Veterans and the public are invited to a ceremony for National Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day — also known as National POW/MIA Recognition Day — on Friday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m., in the temporary chapel at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave., N.W., Grand Rapids.
This annual event is organized by Betty Pike, wife of Vietnam Veteran Jim Pike, who passed away at the veterans home earlier this year. Special recognition will also be given to four returned former MIA from Michigan. The Rev. Bill Campbell will officiate the event.
“We must remember that every prisoner of war or person missing in action has a name, a family, a story,” Debbie Piepsney, President of the POW Committee of Michigan, said in supplied material.
According to supplied material, similar events will be held across the country. In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. It was created to honor those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action or unaccounted for. Most often, this particular event is associated with Vietnam Era veterans who became POW or MIA.
It is recorded that an Act of Congress established the passage of a National POW/MIA Recognition Day as part of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act. This event differs from the National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, which was created by Congress in 1988. National Former POW Recognition Day commemorates the April 9, 1942 surrender of an estimated 10,000 United States military personnel and 65,000 Filipino soldiers on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines to the invading Imperial Japanese Army.
For more information on the event, call the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans at 616-364-5300.
The 2019 West Michigan Freedom Cruise and Gold Star Family Honor Ride — an event intended to to “Remember Gold Star Families, Support All Veterans and Never Forget!” — will return to Fifth Third Ball Park in Comstock Park Sunday, Sept. 22.
This year, the annual event will honor fallen soldier U.S. Army Sgt. Chad J. Vollmer, of Grand Rapids, who while serving with the Army 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, was killed in action in Iraq on Dec. 23, 2006.
Each year, the event, this year co-sponsored by West Michigan Veterans Coalition, honors a family with a ceremony unveiling a specially commissioned portrait of “their fallen hero” and then escorts the Gold Star Family (the family of a military man or woman killed in defense of the United States) and the portrait on an honor cruise.
The free-to-the-public Freedom Cruise and Gold Star Family Honor Ride event will begin at the ball park, 4500 West River Drive NE, with gates opening at 11 a.m., the Fallen Soldier Ceremony beginning at 2 p.m., and the Freedom Cruise beginning at 3 (to 3:15) p.m. and ending back at the ball park after a 25-mile motorcycle and classic car ride to Sparta.
The Stars & Stripes Cars & Bikes Freedom Cruise Honor Ride online pre-registration closes Friday, Sept. 20, at 8 a.m., with on-site Honor Ride registration at Fifth Third Ball Park on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
According to event organizers, including principal organizer Tom Antor and Capt. Paul J. Ryan, US Navy Reserve (Retired) and board member of the West Michigan Veterans Coalition, there will be many activities in addition to the ceremony and the ride.
There is a classic car and motorcycle show with 1,000 plus vehicles anticipated. An additional feature this year will be a “Veterans and Family Resource Fair” sponsored by the West Michigan Veterans’ Coalition. The resource fair providers will include organizations that assist veterans and their families in areas including housing, barriers to employment, legal issues, issues affecting female veterans, mental health, spiritual well-being/social support and transportation.
The West Michigan Veterans Coalition, according to supplied information, is a collaboration among local military-friendly organizations that provide support, information, and resources to veterans and their families, employers, and other organizations throughout West Michigan. It’s mission “is to improve the lives of veterans, their families, and anyone who served in the Armed Forces by connecting them to all available services and resources throughout West Michigan.
For more information and registration information visit the Freedom Cruise website at freedomcruisegr.com.
When researching family history, many genealogists considering tracing their family back to when they came from another country to be a milestone. Do you know how your family came to the United States? Are parts of your family Native American and have been here an extremely long time?
Understanding your own family history and immigration story can help put the current discussion about immigration in context. This can be an opportunity to learn about history and discuss current policies and those of the past. How is the experience of your ancestors the same or different than immigration today? When you are discussing this subject, try to ignore the memes and potentially out-of-context snippets, and examine the issue at a deeper.
Why do you think your family came to the United States? Was it economic opportunity? Religious freedom? Were they leaving because of a war? If you have family stories discussing this, it can be a great part of your family history. If not, looking for clues in world history might be helpful. For example, over 1.5 million Irish people came to the United States during the Great Famine, also known as the Irish Potato Famine. Another example is of Finnish people coming to Michigan in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There was a combination of economic opportunity to work in the mines of the Upper Peninsula, and Sweden and Russia warring over what is now Finland.
How did the arrival of your ancestors to what is now the United States happen? Did they just “walk off the boat” or did they have to go through a screening process?
The U.S. had open borders for nearly 100 years of its history until the Page Act of 1875, which excluded Chinese women from entering the U.S.. This was followed by laws banning Chinese men and other Asians. If your ancestors came to the U.S. before 1875, there were very little screening processes. How do you think open borders might have affected the safety of the country? Why do you think Congress waited so long to end open borders?
The Immigration Act of 1882 was the first comprehensive immigration law. It was designed to keep people out of the country who might be dangerous or would be unable to support themselves financially. How this was done was left up to the state or city where the immigration occurred. What do you think of this? Should local control determine who should enter the United States, or is this a national issue?
The Immigration Act of 1891 put the federal government in charge of processing immigrants. The most famous place where this happened was Ellis Island, which opened in 1892. The average processing time through Ellis Island was just a few hours. At first, no papers were required, and folks were checked for diseases and asked some questions. What do you think is an appropriate inspection for someone entering the U.S.? What questions would you ask someone? What background checks should be required? In 1917, literacy tests were added. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?
From 1921 to 1965, the United States had a series of different systems that restricted how many could enter the U.S. based on their country of origin. Why might that be a good or bad idea?
In 1965, the system changed to favor immigration to relatives of current U.S. citizens, those with particular job skills and refugees seeking asylum from dangerous conditions in their own country.
Family-based immigration currently takes place between a few months to many years. Employment-based immigration can take one to four years. Refugees have an average wait time of over 700 days. What do you think is an appropriate wait time? How might this wait time affect both legal and illegal immigration?
For many of our immigrant ancestors, the process of coming to this country was relatively simple. It is much more complicated today. How do you think the change over time has affected our country? If you were recreating the system from scratch, what would you do?
Hopefully these questions get you reflecting on your own family history and how it relates to the immigration issues of today.
This article was inspired by and adapted from the 4-H Folkpatterns curriculum:
Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program help to prepare youth as positive and engaged leaders and global citizens by providing educational experiences and resources for youth interested in developing knowledge and skills in these areas.
City of Kentwood are Terry Schweitzer, Community Development Director, and Lisa Golder, Economic Development Planner, on set at WKTV Journal In Focus.
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus is “Plan Kentwood”, the City of Kentwood’s ongoing update of its Master Plan — including possible development areas all across the city — as well as Kent County’s Veterans Services office, which is often the first and best place for county veterans and their families to turn for information and assistance.
First In Focus is the City of Kentwood’s update of its Master Plan. Through a series of community engagement efforts called “Plan Kentwood”, the city is gaining public input to help shape a long-range vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation in the city. On the list of discussion topics are development near and along the extension of Breton Avenue south of 52nd Street, as well as the Division Avenue and 28th and 29th streets business districts. With us from the City of Kentwood are Terry Schweitzer, Community Development Director, and Lisa Golder, Economic Development Planner.
Then In Focus is Kent County Veterans Services, which operates under Kent County administration. Veterans Services either directly or indirectly assists veterans with a wide range of issues including disability claims, service records, and easing connection with needed social services and other government agencies. With us is Martha Burkett, the recently hired director of Veterans Services, who also brings a unique history, set of skills, and vision for her office. For the In Focus video, visit here.
WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times). All individual interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
Some of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Some of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Some of the veterans at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
One of the assistance tables at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
VFW Post 702 distributed clothing at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Community Rebuilders was distributing a truckload of military surplus equipment at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Community Rebuilders was distributing a truckload of military surplus equipment Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
It was not all serious at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Scenes from the Homeless Veterans Stand Down Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
It was no coincidence that the Community Rebuilders veterans assistance group was distributing a truckload of military surplus equipment suitable for urban camping, nor that the Wyoming-Grandville VFW Post 702 Auxiliary was distributing piles of clothing suitable for life on the street, at the Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Wyoming last week.
While not solely for homeless veterans, it was clear that many of about 200 veterans are currently or have been homeless as they lined up for services Friday, June 14, at Metro Health Park’s Granger Green. The event brought together nearly 50 organizations in an event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Metro Health/University of Michigan Health.
The services offered ranged from basic food and shelter needs, to physical and mental health, to job and education services — all programs and community partners welcomed by Metro Health.
“This is our third or fourth year hosting it and we have just been honored by so many people in the community who are supporting the event for these veterans who have put their lives on the line many, many times over again for our freedom, and we are so honored to give back in a small way,” Michelle Rademacher, Metro Health community outreach specialist, said to WKTV. Metro Health/UM Health’s involvement “is important because these are members of our community and we are a community-based hospital and we want everyone to feel welcome here.”
Among the groups in attendance were the federal and Michigan based Veterans Affairs representatives as well as the Social Security Administration, the State of Michigan Veterans Employment Services and the Grand Valley State University Upward Bound veterans education assistance program, Trilogy Health Services and the Mental Health Advocacy Council, and veterans community organizations including American Legion posts and Team Red, White and Blue.
