Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.
Rubio Slager’s choreography portrays the power of human connection and relationships (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)
The dancers embody the complexities of human existence, peeling away societal expectations to confront their true selves. Through Rubio Slager’s innovative choreography, the journey of self-discovery unfolds on stage, inviting audiences to reflect on their own identities and the masks they wear.
The power of human connection and relationships takes center stage in BareFace. Just as Cupid and Psyche longed for each other, the dancers’ movements intertwine and interact, portraying the intricacies of love, longing, and the universal desire for connection.
“With technical precision and graceful beauty,” writes Kathy D. Hey from Third Coast Review, “the talented artists of Ballet 5:8’s dance company convey a range of emotions, from moments of grief and longing to lighter moments of comedy.”
A captivating story that embraces the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity, BareFace challenges us to confront our own masks and delve into the rawness of our emotions. Set in the Grecian fairytale world of Glome, the production captivates with its cinematic storytelling, sweeping stage pictures, and gliding sets.
A lasting impact
BareFace showcases Rubio Slager’s choreography that, as described by D’onminique Boyd-Riley from See Chicago Dance, “Flows like chimes, leaving an enduring impact long after the wind has passed. The performance is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Dancers rehearse a previous Ballet 5:8 production. (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)
The athletic prowess of Ballet 5:8’s dance artists, along with the work of costume designer Lorianne Robertson, scenic designers Sarah L. Freeman and Graham Louthan, and projections by Sarah L. Freeman and Julianna Rubio Slager, bring this full-length story ballet to life.
Artistic Director, Co-Founder and Chicano Resident Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager co-founded Ballet 5:8 in 2012. She is known for engaging audiences in discussions of life and faith through exquisite choreography, and for empowering minority women to command space in the professional ballet scene.
Since its founding in 2012, Ballet 5:8 has presented more than 45 critically acclaimed ballets, engaging and captivating communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation.
Tiered single tickets are available ranging from $15 to $45 based on seating and available online at: https://www.ballet58.org/calendar/bareface-gr. Specific children, student and senior ticket prices are available. For groups of 10 or more adults, patrons can use the code: B58GROUP to redeem $5 off each ticket.
An online survey and in-person events are scheduled as part of transit master planning process (Courtesy, The Rapid)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The TMP will help build a community-led transit system (Courtesy, Thriving)
The Rapid is asking for community input on the future of transit as part of its Transit Master Plan (TMP).
Titled “Thriving: A framework for the future of connectivity,” the TMP seeks to identify what the public needs from The Rapid and general transportation in both the short and long term.
Individuals can participate through an online survey or by attending an in-person community engagement workshop from now until Dec. 8. This feedback will help The Rapid strategically build a community-led transit system for the next 20 years.
Everyone in the region is encouraged to participate, regardless of whether they use public transportation or not. The study area for this project extends well beyond The Rapid’s service zone with the intent to garner feedback from individuals who currently don’t have access to The Rapid.
Public transportation users as well as non-public transportation users are invited to participate in the survey (Courtesy, Thriving)
“As our region grows, so does the need to expand transit options,” said The Rapid CEO Deb Prato. “We need to create a plan that outlines how public transportation will meet the needs of all our residents. Gathering feedback from everyone, both users and nonusers, is crucial to the success of this plan.”
There will be an in-person open house event Thursday, Oct. 19 at Rapid Central Station, 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids. There will be three sessions: 7 to 9 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m.
Once the public engagement period ends on Dec. 8, The Rapid and TMP project consultants from internationally recognized firm AECOM will develop the roadmap for implementing, improving and potentially expanding transit options in the future.
CALEA offers agencies information to support continuous improvement and pursue professional excellence (Courtesy Photo)
CALEA Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence. The community and police department can take pride in their department, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.
Anyone wishing to provide comments regarding the agency’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status, may provide comments to CALEA through the following Public Comment Portal:
Comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.
All comments made through the portal will be sent directly to CALEA. Submitters will receive acknowledgment of their submission.
Anyone wishing to leave comments and have them sent directly to Wyoming Police should use the non-emergency number 616-530-7300, appear in person at the police department, or use the online Police Department Contact Form.
The 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition is in full swing and is packing the house (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition at Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) is delivering weekly standup comedy routines and drawing large crowds.
From here, there, and everywhere
Located at Woody’s Press Box inside the Spectrum Entertainment Complex, SNF is a free admission weekly standup comedy show that is geared toward featuring comedians from around the Midwest. However, Brian B. has had several comedians travel from out of state to participate.
Kingpin of Comedy previous winners (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
Brian B. remembers comedians driving up from Alabama just to do the show. “They did it for the trip experience. I picked up a woman at the airport who flew in from New Jersey to do the show,” Brian B. added.
SNF regularly draws comics from Detroit, Chicago, and Toledo, with the Kingpin of Comedy competition featuring a comedian from Canada.
Brian B. said many comics are willing to do a routine “for the stage time and to perform before a good-sized audience. It’s a very low-key, low-budget kind of thing.”
Voting system encourages audience participation
A comedian himself, Brian B. opens each show and serves as emcee.
With only three more quarterfinal rounds, the competition will soon be moving into three weeks of semifinals, with finals taking place Sunday, Oct. 29.
Sunday Night Funnies’s 2022 Kingpin of Comedy winner Seth Lee holds his winnings (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
The Kingpin of Comedy winner will be determined with a voting system, so the audience is encouraged to participate.
Audience members are given a ballot at the beginning of the show – the only requirement is that they vote for three comics, “no more, no less.”
This helps ensure that the comics work to win over the entire audience, not just friends they bring along, Brian B. explained.
As for comedic content, Brian B. said adult situations and swearing do occur.
“It’s not a clean comedy show, and I don’t bill it as that,” said Brian B.
“I don’t censor the comics,” Brian B. continued. “That is a slippery slope and I won’t do that. [Content] is subjective – you don’t know what offends people and what doesn’t offend people.”
Filling a comedic void
Brian B. began SNF to fill a gap for local comedians.
“At the time, the only place local comics could get face-time was Dr. Grins, and that was only on Thursday nights,” Brian B. said. “They’d get three-minutes of time and could only perform every three months. There was a void that needed to be filled for local comedians.”
That void has been filled with approximately 1,200 different SNF comics over the years.
Sunday Night Funnies presents the 5th annual Kingpin of Comedy competition, now in full swing (Courtesy, Brian B. SNF)
The SNF stage has found a home at several different locations since its inception in 2008, with the first being in Douglas, MI. Shortly after, however, Brian B. wanted to bring the show closer to home.
He approached Bob Sullivan, who was owner of the Radisson Hotel on Ann Street in Grand Rapids at the time. A partnership was born, and SNF took the stage for eight years.
When the hotel changed ownership, all entertainment was disbanded and Brian B. was once again on the hunt for a stage.
While having lunch at Spectrum Entertainment Complex, Brian B. began exploring and found Woody’s Press Box. Thinking it would be a good place for a comedy club, Brian B. approached the owner and SNF resumed in February 2018.
Audience attendance was slow-moving at first, with a recent uptick in numbers as former audience members realize the show is still in Grand Rapids, just in a different location.
Comics are also flocking to the stage, with 91 comedians participating in the opening round of Kingpin of Comedy.
“I don’t want to leave anyone out who wants to be in it, so the opening round was 14 weeks long,” said Brian B.
Brian B. works to encourage novice comedians, especially those who are unsure about participating in competitions.
Brian B.’s response: “Just do it. It’s still stage time, so you still get to get up before an audience, and – who knows – you might hit right with the audience and advance.”
Don’t miss out – be “in the know”
SNF is located at 5656 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming (between Meijer and Craig’s Cruisers), and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Doors open one hour before start time, and food and drinks are available for purchase.
Watch the SNF Facebook page for updates and announcements about start times, comedian participation, and competition results.
Palermo Pizza celebrates 61 years of service to the Wyoming community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 12. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale said making pizza is what she does, but serving the community is what she loves.
While the pizza store owner loves serving her community with some of the “finest authentic pizza around,” what Vitale really values are the relationships and connections she has made over the years with her customers.
Home of the 24” pizza, Palermo Pizza celebrated 61 years of its family-owned operation with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12 at her Wyoming location, 735 36th St. SW.
“We have been serving the community for 61 years,” Vitale said. “My location is still family-owned and operated and the oldest location.”
Palermo Pizza owner Janice Vitale expresses her appreciation for community support and her love of community. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A platform of community service
“My business provides me with a platform to do what I love,” said Vitale, who’s determined to continue the legacy set forth by Andrew Vitale with compassion and hard work.
