly pretending to be their grandkids saying they were arrested and need to send money.”

When asked the standard amount lost by individual victims of scams, he said, “The typical amount of loss is under $1,000. But if the scammers target business or subject(s) that are wealthy, then the loss is in the several thousands.”

Grevious reminds consumers to remember that, “you are in control of your information and who you are talking to. Think before you act.”

Consumers are also urged to speak up if they become victims of a scam.

“The more people let us know what is happening, the more we can help,” said Grevious.

Resources and Fraud Report Links:

Better Business Bureau consumer resources and scamtracker site: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam

https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-scam-email

Identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/

Phone scams: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

Tax scams or relating to the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/

Local faith, medical leaders rally behind healthcare workers, stress dark COVID days remain but will pass

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The Rev. Khary Bridgewater and Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer Teresa Branson, at left, led the Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers” and pandemic awareness gathering. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacts the lives of all Kent County residents regardless of race, ethnicity and faith — although current statistics make clear it impacts the unvaccinated to a more serious degree.

It is not surprising, therefore, that speakers at a Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers”, attended by county clergy, the leaders of local hospital  networks, and Kent County officials, stressed three things: appreciation to frontline healthcare, the non-discriminatory nature of the virus, and the need to get vaccinated as an individual’s part in keeping themselves and their neighbors safe.

The prayer service was led by several local clergy. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“One of the realities that we are seeing — and I just came off the hospital floor — is the fact that there is not sector or section of this community that is not being affected by COVID,” Rev. Khary Bridgewater said to WKTV at the gathering at  Mercy Health Saint Mary’s downtown Grand Rapids. “Young. Old. Regardless of ethnicity. Regardless of creed … We are all in the same boat. We are all dealing with the same impact.

“Everyone is having the same sort of regrets as they struggle with this virus, particularly those at the end of life and they realize this was an avoidable situation. It doesn’t matter who you were when you get to a hospital bed. We are working very hard with every member of our community to stress the simple truth that COVID is dangerous.”

The gathering and prayer service was led by the Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, formerly known as the Kent County COVID-19 Task Force). The gathering’s stated goal was to “stand with our front-line medical workers, hospital staff and public health officials, as well as their families, who are sacrificing daily to provide the care that our community needs.”

Leading the gathering was Rev. Bridgewater, facilitator of the Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, and by his side was Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer, who as been a leader of the group since its inception. The pandemic-aware gathering was limited to local media, a few other people, and several persons remaining in their cars in the parking lot location.

The gathering also highlighted numerous churches and faith-based organizations “coming together to raise community awareness of the current situation in our hospitals; issue a public statement of commitment; and pray and bless our health care personnel and their families.”

Among the local medical leaders present were Dr. Matt Biersack, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s; Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health; Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed; and Dr. Ronald Grifka, chief medical officer of University of Michigan Health-West.

“In this season of hope, when so many workers turn to their home, their families, their traditions, remember many healthcare workers will be working around the clock taking care of their patients,” Grifka said to the gathering. “That selfless spirt embodies what we celebrate this time of the year. I ask that no matter what your beliefs, please keep our healthcare workers in your hearts.”

At a Monday, Dec. 20, “Prayer Service for Health Care Workers”, Kent County clergy, leaders of local hospital  networks, and county officials gathered. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Kent County Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team, according to supplied information, is a group of faith-based and non-profit community leaders that have partnered with the Kent County Health Department and its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office.

“Together, they have reduced the spread of COVID-19, provided space for church vaccination clinics and informed the community about the vaccine,” according to the supplied information. But in doing so, thy have also heard “the concerns of our hospitals who are beyond capacity and our health care professionals who are weary and overburdened.”

In response to the current pandemic situation, faith leaders from across the city and the county also pledged to eliminate all non-essential, indoor gatherings; restrict essential gatherings to less than 50 people per 2,000 square feet; require all attendees at indoor gatherings to wear a mask and abide by social distancing and COVID-19 hygiene; and — maybe most importantly — to encourage all members of our community to get COVID-19 vaccination and any appropriate booster shots.

Feeding the masses: Mel Trotter, Cherry Health, The Rapid — and the public — team up for huge Thanksgiving meal

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A view of Mel Trotter Ministries’ Thanksgiving diner for the public in need, from 2018. (Mel Trotter Ministries)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Imagine having 1,500 people at your Thanksgiving meal table; then imagining the traffic jam in your driveway. And, by the way, some of them may need a COVID vaccination.

Mel Trotter Ministries, working with medical partner Cherry Health and transportation partner The Rapid, have plans to serve 1,500-plus persons — in person — at a Thanksgiving Community Meal Thursday, Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day, at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.

While volunteer opportunities are filled, but public “sponsorship” donations are still being accepted to cover the cost of the meal. For more Information visit meltrotter.org/thanksgiving.

“We are so excited to be able to be together again, and to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus to anyone who is alone or hungry this Thanksgiving,” Dennis Van Kampen, President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, said in supplied material. “Being in community is what it’s all about and we definitely missed that last year.”

Covid precautions and safety measures will be in affect and strictly followed according to CDC guidelines, according to an announcement from Mel Trotter Ministries. Temperature checks at the door, along with mandatory mask wearing at all times other than while eating will be enforced for all who attend the Community Meal.

Additionally, in partnership with Cherry Health, the event will also be offering a free Covid vaccine clinic that morning.