“A lot of these veterans don’t even know there is a VFW and that they can join,” Ron Oakes, commander of VFW Post 702, said to WKTV. “We do things like this for exposure, to let veterans know we are out there … (and) … that we are here to help the veterans.”
Coincidentally, Oakes’ VFW post itself is currently without a permanent home.
“We used to have a building, but not now,” Oakes said. “But we are still here and we are still looking for one.”
The veterans seeking goods and services had to produce proof of veterans status via a DD214, or valid state or military identification.
Veterans who were not able to be at the stand down can seek assistance by, among many sources, visiting the Kent County Veterans Services office at accesskent.com .
More U.S. veterans are at increased risk for heart disease, a looming public health problem, researchers say.
They analyzed data from more than 153,000 people who took part in the National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Vets between the ages of 35 and 70 reported significantly more heart conditions than non-veterans, the data showed.
After age 70, non-veterans reported more, but the study’s author suspects that might be because fewer vets survived into old age due to heart disease.
“I think it’s sort of the first indication of a coming public health crisis for veterans,” said study author Ramon Hinojosa, assistant professor of sociology at the University of Central Florida.
“Because of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we have a relatively large, new younger generation of veterans who are going to survive for 30 or 40 years after their war experience,” he said in a university news release.
The study suggests that what’s known as the “healthy soldier effect” is no longer guaranteed. That’s the tendency for members of the military to be more fit and less overweight than same-age civilians.
Hinojosa said the change could be due the nature of modern warfare, changes in diet, leisure and exercise, more obesity among younger vets and higher rates of drinking, smoking and mental illness.
“It’s concerning to know that the physical benefits of military service seem to be not holding as well for the younger veterans,” he said.
“This suggests the health protective benefits of military service are not what they used to be,” Hinojosa said. “I think that should cause us to really look at what’s going on among the veterans after they leave military service.”
Being aware of this emerging problem can help health care providers offset the likelihood of early onset heart disease, Hinojosa noted.
The study was recently published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
Wilmer and Orvid Lawson (seated left), Rep. Bill Huizenga and Col. Rajesh Kothari (standing right) and others at a ceremony at the Roger Chaffee American Legion in Wyoming. (Supplied/Rep. Bill Huizenga’s office)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, who represents both Wyoming and Kentwood, was at the Roger Chaffee American Legion in Wyoming on Saturday, Jan. 19, as part of a ceremony to present Congressional Gold Medals to father and son Irwin and Orvid Lawson for their service in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II.
Rep. Huizenga (R-2nd District) presented the award to 92-year-old Wyoming resident Orvid Lawson, while Col. Rajesh Kothari, Commander of the Michigan Wing of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), presented Wilmer Lawson, son of Irwin and brother of Orvid, with Irwin’s Congressional Gold Medal.
After Rep. Billl Huizenga presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Wilmer Lawson, Commander of the Michigan Wing of Civil Air Patrol, Col. Rajesh Kothari, congratulates him. (Civil Air Patrol photo by Maj. Bill Carson, CAP)
“I had the honor of presenting 92-year-old Orvid Lawson of Wyoming with a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II,” Rep. Huizenga said in material supplied to WKTV. “We also posthumously presented Irwin Lawson, Orvid’s father, with a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the CAP. Irwin was one of 65 CAP volunteers who lost their lives during World War II.”
Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals “as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event,” according to supplied material.
Father and son Irwin and Orvid Lawson served in the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. (Supplied office of Rep. Bill Huizenga)
Orvid served in the Sault Ste. Marie CAP Squadron until joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1945. His father, Irwin was one of 65 CAP members to lose their life while serving as a volunteer in the CAP. Irwin died August 10, 1945.
“Irwin was the head of the Civil Air Patrol in the Soo and Orvid was right by his side,” according to a statement from the congressman’s office. “In addition to some surveillance work, the Soo Civil Air Patrol was used for positioning barrage balloons and for identifying locations for anti-aircraft installations. The Soo was one of the most heavily defended inland sites in the United States during World War II because of the vital importance of the Locks. At its peak, approximately 12,000 troops were stationed there.
“During the early days of American involvement in World War II, the threats CAP faced were in the form of Nazi U-boats threatening U.S. shipping – especially oil tankers – off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts,” the statement continues. “CAP’s founders flew patrols that discouraged and eventually stopped the U-boat attacks saving hundreds of American lives. They also patrolled the country’s borders by air, towed targets for military trainees, spotted forest fires, conducted search and rescue missions, provided disaster relief and emergency transport of people and parts, and conducted orientation flights for future pilots.”
The ceremony at the Roger Chaffee American Legion included National Commander of the American Legion, Brett P. Reistad, as well as the Commander of the Roger Chaffee American Legion post, Bill Charon.
By Brenda Long, Michigan State University Extension
Some homeowners are still having financial difficulties even though the foreclosure rate in Michigan has significantly declined in recent years with the economy and employment rates improving. All it can take is one large unexpected expense, unemployment or life change. Fortunately, nearly $19 million in funds are still available for eligible delinquent homeowners to get caught up and keep their home.
Bill Hendrian and I have written previousarticles about Michigan’s Hardest Hit Fund program, also known as Step Forward Michigan. This federally funded loan program started in 2010 and is designed to help eligible homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage, condo association fees, and/or property taxes to retain ownership of their primary residence. As of September 2018, nearly 37,000 Michigan households in all 83 counties received more than $39 million in assistance, according to MSHDA.
Currently, this is the only statewide assistance program to get caught up on delinquent property taxes. If homeowners are behind three years, on 2016 taxes, they have started receiving notices from their county treasurers about facing foreclosure if those 2016 taxes are not paid by Mar. 31, 2019. Last year, my experience was that homeowners needed to apply to Step Forward Michigan by January to allow for processing time. Situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Most homeowners who procrastinated or did not apply until February or March were not approved in time for this assistance earlier this year. The lesson learned was to apply this fall if you are facing foreclosure with delinquent 2016 property taxes.
Watch a short video for guidance about the Step Forward Michigan application process. The online application can be completed in three ways:
Go to the Step Forward Michigan website and complete the application yourself plus email, fax or mail the signed application and supporting documents to Step Forward Michigan.
Michigan State University Extension Housing Counselors or other local housing counselors can help homeowners fill out the online application, submit all the required documents, and follow-up until a decision is made. During the past eight years, thousands of Michigan homeowners who worked with our counselors have received assistance to save their homes from foreclosure.
If approved, up to $30,000 is paid directly to the participating mortgage servicer or county treasurer for application directly to the household’s mortgage loan or property taxes. No interest and no payments are required from the homeowner. As cases are reviewed, a lien is placed on the property for five years and 20 percent of the loan is forgiven per year. At the end of the five years, the loan is forgiven. During the five-year period, if the property is transferred, sold, or is no longer the principal residence, the non-forgivable portion is due.
For further information or to see if you qualify for assistance you can go to Step Forward Michigan for a list of frequently asked questions and access an online application and a list of documents that are required to submit an application.
If you do not qualify for Step Forward Michigan, helpful resources are provided to consider other options available.
Facing foreclosure is a difficult financial situation for homeowners. Fortunately many are getting back on track to become current with their payments and keep their homes and stay living in their communities. Find fact sheets and more information about mortgage and property tax foreclosure at MIMoneyHealth.org.
On Veteran's Day: "It’s about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. ... It’s about serving all of you as well as you’ve served the United States of America.”."
- President Barack Obama
Wyoming to host Vets Day breakfast
Veterans lay a wreath during Wyoming’s 2017 Memorial Day ceremony.
This year, the City of Wyoming has decided to switch things up when it comes to its annual Veterans Day program, replacing its outdoor evening ceremony for a morning breakfast event. Set for Nov. 12 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, the breakfast is free for veterans, $5 for non-veterans. For the complete story, click here.
Santa and more headed to Mall
There will be plenty of photo ops with Santa for kids at Woodland Mall this holiday season.
As the holiday season nears, Woodland Mall is preparing for Santa’s arrival, setting up decorations and hosting a series of events to help shoppers spread holiday cheer this winter. And all the fun starts this weekend. For the complete story, click here.
A weekend of holiday cheer near
Scenes from the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, returning Nov. 15-17 to downtown Grand Rapids. (Supplied)
It doesn’t matter if your a chardonnay sipper or a porter pounder, there will probably be something to your taste at the 11th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, returning Nov. 15-17 to DeVos Place downtown, with food, beverage and culinary-themed entertainment presented by area chefs, restaurants and purveyors of the spectrum of libations — including of the caffeinated variety. For the complete story, click here.
Fun Fact:
2,252 brewpubs
At the end of 2017, there were more than 6,266 craft breweries subdivided into 2,252 brewpubs, 3,812 microbreweries and 202 regional craft breweries. (Source)
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, we continue our efforts to assist local veterans, this time with a new higher eduction program based out of Grand Valley State University.
In Focus is Tim Marroquin, the Director of GVSU Veterans Upward Bound program. The program provides academic and other services to military veterans with the goal of supporting their enrollment and success in postsecondary education. The program is new to the university and to Michigan, but there is a clear need of this service for our veterans.
The Upward Bound program is part of GVSU’s Division of Inclusion and Equity, so our first question is why veteran inclusion as important to GVSU as other “minority” groups?
“WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, standing, at an event at the Disabled American Veterans — William A. Smith #2 post in Kentwood. With her are, from left, veteran farmer Frank Corrando, DAV post president Steven Pruitt, businessman Mike Hyacinthe and GVSU veterans program director Tim Marroquin. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Michigan U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, in Kentwood at a Disabled American Veterans post and surrounded by veteran services leaders and advocates, today detailed her past, present and planned future legislative efforts in support of veterans.
Speaking at the DAV William A. Smith Jr. Chapter #2 building on Eastern Avenue, appropriately just a couple blocks from the City of Kentwood’s Veterans Memorial Park on 48th Street SE, she declined to specially name her Republican challenger in the fall, John James — also a veteran — but made clear why she feels she is a better choice for veterans and military members at the polls Nov. 6.
“First of all, I have lived in Michigan my whole life and my record speaks for itself, particularly related to veterans,” Sen. Stabenow said to WKTV. “Coming in (to the senate) in 2001, I made setting up out-patient healthcare clinics throughout the state a top priority. We did not have them in many places, in northern, western Michigan, so on. We now have 10 additional healthcare clinics as a result of that effort.
“I’ve gone on to develop a whole new area of support for our veterans coming home that want to go into farming or go back into farming. We now have a whole movement of farmer veterans in Michigan, the largest chapter in the country, where we are supporting those who want to go into, back into farming, with reduced crop insurance, reduced loans, and other support.”
One of the four persons speaking with Sen. Stabenow at the event was, in fact, Frank Corrado, a blueberry farmer from Bangor and U.S. Army veteran, who echoed the support Michigan’s veteran farmers have received from the senator.
“I have (also) been very involved with the G.I. Bill,” Sen. Stabenow continued. “And changing that to now include not only active duty (personal) but our (National) Guard and reserves. And to strengthen that. And now, with my legislation (in work), going forward even farther.”
Sen. Stabenow has recently co-introduced legislation to reform the veterans Transition Assistance Program.
Two of the other speakers at the event also voiced support of her work: Mike Hyacinthe, a U.S. Navy veteran, and Tim Marroquin, the director of the Veterans Upward Bound program at Grand Valley State University.
“This is a life-long mission for me,” Sen. Stabenow concluded. “It actually started when I was in the (Michigan) State House (of Representatives), when I took on the fight to get Agent Orange recognized, on behalf of Vietnam War veterans. At the time, that was not recognized as an outcome of the war and the healthcare services were not available.”
When pressed about her Republican opponent, James, boasting that his is both a veteran and a political outsider in contrast to Sen. Stabenow, the senator again declined any direct comparison — sort of.
“First of all, we need people who know how to get things done, and that is the bottom line,” she said. “It is not about talk. It is about getting things done, and I’ve gotten things done, and I am going to continue to stay focused on getting things done for the people of Michigan and certainly veterans are at the top of the list.”
Service dogs may help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in military veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder, a new study finds.
For the study, researchers compared a group of veterans with PTSD who had a service dog to a group of veterans on the waitlist to receive one.
“Our previous research suggests that the presence of a service dog reduced clinical PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life,” said study co-leader Maggie O’Haire. She is an assistant professor of human-animal interaction at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in West Lafayette, Ind.
“In this study, we wanted to determine if those beneficial effects also included changes in the physiology of stress,” O’Haire said in a university news release.
The researchers focused on cortisol, a biomarker involved in the stress response system, and one that is detected through saliva.
According to study co-leader Kerri Rodriguez, “military veterans with a service dog in the home produced more cortisol in the mornings than those on the wait list.”
Rodriguez explained that “this pattern is closer to the cortisol profile expected in healthy adults without PTSD.”
In addition, “having a service dog was also associated with less anger, less anxiety and better sleep,” she noted. Rodriguez is a human-animal interaction graduate student.
The findings are the first of their kind and offer insight into how service dogs may provide mental health benefits to veterans with PTSD, according to the study authors.
The researchers are now conducting a large-scale, long-term U.S. National Institutes of Health clinical trial comparing veterans with service dogs to those without.
The report was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.
Benefits of owning a dog:
Fight heart disease. Owning a dog has a positive impact on blood pressure, which is one of the main factors in heart attack and stroke, according to Thomas Boyden, MD, MS, Spectrum Health program director of preventive cardiology. The American Heart Association reports a link between pet ownership and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Studies also show you’ll be more likely to survive a heart attack if you have a dog.
Relieve stress. “Being around pets, and dogs in particular, actually changes your body at a hormonal level,” Jared Skillings, PhD, ABPP, Spectrum Health chief of psychology said. Of course, it’s not a cure-all. “Getting a dog won’t cure depression or clinical anxiety, but it certainly can help.”
Reduce loneliness. Dogs provide unconditional love. They’re caring, excited to see you and glad to be by your side. Need to talk? “Dogs are good listeners and they’re not going to argue with you,” Dr. Skillings said.
Improve sociability. There’s also the added benefit of the camaraderie among dog owners. “Having a dog can connect people to other pet owners, which can reduce isolation, too,” Dr. Skillings said.
Inspire exercise. A study published in the journal BMC Public Health said the average dog owner walks 22 minutes more per day than those who don’t own a dog. Daily walks have lots of added benefits, from controlling chronic conditions to burning weight and improving moods.
Add purpose. Having a dog or any other pet can give you a reason to get going in the morning. Size doesn’t matter. In fact, cats, horses and birds can all have a similar effect. Even tiny pets—hamsters, mice, fish, insects—can imbue you with a sense of purpose. In one study, elderly people were asked to care for a cage of five crickets. After eight weeks, the people who had the crickets in their homes were less depressed and had better cognitive function than those in the control group.
Electric Forest, on first glance, may be a strange place for military veterans to get their heads straight, their lives moving forward, but stories of aimless Vietnam veterans who found themselves by taking the dirt road to the first Woodstock festival in 1969 have become the stuff of generational legend and film documentary.
So it is not surprising that the Electric Forces veterans support effort at the annual West Michigan music festival has become a vital part of the rainbow fabric of the music, arts and cultural event.
And this year, under the wishful thinking of Michigan resident, veteran and longtime Forest Family member Angela — at the festival, first names are all that’s really needed — in partnership with Electric Forest’s Wish Machine, more veterans than ever before found a home in The Forest.
Invited to make the Forces program more understood and accessible to West Michigan veterans, WKTV interviewed six members: Charles, 25, a U.S. Marines veteran; Jeremy, 23, U.S. Navy; Jessica, 32, U.S. Army; Kyle, 30, Army; Greg, 28, Army; and Nate, 36, Navy.
The six come from different parts of the county — one identified himself as being a “gypsy — as well as different military and life experiences, and, when you drill-down, different reasons for plugging into the Forces. But when you listen, all six talk about the “community” they have become part of.
Kyle (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“There is a community here, I think,” said Kyle, who served until 2009 and has been at the festival five times over the years. There is “a veteran’s community, a community of people I have met. … I came to (Electric Forest) back when I got out, and that was such a big part of my healing process. Coming back to the forest has just become automatic.”
The Electric Forces program started in 2013, and it has grown in both size and scope over the years. And, while it may morph as years pass, it will likely continue.
“Electric Forest HQ is committed to continuing the Electric Forces program, collaborating with those veterans who have been with us since the beginning, and providing expanded opportunities for new veterans to join the experience,” Jeremy Stein, Electric Forest founder and director with Madison House Presents, said to WKTV.
“As we have understood from the program’s inception, Electric Forces will continue to evolve. Each year we gain a deeper understanding of what kinds of experiences and opportunities are of most value to our young veterans, both as individuals and as a community, and about how the program and the festival community as a whole can best support.”
The Electric Forces panel conversation hosted at The Brainery on the Sunday of the second weekend. (Supplied/Electric Forest)
The continuing evolution of Electric Forces
Initially, and still, veterans can apply to use their skills and willingness to learn to be part of the “build crew,” which quite literally builds the stages, temporary buildings and pathways, and whatever else needs to be built on the grounds of the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, which has hosted Electric Forest festival annually since 2011. (There was a music festival on the site for two years prior to Electric Forest.)
But the Electric Forces also includes participants who work in artist relations, visitor hospitality, and high tech and sound engineering.
And this year, the continued expansion of the Electric Forces program was also the first wish granted by Electric Forest’s “Wish Machine”, a new-in-2018 fan participation initiative which encourages the Forest Family to “spread positivity beyond the Forest and into their everyday lives,” according to supplied material.
The Wish Machine “called upon everyday heroes to be the change they wish for in the world” by asking fans to submit ideas, specifically what they were willing to do to have their wish granted.
And that means more stories like those of Nate, Greg, Jessica, Charles and Jeremy.
Charles, Jeremy and Jessica. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Every picture tells a story, don’t it?
While all of the veterans in the Forces contribute their past experiences, their personal story, to the festival, some are looking to the future as well.
Nate (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Nate, who got out of the service in 2017, is now going to school for radio production, so being at the Forest is a chance to get real-world career experience, make some connections — to become part of another “community.”
“I am working with the sound engineers on the Jubilee Stage … actually three or four of the stages … doing everything that goes into he sound,” he said. “A lot of the technical stuff we have been learning at school, this is an opportunity to get hand’s on.”