“I never imagined that the roots planted by Andrew Vitale would allow me to set my dreams into action,” Vitale said. “Palermo is a staple in the community, but it has also given me the roots and foundation to be an activist in the community.”
She believes that her business is “above and beyond these four walls.”
A legacy of quality pizza
Several community business owners helped celebrate Palermo’s success (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Palermo Pizza opened on Grandville Avenue in 1962 by Andrew Vitale, with the 36th St. location opening a year later.
Janice Vitale has been part of the Palermo chain for 29 years and prides herself on the quality of their products.
“We don’t cut corners or chase deals,” Vitale said. “At Palermo, we choose the best ingredients in the industry to provide an outstanding product.”
From anchovies to cheese, Palermo Pizza uses only fresh products, several of them homemade.
“Our dough is made fresh daily using the same original family recipe,” said Vitale, noting that Palermo’s pizza sauce, dough and sausage are homemade as well.
Palermo’s staff also grinds their own cheese and slices their own meats and vegetables.
A family-oriented endeavor
Four of Vitale’s children work at Palermo’s with her. Taylor Vitale is the Operations Manager and Consultant, while Tasha, Mackenzie and AJ fill various roles at the store.
“Having my kids and family members work with me helps ensure that our customers will always experience the original taste of our secret family recipes,” Vitale said. “We are very family-friendly and pride ourselves on our kindness and generosity.”
Janice Vitale and her four children work together to ensure customers always receive quality products. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Giving back and making a difference
Creating connections and memories, celebrating special events with customers, working alongside amazing people, and sponsoring young athletes and students while continuing to grow the Palermo brand is an undertaking that Vitale describes as “rather incredible.”
“Having become a well-respected leader in the Grand Rapids area, I get to share my passion for serving and making a difference in the lives of many,” Vitale said.
Mayor Kent Vanderwood signs the cut ribbon at the Palermo Pizza ceremony. (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
That difference comes in many forms, including donating residential air conditioners and helping to fund funerals and cancer treatments. These donations are underwritten by funds donated in exchange for marketing on her pizza box toppers.
But Vitale says she was never alone in her efforts.
“I can’t do what I do without the support of my customers,” Vitale adds.
“I am so proud and privileged to be a staple in this community,” Vitale continued. “It truly is businesses like Marge’s Donut Den, Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, and many others that stitch our community together. It is an honor to support, and be supported, by such an amazing community.”
The vintage ball park is hosting a Back to the 90’s Ballpark Jam festival-style show that will feature several musical artists.
Kicking off at 2:30 p.m. and running until 10 p.m., the show will consist of continuous music, beer, food trucks and of course – fun!
Troll for Trout will play alongside Papa Vegas, Domestic Problems, Knee Deep Shag and Craig Griffith. Between band acts, guests will be treated to solo performances by Adam Mikrut, Glen Danles, Ed Dupas, and more.
Troll for Trout is celebrating their 30th anniversary of colorful musical history. Over the years, the Michigan band has earned a diehard following and generated an impressive array of recordings.
“Troll for Trout and our music has always been about a lifestyle,” Michael Crittenden, founding member and chief songwriter, says on their website. “It’s that excited feeling of leaving work early on a beautiful Friday afternoon and pointing your vehicle North where there’s no schedule. It’s about finding and reconnecting with the peace that resides in all of us, but gets buried by the day to day grind.”
“Reboot” is a benefit for the restoration of Valley Field. A portion of the proceeds will also go toward the GVSU Aris Hampers Broadcasting Scholarship.
Two of the founders of the Community Cat Crew, J.J. LaBelle (left) with Manchego and Kendi Helmus with Shiner Bock. Both kittens are bottle-babies. (Courtesy Photo)
By Janet Vormittag
WKTV Contributor
One of the goals of the Community Cat Crew is to stop spring from being known as kitten season.
Five women founded the cat rescue and advocacy group in January 2022. The director is Kendi Helmus of Hudsonville, but she doesn’t want to take credit for starting the group.
“I told her if she tackled it I’d be her right-hand woman,” said J.J. LaBelle who lives in Eastown. “We wouldn’t have done it without her. She had the passion and we supported her.”
Other founders include Trish Keyzer and her daughter Syd Keyzer of Grandville and Erin O’Keefe of Jenison.
“We share the workload,” Helmus said. Each woman works with a network of foster homes in her area and works to find homes for the cats and kittens in their care.
“We have kittens in homes from Sparta to Zeeland,” LaBelle said. The group has close to 25 foster homes. The group became a 501(c)3 in April 2023.
Two meanings
Helmus explained that the group’s name has two meanings. First, they’re dealing with community cats — outside cats who have no owners, the community is their home. Second, they want to educate people in the community about the importance of getting the cats spayed/neutered to stop the birth of unwanted litters of kittens.
“Eighty percent of kittens in shelters come from community cats,” Helmus said.
Spring is kitten season
Anyone involved in cat rescue soon learns that spring is when rescues and shelters are overwhelmed with kittens.
“It took years to educate people to fix their personal cats. Our mission is to educate people to fix community cats,” LaBelle said.
Before starting Community Cat Crew, the women volunteered for local rescue groups.
Their focus is TNVR, trap-neuter-vaccine-return. They live-trap outside cats and have them spayed/neutered and vaccinated before returning them to where they were caught. If the cats are friendly they place them in foster homes and find them new homes. If they come across kittens, they’re also placed in foster homes where they can be socialized before being put up for adoption.
Helmus’ passion is trapping cats. She got her start in rescue when as a teenager she found a litter of kittens and snuck them into her bedroom closet. When she showed one to her mother, she learned the kitten had fleas. Her parents soon discovered she had a closet full of flea infested kittens. She was allowed to keep one kitten who she named Gus.
“He was my first rescue kitty,” she said.
With a husband and three children, Helmus’ time is precious. Part of what she does for the group is record keeping.
“I’m a spreadsheet queen,” she said with a laugh.
LaBelle loves to care for bottle babies — newborns who don’t have a mother. “They’re my passion,” she said. She falls in love with each one of them, but knows they’re only with her temporarily. “I’m a huge believer that goodbye is the goal,” she said, but she admits saying goodbye to kittens she raised is bittersweet. “They go and it makes room for new residents.”
LaBelle grew up on a farm and taming feral barn kittens was an ongoing passion. When she was older she spent two years transporting close to 100 cats and kittens from her mother’s farm in the Upper Peninsula to Grand Rapids to get them spayed/neutered and rehomed.
She usually has 12 to 18 fosters plus a dozen or more bottle babies.
“For six months I don’t sleep,” she said.
She works at Schmidt”s Animal Hospital in Walker and can bring the babies to work to care for them.
Funded through adoption fees and fundraising
The group is funded through adoption fees and fundraising. “TNVR is expensive and you’re not getting a return, but it has to be done,” Helmus said.
Members of the group attend various events including farmer’s markets to educate people about the importance of spaying and neutering community cats and to sell craft items to raise funds. This year they’ve partnered with GR8 Food Trucks to staff their beer tent at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids.
One of their needs is volunteers to staff events and to make items they can sell. They also would appreciate monthly donors.
“A small commitment on a monthly basis — something we can count on — makes the work a little easier,” LaBelle said. They also have an Amazon Wish List.
Last year, which is the year the group started, the women TNR’d 93 cats and had 140 adoptions. Their goal was to double those number in 2023. At the end of July they had trapped 93 cats and had close to 180 adoptions.
“We’re moving in the right direction, but we have a long way to go before spring isn’t considered kitten season,” LaBelle said.
For more information or to contact the Community Cat Crew: admin@communitycatcrew.org, www.communitycatcrew.org. You can also follow them on Facebook.
Wyoming Police Department investigates shootings on Sept. 8 and 9, 2023
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The Wyoming Police Department responded to shooting events on Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9 that left two people injured and one person dead.
A shooting that left one person injured in the 3800 block of South Division Ave on Sept. 8 is being investigated by the WPD.
At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 3800 block of South Division Ave on a report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they located a 53-year-old male Grand Rapids area resident suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was treated by medical personnel on scene and transported to an area hospital in serious condition.
Wyoming Police Department (Courtesy, Deborah Reed, WKTV Staff)
There is no suspect information available at this time.
One person is dead and another injured after a shooting in the 3100 block of Woodward Ave SW on Saturday, Sept. 9.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 9, 2023, police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 3100 block of Woodward Avenue on a report of shooting with two individuals shot. When officers arrived, they located two juvenile male Wyoming residents suffering from gunshot wounds.