“For the last several months, our staff has held regular vaccine clinics at Mel Trotter,” Dr. Jenny Bush, director of pediatrics and COVID response coordinator at Cherry Health, said in supplied material. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and our community from COVID-19, and we want people to feel encouraged to get vaccinated. We know a big part of that is meeting people where they’re at, making them feel comfortable, and making the process as quick and easy as possible.

“We hope that by offering an onsite COVID-19 vaccine clinic at this incredible event, we are able to remove barriers to care and increase vaccination rates for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and anyone in the Grand Rapids community who attends.”

Doors open at the Thanksgiving Community Meal at 10 a.m., and vaccine clinic runs from 10 a.m. to noon, with meals being served between 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the DeVos Place Convention Center, Ball Room.

While there is free parking available onsite, The Rapid and Mel Trotter Ministries will continue their partnership to provide free transit service to and from the community meal as they have in years past.

The free service will consist of two shuttles connecting South Division and portions of northwest and northeast Grand Rapids to DeVos Place. The service will begin around 10:00 a.m. and conclude around 1:30 p.m. (See map and schedule information below).

“One of the most important things we provide to the community is access,” Deb Prato Chief Executive Officer at The Rapid, said in supplied material. “While that access is often focused on employment, education, and critical services, partnerships like this that provide a free ride to a Thanksgiving meal are a great reminder that the value we provide goes far beyond day-to-day commuting.”
 

The Rapid’s regular fixed-routes and paratransit services are not in operation on Thanksgiving day, as part of its standard holiday service schedule. For more information on The Rapid, please visit ridetherapid.org.

 

Kent County, partners receive state refugee resettlement grants to assist local Afghan refugees

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Kent County Community Action has been providing meal assistance to local Afghan refugees. (Supplied/Kent County)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Kent County’s efforts to assist Afghan refugees being resettled in West Michigan gained a boost as the Kent County Board of Commissioners, at a Nov. 18 meeting, approved two grants to meet the health and nutritional needs of newly arriving Afghan refugees.

One grant is a $333,000 Refugee Resettlement Food Assistant Grant from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services which will be managed by Kent County Community Action (KCCA), according to an announcement from the county.

The second is a $180,000 Refugee Screening Grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity which will be administered by the Kent County Health Department (KCHD).

The health department will screen newly arriving refugees for contagious disease, review and document medical history, administer vaccinations, and provide referrals for primary care physicians, according to the announcement.

 
“Kent County is expecting more than 350 refugees from Afghanistan and the responsibility to provide health screenings and immunizations for these new residents falls on local public health,” KCHD Public Health Division Director Joann Hoganson said in supplied material. “These funds will allow us to provide screenings and other support services to the Afghan refugees and assist them in their transition to a new life in the United States.”


The KCHD will also provide health education services that include an introduction to the U.S. health care system along with information about nutritional healthy living and Medicaid health insurance coverage.

Kent County Community Action has been providing meal assistance to local Afghan refugees. (Supplied/Kent County)

The food assistant grant will assist KCCA in its temporary meal and housing assistance to refugees.

 
“I am glad that KCCA can help during this time of need,” KCCA Program Manager Rachel Kunnath said in supplied material. “I cannot imagine what these families have been through over the past few months, and it is my hope that these meals are a little taste of home that brings them comfort.”

Local resettlement agencies determine the needs of each family as meals are provided to those in temporary living quarters until permanent housing is established. To date, KCCA has prepared more over 1,000 meals which are packaged in boxes containing 20 culturally appropriate meals with four to five different varieties and pita bread.

Santa Claus Girls, adapting to hard times, return this holiday season and look to the future

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This year’s Santa Claus Girls operation will look different than it did in 2018. But the desire to support local families in need has not changed. (Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The historic holiday non-profit and volunteer-run Santa Claus Girls program, which most recently operated out of Kentwood but has temporarily set up its toy shop in Grandville, will return this Christmas season after last year breaking a century-long run of helping families due to the pandemic.

The Santa Claus Girls program, shown in this undated photo, has been around for more than a century, but is changing these days. (Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)

After 112 years of service to the West Michigan community, losing its facility and unable to gather volunteers in numbers in 2020, Santa Claus girls was determined to get back to business in 2021, Tina Hudson, president of Santa Claus Girls, said to WKTV.

But things will be different — a new workplace, a compacted work schedule, a smaller number of kids and families supported, a different plan to get the gift package out to the community, and — maybe most importantly for the future — changes in how the group is funded.

“We are back this year but in a very different format,” Hudson said. “We are working out of West Michigan CDL for four days — Dec 9-12. (The group usually works months ahead of time to gather and put together gift packages). This will entail an extremely high intensity work time for us. We are fortunate, though, to at least have this time and space.”

West Michigan CDL, a Grandville truck driver training school with a well-known Commercial Drivers License (CDL) program, has allowed Santa Claus Girls to use their facility this year. But, Hudson has pointed out, they are a working facility and, so can only offer up a short period of time.

“Due to limited time constraints, we estimate being able to service approximately 2,500-3,000 families rather than our usual 5,000 to 6,000. So that means 5,000 kiddos rather than the 12,000 to 13,000 we usually do,” Hudson said, noting that they have already reached their registration limit. And, “again due to limited time and storage space, we are not able to accept donations of toys, clothing, etc. this year.”