Greg (WKTV/K.D Norris)
For others, the jam/EDM/alt-eclectic musical mix at Electric Forest provide healing sounds.
“The Forest, the concerts, I think, are a real healing place,” said Greg, who has been to the Forest once befoe, in 2012, before being accepted into the Forces program. “I used to go to concerts every weekend. It would help me destress. The dancing really helped me feel less depressed and more energetic.”
Jessica (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
For some, it is a place to help veterans who are often overlooked when it comes to veterans support programs.
“Being a female veteran can be a little hard, because you sometimes get overlooked,” said Jessica, who is in her first year with the Forces but had been to the Forest previously. “There are female veterans out there, but we don’t necessarily ask for help too much because most people don’t know what we are going through. … Female veterans have issues too.”
Charles (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Others see the ethos of the festival as being not unlike that in the military, you bring something to the team; you get something from the team.
“I bring a sense of ownership to the festival. There is a good culture here where you take care of the space, you clean up after yourself, you take care of each other,” said Charles, in his second year with the Forces, “Coming from the military, that is very easy for us.”
Jeremy (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
For some, the ultimate goal is to connect with people: veterans connecting with non-veterans, and veterans with other veterans.
“I like putting our name out there, letting people know we are here and what we are about,” said Jeremy, who is new to the Forces this year. “Also, on the therapy side of Electric Forces, I would say I am kind of like a rock — that has been my role in most people’s lives. I was, like a shoulder to lean on. I don’t judge what is going on. I just let if flow naturally.
Jeremy’s pig; a conversation starter. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“Being in a group of veterans who have, pretty much, gone through what you are going through, the same thing or something very similar, even if you do not know the person … you know the person.”
That is the way it is with veterans; that is the way it is, often, at the festival.
An opportunity for veterans
For more information on Electric Forces, and to sign up to receive info on how to be considered for participation in 2019, visit here.
City of Kentwood Veterans Memorial Park, at 331 48th St. SE, will be the location of the first of a series of community gatherings on the future of the city’s parks. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood is seeking public input for improving its Parks and Recreation Department programming through a series of Parks Master Planning events, which will kick off with an ice cream social on Wednesday, June 27.
Hosted by the city, the first event will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 331 48th St. SE, from 6 to 8 p.m., and include complimentary ice cream for participants.
Residents of all ages will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Kentwood’s parks by sharing their ideas which will be used as a basis for future parks and recreation development.
“We recently celebrated Kentwood’s 50th anniversary as a City,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Now, we are eager to engage the community to help guide the future of our parks and recreation for the next 50 years.”
Following the event at Veterans Park, other opportunities for input will be offered during other upcoming community events including The Moxie Strings concert at Kentwood City Hall on July 19, an ice cream social at Northeast Park from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 1, the Celebrate Kentwood gathering on Aug. 11, and the End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Sept. 15.
“We welcome all residents and park users to join us at these events to help plan our parks,” Romeo said. “We want to know what improvements the community wants to see. These events offer the perfect platform to share stories and insights as we begin to transform our parks.”
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mi.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined thousands of veterans on May 27 to observe Memorial Day, May 28, at Washington, D.C.’s annual Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run. (Supplied/David Bohrer)
By Sen. Gary Peters Office
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-Mi.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, joined thousands of veterans on Sunday, May 27, to observe Memorial Day at Washington, D.C.’s annual Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run.
The nationwide motorcycle ride events brings together over one million riders and spectators combined to honor service members killed in action (KIA), those still missing in action (MIA) and prisoners of war (POW). Both Peters and Ernst serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee and are former servicemembers: Peters is a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and Ernst is a former Lt. Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard.
“Generations of American military men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, and we owe them and their families our deepest gratitude,” said Sen. Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I was honored to join Senator Ernst and veterans from around the country at Rolling Thunder to pay tribute to the fallen and those who have yet to return home from their service.”
“Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As a nation, we can never repay what was given, or ever say thank you enough. I am proud to join my colleagues at Rolling Thunder today to honor these Americans, and those who were killed in action or became prisoners of war,” said Sen. Ernst.
“America’s POW/MIA mission is very important to the VFW and our nation’s veterans, service members and families. It is a promise to those serving in uniform today that no matter what, we will travel to the ends of the Earth to return you home to your families,” said VFW National Legislative Service Director Carlos Fuentes. “The VFW thanks Senators Peters and Ernst for their leadership in making certain the brave men and women who have make the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.”
“Rolling Thunder was born out of the efforts of Vietnam Veterans to ensure no generation of veterans is ever forgotten again,” said John Rowan, Vietnam Veterans of America National President. “I thank Senator Peters and Senator Ernst for their steadfast dedication to all of America’s veterans, and for joining veterans from around the country to observe Memorial Day by remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country and those who are still missing in action.”
Rolling Thunder began in 1988 as a response to the Vietnam War era. Led by Vietnam veteran Ray Manzo (CPL, USMC), a group of veterans organized the first run to raise awareness of the significant numbers of American service members missing in action or left behind as prisoners of war. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), there are more than 82,000 Americans still missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the most recently concluded Gulf Wars.
Longtime motorcyclists, Peters and Ernst launched the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus in 2017 to facilitate discussions on a range of issues on behalf of both motorcycle riders and manufacturers.
Memorial Day ceremonies planned for both Kentwood, Wyoming
Many communities will be honoring those who have given their lives to serve this Memorial Day, set for May 28, including the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood. More details here.
Woodland Mall’s ongoing redevelopment includes viewing wall, relocations
The redevelopment of Woodland Mall is in full swing, and shoppers will soon be able to get a front-row seat to the construction at a new viewing wall. Read all about it here.
West Michigan Tourist Association offers up a few unique summer camps
Some families probably already have their children’s summer camps selected, but in case you do not, West Michigan Tourist Association Marketing Manager Jeremy Witt offered a few suggestions during a recent visit visit to the WKTV Journal. Learn more here.
Museum school students create new exhibit ‘Revolution: The Story of America’
Check out the new exhibit created by GRPS Museum School students, titled Revolution: The Story of America, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). It opened May 23. (The Museum is closed Monday, May 28th.) More here.
Register now for June 4 Sibling Class at Metro Health
Have kids and expecting a new addition to your family? Register for this class. Children practice caring for a baby using dolls, make a card for their new baby, and have fun with a short tour, which includes a visit to a mom with her real newborn baby. Next class is coming up fast: June 4th. Go here to learn more and where to register.
Wyman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller began the Excellence in Action Award program. (WKTV)
By Kent County
The Board of Commissioners recently announced the 2018 Excellence in Action Award winners. Award criteria is set through performance measures every department develops annually to promote a culture of excellence.
The week of May 6-12 was designated by Congress as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW), gave the Kent County Board of Commissioners the perfect opportunity to say thank you to those programs that have gone above and beyond. This is the second year of the Awards and Ceremony.
“When people know that their leadership cares about them and supports them, they are more likely to take ownership of their actions and hold themselves accountable to achieve amazing results,” said Wayman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller, who introduced the idea for the awards in 2017. “Achieving excellence is a hallmark of Kent County, our Board of Commissioners and our elected officials. The Excellence in Action Awards are an extension of the Board’s vision that Kent County be the absolute best place to live and work. The awards are only a small reflection of the outstanding efforts that take place every day in the County to help make this possible.”
Videos of the award winners can be found at accessKent.com/performancemgt. This year, the Board celebrated with five Excellence in Action Awards:
Excellence in Collaboration:
Kent County Community Action (KCCA) (formerly the Kent County Housing Commission)
Kent County’s Veterans Services is focused of veterans issues.
The United States Veterans Administration (VA) continued its partnership with the Kent County Housing Commission and provided 21 additional Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, which helped continue the community goal of eliminating veterans’ homelessness. The VA provides necessary case management services for the veteran, while the Housing Commission provides the Housing Choice Voucher and works with the veteran to secure housing. Our collaborative efforts have also been recognized nationally as a best practice model due to our recruitment strategies (beyond orientation), dual case management efforts, number of employed VASH clients and positive transitions from voucher recipient into self-sufficiency.
Excellence in Community Impact:
Kent County Health Department
In April of 2017, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) became aware of an investigation by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) regarding contaminated groundwater in the Belmont area. In the months that have followed, the wells of more than 1000 homes have been tested for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. The Kent County Health Department has been on the front lines of informing residents about their individual test results. Working in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) KCHD has worked to advise residents about the known health consequences of PFAS and ways to limit exposure. KCHD has organized and conducted two town hall meetings, bringing MDHHS, MDEQ and Wolverine World Wide to the table to answer residents’ questions. KCHD has established a website and a regular newsletter that is emailed to more than 1000 subscribers. KCHD and MDHHS are devising methodology to conduct the agency’s largest-ever health impact survey in the area. KCHD’s commitment to acting as an advocate for residents led the agency to seek federal help from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Excellence in Innovation:
17th Circuit Court
The 17th Circuit Court established a Girls’ Court. In collaboration with Community Family Partnership and Wedgwood, the Court secured program funding and trauma therapy for the girls and their families. Girls’ Court serves girl offenders by providing intensive treatment, incentives, community-based support while strengthening family relationships.
Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (new for 2018):
Kent County Prosecutor’s Office
The Prosecutor’s Office established a program with the Hispanic Center to send a victim witness advocate to the Hispanic Center once a month, to provide an open and non-threatening space to meet and discuss issues their clients may be having in the court system. The advocates meet with victims of domestic violence who may be afraid to file a report, witnesses who may be afraid to go to the courthouse, or any other person at the Hispanic Center who may have questions regarding anything pertaining to the criminal justice system.
The Chairman’s Award (For Grit and Determination)
This year The Chairman’s Award recognized two teams: the A360 Implementation Team (staff from Fiscal Services, Human Resources and Information Technology) that worked diligently over the past three years to implement an integrated Financial Management System; and those who completed the Kent County Community Action (KCCA) merger (employees from KCCA, Information Technology, Fiscal Services, Human Resources and Facilities Management) to deliver more effective and efficient community services.
Godfrey-Lee Public School’s newest Board of Education member, Josephine (Jo-C) Coleman was sworn in May 14. (Supplied)
By Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
On Monday, May 14, the Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education appointed Josephine Coleman as Trustee to the Board of Education.
Board President, Eric Mockerman, said that Mrs. Coleman was selected because of her “dedication and commitment to the students and families of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools over a long period of time.”
Superintendent Kevin Polston praised “Coleman’s selfless service to the district, and her commitment to the community. She is an excellent choice, who will represent our school district with pride.”
Josephine and her husband Donald are the parents of two children, Donald and Chance, both graduates of Lee High School. Josephine and her husband are also veterans of the United States Army, where she rose to the rank of Specialist. She is currently employed at Tower International as an IT Business Analyst.
She has served as Secretary for the Parent Teacher Committee (2002-2004), Band Boosters (2007-2015), and Athletic Boosters (2010-2016). She currently serves as Co-Treasurer for the Lee Soccer Alumni Association.
When asked why she wanted to run for the position, she said she wants “to serve the community and our students. Our students appreciate the quality education from the caring adults at Godfrey-Lee, and it’s rewarding to serve them.”
Coleman will serve on the Board for the remainder of 2018. The seat was held by Rebecca Kibbe, who had to give up the position due to her family moving out of the district. The seat, with a six year term, will be up for election in November.
Spanish language version
Junta de Educación de las Escuelas Públicas de Godfrey-Lee nombra nuevo miembro
El lunes 14 de mayo de, 2018, la Junta de Educación GLPS designó a Josephine Coleman como Fideicomisario a la Junta de Educación. El Presidente de la Junta Eric Mockerman comentó que la señora Coleman fue seleccionado debido a su “dedicación y el compromiso hacia estudiantes y las familias de las Escuelas Públicas de Godfrey-Lee durante un largo período de tiempo.”
Josefina y su esposo Donald son los orgullosos padres de dos hijos, Donald y Chance, ambos graduados de la Escuela Preparatoria Lee. Josephine y su marido también son orgullosos veteranos del ejército de Estados Unidos, donde alcanzó el grado de Especialista. Actualmente ella trabaja en la Torre Internacional como analista de negocios de IT.
Ella sirvió como Secretaria de la Comisión de Padres y Maestros (2002-2004), Band Boosters (2007-2015), y Athletics Boosters (2010-2016). Actualmente se desempeña como Co-Tesorera de la Asociación de Graduados de fútbol Lee. Cuando se le preguntó por qué quería correr para el cargo, dijo que quiere “servir a nuestra comunidad y estudiantes. Nuestros estudiantes aprecian la calidad de la educación de los adultos interesados en Godfrey-Lee, y es gratificante servirles.”
La señora Coleman servirá en la Junta el resto del 2018. El puesto lo tenía Rebecca Kibbe, que tuvo que renunciar a la posición debido a que su familia se mueve fuera del distrito. El Puesto con un mandato de 6 años será puesto para elección en noviembre, 2018.
Kent County is interested in filling membership on a county committee focused of veterans issues.
By Kent County
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
The new Veterans’ Affairs Committee member would fill a mid-term vacancy ending Dec. 31, 2021. Applicants must reside in Kent County and have served honorably on active duty in the United States Armed Forces.
The Veterans’ Affairs Committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m., at the Veterans’ Services Office, 836 Fuller Avenue NE.
Kent County residents must complete an online application form via the County’s website at accesskent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 27.
Please call the Board of Commissioners Office at 616-632-7580 with any questions.
On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Keith St. Clair, who has been teaching national and international political science at Grand Rapids Community College since 2002 and is frequently asked to discuss Middle East issues.
He has travelled extensively throughout the Middle East including a recent trip to Qatar — a small county strategically located between feuding regional powers Saudi Arabia and Iran. He talks with In Focus host Ken Norris about Qatar’s importance to U.S. foreign policy and current military presence in that often-troubled region.
Also on the episode, is Steve Prince, the director of Warriors Set Free, which is a veterans support program of Set Free Ministries, a Christian-based ministry run by veterans for veterans.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
The episode debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, April 10, and will again air on Thursday, April 12, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of April 16. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.
It is common practice to honor the flag prior to the a high school basketball game, to stand for the playing of the national anthem. But South Christian High School pushed honoring America, and American service members and veterans, to an whole other level at a game last month when it hosted a special veterans recognition ceremony.
At the Sailors’ Dec. 15 game when it hosted Caledonia, a special ceremony between the girls and boys games honored U.S. Navy SEAL David Warsen, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012, and well as other servicemen and women that have sacrificed their lives. It was also a benefit for the David Warsen Foundation and Warriors Set Free, a Grand Rapids based organization for veterans run by veterans to help deal with PTSD, suicide, anxiety, depression, and other life issues.
The event was the creation of two South Christian students, seniors Andrew Haan and Will Warsen.
David Warsen “was a cousin of my friend Will, my partner in organizing the event,” Haan said to WKTV. “I know Dean VanderMey who is on the board at Set Free Ministries, I told him about this project and he referred me to Steve Prince, the main person at Warriors Set Free, which is an offshoot of Set Free Ministries.”
For Prince, it was not his first time working with the David Warsen Foundation and it all fit perfectly with his ministry’s mission.
“I was invited to the South Christian event by Andrew Haan, his brother is connected to Set Free Ministries,” Prince said to WKTV. “I have also attended several events with the David Warsen Foundation. A large part of my ministry is spreading the word about what we are doing, so being at that event helped to inform more people about our mission. I also spent some time (at the game) talking with people who are already connected to Set Free Ministries and military vets.”
Warriors Set Free — “Where the hurting and the Healer connect”, according to its website — “is a (Christian-based) ministry run by Veterans for Veterans. Typically a Veteran will only be comfortable talking to another Veteran about the experiences they have had in a war or military service. Trying to explain your military experience to a civilian has its challenges. We remove that problem by training Vets to help Vets. Our director, founder and volunteers are all Veterans.”
Just in case you think Kent County’s budget planning process is not big news, consider that its approved 2018 budget of $417 million will be second highest in the area, behind only the City of Grand Rapids’ $528 million budget, and that the county funds the sheriff’s office and courts, social services, the county’s elections, and veterans services.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted this week to approve a plan for how the county government will spend more than $356 million in 2018 — with public safety programs gaining the lion’s share at nearly $87 million, followed closely by social services programs at just over $81 million.
The county total budget includes $61 million in “transfers out” funding, which is designated funds for programs such as the Friend of the Court program. And the county’s main discretionary fund for operating and capital expenditures, its general fund, will be about $172 million.
In comparison to the 2018 plan, the county’s actual 2016 total expenditures were about $339 million and its adopted (but not yet completed and actual) expenditures for 2017 were $371 million.
The 2018 General Appropriation Act is on the agenda for approval by the Board of Commissioners at its meeting scheduled for the Nov. 30 — and after a lengthy budgeting process and public hearings, it is expected to be approved.
Commissioner Harold Voorhees
“It was in some ways a bit easier than many of the budgets (from) previous years in that, especially from 2007, we went through years of declining revenue — property values (and the county’s tax base) were on the decline, thus our property tax revenues declined,” Commissioner Harold Voorhees said to WKTV. “This year that is not so. (But) did that make budget discussions easier? No.”
Voorhees represents county District 8, which is all within the City of Wyoming. This was his 14th year serving on the county’s Finance and Physical Resources Committee.
The other commissioners representing Wyoming and Kentwood include Harold Mast (District 12/Wyoming and Kentwood), Betsy Melton (District 13/Kentwood), Matt Kallman (District 9, mostly the Byron Township but also a small portion of the City of Wyoming) and Stan Ponstein (District 7, the City of Grandville but also a small portion of the City of Wyoming).
Tax millage rate down slightly this year; more coming?
While not successful in this year’s budgeting process, Voorhees also said he plans to continue his outspoken efforts to institute a reduction in next year’s county income from property taxes.
“I was out front in my support of the dedicated millage for the John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum,” he said. “This new revenue, and along with other savings and increases in revenues, caused me to seek a property tax reduction on Kent County families and all property owners. (But) I had to realize I had started my request for lowering taxes too late in the process for this budget year.”
The county tax millage rate, as proposed for the 2018 budget, is 6.0518 mills, which, according to the county, “is 0.0078 mills less than the millage rate levied for the 2017 budget due to the Headlee roll-back. As a result, Kent County’s total millage rate would be the 14th lowest in Michigan and the third lowest of the 13 counties in the West Michigan Region.”