One male was treated by medical personnel on scene and transported to an area hospital in serious condition. The other juvenile is deceased.
Individuals involved in this incident have been located and interviewed by investigators.
Wyoming Police detectives and Forensic Services Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding both shooting incidents.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
After a long summer break our WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back!
Check out the above video for highlights of all the local high school football games in Kentwood and Wyoming from Friday night. WKTV attended all the local games in our viewing area to get these clips just for you.
We were at Kenowa Hills vs. South Christian (the WKTV Game of the Week), East Kentwood at Hudsonville, Wyoming at Zeeland West, Kelloggsville at Comstock Park, Godwin Heights at Sparta and Lee at Tri-unity.
WKTV Game of the Week
Year after year, our high-tech WKTV Game of the Week truck films one game each week, which includes two play-by-play announcers, a field announcer and various camera angles with slow motion replays to capture all those great plays for your viewing pleasure.
Game of the Week airs every Friday night on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 & AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 at 11 p.m. with a rebroadcast on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you don’t have cable, visit our website at WKTV.org to watch the livestream.
WKTV Game of the Week Truck Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 31 (7 p.m.) Byron Center at East Kentwood
Friday, Sept. 8 (7 p.m.) Kenowa Hills at South Christian (EK Falcon Stadium)
Friday, Sept. 15 (7 p.m.) Grand Rapids Sacred Heart at Lee
Friday, Sept. 22 (7 p.m.) Union at Wyoming
Friday, Sept. 29 (7 p.m.) Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Friday, Oct. 6 (7 p.m.) TK at South Christian (EK Falcon Stadium)
Friday, Oct. 13 (7 p.m.) Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Oct. 20 (7 p.m.) West Ottawa at East Kentwood
The Tri-Unity Defenders forced multiple turnovers and stood stout on a late fourth quarter drive to give Lee their first loss of the season in a 28-24 nail-biter on Friday night.
The Legends got off to an early 18-0 lead before the Defenders put up their first score shortly before halftime.
Lee controlled the Defender’s defense with the run game as Clarence Lewis rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns. Lewis also caught two balls for 80 yards.
A week after throwing a school-record seven touchdown passes, Legends quarterback Anthony Blok threw for 143 yards and one touchdown and added 77 and a score on the ground.
The key turning points in the game were two costly interceptions by Blok. The first one was caught by Tri-unity’s Zach Tuinstra as he dragged a host of Legends for a couple of yards afterward. Trey Rillema would add the second interception later on.
Tri-unity Coach Tim Heath noted though they came in with an 0-2 record, he has a good football team.
“We believe that we are a good football team,” Heath said. “We played a great Marcellus team and a NorthPointe Christian team that is almost four times our size. We just needed to keep the faith and execute. It was shaky at first, but a great night for our team.”
Quarterback Vergel Heath led the Defenders.
“It really starts with our QB Vergel Heath,” Coach Heath said. “He came out determined towards the end of the second quarter and started to run physically. This sparked us.”
The Defenders also used a fourth-quarter fumble to score what would be the game-winning touchdown. The touchdown drive was led by Defenders backup quarterback Clayton Rowlader as he relieved starter Heath after an injury.
Game ends with Defenders stopping Lee near goal line
The game’s final drive started at the Lee 27-yard line with over six minutes left. The Legends controlled the clock and got to the Defenders 8-yard line with less than a minute remaining to set up the game’s final play. On fourth-and-4, the Legends came up a yard short to end the game.
“Mistakes killed us tonight,” said Lee Coach Lamar Marshall. “Penalties, two interceptions, mental mistakes. Ball security and execution. We had a bad week of practice; a few guys were dinged up. We lost our starting safety Jaden Potts to a concussion.”
Coach Heath: “Hats off to Lee”
“They are greatly improved and played tough,” added Heath, who also coached at Lee from 2008-09. “They were great. We just made plays down the stretch.”
Tri-unity (1-2) hosts St. Joseph Our Lady of the Lake Catholic next week, while the Legends (2-1) host Grand Rapids Sacred Heart in the WKTV Game of the Week.
Those who cannot make it to the activities scheduled around the state of Michigan can participate by sharing photos of themselves saluting or by viewing the activities at the Michigan Cross Roads Council BSA Facebook page.
Those unable to make the scheduled activities can still participate by sharing photos of themselves saluting the American flag (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Events Schedule
GRAND RAPIDS:Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
All events will be held outside. Those wishing to visit the museum must purchase tickets in advance at www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov.
For the 22nd year, the community is invited to join the Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America as they lead the West Michigan community in a day-long “Scout Salute” at the GRFPM to pay respect to all those who died during the terrorist attacks.
At sunrise and sunset honor guards from the Grand Rapids Police and Fire Departments will lower and raise the flag outside of the museum to commemorate the opening (7:18 a.m.) and closing (8 p.m.) of day’s events.
The Scout Salute will begin at the opening at 7:18 a.m.
At 7:50 a.m. retired Firefighter Ken Chudy will share events of the day.
GRFD will ring the bell at 8:46 a.m. for the South Tower.
GRFD will ring the bell at 9:03 a.m. for the North Tower.
GRFD will ring the bell at 9:37 a.m. for the Pentagon.
GRFD will ring the bell at 10:03 a.m. for United Airline Flight 9.
At 5:30 p.m. the Salvation Army Band will perform.
At 6 p.m. there will be a program featuring speakers Grand Rapids Police Chief Erick Winstrom, Grand Rapids Fire Chief Dr. Brad Brown, and Salvation Army Major Tim Meyer.
The final salute will take place at 7:59 p.m. with Echo Taps closing the event at sundown (8 p.m.).
ALBION:
At American Legion Post 55 in Albion activities will run from 4:30-6p.m.
A short program will be held during which Scouts and members of the public are welcome to salute the flag at the Legion post.
MUSKEGON:
At the USS Silversides a salute will coincide with Patriot Day activities from 4-5:30 p.m. At 4p.m. there will be a flyover, and at 5:30 p.m. the engine of the Silversides will be started to pay tribute to lives lost on Sept. 11.
At the USS LST 393 a program and salute will run from 6-8 p.m. with remarks being made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel at 6:30 p.m.
TRAVERSE CITY:
At the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Station, a ceremony will begin with the Fire Honor Guard and Boy Scouts lowering flags to half-staff at 8:30 a.m. and will continue with Scouts and community members saluting the flag until 9 a.m.
BAY CITY:
In Bay City, Scouts and the public are invited to honor those who died during the attacks of Sept. 11 at the USS Edson located at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum beginning at 4 p.m. with a service starting at 5p.m.
FARMINGTON:
Scouts and community members are encouraged to join activities sponsored by the Groves-Walker American Legion in Farmington. The event will be from 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Walter Sundquist Pavilion at Riley Park in Downtown Farmington Center. During the ceremony, Officer of the Year honors will be presented to police officers, public safety officers and firefighters from Farmington and Farmington Hills.
Native plants flourish in Andrea Belden’s urban garden (Courtesy, Andrea Belden)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Native plants not only beautify yards and natural habitats, they increase safe havens for pollinators and decrease effects of climate change.
A trillium flower flourishes in its natural habitat (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com, Nicholas A. Tonelli)
Friends of Buck Creek and Alysia Babcock, “The Garden Guru,” are hosting a free public event to teach the “hows” and “whys” of inhabiting land without damaging it.
“Gardens with native plants provide habitat for many organisms such as pollinators, birds, and small animals,” states Babcock on The Garden Guru Kzoo website. “These pocket gardens are safe havens that help reverse the effects of climate change. We need pollinators for our food crops, birds to distribute seeds, and small animals to keep garden pests at bay resulting in healthy viable plants.”
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, Babcock will give an hour-long presentation titled “Cleaning Our Watershed and Beautifying Your Property with Native Plants” at Grandville Kent District Library. This presentation will teach how to beautify personal properties while cleaning stormwater and providing food and shelter for pollinators.
“I have always been an advocate for nature and find nature’s beauty everyday,” said Babcock on her website.
Native plants and flowers provide a natural habitat for many organisms (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
An Advanced Master Gardener, Conservation Steward and Master Naturalist, Babcock also has a Master’s Degree in Education, and is part of a newly formed Strike Team with the Rockford Sustainability Committee. Babcock is also the owner of The Garden Guru Kzoo LLC, a company dedicated to designing and implementing garden makeovers that specialize in native plants.