The client families, this year, will be given a control number and pickup time— “We are not delivering, curbside pickup only,” she said.

The Santa Claus Girls are not all “girls”, as in this 2019 photograph. (WKTV)

The children who will be given gift packages will be the same ages Santa Claus Girls have always done: infant to age 12 of both genders. But due to the limited time they will not be wrapping gifts, so parents will have that option. The gifts will be bundled and placed in non-see-through plastic bags and given to the parents.

“The parents will not be coming into our building but snaking around the parking lot (in cars) to the pickup door,” Hudson said.

One other result of the change of practice this season is that the program will — actually wants to — deplete its stockpile of toys and clothes and other items. And they will then turn to their future work of finding a more permanent home, restocking their shelves and finding other means of financially supporting the program.

“We lost our storage space at Knoll (Industries in Kentwood), due to its sale and had to move out any remaining items we had after Christmas 2019,” Hudson said. “Meijer was kind enough to step up and send trucks for us to move things into and they are storing goods for us. We hope to deplete our inventory this year and find a permanent home, but so far no luck.”

And talking about “hoping” for the future, even their funding sources will need to change.

“We operate on a $200,000 budget, all donations from the community. With not working last year due to COVID our donations barely came in,” she said. “We are working with what is in a bank account and dearly hope to have donations return to us this year.

“Besides losing Knoll we also lost our longtime sponsor — The Grand Rapids Press.  We are now a stand-alone charity and are praying the community steps up and helps us out.”

For more information about the Santa Claus Girls, visit santaclausgirls.org.

Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber seeking new leader as longtime president steps down

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From left to right, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. Chamber member Kathy Bates and Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan at one of the candidate forums hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce . (Supplied)

By Sheila McGrath
WKTV Community Writer

Nine years after taking the helm of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Bob O’Callaghan is ready to let someone else steer the ship. He plans to retire at the end of this year.

 

As president and CEO of the chamber, it’s O’Callaghan’s job to help businesses in Kentwood and Wyoming grow stronger.

“I get asked once a week, ‘What do you do? What is your job?’” he said. “I’m a connector. I connect businesses to other businesses to help them grow, and give them a chance to do more business.”

Bob O’Callaghan helping to promote the 28th Street Metro Cruise which expanded to Woodland Mall in 2021. (WKTV)

More than 400 businesses are members of the chamber, and most of them – around 70 percent in recent years – are actively involved. Those businesses have representatives serving on committees and offering volunteers to staff the chamber’s many events.

As he looks back on his years of service, O’Callaghan says the group’s community involvement is his proudest achievement. 

 

“We look at ourselves as a community chamber,” he said. “Some of our events, like the 28th Street Metro Cruise, the Santa parade, and the Government Matters meetings … are really huge because it gives exposure to the chamber and gets information out that’s sometimes not out to the general public.”

O’Callaghan has been involved with the chamber in some capacity for three decades. Prior to leading the group, he served on various committees and on the board of directors. In nearly 30 years with the chamber, he has seen both Kentwood and Wyoming become much more diverse cities. And he witnessed those cities go through bad times and good.

 

Chef Joseff VanHorn with Bob O’Callaghan who has been a champion to local businesses for 30 years, 9 as the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s president/CEO. (WKTV)

During the Great Recession of 2007-2009, Wyoming saw the General Motors plant on 36th Street, the Studio 28 movie theater and Classic Chevrolet, one of the biggest Chevrolet dealers in Michigan, close within three weeks of each other. 

“Everyone was down in the mouth and asking ‘Are we ever going to come back,’” he said. “To see that devastation and to see how we’ve come back – COVID has been a kick in the rear again, but before that, everything was going well. There weren’t a lot of empty buildings available, people had staff, the economy was good. So it was nice to see that come back, and I think it will again. COVID is just a temporary setback on the business community.”

He acknowledges that businesses everywhere are struggling now with lack of staff due to COVID. He hopes some of the biggest businesses in the area, like Metro Health, Lacks and Steelcase, might be on the leading edge of finding new ways to attract and retain employees.

“They are going to have to change the way they operate in regards to employment, and the bigger companies will be leading the way to take us forward,” he said. “Once we get over this shortage of people – however we do that – I think you’ll see some changes in how things are done.”

O’Callaghan said more than 70 people, who are hoping to serve as his replacement, have already been interviewed, and the final candidates will be narrowed down after Thanksgiving.

His last official event will be the chamber’s annual meeting on Jan. 28.

 

At the Santa Parade, which this year will be Saturday, Dec. 11, Bob O’Callaghan would often ride in the vehicle that pulls Santa. (WKTV)

“It’s kind of a great way to go out,” he said.

But before that, he’ll have one last Santa parade – one of his favorite chamber events – to participate in. The parade is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, and runs down South Division Avenue from 33rd Street to 44th Street.

“I have been fortunate enough to ride in the vehicle that pulls Santa. Nobody sees me, of course, but I would see the kids waving, and mom and dad smiling and taking pictures. That’s a really good feeling when you see that happening. We’re doing something in our community that’s needed,” he said. “There are years I come back and I don’t feel my feet are touching the ground.”

Celebration! South one of the Mel Trotter Ministries’ Turkey Drop sites

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Mel Trotter Ministries will be collecting turkeys at its annual Turkey Drop set for Wednesday. (pxhere.com)

Mel Trotter Ministries will host its 18th annual Turkey Drop this Wednesday with Celebration! Cinema South being one of three turkey drop-off locations.