Sheriff Department leads in increased expenditures
To break down the county’s general fund expenditures of about $172 million, which represents a 3.3 percent increase from the 2017 budget year, according to the county’s budget report. The budget includes operating expenditures of $134.0 million, including capital expenditures of $2.2 million, and $38.3 million to support the operations of other funded programs.
The Sheriff Department’s general fund budget will increase 5.2 percent, from $59.9 million in 2017 to $63.0 million in 2018. The personnel cost in the Sheriff’s budget is up $2.4 million, or 5.3 percent over the current year. This is attributed to general personnel increases and the addition of five correction positions, according to the county.
Some of the other highlights of the 2018 budget, according to the county, are: a Health Department appropriation of $29.2 million which represents a 3.6 percent increase over the 2017 budget; a total Child Care programs budget of $27.7 million that represents a 9.5 percent decrease; and a Circuit Court budget of $17.8 million that represents a 2.2 percent increase.
After a hectic Black Friday, looking for something to do on Shop Local Saturday? The 3rd Annual Cedar Springs Pub Crawl will take place Saturday, Nov. 25, starting at 5 p.m.
Cedar Springs Brewing is the host of the event, with the two other venues in town being The Gun tavern and the American Legion Glen Hill Post 287 — Cedar Springs Brewing has great German beer and food — been there, done that; and I’m a member of the Cedar Springs’ American Legion, so I can vouch for the patriotic local color.
Oh, and by the way, speaking of Shop Local Saturday, CS Brewery’s home brew business next to the pub is have a sale on home brew supplied.
First, always have a designated driver when your pub crawling. But, second, if your more in the mood to get your Beer City Brewsader Passport book stamped, after a visit to Cedar Springs Brewing, there is also a couple of other north-of-Grand Rapids brew pubs worth a visit: the Rockford Brewing Company in … wait for it … Rockford; and the recently relocated and expanded Cellar Brewing Company in Sparta.
For more information on Cedar Spring Brewing and the pub crawl, visit csbrew.com . For more information on Rockford Brewing visit rockfordbrewing.com and for Cellar Brewing visit cellerbrewingco.com .
When someone says Habitat for Humanity, people might think of President Jimmy Carter pounding nails in some far away foreign county, or of volunteers working in low-income urban areas of this country. Habitat for Humanity is that, but it is also so much more — including recent efforts to assist local veterans with their housing.
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County executive director Bri McKee visits the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus to talk with program host Ken Norris. (WKTV)
On the latest WKTV Journal: In Focus, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County executive director Bri McKee talks with program host Ken Norris about her program’s religious foundations, its worldwide scope, but also its local neighborhood results.
Also on this episode, Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce president Bob O’Callaghan, a regular guest to In Focus, talks about the recent grand opening of 28 West Place — a redevelopment on 28th Street that was the result of a focused public-private partnership — but that is just a highpoint in recent and upcoming chamber activities.
The episode will debut Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday, and again next week on the same days and times on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.
Kent County director of Veterans Services Carrie Anderson on the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus. (WKTV)
WKTV Staff
news@wktv.org
With Veterans Day coming this week, and veterans issues important every day, the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV’s public affairs show, finds program host Ken Norris talking with the Kent County director of Veterans Services, Carrie Anderson, about the problems faced by our region’s veterans and the county, state and federal efforts to provide possible solutions.
Also on this episode, first-term State Representative Steven Johnson talks about his busy first year in Lansing.
Kent County director of Veterans Services Carrie Anderson. (WKTV)
As part of the discussion with Anderson, a veteran herself, she discusses the alarming statistic that each day 20 veterans commit suicide in this country, available services — including help for homeless vets — and why her job is more than just a job.
The episode will debut this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and will again air on Thursday, and again next week on the same days and times on WKTV channels but all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.
The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel. This episode will have a special airing on Wednesday, Nov, 15, at noon on Comcast Channel 25.
President Richard Nixon had his Elvis sighting; George W. Bush had his bond with Bono; Bill Clinton and Barak Obama had a ton of encounters with the politics of rock ’n’ roll music.
The constant is that since the 1960s, the songs and songwriters of rock have been a consistent voice on the political and social scene, and even presidents are not immune to the influence.
So, after opening at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, and then spending early this year at the prestigious Newseum in Washington, D.C., the exhibit, “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics” — which explores the power of rock music to change attitudes about patriotism, peace, equality and freedom — will open at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum next week.
The exhibit will open Tuesday, Nov. 7 and run through Feb. 11, 2018. (It will then travel to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in 2018, and then the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in 2020.)
Photo of exhibit with clothing related to war protest songs. (Supplied)
Using video, multimedia, photographs, periodicals and artifacts, “Louder Than Words” showcases the intersection between rock and politics. According to supplied information, the exhibit “explores how artists exercise their First Amendment rights, challenge assumptions and beliefs, stimulate thought and effect change.
“Beyond music’s influence on the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and gender equality, the exhibit also features other significant moments and figures, such as Bob Dylan, who rallied people against social inequality, the hip-hop music of the 80s that discussed police brutality in poverty stricken neighborhoods, and Pussy Riot, who utilized their music as an outlet for social activism in Russia.”
A supplied description of the exhibit goes on to say: “Whether you identify as red or blue, we all bleed rock and roll. Voicing political beliefs mixes its way into conversation and lyrics all the same. Whether you’re a fan of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” reinvention or Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’ ” insightful ballad, many musical artists have broached the subject of politics or have reacted to the current political and cultural climate through note and song. Inside of a song or performance, artists feel safe expressing their opinions and inviting fans to connect with their message regardless of party affiliation.
“Do those same established boundaries exist today? The stage has recently come under fire for openly expressing political critique, which prompts the question — is free speech still protected inside of a performance or song? Regardless of recent and future criticisms, artists will continue to fold political sentiments into their work, and we will continue to support those rock and rollers, unafraid of controversy, letting their music play louder than words.”
Photo of exhibit with clothing related to war protest songs. (Supplied)
The original exhibit included exclusive video interviews with Bono, David Byrne, Dee Snider, Tom Morello, Lars Ulrich, Gloria Estefan, Gregg Allman, Jimmy Carter and others to examine how music has both shaped and reflected our culture norms on eight political topics: civil rights, LGBT issues, feminism, war and peace, censorship, political campaigns, political causes and international politics.
Artifacts in the original exhibit include Joe Strummer’s Fender Telecaster, correspondence between the FBI and Priority Records regarding N.W.A’s “F*** the Police” song, original handwritten lyrics from Neil Young’s “Ohio” and artifacts related to the Vietnam war and the May 4, 1970 shooting at Kent State.
As part of the exhibition run, the Ford Museum will also present several special events:
A lecture, “The Meaning of the Vietnam War”, will be presented by Fredrik Logevall on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at the museum. Logevall is the winner the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for his book, “Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America’s Vietnam.”
In his lecture, he will trace the path that led two Western nations to tragically lose their way in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Logevall is the Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and an author of numerous books on the Vietnam War.
A discussion, “Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”, will be presented by Tom Tudor on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the museum.
Tudor will actually give a two part talk in one event. The first part focuses on Mr. Tudor’s personal connection with the historic cemetery as he recalls his time standing watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The second part gives the history of Arlington National Cemetery and discusses some of America’s finest who are laid to rest within the gates.
(An aside: remember that the museum will present its annual Outdoor Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Always a grand kickoff to the holiday season.)
The Vietnam War Lecture Series will also continue on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. with Dr. Edward J. Marolda presenting “Admirals Under Fire: U.S. Naval Leaders and the Vietnam War”.
Marolda, before his retirement in 2008, served as the Director of Naval History and Senior Historian of the Navy at the Naval Historical Center, Washington, D.C. He has authored and coauthored numerous books with an emphasis on the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located at 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids. For more information visit fordlibrarymuseum.gov .
Veterans leave the military with a set of skills valuable to employers. Here are five skills essential to every job-seeking veteran’s resume:
Strong work habits —Veterans in the workplace are known for completing projects in a timely, efficient manner. These work habits are a result of maturity, integrity and self-confidence learned during the service.
Flexibility and adaptability —Individuals in the service are trained to meet the changing needs of their environment and are quick to adapt to the new working environment.
Initiative — Veterans bring with them the ability to create a plan of action that translates into the ability to solve problems quickly and independently.
Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines —Military service requires a job done right the first time. Service members can prioritize, adjust and deal with stress in a positive manner.
Ability to give and follow directions — People in the military understand accountability and how to work well with others. They’re respectful yet direct when making sure a job is well done.
Veteran Appreciation Week
All ten service centers in West Michigan are celebrating veterans and their spouses during Veteran Week from Nov. 6-9.
Events include:
Veteran Priority Day: receive on-demand services such as resume development, career exploration, interviewing skills. Appointment not needed.
Early Veteran access Hiring Events: meet with employers looking for new talent before everyone else.
In this 2014 U.S. Army photo, and Army of the Republic of Macedonia soldier confers with a U.S. Army officer. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Cody Harding)
Soft power in the Balkans, specifically from the point-of-view of the Republic of Macedonia — if any of that was unclear, you need the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.