“I’d say [that] using native perennials in a landscape is a win-win-win-win,” said Martha Stout Vermeulen, founder and former President of Friends of Buck Creek-Michigan (FOBC). “Less money, less work, more beauty, healthier habitat.”
Vermeulen went on to explain that in the first year, native plants “sleep,” growing deep, water-cleansing roots. The second year they “creep,” beginning to beautify, and the third year they “leap” to their full glory.
Daisies come in several shapes, sizes, and colors (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
“Since caterpillars are a primary food source for our dwindling bird population, nibbled leaves mean the garden is doing its job,” said Vermeulen.
Native plants will be available for purchase after Babcock’s presentation.
Parking is available on the south side of the KDL Grandville Branch. The building is wheelchair accessible.
For more information or questions, contact Martha Stout Vermeulen at seasister8@gmail.com.
What’s Your Story: Write Michigan’s annual short story contest provides a chance for all ages to be published and win money (Courtesy, Kent District Library)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Michigan writers of all ages are invited to enter the 12th annual Write Michigan Short Story Contest.
Kent District Library is pleased to present this annual contest that drew 1,250 entries in 2022. The Write Michigan contest offers separate categories for youth, teens and adults. Winning entries will be published, and the top writers will receive cash prizes.
“This contest gives writers the opportunity to reach their goal of getting published,” said Katie Zuidema, Marketing Communications Specialist at KDL. “Not only do writers have the chance to win $500, but their story could also be available to the masses on bookstore and library shelves across the state.”
Winners of the Write Michigan contest will be published and earn cash prizes (Courtesy, Kent District Library)
Stories can be submitted at writemichigan.org through Thursday, Nov. 30. Details include a 3,000-word maximum length; $10 entry fee for ages 18 and above, free for 17 and under; current Michigan residents only; all entries must be submitted online.
Three cash prizes will be given in each of the three categories ― Judges’ Choice ($500), Readers’ Choice ($250) and Judges’ Choice Runner-up ($250). The top ten stories in each category will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of published authors, editors, professors and literary agents. A public vote will determine the winners of Readers’ Choice.
Gary Schmidt, multiple award-winning author and Michigan resident, will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Write Michigan awards ceremony in March. Schmidt will also be writing the foreword to the anthology, which is published by Chapbook Press.
“Write Michigan is truly a statewide effort,” says Josh Mosey, one of the organizers of the contest. “Kent District Library couldn’t put on the short story contest without our partners, including Schuler Books, Michigan Learning Channel, Capital Area District Library and Canton Public Library.”
Those who enjoy reading stories are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer story reviewer at writemichigan.org/volunteer.
Those interested can join an online community of writers through Facebook (facebook.com/WriteMichigan) and Instagram (@write.michigan). Get encouragement, writing tips, challenges and more while you plot out your award-winning short story.
Kent District Library is offering a programming series geared towards writers and aspiring writers, covering topics like getting published, freelance writing, self-editing and creating compelling characters. For more details, including dates, times and locations, visit writemichigan.org/writers-conference.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to The Vibe, an annual celebration and fundraiser to enhance the city’s adaptive recreation programs set for Thursday, Sept. 14.
The tropical backyard party will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will include food, cocktails, live music, a silent auction, adaptive equipment displays and more.
The evening also will feature guest speakers Johnny and Jeff Agar, who compete as TeamAgar. Johnny, who has cerebral palsy, and his father Jeff are a father-son team who compete in endurance races together. Jeff helps Johnny until the last mile when Johnny gets up and walks across the finish line with his walker.
Jeff Agar (far left), son Johnny Agar (middle) and wife/mom Becki. (Courtesy, TeamAgar)
Father-Son team have competed in more than 200 races
Johnny, who uses a wheelchair, and his dad have competed in more than 200 races in various states, including multiple marathons, half marathons, 25Ks and more than 30 triathlons. They’ve also competed in six Ironman races where Jeff pulled Johnny 2.4 miles in a kayak, rode 112 miles on a custom tandem bike and pushed Johnny in a racing jogger during the marathon portion. In September 2022, TeamAgar completed their first full-distance Ironman in Maryland, where Johnny walked across the finish line.
“Johnny Agar and his team have achieved incredible things and serve as an example of the great impact adaptive recreation can have for an individual and a community,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood parks and recreation director. “We are delighted to have Johnny share his story and give community members a chance to learn more about the power of adaptive recreation.”
Community members are encouraged to dress casually for the event. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online at kentwoodvibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
Money raised at this year’s event will help purchase new equipment for Kentwood’s many adaptive programs. These offerings include active sports such as archery, kayaking, rock climbing and water skiing as well as more relaxed activities like leisure club and social events.
“The City of Kentwood is pleased to offer a wide range of activities with something for all interests and abilities,” said Ann Przybysz, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator. “These programs give individuals an opportunity to safely participate in activities in an adapted way, allowing them to build connections, confidence and new skills along the way.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming alongside several community partners, including Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, Hope Network, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and more. Programs also are made possible thanks to the help of a strong volunteer network.
Programs are open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. Learn more about Kentwood’s adaptive programs and current offerings at kentwood.us/adaptive.
A wicker casket can be an environmentally friendly alternative (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)
By Rachel Rickman
WKTV Contributor
When researching options for her husband’s burial in 2019, Stephanie Edwards believed natural burial fit perfectly with Tom’s life and his love of nature.
“I believe that Tom would have appreciated the ecologically friendly process of this burial,” said Edwards in a Green Burial Council testimonial about her husband’s burial at Penn Forest.
A family chooses to bury their loved one in a shroud at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)
Throughout preparation for the burial, Edwards also found the process to be one of healing.
“Funerals have always been traumatic for me, but this was a beautiful, healing experience,” Edwards said after Tom’s burial was complete.
What happens with our bodies after death is often discussed among loved ones, and available options are growing in number.
While not always a comfortable conversation topic, it is an inevitable occurrence, so why not have some say in the matter?
Familiar traditions and a new (old?) alternative
Embalming/burial and cremation are two familiar and popular traditions. However, a new option is a natural or green burial, which was recently approved in Michigan but only in certain cemeteries and locations.
In West Michigan, the only currently approved green burial location is Ridgeview Memorial Gardens in Grandville.
Proponents of green burials highlight minimal environmental impact, cost effectiveness, and peaceful, natural settings.
In total, Michigan has 14 designated green burial areas. More cemeteries are adding or looking to add a natural burial section as they grow in popularity. So why don’t more cemeteries offer this option?
“Because they’re more labor intensive,” says Ron Zartman, Executive Director of Ridgeview Memorial Gardens and member of the Green Burial Council.
Zartman explains that he has been contacted by other municipalities about adding a green burial option, but they find the labor-intensive aspect to be an obstacle.
Burial types and their environmental impact
A traditional burial involves a casket and vault made from concrete, creating little maintenance after the burial. With a natural burial, it is necessary to maintain and service the grave site three or four times as the earth settles.
Wood caskets and cremation containers are often used for natural burials (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)
A green burial allows for natural decomposition as opposed to dealing with chemicals involved in the embalming process. Keeping embalming fluids and chemicals used on traditional burial sites—such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers—out of the equation lessens negative impact on the environment.
In a natural burial, even headstones are considered. While headstones have traditionally been made from imported stones such as marble, designated green burial sites are required to use stone native to the area. Using local stone guarantees all aspects of the site retain their natural integrity.
Embalming, while often still a popular option, is not required in Michigan, though it can be deemed necessary for purposes of transportation or in other specific circumstances.
During the embalming process, a body is drained of blood and those fluids are exchanged for embalming chemicals such as formaldehyde, which delays the body’s natural decomposition process. The practice of embalming has been around a long time—think Ancient Egypt and mummies—but it was popularized during the Civil War as a way to transport bodies home over a long distance.
Natural burials, in contrast, have been “the way the human race handled burial before embalming,” said Zartman.
Before the growing popularity of natural burials, cremation was considered a more natural and less environmentally impactful method of handling a body. However, cremation does carry an environmental footprint because it releases CO2 and other chemicals into the environment.
Costs and requirements
Many people associate death with a casket. However, Michigan law does not require a casket for burial or cremation.
Due to cost, caskets can often be one of the biggest expenses of a funeral.
Be sure to check with cemeteries about their burial requirements (Courtesy, Ridgeview Memorial Gardens)
Zartman stated that the “average funeral in Michigan runs $8,500, but people easily put $10,000 into a burial. Even cremation can be expensive.”