The event collects frozen turkeys from area residents which will be given to those in need for the holiday season. Last year, Mel Trotter Ministries had the goal of collecting 2,500 frozen turkeys and the community’s outpouring resulted in surpassing the goal by more than double. Organizers said they hope to surpass last year’s numbers.

Frozen turkeys may be dropped off curbside. Mel Trotter Ministries’s staff and volunteers will be grabbing the turkeys from the vehicles quickly and safely while wearing masks and gloves. Mel Trotter Ministries is partnering with Feeding America West Michigan who will be distributing the frozen turkeys to food pantries and local organizations at no cost to them. 

Drop off is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Celebration! Cinema South, 1506 Eastport Dr. SE; Celebration! Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr. NE, and Mel Trotter Ministries Downtown, 225 Commerce Ave. SE. 

For more information about the event, visit meltrotter.org/turkeydrop

Advocates want to push ban of PFAS, other chemicals in food packaging

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Panera is one national chain that is working to eliminate food wrappers with “forever chemicals” such as PFAS. (Wikipedia)

By Vladislava Sukhanovskaya
Capital News Service

LANSING — Some lawmakers and environmental advocates want to ban chemicals in food packaging that they say threatens the health of Michiganders.

PFAS, bisphenols and phthalates can be found in almost every food package — from burger wrappers to bottles for drinks.

The chemicals include per- and polyfluorinated substances or PFAS, a large group of chemicals that has been used globally since the 1940s to manufacture “products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PFAS chemicals are so effective that they’re used in many industries, including food packaging.

A bill that would ban these chemicals from food packaging has been introduced in the Michigan Senate.

Other troublesome chemicals identified in the proposed ban are bisphenols and phthalates. Bisphenols are used to line cans and phthalates are commonly used in plastic food packaging to add flexibility, Courtney Carignan, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition of Michigan State University, wrote in an email.

 

It’s not easy to tell which food package contains these chemicals because there are no labeling requirements for them, Carignan said.

PFAS, bisphenols and phthalates can be found in burger wrappers, french fry bags, canned food, and packages for drinks, according to the Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental group located in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

Whether these chemicals are released into food depends on the temperature, time of storage and the acidity of food, said Rebecca Meuninck, the deputy director of the Ecology Center.

“Many of these chemicals have been linked to concerning health effects such as infertility, hormone and immune disruption,” Carignan said.

They accumulate in peoples’ bodies, said Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, who sponsored the legislation to ban them. “The more we are exposed to them the worse it’s for our health. People have PFAS in their blood. PFAS lasts for an extremely long period of time, they don’t break down.”

PFAS can cause high cholesterol, decreased immune system response to vaccines and development of certain types of cancer, according to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

It’s important to avoid PFAS in packaging not only because it can be released into food, but also because manufacturing this type of packaging and disposing of it pollutes the environment, Meuninck said.

There are alternatives to PFAS, such as bamboo, palm leaf, bio-wax, clay and compostable plastic polylactic acid that usually is made from corn, according to Toxic-Free Future and nonprofit Clean Production Action. Both organizations advocate for safer products and chemicals.

 

PFAS is a long-standing controversial problem in Michigan.

State officials say that at least 1.9 million people are affected by PFAS and more than 11,000 sites are contaminated by this family of chemicals, according to news accounts. In 2018 and 2019, the state spent $69 million to clean up and address PFAS, according to Bridge Michigan.

One of the state’s largest contamination areas is that in Rockford, where Wolverine, a shoe company founded in the community, was found to have left a 25-mile square wide trail of PFAS contamination from a former tannery factory. Wolverine’s PFAS supplier was the chemical corporation 3M.

People can ask companies like McDonald’s and Burger King to phase PFAS out of packaging, said Rebecca Meuninck, the deputy director of the Ecology Center.

In 2021, 3M sued Michigan to oppose state new limits for PFAS in drinking water, saying that those limits are flawed because they were made in a “rushed and invalid regulatory process,” according to Bridge Michigan.

People can ask companies like McDonald’s and Burger King to phase PFAS out of packaging, Meunick said. Panera and Whole Foods are working to do that now.

It’s absolutely possible for companies to eliminate PFAS and other chemicals from food packaging, Irwin said. “There are many food packaging systems out there that don’t use these chemicals. And Michigan is a major center for packaging innovation and food products.”

This is Irwin’s second attempt to ban the chemicals in packaging. He said, “Legislation hasn’t gotten much traction in the past, but every year we learn more about PFAS.”

This time around, he has the support of the governor who on Oct. 27 issued an executive directive to limit the state’s purchase of products with PFAS.

And the Biden Administration recently announced a plan to “prevent PFAS from being released into the air, drinking systems and food supply.”

 

Similar bans have taken place in California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, New York, Vermont and Washington.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.

Discrimination complicates organ transplants for those with disabilities

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While there has been no reported cases of discrimination for organ transplants to those with disabilities, state leaders are hoping laws will prevent it from every happening. (Pxhere.com)

By Emerson Wigand
Capital News Service

LANSING – Without laws to prevent it, Michiganders with disabilities are not guaranteed equal consideration for needed organ transplants, advocates say.