The Grand Rapids-based chapter of the World Affairs Council is often the local go-to information source for up-to-date information on an ever-changing world and America’s military and political place run it.
Starting next week, with a discussion by Vasko Naumovoski, Ambassador to United States from the Republic of Macedonia, titled “Soft Power in the Balkans”, the council will be offering three open-to-the-public discussions in November.
Ambassador Naumovoski’s talk will be Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 6-7 p.m., with a social hour starting at 5:15 p.m., at the University Club, on the 10th Floor at 111 Lyon St. NE, in downtown Grand Rapids.
The event is $15 for members and guests, to be paid at the door. No RSVPs are needed but an email would be appreciated if one plans to attend as there will be a cash Bar and light hor d’oeuvres (and the count will help with ordering food).
There is free parking in the 5th/3rd bank lot if you park after 5 p.m. (The lot entrance is off Ottawa Avenue between Michigan and Lyon streets.)
Other events in November include U.S. security, Russia
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the council will present “Top Five Threats to America’s National Security”, with Dr. Lori Murray, former Endowed Chair for National Security U.S. Naval Academy. Murray will address the five threats to the U.S. that Secretary of Defense James Mattis identified in June, 2017: North Korea; Russia; China; terrorist groups; and Iran.
The discussion will be from 7-8:30 p.m., with time for a Q&A, and will take place at Western Michigan University Grand Rapids at 2333 E. Beltline. The event is $15 and no RSVPs are necessary.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, the council will present “Russia 2018: Putin’s Last Act?”, with John Beyrle, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Beyrle is a graduate of Grand Valley State and has been back to speak several times to speak on topics at the council. For more information see the council’s website.
Primer on the Balkans, the Nov. 7 speaker
The countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia — collectively known as Balkans — are adjacent to Russia and the European Union.
However, from ancient time until today, it has been difficult for one power to control the Balkans, according to information from the council’s website. This intense geopolitical competition makes the Balkan region one of the most contested and conflict-prone regions in the world, and part of that rivalry is unfolding through soft power and cultural diplomatic means.
Ambassador Naumvoski has been an ambassador since 2014. He is also a professor of international relations at the department of law at the St. Cyril and Methodist University in Skopje, where he earned his bachelor, master’s and doctoral degrees. From 2009 to 2011, he was deputy president of the government of the Republic of Macedonia and in charge of European affairs. In that post he began the process for Macedonia’s entry into the European Union. Macedonia is currently listed as a “candidate country,” in the process of integrating E.U. legislation into national law.
For more information these events and World Affairs Council of Western Michigan in general, visit worldmichigan.org
U.S. Senator Gary Peters presents medals and honors to the family of Army Private Frederick Ash. (Supplied)
By Sen. Gary Peters office
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mi.) last week presented nine medals and honors to the family of U.S. Army Private Frederick Ash. Ash bravely served in the European Theater in World War II and passed away in the 1950s. Peters helped obtain the commendations after Mr. Ash’s daughter contacted his office to ensure his contributions to our nation were properly honored.
Peters is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
“Private Ash was part of the Greatest Generation, fighting in the trenches of Europe in defense of our country, our allies and our shared democratic values under threat from a fascist dictator,” Peters, a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, said. “Private Ash suffered through harsh conditions and distinguished himself through meritorious conduct in the fight against tyranny, and today we honor his patriotism and valiant service on behalf of a grateful nation. While some of the details of his story have been lost to history, I hope that with these medals his heroic actions will live on in the memories of his children and grandchildren who are here today.”
The awards presented to the Ash family include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Double Bronze Star Attachment, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II.
Frederick Ash was born and raised in West Michigan, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in the Spring of 1942 at Fort Custer — shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the as an infantryman in the European Theater during World War II. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to West Michigan and started a family. He worked as a commercial fisherman in Saugatuck, and was tragically killed in a boating accident in the 1950s.
All records of Ash’s service were destroyed in a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center. Due to the fire, records regarding the extent of Private Ash’s actions, including those that earned him the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, are no longer available.
With the second weekend of ArtPrize in full swing and people casting last-minute votes for their favorite works of art, Wyoming-Kentwood Community Media’s VOICES: a community history projectpowered by WKTV rolled out the red carpet and welcomed scores of visitors to tour our renovated 1958 Airstream® mobile studio and learn more about the oral history project.
VOICEScollects, preserves, and shares the stories of West Michigan people from all backgrounds and beliefs, with a focus on Wyoming, Kentwood and the greater Grand Rapids area.
VOICES is a free public service, offering a comfortable video recording studio with a relaxed atmosphere. High-tech video and audio equipment records the stories of our neighbors, friends and family — any story from anyone — that make up the fabric of our lives and our community. Participants tell their stories of hardships and successes, of what shaped them and their families into the kind of people they are today. Our lives, experiences, joys, sorrows, triumphs and tragedies are what make us all human.
Interviews usually take place between two people who know and care about each other. They can be friends, family or mere acquaintances. At the end of each 40-minute recording session, participants receive a complimentary DVD of their interview. Each recording is also archived with the Library of Congress.
Interviews can be “life reviews,” conducted with people at the end of their careers. Or they can focus on a specific period or a specific event in people’s lives, as with war veterans or survivors of an earthquake, flood or hurricane.
VOICES is available year-round. Our mobile studio will be at ArtPrize Nine again, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7 from 10am-8pm*. Thereafter, it will travel to other locations.
Monday-Friday, Oct. 16-20 — Wyoming Public Library (3350 Michael Ave SW, Wyoming, MI) from 10am-8pm*, and Monday-Thursday, Oct. 23-Oct. 26, from 10am-8pm*.
Monday-Thursday, Nov. 6-9 and Monday-Thursday, Nov. 13-16 — Kentwood Public Library (4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI), from 10am-8pm*.
Since 2014, more than 880 mayors, governors, and other state and local officials have answered the call of the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, pledging to do all they can to ensure their communities succeed.
It’s working.
Current homeless veterans have been connected to resources to secure housing and future vets can be assured a plan to secure them housing after it is known they are homeless.
On September 26, area agencies working to attain this goal — including the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, housing providers, federal, state, government officials, veterans, and local partners — celebrated their successes for their part in ensuring that homelessness is both rare and brief for Veterans in Kent County at an awards ceremony on the campus of Calvin College.
has identified all Veterans experiencing homelessness;
provides shelter immediately to any Veteran experiencing unsheltered homelessness who wants it;
provides service-intensive transitional housing only in limited instances;
has capacity to assist Veterans to swiftly move into permanent housing; and
has resources, plans, partnerships, and system capacity in place should any Veteran become homeless or be at risk of homelessness in the future.
“It took a team of dedicated, caring community members to rearrange structures and resources so that Kent County can ensure that no Veteran will remain homeless in our community,” Beech shared. “We must honor those who have served our country and use what we have learned in this process to end homelessness for all populations.”
In a letter proclaiming Kent County reached Functional Zero, Matthew Doherty, the Executive Director of USICH, spoke of the remarkable efforts of the agencies involved.
“We are confident that the infrastructure and systems you have built will ensure that any Veteran experiencing homelessness in Kent County will get the support they need to quickly obtain a permanent home,” Doherty wrote.
“In its efforts to end veteran homelessness, Kent County has done something remarkable that will serve as a catalyst for other communities working toward this common goal,” MSHDA Executive Director Earl Poleski said. “The State stands ready to assist with the financial, technical and collaborative resources that can help end veteran homelessness here and across our great state.”
Commissioner Tom Antor accepted an award on behalf of the Kent County Board of Commissioners.
“The County staff has shown a great dedication to helping veterans and ending homelessness,” he said.
According to Antor, more than 170 Veterans Affairs Housing Vouchers have been provided in Kent County in recent years.
The USS Silversides will be the site of the Lost Boat Ceremony on May 28.
By WKTV Staff
While there will be many Memorial Day events this holiday weekend, events honoring those who died while serving in the various branches of the U.S. military, one of West Michgan’s proudest traditions is the U.S.S. Silversides’ Lost Boat Ceremony.
Also a Memorial Day Weekend tradition, WKTV’s coverage crew will be at the event and will rebroadcast the ceremony multiple times.
This year’s Lost Boat Ceremony, hosted by Muskegon’s U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum, is set for Sunday, May 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the museum, located at 1346 Bluff St., Muskegon.
WKTV will broadcast the ceremony on Cable Channel 25 on Monday, May 29, at 10:15 a.m. and again at 9 p.m. It will also be broadcast Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m.
The ceremony starts with a fly-by featuring “warbirds” — planes from World War II. There is also a special guest speaker, this year U.S. Navy Capt. Fred Bertsch (Ret.). The service will conclude with a 21-gun salute and the starting up of the engine of the U.S.S. Silversides.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools inducted six new members into its Hall of Fame late last month, and while the most Rebel-rousing acceptance speech was given by — no surprise — long-time football coach and educator Thomas DeGennaro, the district’s hall of fame is for more than only athletic personalities.
The induction ceremony, which took place prior to a boys basketball game on Jan. 20 at Lee High School, also included a war hero, a university professor, a long-time school board member, a school band leader and a woman who gave back to the school system almost up to her last day.