If cost is a consideration, know you have options when choosing a casket, and question if a funeral home or crematory service pressures you into purchasing one.
While you are not required to have a casket for burial, you will need to check with your chosen cemetery about their “container” requirements.
Zartman said that cost is a big factor in why people choose a natural burial. Natural burial services can cost as little as $3,200 compared to higher costs associated with other options. Alleviating more expensive items such as a vault and casket lowers the total cost considerably.
“80% come in cardboard boxes—cremation containers,” said Zartman. However, there are other biodegradable green burial containers available, such as wicker caskets.
Each state has their own rules and regulations when it comes to how a body is handled after death. Whether you or a loved one have chosen cremation, embalming and burial, or natural burial, there are specific guidelines to adhere to.
If you are looking for more information about green burials in Western Michigan for you or a loved one, Zartman is ready to answer your questions.
“Families need help,” Zartman said. “They need sound advice.”
Discussing what to do with your body or the body of a loved one after death is not a comfortable subject, but knowing your options and the costs associated can save a lot of stress during an emotional time.
Rachel Rickman is a freelance writer, editor, and former university English Instructor with a BA, MA, and MFA focused on writing. She grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but currently resides in Rosarito, Mexico with her husband and son. Much of her work focuses on “narrative recipes”—personal essays with recipe/cooking ideas.
Maria Goosen, CTRS leads seniors in a Tai Chi class at Care Resources (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Care Resources in Grand Rapids recently offered a tai chi class to Day Center visitors ages 55 and older as a way to promote healthy living.
“Tai chi is a form of exercise that originated in China and has become extremely popular throughout the world,” said Maria Goosen, a certified therapeutic recreational specialist (CTRS) who led the tai chi class. “It incorporates slow, simple, repetitive and low-impact movements that can be easily modified so that anyone can participate.”
A tranquil environment
Maria Goosen, CTRS, leads a Tai Chi class (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The small exercise class took place in a room that featured a screen portraying peaceful nature scenes, low lighting, and soft music.
“Tai chi is often referred to as ‘meditation in motion’ because it focuses on your breath as well which helps to clear your mind,” said Goosen. “This allows for a multitude of emotional benefits such as decreased stress, anxiety and depression and enhanced well-being.”
Slow stretches gradually progressed into a sequence of tai chi movements that participants were able to complete sitting or standing, whichever was most comfortable to them.
Goosen says the benefits of tai chi are lengthy: improved balance, improved strength, improved hand-eye coordination, improved sleep quality, increased blood circulation and decreased risk of high blood pressure.
“It is a research-based intervention that has the capability to improve health in older adults,” said Goosen.
That is critically important to Care Resources, a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE®, which is funded by Medicare and Medicaid. The innovative community-based program for people 55 years and older promotes healthy and independent living while working to prevent nursing home placement.
The tai chi class is one of dozens of programs offered each month to participants.
Seniors warm up their muscles before a Tai Chi class at Care Resources (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Goosen helped physically guide participants’ movements if asked, but urged them not to do any tai chi moves that would cause pain. “Listen to what your body is telling you,” said Goosen.
The tranquil atmosphere of the class was sporadically broken by soft laughter over participants’ self-proclaimed “creaking bones” and lack of coordination.
“Your bodies appreciate when you move them,” Goosen told the participants. “Be thankful and grateful for all that your body does.”
Bingo…and good friends
Pamela Miller, a tai chi class participant, has been coming to Care Resources five days a week for the past four years.
“I’ve got a lot of pluses about this place,” said Miller with a firm nod when asked if she enjoyed coming to the Day Center.
Playing Bingo, singing with “Diane the Shower Lady,” shopping in the Bingo Room, spending time with friends, and singing karaoke are only a few things Miller enjoys while at the Day Center.
Pamela Miller, a regular at the Care Resources day center, has made close friends during her visits (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
And Miller’s definition of enjoyment is simple: “All I want is a good card to play Bingo.”
Miller has also forged lasting relationships and good friends at the Day Center, one being a gentleman who recently passed away.
Miller and her friend sat beside each other for years, looked out for each other, and went to events together before he died. Miller was thankful that her friend’s wife contacted Miller so she could go to his room and say goodbye before he passed.
“I know I’m not the only one who misses him,” said Miller.
Another good friend loves to paint, and Miller enjoys watching her create works of art.
Comfort and encouragement
Also very important to Miller is talking to the military veterans who come to the Day Center and offering comfort when she can.
“I’m there for them,” said Miller. “I see how they suffer. And they have suffered a lot.”
When asked what Miller’s favorite thing to do is at the Day Center, she answered without hesitation: “Encourage other people.”
Care Resources offers a day center, clinic and pharmacy in its 36,000-square-foot building at 4150 Kalamazoo Ave SE that provide a wide range of health care services as well as opportunities that promote socialization, build community and offer respite to caregivers.
Monarch butterflies play an important role in supporting our natural environment (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
By John Ball Zoo
deborah@wktv.org
Monarch butterflies will be released into the wild at John Ball Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 9 as part of a wildlife conservation celebration.
During Monarch Day at the Zoo, butterflies will be released at one hour intervals amid family-friendly events designed to teach participants why the butterflies are so important. Butterfly releases will take place at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Monarch Day at the Zoo will feature several family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about the butterflies (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
“We are so excited to welcome guests to experience the wonder of releasing monarch butterflies into the wild so their population can improve, and they can migrate to wintering grounds in Mexico,” said Dan Hemmann, area curator at John Ball Zoo. “People of all ages can enjoy the events of Monarch Day while learning about why this species is so important.”
From 9 a.m.-6 p.m., John Ball Zoo is offering fun, family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about monarch butterflies and how pollinators help support our natural environment. Characters including Mirabelle, Rapunzel, Tinkerbell and Fawn will be present throughout the day to help spread the message on conservation efforts everyone can take to contribute to a healthy environment for pollinators.
Events also include story time with Circle Theatre at 11 a.m., as well as an aerial performance provided by Gemini Circus from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monarch Day will also feature live music by Kohns from 4-6 p.m., face painting, and animal activities throughout the day.
In August 2020, WKTV Community Media converted to solar power with 252 solar panels generating enough electricity to power 17 homes. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris
WKTV Contributor
Individual homeowners seeing the advantages of solar energy, both financially and socially, is not new. Often, big industry, and big electric suppliers such as Michigan’s Consumer Energy, are “all in” on solar power and have the large-scale fields to prove it.
But for small to medium businesses looking at their bottomline, and non-profits looking to have their financial resources better spent, turning to solar has to make dollars and sense.
And more and more it is a viable option — financially and socially — for medium sized businesses such as Southwest Michigan’s Lakeshore Die Cast, Inc., Grand Rapids non-profit Hope Network and even WKTV Journal’s Wyoming home at WKTV Community Media.
“Sunrise Over Solar” at Lakeshore Die Cast, Inc.. (Courtesy, Lakeshore Die Cast, Inc.)
Adam Schaller, vice president and day-to-day manager of the Schaller family-owned Lakeshore Die Cast of Baroda, told WKTV that the financial opportunities presented by his business going significantly solar was first and foremost a business decision.
But he and the business — employing 20-30 employees, and producing aluminum and zinc die castings — also are looking to the future as well as the bottomline.
“Sustainability and resilience are important to our company and us,” Schaller said. “As a generational business we think in larger term time scales and if there is some chance we are affecting the climate for future generations we should err on the side of caution and do what we can to leave the world a better place for future generations.”
Lakeshore Die Cast began its effort to go solar in 2019 and now has two solar installations, a 150 Kilowatt (kW) electric power producing array completed in 2020 and a 1.25 megawatt (MW) array completed in 2022.
“The installations take almost zero maintenance, aside from cutting the grass around them which I was doing anyway,” Schaller said. “They work when it’s cloudy and all year long.”
Lakeshore Die Cast’s solar field in Baroda, Mich., from summer 2022. (Courtesy, Lakeshore Die Cast, Inc.)
The amount of energy arrays such as Lakeshore Die Cast’s will generate is “well known,” Schaller said, and the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) has a calculator (https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/) where businesses can figure out how much a proposed array will generate.
The installer on both of Lakeshore Die Cast’s projects was Harvest Solar in Jackson, Mich.
“They did a great job on both projects with helping me understand and connect with people to figure out how to get projects of the size that I have installed,” Schaller said.
Non-profit organizations seeing solar advantages, too
Hope Network, through its own vision and a $3,655,547 grant from the State of Michigan, also is planning a solar future through its Solar PV and Battery Storage project.