This discrimination has been an issue for those with developmental disabilities nationwide, said Nicole Patton, the manager of state government relations at the National Down Syndrome Society. Notable cases have occured in New York, Maryland and Texas.

“One example was James Wellman, of California,” Patton said. “He was denied a kidney transplant because of a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.”

Of the 29 states that have passed laws prohibiting organ transplant discrimination, 13 acted in 2021 alone, Patton said.

Michigan could join them. Similar legislation has been proposed by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, and Sen. Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing. Without a state history of cases, Michigan’s proposed legislation is preventative.

“We haven’t heard any explicit stories from Michigan,” Patton said. “But that doesn’t mean that they haven’t happened.”

Cyndie Peters, an advocate for the special needs community in Grand Rapids, was shocked to discover this issue existed. The former nurse has a daughter who has Down syndrome. She  is supporting these bills to add new protections.

 

The bills would restrict those involved in organ transplants from basing decisions on an individual’s disabilities. This includes denying transplants or giving lower priority on a waiting list to those with disabilities.

Peters said without these laws one can’t ensure equal consideration for people like her daughter.

“It’s not specific to Down syndrome,” Peters said. “It could be anyone with a cognitive disability.”

A lot of this discrimination happens at the referral stage, as some doctors consider disabilities in transplant recommendations, Patton said. Some doctors make assumptions regarding the quality of life for those with conditions like Down syndrome, as well as their potential to recover from transplants.

Seeking justice for organ transplant discrimination can be difficult, Peters said. Legal red tape and court processes can waste vital time.

“Suddenly it’s a year down the road,” Peters said. “But your child needed an organ transplant six months ago.”

That’s why enforcement is the biggest part of this legislation, Patton said.

Hertel agrees that there needs to be consequences for this type of violation. His bill would allow those alleging discrimination based on disability to have their time-sensitive court case prioritized.

In addition to Hertel’s bill, a bill sponsored by Kahle was passed by the House. Both are  in the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee.

Hertel said he hopes to see a hearing soon, and he expects to see bipartisan support.

“We should be able to agree that all lives have value,” Hertel said. “People shouldn’t be discriminated against based on physical or mental disability.”

Grand Rapids’ Sweet Adelines are Hawaii-bound to perform in 80th anniversary Pearl Harbor program

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The Grand Rapids Chapter of the Sweet Adelines performed at the WKTV studio. (WKTV)

By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Community Contributor

This December, the Grand Rapids Chapter of Sweet Adelines will be singing to honor those who lost their lives 80 years ago during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The West Michigan based group, under the direction of Master Director Denise VanDyken, was the only musical singing group from Michigan to be chosen to perform at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Commemoration Concerts Series in Hawaii set for Dec. 7, 2021.

“We are thrilled to be part of this historic event,” VanDyken said. “A once in a lifetime experience, it will be very emotional and such an honor to perform.”

The performance also helps mark a special anniversary for the 60-member chorus.

Master Director Denise VanDyken gets the chorus ready for its performance. (WKTV)

“Our chorus is one of the longest running barbershop singing groups in the world,” she said. “We just celebrated our 70th anniversary. To be named as the official representatives of the state of Michigan to sing at the Pearl Harbor 80th Anniversary Commemoration is indeed a true hour.”

The Grand Rapids Chapter of Sweet Adelines is one of 10 nationwide chorus groups to be featured in this historic commemoration to honor America’s heroes who fought on the “date which will live in infamy.,” as so coined by then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service against the base on Dec. 7, 1941 was what pulled America into World War II. Eight American battleships sank at Pearl Harbor with 188 American aircraft destroyed. Around 2,403 Americans died in the attack and another 1,178 were injured.

Of the eight battleships, only two were never repaired or returned to duty: the USS Arizona and the USS Oklahoma. The USS Arizona still lies in the Pearl Harbor waters. As part of its commemorative activities, the Sweet Adelines will take part in an Official Military Wreath-laying Ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial and an Official Flag-Folding Ceremony at the USS Missouri Memorial. The USS Missouri was the last battleship commissioned by the United States and is best remember as the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan, which ended World War II. The USS Missouri was retired to Pearl Harbor in the late 1990s.

The opportunity to perform at the 80th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Commemoration Concerts Series is just one of many accolades the award-winning group has received in the past few years. In 2019, the Sweet Adelines Grand Rapids was named fifth in the world at the Sweet Adelines International’s Harmony Class Competition.

For more about the Sweet Adelines Grand Rapids or to join the group, visit their website, www.grsa.net. To see a sneak peek of the group’s performance check out WKTV Channel 25 at 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. and WKTV Channel 26 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., all of which air on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, or head over WKTV’s on-demand.

GVSU, Ford Foundation’s Veterans Day event hosts veteran/author who inspired ‘Black Hawk Down’

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Image taken from promotional material for the Veterans Day Celebration, with U.S. Army Rangers First Sgt. Matt Eversmann (Ret.) speaking. (GVSU)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

U.S. Army Rangers First Sgt. Matt Eversmann (Ret.), whose battlefield experiences in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia led him to become an author, is also an advocate for “teaching the next generation of leaders through his experience with the atrocities of war.”

In that and many other ways, Eversmann is the perfect person to be the featured guest at a Veterans Day Celebration hosted by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Grand Valley State University’s Peter Secchia Military and Veterans Resource Center and GVSU’s Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies — a center named for Col. Ralph W. Hauenstein.