Football coach and educator Thomas DeGennaro. (WKTV)
DeGennaro — who has served as teacher, principal and now, again, varsity football coach — was the final of the inductees to speak, and he spoke clearly about what it means to be a Lee High Rebel.
“I have been grateful to work with some of the toughest kids in the United States,” DeGennaro said. “To be a Rebel means you are willing to stand up against the establishment. You have to be willing to put yourself on the line when you stand up. Our kids here do this every day.
“They overcome obstacles that would unimaginable to surrounding districts. Many of our students are immigrants, or children of immigrants, much like my grandparents … These students overcome language, cultural and other challenges that stall most students learning process. Not only do they overcome these obstacles, they excel. … The establishment loves to keep these kids down, but they rebel. They are Rebels.”
DeGennaro’s history in the district includes taking a position on the Lee High faculty in 2002, teaching U.S. History and Geography as well as a variety of other elective social studies courses. But it is on the football field where he did most of his teaching. In 1998, he took over the Rebel football program and coached the first Lee football team ever to make it into the MHSAA playoffs, when his team went 8-2 in the fall of 2006. After an eight-year absence from the sidelines at Lee Field, he returned this past fall and has begun the process of rebuilding a program that has not experience much success since his last season in 2007.
Starting in 2007, the Rebel Hall of Fame selection committee, comprised of members of the Board of Education, district administration, faculty, alumni and the Godfrey-Lee community has selected alumni, staff and other individuals associated with Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in recognition of their achievements and contributions.
The six new members joined forty-two other individuals and one athletic team in the Hall of Fame. David Britten, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee School District, was master of ceremonies of the event.
This year’s inductees also included Staff Sgt. Daniel Hayes, Lee High School class of 2004; Dr. Carl J. Bajema, class of 1955; Dennis E. Groendyke, class of 1979 and Board of Education member from 1999 to 2016; Christine Vettese, district SIG Coordinator for 2010 to 2013; and Robert Hill, high school band director from 1967 to 1981.
Douglas Greenwold, class of 1960, was also selected but requested to delay participation in the induction ceremony until 2018.
Personal stories of dedication
Staff Sgt. Hayes is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan military operations where, with the 101st Airborne Division, he earned the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat in Iraq in 2006. He was later personally awarded the Silver Star, the third highest decoration for valor for gallant actions and devotion to duty, while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. In 2011, he sustained another injury and earned a second Purple Heart. His award was accepted by his aunt.
Dr. Carl J. Bajema, with his wife, Claudia.
Dr. Bajema, after graduating from Lee, earned his Ph.D. in zoology from Michigan State University and retired from Grand Valley State University with the designation of Professor Emeritus in 2007 following a forty-three year teaching and scientific research career. He was also the recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Volunteer Service Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.
And his wife, reading from a statement and speaking for him due to a medical condition that hampers his ability to speak clearly, revealed a little of Dr. Bajema’s own history.
“When I learned I was to receive this Rebel award, I dug into my archives for my report cards, I actually had all my report cards,” Claudia Bajema said, as Carl waved an old report card for the audience to see. “Well, I can assure you that anyone viewing those would not conclude that I would be given one of these prestigious awards.
“I left my mark on the high school in an unconventional way. For several years following my graduation … my lab mate and me were given as an example of how not to do experiments. … we were in a hurry and failed to read all the instructions on how to conduct an experiment … (and) a chemical reaction caused an explosion, a volcano of sorts, leaving a very nasty stain on the ceiling.”
Dennis E. Groendyke
Groendyke, Board of Education member from 1999 to 2016, is a lifelong resident of the district who chose to raise his own family of seven children here and watch them attend Godfrey-Lee schools, according to supplied material. He concluded his service this winter following 17 years, including four-and-one-half years leading the board as president. A strong supporter of athletics, he has provided many hours of volunteer coaching for baseball and softball, including weekend clinics for youth during the school year.
“I love this district, I love the people in it, most of all I love the children,” Groendyke said. “My heart will always be here.”
Robert Hill
Hill was Lee High band director from 1967 to 1981, where he yearly took a “sometimes unruly” group of teen musicians unifying them into well organized marching and concert bands, according to supplied material. A visible teacher and mentor, he could be seen leading his bands at every home football and basketball game, believing that the band was central to inspiring young athletes and building school pride. His musical talents also carried him to perform with the Grand Valley State University faculty orchestra.
“This high school has, and always will, have a very special place in my heart,” Hill said. “I will always remember the joy of teaching students.”
Roberta Burke, sister of Christine Vettese.
Vettese was district SIG coordinator from 2010-13. She died in 2015. When Lee High School needed help with academic improvement to get off a state list of low-performing schools, she came out of retirement from East Grand Rapids schools and applied her many leadership, curriculum, and personal relationship skills to serve as a principle leader in that effort, according to supplied material. Through her advocacy, guidance and dogged persistence, she helped secure grants in excess of $3.5 million dollars over the three years to support the work of teachers, administrators, and students.
Her sister, Roberta Burke, accepted the award.
“I know if she were here today, she would say … its all about the students, and how to get them to be the best they can be,” Burke said, pointing to the heavens. “I know she is looking down right now and saying ‘bravo’ ” for what the district has accomplished.
The West Michigan Military and Veterans Career Expo, which is open to active-duty military, veterans and their spouses, will be held Friday, Jan. 27 at Wyoming’s Grand Valley Armory.
The West Michigan Military and Veterans Career Expo will be held Friday, Jan. 27 at Wyoming’s Grand Valley Armory. (WKTV)
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Grand Valley Armory gymnasium is located at 1200 44th St SW.
A hiring event is for service men and women in all branches of the military, veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses. Attendees must bring DD214 military identification and copies of resume.
More than 50 employers are expected to attend, including Advance Packaging Corporation, Amway, Arconic, Bayer, Buddy to Buddy, Charter Communications, Cintas, Consumers Energy, CROSSMARK, Custom Profile, Dart Container, Davenport University, DeWys Manufacturing, Directions in Research, DK Security, DTE Energy, Effex Management Solutions for Magna Mirrors, Farmers Insurance, Fifth Third Bank, Fusion IT, Gun Lake Casino, Herman Miller, Holland, JBS USA, Jedco, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Macy’s, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Meijer, Metal Flow, Metron Integrated Health Systems, Michigan Army National Guard, Peckham, Perrigo, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Plasan North America, Shape Corp., SpartanNash, Spectrum Health, Sunset Communities, TEKsystems, The Empire Company, The Home Depot, Tooling Systems Group, Tradesmen International, Trans-Matic Mfg. Company, Trinity Services Group, TST Tooling Software, Tyson Foods, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, World Financial Group, Wynalda Packaging and Yanfeng.
The event is co-sponsored by West Michigan Works! and the New Horizons Computer Learning Center.
Those planning to attend may register at at WMIVETS but registration is not required.
WKTV’s Government Matters lists a sampling of news released by state and federal officials who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood areas. Among this week’s highlights are Sen. Stabenow nominating 45 students to the military academies and Sen. Peters voicing support for veterans as part of a new Department of Defense bill.
Sen. Stabenow nominates Kentwood student among 45 total in state to military academies
Sen. Debbie Stabenow recently announced her office’s nominations of local students for the service academies. (Supplied)
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow announced recently the nomination of 45 Michigan students for placement at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
Among those nominated, according to supplied material, were Jarrod Torr, of Kentwood, to the Naval Academy, as well as Grandville’s Luke Ensing and Connor Fischer, both to the West Point.
“Michigan is fortunate to have so many exceptional students who want to serve our country through military service,” Sen. Stabenow said in supplied material. “Having demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom, I am confident they will represent Michigan and our country well.”
Students seeking appointment to a service academy must first obtain the nomination of their U.S. Senator, their U.S. Representative, or the Vice President. Students nominated went through a highly competitive application process that included interviews by community leaders. Now that the students have been nominated, they must await acceptance for admission by the academy to which they have applied.
Sen. Peters supports defense bill with provisions for state’s veterans
Sen. Gary Peters
On Dec. 8, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.SA. Navy Reserve, helped pass a defense bill which advocates for a pay raise for service members, supports veterans suffering from mental trauma, and advocates for Michigan’s manufacturers and small businesses, according to a press release from the senator’s office.
The National Defense Authorization Act, which sets policy for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2017, passed the House of Representatives, the senate and was then sent to the desk of President Barack Obama for signature.
Among other things, the bill included a 2.1 percent pay raise for service members and, according to supplied information, provides “the necessary tools and resources for our military while ensuring those suffering from the invisible wounds have the support they need after their service,” Sen. Peters said.
A provision helps veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge due to behavior resulting from metal traumas including PTSD. The Fairness for Veterans provision gives liberal consideration to petitions for changes in discharge status to honorable if the service member has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or related conditions in connection with their military service. A less than honorable discharge prevents veterans from accessing Post-9/11 GI Bill opportunities, VA home loans and other benefits. Michigan is home to more than 600,000 veterans, including 50,000 post-9/11 veterans.
Another part of the legislation requires the DoD provide American-made athletic footwear to new military recruits. DoD already applies this policy to uniforms and combat boots, but not athletic footwear. This legislation could boost manufacturers like Wolverine Worldwide with offices in Rockford, which produces Saucony athletic shoes and is a major manufacturer of footwear for the U.S. military.