The locally-based charitable non-profit “strives to provide educational, spiritual and healthcare assistance to high-need individuals and communities throughout Michigan,” according to its Jan. 5, 2023 grant application
“Unfortunately, Hope Network doesn’t always have the infrastructure to support their charitable operations,” according to the grant application.
Hope Network’s Lowell location is an approximately 100,000 square-foot campus home to 50 individuals, and the administration is “burdened” with high energy costs and power outages “largely due to their antiquated equipment.” Currently, the campus utilizes 248,800 kWh of energy annually, and all of it is purchased through Consumers Energy.
“This contributes to exorbitant energy costs,” according to the grant application, but the project is expected to “reduce energy costs, uphold energy security, and nearly eliminate carbon emissions.”
In 2022, Hope Network hired Johnson Controls to provide a preliminary study about the financial and environmental impacts of installing solar PV and battery storage. The study reported the potential cost savings to be nearly $790,000 in electric bill savings over 25 years. It would also decrease carbon emissions by 284,057 pounds annually, roughly a 99 percent reduction.
“We will use operational savings to expand community-based programming to serve our area,” according to the grant application. “A dollar that we save through this solar project is a dollar that we will reinvest back into our community through increasing supportive services, continuously improving our infrastructure, and expanding our educational offerings.”
Solar boxes at WKTV at 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW Wyoming. (WKTV)
WKTV becomes a solar powered facility
WKTV Community Media, its office as well as its broadcast operation, is now a literal solar powered facility with the majority of its energy being supplied by solar. The non-profit has 252 panels on its roof and with the advancement in solar technology, panels are now able to even generate power in full moonlight.
Since its solar installation in September, 2020, WKTV has saved 463,641.59 lbs. in emissions, equivalent to planting 3,503 trees. WKTV is expected to see a return on investment in 10 years.
Solar panels atop the WKTV roof at 5261 Clyde Park Ave. SW Wyoming.(WKTV)
“Since 1974, WKTV has been a leader in our community,” said Tom Norton, WKTV General Manager. “The technological availability of renewable energy is a perfect fit for our organization, and is a great example of our commitment to our community.”
Solar a big part of energy providers’ future
The move to expanded solar power generation and use, on a statewide scale, is led by the state’s largest energy supplier, Consumers Energy, which currently has three large-scale “solar gardens,” one at Western Michigan University, one at Grand Valley State University, and one in Cadillac.
“Consumers Energy is all-in on solar,” Josh Paciorek, Consumers Energy spokesperson, said to WKTV. “We’re adding more clean, renewable, solar-generated electricity for Michigan as part of our Clean Energy Plan. In addition to its environmental benefits, solar is increasingly cost competitive with other fuel sources.”
Consumers Energy currently generates about 4 percent of its energy from solar, Paciorek said. But “as part of our clean energy plan, you’re going to see an aggressive increase of solar generation between now and 2040 … we’re also seeing more and more of an interest in solar from customers.”
The City of Grand Rapids is one customer. The city installed solar at their Water Filtration Plant, and according to Paciorek the reasons were twofold: it made financial sense and it’s part of an effort to power the city with clean energy.
Finding solar financing; finding grants
While Hope Network is starting its solar energy journey through a state grant, Lakeshore Die Cast needed a business partner to go solar. Enter Michigan Saves, which states it is “the nation’s first nonprofit green bank.”
Michigan Saves, based out of Lansing, “is dedicated to making clean energy improvements easier for all Michigan consumers,” Lateshia Parker, Michigan Saves director of marketing and communications, said to WKTV. “Through affordable financing and other incentives, Michigan Saves connects borrowers to a network of skilled contractors for energy efficiency, geothermal and solar installation projects.”
From 2010 through June 2023, Michigan Saves has financed 1,714 solar projects, with 1,681 being residential and 33 commercial, according to Parker.
“Michigan Saves believes an equitable transition to a carbon-free Michigan where everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy and climate-resilient solutions is possible,” Parker said.
The Hope Network’s state grant was part of a $50 million series of low-carbon energy infrastructure enhancement and development grants approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission and announced in June of this year.
Another Grand Rapids area organization receiving a grant was $5 million to Kent County for its Kent County Bioenergy Facility at the Kent County Sustainable Business Park in south Kent County.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Buy-back rules, battery issues and more
There are two ways individuals, and small businesses and non-profits, can partner with Consumer Energy to turn to solar: the Solar Gardens enrollment program and the Distributed Generation program.
According to Consumer Energy’s Paciorek, customers who enroll in Solar Gardens pay about $10 a month to support solar projects and receive bill credits based on electricity generated by the gardens.
Many residential and business customers, however, use their solar power investments to “sell back” unused energy to Consumers Energy through its Distributed Generation program.
“When customers become part of the Distributed Generation (DG) program, the energy they generate will decrease their need to buy electricity from us, and we will also credit them for any extra energy they produce,” Paciorek said. “It’s good for the planet, and their energy budget, too. I’d note that we recently voluntarily doubled the size of our DG program.”
At Lakeshore Die Cast, which uses Indiana Michigan Power as its electric supplier, Schaller is comfortable with the current buy-and-sell power contract with his power company. But he wished there were better technology to allow him to store generated power as well.
“We operate on a standard tariff agreement with them where we buy inflow power we need and sell back extra power we make at wholesale market pricing,” Schaller said. But “we do not have any battery storage capability at this time. While there have been some large utility batteries installed in other places in the county, there isn’t much in the way of commercial sized battery installations in the market yet.”
On a perfect evening for football, South Christian and East Grand Rapids hooked up for a classic that came down to the final play of the game.
The two long-time area football powerhouses gave fans more than their money’s worth in the contest before East Grand Rapids tallied a touchdown on the final play giving the Pioneers a 23-21 win.
“Obviously, it was not the outcome we wanted to have, but this was a heck of a high school football game,” said South Christian Coach Danny Brown. “You had two very good football teams battle it out to the end. Both teams had guys making plays the entire game. It came down to the final play and East ended up making one more play than we did.”
South Christian quarterback Carson Vis breaks free during Friday’s game. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The deciding play of the game came on the final snap with two seconds remaining. That was when East Grand Rapids quarterback Carson Thornton dropped back to pass from the South Christian 30-yard line and lofted one to the corner of the goal line where Ian MacKeigan hauled in the ball in front of a pair of defenders and fell into the end zone just inside the pylon.
The touchdown capped off a five-play drive in the final 28 seconds that snatched the game away from the Sailors. East received the kickoff at their own 37-yard line and completed four short passes to move the ball down to South’s 30 and in position to win the game on the final play.
Sailors appeared headed for a win
South Christian appeared to have won the game when they scored a touchdown with 28 seconds left. Sailor quarterback Carson Vis put the Sailors up when he ran in from eight yards out giving South a 21-17 lead. The touchdown capped a thrilling four-play, 59-yard drive that began with just 55 seconds remaining in the game.
The highlight of the drive was a 33-yard pass from Vis to Jake Vermaas that gave the Sailors a first down at the East 17-yard line with 36 seconds remaining. South also needed to drive the ball without the benefit of a timeout as they depleted their timeouts on the previous drive when the Sailor defense forced East into a three-and-out.
South needed its defense to come up with the crucial stand after the East defense came up with a big stop of its own. That was when East defensive back Glenn Green intercepted a tipped pass at the Pioneer 18-yard line to short circuit a South Christian drive with 2:04 remaining in the game.
“I’m proud of our guys,” Brown said. “They could’ve given up, but they didn’t back down. They made that defensive stand and got the ball back for our offense. They stepped up and gave our offense a chance.”
EGR strikes first
East Grand Rapids scored the first points of the game late in the opening quarter when Will Cannon capped a 14-play, 54-yard drive when he kicked a 36-yard field goal.
South Christian countered those points on the ensuing drive. The Sailors drove 80 yards in nine plays for a score coming on a picture-perfect 34-yard pass play from Vis to Vermaas. Nick Logan tacked on the extra point giving the Sailors a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter.
Those were the lone points of the first half as both defenses came up with big stops to end drives in the second quarter.
The South Christian defense lines up to defend against East Grand Rapids. (WKTV/Greg Chrapek)
The third quarter saw both teams score on lengthy touchdown drives. East received the kickoff in the third quarter and embarked on a 12-play, 65-yard drive that involved all running plays. Scott Millman capped the drive, that totaled six minutes and 45 seconds, by running in from six-yards out putting the Pioneers up 10-7.