Hauenstein — a journalist, war hero, entrepreneur, philanthropist and so  much more — was also a strong advocate for educating leaders on the impact and aftereffects of military conflict.

The Veterans Day Celebration, with Eversmann speaking, will take place Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m., in GVSU’s Charles W. Loosemore Auditorium, 401 West Fulton St., Suite 134 E, DeVos Center, Grand Rapids. For more information and to register, visit this gvsu.edu page. Free parking is available at the nearby Seward Ramp.

U.S. Army Rangers First Sgt. Matt Eversmann (Ret.), now an author and speaker. (Supplied)

“In October of 1993, First Sergeant  Matt Eversmann led a group of Army Rangers in a UN peacekeeping operation in Somalia,” it states in event promotional material. “Having been trapped, outnumbered, and marked for death, Eversmann’s survival and heroism earned him a Bronze Star Medal with valor device. He’s since been immortalized in the film Black Hawk Down.

“Upon returning from Somalia, Eversmann committed to teaching the next generation of leaders through his experience with the atrocities of war – not unlike our namesake, Colonel Ralph W. Hauenstein. His story highlights the importance of leadership, followership, and responsibility in our age of tribalism.”

While the Veterans Day Celebration will be a live event, the Hauenstein Center continues to offer a digital alternative for all of their events “as we consider the health and safety of our members, students, and the community.” The program is available virtually by visiting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87222394732 or call 929-205-6099 to gain access to the webinar ID: 872 2239 4732  to view the live broadcast.

In addition to members of the Hauenstein Center, all community members who are veterans or military-connected are invited to an hors d’oeuvres and drinks event at 5:30 p.m.

Eversmann — soldier and author

Eversmann is the co-author of two military-related books, The Battle of Mogadishu and Walk in My Combat Boots, and he knows what he writes about. But he is also a strong advocate for veterans rights and post-military employment and other services.

In Eversmann’s supplied biography, it states that: On October 3, 1993, Matt was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers to lead a daytime raid against an eager enemy militia. His inspiring story of survival was immortalized in the epic film, Black Hawk Down, which recounts the harrowing experience. For his actions on the battlefield he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with valor device.

During his remaining time in uniform, he worked at the Army War College, taught at The Johns Hopkins University and was finally deployed to Iraq where he lived with the Iraqi Army for 15 months during The Surge. He remained on active duty until May of 2008, when he retired after 20 years of service.

His frustration with the typical hiring process for veterans fueled his desire to help others avoid the “veterans predicament,” where servicemen and women are overlooked because of a broken hiring system. Since his retirement from active duty, he has worked in several industries in mid-level to senior-level positions. He was an operations officer in healthcare, an executive director in a non-profit and a VP of leadership development for a data management company.

Photo of the Week: Movies and Popcorn

Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Recreation
Beltline Drive-In (Photo from the Wyoming Historical Commission)

For almost forty years, the Beltline Drive-In Theater was a beacon along 28th Street, welcoming movie lovers from allover West Michigan. In 1948, Jack looks jumped into the booming post-war drive-in theater business when he bought land on 28th Street in Wyoming to build the theater, which would eventually include a miniature golf course and “Bounce Land” trampoline court. The theater, which was known for its waving Bugs Bunny and Goofy, had a capacity of 850 cars.

The drive-in theater would eventually be replaced by Studio 28, the area’s first in-door multiplex movie theater that featured 20 theaters in one. Studio 28 would close in 2019. The site is now the home of HOM Flats, which faces Prairie Parkway, and Frankie V’s restaurant, facing 28th Street. Jack Looks theater company, which is still locally owned, evolved into Celebration! Cinema with theaters at RiverTown Mall, on the East Beltline and Knapp, and on Kalmazoo Avenue near the M-6 interchange.

The image is supplied by the Wyoming Historical Commission. The commission operates the Wyoming Mich. Historical Room at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. The history room is open every Tuesday from 9:30 – noon. For more about the Wyoming Historical Commission, visit the organization’s Facebook page.

Kentwood resident honored with Sweet Adeline of the Year Award

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By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Community Contributor

Kentwood resident Pattee Bender received the Sweet Adeline of the Year Award. (Supplied)

It was an award well deserved. This year’s Sweet Adeline of the Year Award went to Pattee Bender, who has been a contributing member for 24 years. Her strong work ethic, and superior knowledge of the barbershop art form, and the many roles she plays within the group led to the honor.

So, what exactly went through her mind when her name was announced as the winner?

“Whaattttt? They called my name?,” she said. “I didn’t think it would be me. I truly am so surprised, grateful and humbled.”

Bender serves as choreographer, is the showmanship leader and oversees costume and makeup teams for the Grand Rapids Chapter of Sweet Adelines. In addition, she serves as the coordinator of the singing group’s upcoming travels.

“Almost a year ago, with optimism and excitement, our chorus accepted the invitation to sing at Pearl Harbor for the 80th commemorative anniversary,” Bender said. “I have been the point person with our music tour company, and am responsible for coordinating registrations, hotel information, forms, payment schedules and communicating information to our performers and travelers.”

 

It may seem a bit overwhelming, but that is one of the reasons why Bender received her award. She goes about every task with unbridled enthusiasm, attention to details and immense talent.

  • Pattee Bender’s reaction when her name was announced.
  • Bender receives her award.