South responded with a touchdown drive of their own. Starting on their own 22-yard line, the Sailors drove 78 yards in eight plays. Vis capped the drive with a 24-yard touchdown run giving the Sailors a 14-10 lead.
The East offense answered that score on the following possession. Again, relying on their running game, East drove 89 yards in nine plays. Millman again capped the drive as he barged into the end zone from two-yards out putting East up 17-14 with 7:38 remaining in the game after the point after and setting up the game for the dramatic ending.
“We are going to use this game to fuel us,” Brown said. “I told the guys not to let this loss define our season. We have to use this game to find out where we are a little light. East is a very good football team and we are going to have more close games this season.”
South Christian returns to action Friday when it hosts Kenowa Hills in the WKTV Game of the Week during the opening week of OK Gold Conference action.
Throughout her life, Becci Schumaker found solace in poetry (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Grand Rapids resident and poet Becci Schumaker has always been drawn to words and the power within them – so she made words her refuge during difficult times.
Though she classifies herself as an introvert and a loner, Schumaker’s soft voice and kind countenance are the hallmark of a woman who navigated hardships and reached her dreams despite opposition.
Writing poetry was one of those dreams.
Falling in love with words
Becci Schumaker looks through her collection of poems (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I love working with words,” said Schumaker. “I think words are fascinating. Words can be serene but they can be powerful, they can be enigmatic. It just opens up a whole new world.”
Writing poetry has been part of Schumaker’s world since she was 12 years old.
Coming from an emotionally and physically abusive family background, Schumaker immersed herself in reading and writing to escape the real world.
“It was a means of escape for me,” Schumaker said as she gently touched a binder containing several pages of her written works. “That was my safe place.”
Overcoming struggles and hardship
Words did not come easily for Schumaker at first.
In first grade, a teacher noticed Schumaker struggled with reading and provided extra instruction. By third grade Schumaker was reading college-level works.
“I haven’t stopped reading since,” said Schumaker with a smile.
Young Schumacher was immediately drawn to the genre of poetry, the words and prose a direct contrast to her hostile home environment.
Becci Schumaker’s poems have been published in several compilation poetry books (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Schumaker said she is grateful for the stable presence of an aunt and uncle with whom she spent summers while growing up.
“If it wasn’t for me having that Christian background through them, and getting my morals and values of what a good person is supposed to be, I don’t know if I would have even done this,” said Schumaker, touching the stack of poetry books in front of her.
Schumaker later took an evening American Literature class, writing a short story that her teacher urged her to publish.
However, Schumaker had to put her writing on hold as she focused on raising her four children, working two jobs for several years to support her family.
Reigniting the flame
Meeting her husband Don reignited Schumaker’s creative spirit, and she once again picked up her pen and put it to paper.
“I’ve actually woken my husband up in the middle of the night, jumping out of bed to grab pencil and paper and start writing,” said Schumaker with a grin.
“I will get a thought and will have to write,” Schumaker continued. “Nine times out of ten, the result is a poem.”
When she noticed an ad about submitting original poems to a poetry contest, Schumaker thought she would give it a try. “I Love You Lord” became Schumaker’s first published work of poetry, printed in 1997 under the name Becci Campbell. The poem was included in a Poetry Guild compilation titled By the Light of the Moon.
Everything around Schumaker inspires her writing.
At church, the pastor’s words sparked Schumaker’s imagination and she completed a poem within minutes titled “The Trinity,” now published in Forever Spoken.
Challenged by her husband to write a poem about something as ordinary as a card game, Schumaker immediately put pen to paper. The subsequent poem, “Cards,” can be found in the poetry book Memories of Tomorrow.
With several published works under her belt – the most recent being Schumaker’s poem titled “Carpet of White” in 2022 – the local poet continues to write.
Submission of her poem “The Lonely Man” is next for Schumaker’s publication goals. The poem stems from personal experience of her husband’s struggle with rehab and the beginnings of dementia.
A legacy of words
Becci Schumaker reads one of her poems aloud (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When asked how many poems she has written over her lifetime, Schumaker responded, “Oh gosh, probably hundreds and hundreds.”
When asked if she ever threw one of her written works away, Schumaker quickly replied, “I keep them all. Even if I don’t think it’s good, I’ll fold it up and tuck it away somewhere. Maybe someday I’ll go back to it, and reread it, and write it a different way.”
Though she loves poems, Schumaker said her main reading genre is science fiction, and her favorite movies are “ones that put you on the edge of your seat.”
Schumaker freely acknowledges the incongruity between the lighter, lyrical prose of her written works and the darker genres of her favorite movies.
“Even though I like those kinds of movies, [poetry] is my stress relief, my go-to outlet that brings me into the light,” said Schumaker, looking at the binder of poetry. “This is my sanity.”
A powerful responsibility
The power that words contain is always at the forefront of Schumaker’s mind, especially words wielded with harmful intent.
“People don’t realize words really do hurt,” said Schumaker, admitting that, at 71 years old, she still struggles with hurtful things spoken to her as a child. “The scars are there forever.”
“I have had to survive on my own since I was sixteen,” Schumaker continued. “You learn about life. That’s what a lot of this writing is.”
The poet regularly encourages people to carry a notebook and write down any idea that comes to them.
“You never know what’s going to come of it,” said Schumaker, gesturing toward her own poems laid out before her.
Staying active and looking ahead
Along with writing, Schumaker stays active by participating in mission trips with her church and volunteering for WKTV Community Media.
“I’ve got to be doing something, and this gave me an outlet,” said Schumaker about WKTV, adding that she fell in love with the camera work at the station.
When asked what is next for the active poet, Schumaker shrugged. “From here, we’ll see what life brings,” she said with a smile.
Participant Janice smiles as she looks at produce growing in a raised garden bed. As a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, Care Resources utilizes a holistic approach in developing a comprehensive care plan unique to the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of each participant.(Courtesy, Care Resources)
By Care Resources
“If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
So says Garth Falkins, a recreational therapy manager for Care Resources, addressing not only the services Care Resources provides older adults at its Day Center at 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, but also what activities it can help those same participants enjoy in their own homes.
Care Resources is a community-based program for qualifying adults 55 years and older that promotes healthy independent living – physically, socially and emotionally – to help prevent nursing home placement.
“Our ultimate goal,” says Falkins, who’s been in place at Care Resources since 2006, “is to keep people at home and provide health and wellness options to them and their families throughout their lifespan. While they may end up in skilled nursing care, our goal is to keep them out for as long as possible.”
So, what does that look like?
Exercise: A physical or occupational therapist might develop in-home exercise routines for participants to do alongside therapy or restorative programs in the Day Center. These might include stretches and other activities designed to improve flexibility, range of motion, cardiovascular health and handling the daily affairs of living.
Nutrition: Care Resources provides access to dieticians who can provide education on balanced diets and eating habits within their homes. This may include tips on how to purchase and prepare food to improve the nutritional value of meals.
Socialization: Care Resources assesses social needs and abilities within the home in order to make recommendations about out-of-home social opportunities available through the Day Center or other community sources. Technology also can be used to provide in-home activities such as listening to music or audiobooks, playing digital games and more.
“Our interdisciplinary team clinicians go in and assess a person’s need, and we go from there,” Falkins says. “We cover all the disciplines: physicians, therapy, nursing, dieticians, nursing and social work, to name a few.”
That includes communicating with participants by video chat, or setting them up with others who have like interests and are able to connect digitally.
“We want to increase their activity levels, and there is no limit.”
Falkins also notes that health and wellness goals are established early on, during the standard intake process that helps the organization gauge participants’ financials, their living conditions – “anything that helps us create a unique program specifically tailored to their needs” – taking into account beliefs, physical abilities, cognition, emotional needs, medical needs, etc.
“From a social standpoint, we rely on our assessments to build our Day Center calendars and activity programs for when participants visit us, but also look at potential interventions that we can add or put into their home to continue to socialize and enjoy high quality of life,” Falkins says. “This can include arts and crafts, experiences revolving around horticulture, religious activities, movies, music and more.”
Falkins stresses that Care Resources employees work as a team to accomplish this, relying on one another to take note of things a person enjoys, then “work together to create the best plan and programs to meet a person’s needs.”
The result?
“In the end, our participants are experiencing an increased sense of belonging,” Falkins says. “We’re enhancing their mental health as well as their physical health, and improving quality of life for them and for their loved ones.
“We’re bringing healthy alternatives into an environment they know to be comfortable and safe. In doing so, we’re keeping them happy and healthy in their homes, a place all of us want to remain for as long as we possibly can.”