Master Director Denise VanDyken agrees.

“I was surprised at the number of candidates that were nominated for this award. They are all so talented,” VanDyken said. “Pattee is very deserving of this prestigious award and we are all very proud of her.”

The Grand Rapids Chapter of Sweet Adelines is an a cappella group that sings in four-part harmony. The group just marked its 70th anniversary, making it one of the longest running barbershop singing groups in the world.

For more about the Sweet Adelines Grand Rapids or to join the group, visit their website, www.grsa.net. 

Gonzo’s Top 5: It’s time for Restaurant Week GR, and a Chili Cook-Off

Citizen Journalism, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Restaurants, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Contributing Writer

I turned on Christmas music for the first time last night as I was driving down U.S. 131 and seeing the lights at LMCU Ballpark, which is prepping for the annual Christmas Lite Show display. I can’t believe it’s their 24th year this season.

You know, I’m ready for the holidays.

How about you?

This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5 includes holiday events, a sports card shop opening, a chili cook-off and great Grand Rapids restaurants.

Enjoy.

Oh, and Winter Wonder Walks at the Christmas Lite Show in Comstock Park are next weekend (Nov. 11-14). For ticket information, click here.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Here we go.

Craft season has started. This week’s featured show is Jenison Christian School. (Photo from Pxhere.com)

5. Craft Show Season

Many craft shows are returning this year, which is exciting for those who love to shop local and get some unique items. If you have a favorite show, please let me know. I plan to include them in our weekly list here on WKTV Journal. This weekend you can check out the annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at Jenison Christian School. The event is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 6). You will find both original handmade crafts and baked goods. More info on the school’s Facebook page.

  • A sampling of items available at the Thornapple Sports Cards & Games opening on Saturday. (Thornapple Sports Cards & Games)

4. Thornapple Sports Cards & Games Grand Opening

I’m so nostalgic about sports cards. I collected them as a kid. Got back into the hobby after college. Then I got excited all over again when my kids were kids. Today, I don’t keep up with it like I used to, but I know there is a resurgence in collectibles, especially as NFTs become all the rage. (That’s another topic for another day.) This weekend Thornapple Sports Cards & Games in Hastings has its grand opening with special guest, outfielder/catcher Eric Haase of the Detroit Tigers. He’ll be signing from noon-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 6). Autographs are $20. I talked to owner Austin Ball the other day who is so excited to open his store, and bring in one of his favorite Tigers players. Learn more about what specials and deals you can get this weekend on the Thornapple Sports Cards & Games Facebook page. It is located at 107 E State St. Suite B., Hastings. Grand opening is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dan and Lis Verhil bring back their famous Chili Cook-Off this weekend.

3. Chili Cook-Off at the Ballpark (Sullivan Field)

It’s back! Lisa and Dan Verhil, former owners of the Cottage Bar in Grand Rapids, are excited that Fans of Valley Field wanted to bring back their popular chili cook-off. After a five-year hiatus, it returns Saturday (Nov. 6) at Sullivan Field, 650 Valley Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Proceeds benefit Kids’ Food Basket and Fans of Valley Field to help restore and renovate Sullivan/Valley Field.

“Dan and I are truly excited to bring back the chili cook off, especially when we’re raising money for two great causes, Valley Field and Kids’ Food Basket,” Lisa Verhil told Gonzo’s Top 5. “We’re also excited to see our favorite Chiliheads who have cooked with us during our previous chili cook-offs. Several of them are returning, and it will be great to see them.”

The event is from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday with live entertainment beginning at noon. Chili tasting and judging begins at 3 p.m. Traditional Red & Homestyle categories, with more than 30 teams. Admission is $5 in advance (includes 3 chili tastes), and $10 at the door. Tickets for chili tastes are $1 each. Yes, there will be adult beverages, too. More info, including a schedule of events, at ballparkchili.com.

2. Bridge Street Makers Market + Bar Hop

In the mood for some early holiday shopping? Traverse to the Stock-Bridge Neighborhood of Grand Rapids to shop 35 makers. Locations Include Harmony Hall, One Bourbon and Bridge Street Market. Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles, and more. The event is FREE to attend! You only pay for items you purchase, and the drinks, of course. This is designed as a family-friendly event. More info available on the Bridge Street’s Maker’s Market Facebook event page.

1. Restaurant Week GR

This is an event I have supported since it debuted more than 10 years ago. I’ve done many stories, judged events, dined with the Lovely Pam (we just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary) and taken contest winners to some of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids. One thing I’ve learned over all these years: These chefs ALWAYS deliver. Restaurant Week GR begins today and runs through Nov. 13 with more than 50 restaurants offering some incredible meals. This year you can sign up for Restaurant Week GR’s Digital Pass, then use it to check in to at least three participating restaurants for a foodie-themed gift. Plus, you’ll earn a digital coupon for a return visit to each restaurant you visit. For a list of restaurants and more details go to experiencegr.com/restaurant-week.

Please let me know if you make any great restaurant discoveries during Restaurant Week GR.

Email me: michigangonzo@gmail.com

Have a great, safe weekend, everyone.



John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Together at St. Jude releases free coloring book about COVID-19 vaccines

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Recreation, ,
Together by St. Jude has just released a free coloring book that talks about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it protects people from the virus. (Together by St. Jude)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

On the heels of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use approval for a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has created a free coloring book to help children learn about vaccines and how they work to prevent COVID-19.

 

The coloring book was developed and reviewed by patient education and infectious disease specialists at St. Jude. It is available for download at the Together by St. Jude web-based resource.

 

A “St. Jude Coloring Book: COVID-19 Vaccines” answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines in words children can understand. “A COVID-19 vaccine uses the body’s immune system to fight the coronavirus,” the book reads. “Your immune system is like a team of superheroes that protect you from germs.” The book also uses simple pictures to show how the vaccine works to help your body make antibodies to fight the virus that causes COVID-19.

“The vaccine coloring book offers children the opportunity to learn more about the COVID -19 vaccine by coloring images of doctors, children, and the COVID-19 virus,” said Rachel Schmeizer, a child life specialist at St. Jude. “The illustrations in the book help to prepare children for the vaccination process and explains how the vaccine works to protect their bodies from COVID-19.”

Together by St. Jude published its first coloring book on COVID-19 in 2020. “Learning About the Coronavirus” helped children understand the virus and taught ways to stay healthy by keeping a distance, wearing a mask, and washing hands often. The coloring book was translated into 16 different languages and was downloaded more than 14,000 times in more than 150 countries and territories.

“Throughout the pandemic, parents have struggled  through numerous difficult conversations with their children. We want to prepare our children for the significant changes in their daily lives and teach them how to stay safe, but how can we do this without scaring them?” said Niki Jurbergs, PhD., Jude Psychology Department. “We created these coloring books to prepare parents with the tools they need to introduce these new and potentially scary concepts in an age-appropriate way. Having a plan ahead of time, including talking points, can make parents feel more comfortable during this conversations.”

In addition to the two COVID-19 coloring books, Together by St. Jude has also released “Riley Takes a Medicine,” a coloring book that teaches children undergoing cancer treatment about the different types of drugs and the importance of medication compliance. All three coloring books are free to download. 

Advocates say more work needed to maintain drop in homelessness

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Politics, Volunteers, West Michigan, ,
Increasing more affordable housing would reduce the need for shelters, according to Family Promise of Grand Rapids officials.(pxhere.com)

By Emerson Wigand
Capital News Service

As winter approaches, local officials worry that a reported drop in homelessness is misleading or temporary based on short-term pandemic relief.

Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness recently reported a 19% decrease in those seeking emergency shelter since 2019.

“Those numbers don’t tell you that homelessness is down,” said Cheryl Schuch, the chief executive officer for Family Promise of Grand Rapids. “What they tell you is that the number of people being served by our shelter system is down.”

 

Family Promise operates the only family shelter in Kent County. There’s been an increase in families facing homelessness here, Schuch said. Collecting data on the issue can be challenging, especially in the case of families.

Despite the reported decrease in homelessness, Family Promise is at capacity, she said.

 

Full shelters aren’t limited to West Michigan.

 

“I don’t see that the homeless population is going down,” said Michelle Munn, the case manager at New Hope Center, in Cadillac. “The numbers look good, but it’s only because there’s extra funds right now for COVID.”

New Hope Center is the only shelter provider in Wexford and Missaukee counties. Its shelters are generally full, with vacancies filled quickly by walk-ins or those on a waiting list, Munn said.

While Munn said she thinks this drop is positive, she worries about what will happen when pandemic relief programs end.

COVID impacts were a large part of the statewide decrease, said Eric Hufnagel, the executive director of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness.

The biggest help was the eviction moratorium, which ended in August, Hufnagel said. Another factor was the Covid Emergency Rental Assistance funds that are still available.

“That was the No. 1 reason we saw our numbers decline,” Hufnagel said. “We believe that’s slowing down what could be a flood of evictions.”

Imagine a front door and back door, Hufnagel said: The front door is how people come into homelessness, the back door is how people are rehoused.

“Our hope is that we can put a dent in the flow through the front door,” he said. “The challenge we are seeing now is that back door.”

Michigan’s affordable housing stock is the weakest it’s been in decades, Hufnagel said. That means higher prices and rental rates for the housing that is available.

 

It’s even harder for people to move to new housing because there are fewer options, and existing options cost more.

 

“The majority of our families can’t afford housing even though they’re working,” Schuch said. “That has really been magnified in West Michigan.”

Family Hope of Grand Rapids has been working with Eastbrook Homes which is developing more affordable homes for the area. Also, Holland Home sold its former Fulton Manor to Hope Network, which plans to turn the former nursing home into a 120 affordable home. The nonprofit housing corporation ICCF is currently working on several affordable housing projects.

The pandemic has decreased shelter space in part due to fewer volunteers to staff facilities, Hufnagel said. Additionally, distancing recommendations have reduced available space in some shelters.

Rising COVID-19 cases adds to these concerns, said Susan Cancro, the executive director of Lansing-based Advent House Ministries. Increasing positive cases could halt new admittances for areas with limited shelters.

“That’s a problem for those on the street who are homeless,” Cancro said. “Especially as the weather becomes more cold and wet, and there’s nowhere to go.”

Schuch said it’s important to increase access to temporary housing to keep people safe for now.

 

“We have families staying in cars and other places,” Schuch said. “We have to make sure there’s adequate shelter available.”

Without more affordable housing, those problems will only get worse, Schuch said.

“Only investing in shelter doesn’t make sense. They won’t need our shelter if there’s enough housing.”