More information about Care Resources is available at CareResources.org.
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks are partnering to host the summer’s second Food Truck Festival with more than 30 food trucks, live music and a beer tent for community members to enjoy.
The free-to-attend community event will run 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
“We look forward to inviting the community to gather and experience delicious food and drinks from local vendors and great sounds from local musicians,” said Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo. “Whether you’re looking for a refreshing beverage, remarkable food or upbeat music, we have something for everyone to enjoy.”
(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
There will be a wide variety of food options available for purchase. Prices will vary by vendor. Participating food trucks include:
“This event gives our local food trucks a fantastic opportunity to show the community their delightful drinks and delicious dishes,” said Alan Tomlinson, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “We’re looking forward to a day filled of community and cuisine.”
This year’s diamond sponsors are Macatawa Bank and NN Autocam.
There is construction along 52nd Street SE that may impact the route community members take to the event. A detour map is available here and a parking map is available here.
An iconic Radio Flyer car made an appearance at the 28th Street Metro Cruise (Courtesy, Becci Schumaker)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
An iconic name made an appearance at Woodland Mall during the 28th Street Metro Cruise event Aug. 25-26, 2023.
A legacy that stretches over 100 years, Radio Flyer is one of the most recognized names in the toy industry.
Founded in 1917 by young Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin, Radio Flyer began as a hobby – a coaster wagon that he created and sold to local hardware stores. That first line of wagons sold as fast as he could make them.
Pasin christened the wagon the Liberty Coaster, later renaming his invention Radio Flyer – the Original Little Red Wagon®. The combination of “radio” and “flyer” was born from Pasin’s fascination with airplanes and radios.
Today, Radio Flyer continues to be a Chicago-based, family-owned company committed to creating high-quality products.
“Our mission is to create smiles and warm memories that last a lifetime,” Radio Flyer’s website says.
Over the years, Radio Flyer has transformed how they thought about their brand, reimagining their product line to help serve the entire family. Through it all, they have stayed true to their legacy.
Antonio Pasin was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2003.
To learn more about Radio Flyer’s history and products, visit here.
Arbor Circle teams up with Steelcase Foundation in a common goal to help West Michigan communities (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Arbor Circle works to remove barriers and meet the mental health needs of children, their parents, and their caregivers (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)
Arbor Circle is celebrating a recent $100,000 grant from Steelcase Foundation in support of a 2-year project focused on mental health support for children and families.
As communities continue to recover from the ongoing effects of the pandemic, isolation and lack of consistency has had a significant impact on the social and emotional development of children. The last few years have spotlighted several inequities.
The impact of the pandemic on social determinants of health paired with access to resources such as housing, employment, healthcare, and education have created major challenges and disruptions in the lives of families – specifically communities of color and those in poverty.
Help is on the way
One of Michigan’s most comprehensive providers of mental health counseling, substance use treatment, and family services, Arbor Circle serves thousands of individuals and families each year. With deep roots in West Michigan, Arbor Circle collaborates with local resources to address needs in the community.
Steelcase Foundation connects resources with people by providing grants to nonprofit organizations focused on cultivating thriving communities through education and quality learning experiences.
Together, these two organizations have a common goal.
Removing barriers for a healthier life
Arbor Circle works to remove barriers and meet the mental health needs of children, their parents and caregivers where they are.
A variety of support services will be delivered to the community through the grant (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com
The Steelcase Foundation funds will support services throughout the community, including skill building for parents and caregivers, support for children in meeting both developmental and educational milestones, and specialized mental health support.
“We are deeply grateful to partner with The Steelcase Foundation in this way, and are honored to work together in ensuring that children and families have the tools they need to thrive,” said Kristin Gietzen, President and CEO of Arbor Circle. “We are energized by this support and see great potential in the multi-generational and community-focused approach woven into this project.”
Utility companies work to restore power to over 374K customers after severe storms sweep through Michigan (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Widespread damage extends over Michigan after severe storms and suspected tornados tear across the state on Aug. 25.
75-mph winds left 374,000 Michigan utility customers without power on Friday, Aug. 25, from Grand Rapids to the southeast side of the state.
The storm damaged structures, took down trees and power lines, and resulted in closed roads for several hours.
The Grand Rapids National Weather Service reported that officials will be in the field Friday to conduct damage surveys on tornadoes suspected in central Kent County and northeast Ingham County.
Storms took down trees, power lines, and damaged structures (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Power outages can cause food spoilage, water contamination, disrupt communication and transportation, and prevent use of medical devices. Loss of power can also restrict consumer access to ATMs, banks, grocery stores, and other services.
Here are some safety tips provided by ready.gov in case of power outage:
Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you, and go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to prevent food spoilage.
Donot use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges – power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Generators can be helpful when the power goes out, but it is important to know how to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
After going winless in 2022, the Lee Legends turned their hard luck experience into immediate results as they exploded in the season opener with a 50-0 win over host Baldwin Thursday.
And they did so on the shoulders of basketball star turned running back Clarence Lewis, who rushed for 110 yards and five touchdowns on 12 carries in his first career start for the Legends.
“I’m excited for my guys,” said Coach Lamar Marshall, who explained it was the first football win for most of his players. “I told them it’s because of the hard work they put in during the off-season.
“We executed extremely well. Still have a few things to clean up, but overall happy with the way we played.”
Lee quarterback Anthony Blok. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
Junior quarterback Anthony Blok went 6 for 6 passing for 140 yards and two touchdown passes.
Blok connected with sophomore Aiden Merriweather on both of those touchdowns, as Merriweather collected three catches for 70 yards along with the two scores. Charles Davis contributed with three grabs for 70 yards on the night.
“Our experience showed tonight,” said Marshall, whose team finished 0-9 last season. “Our leaders corrected the mistakes. We muffed a punt towards the end of the first quarter that kind of was a momentum killer, but the leadership and experience made up for it.”
The Legends brought back a wealth of experience from last season, losing only one player while adding two from the basketball court.
Jaden Potts used his skills from the hardwood to impact the Legends’ defense from the hybrid “Rebel” position. Potts collected 10 tackles on the night, helping Lee secure their first shutout since September 1, 2017. Henry Kennedy added 10 tackles.
Marshall said he’ll let his team enjoy this victory, but come Monday’s practice he will refocus his team.
“The goal for the week is to be 1-0. Prepare well, know your job, do your job and have fun.”
The Legends look to start 2-0 as they travel to Calvin Christian next Thursday for a 7 p.m. kick-off.
WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back next week!
Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’ll bring you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute program.
As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.
You won’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!
15,000+ collector/sports/antique cars, two days, 17 hours, five cities, 13 miles, and hundreds of public and private events will descend upon 28th Street and the surrounding areas on Aug. 25 and 26.
An estimated 200,000 people participate in Metro Cruise related events during this annual two day event.
Since its inception in 2005, Metro Cruise has been a consistent celebration of cars, local business, great food, and family and friends while also continuing the car culture known in the Grand Rapids area.
A new era
Previously owned by the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, Metro Cruise has recently come under new ownership through a privately owned entity.
Despite the change in proprietorship, Wyoming Police Lt. Andrew Koeller said, “The Wyoming Police and the City of Wyoming are providing the same services we have traditionally provided.”
Rogers Plaza mall parking lot in Wyoming is always a focal point for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKACC)
Wyoming Police Department is staffing Metro Cruise with assistance from the Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grandville Police, Walker Police, Kentwood Police, and Wyoming Fire Department.
Eventgoers can expect to see WYPD in marked police vehicles, police motorcycles, on bicycles, and on foot.
“The Wyoming Police Department is committed to providing a safe environment during the event for all to enjoy,” said Koeller.
Take a quick Pit Stop
“We are very excited to announce a feature of Metro Cruise we know you’ll love,” the Metro Cruise website states. “There are now more ways than ever to enjoy your favorite auto event.”
Three Pit Stop sites have been added to Metro Cruise. These sites will be smaller, more specialized, and offer easier access than the Main Event sites at Woodland Mall and Rogers Plaza.
Hosting a minimum of four key features – collector car club(s), food vendor(s), official Metro Cruise merchandise, and an entertainment feature – each Pit Stop site will be open to the public with space for free parking.
Popular events
The Metro Cruise Dust Off kicks off the event series each year (WKTV)
Official event times are 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. The Official Cruise time down 28th Street at 4 p.m. on Saturday. However, it is not unusual to see classic cars cruising along 28th Street all weekend long.
The Woodland Mall Main Event location will offer several family-friendly activities such as live music, Car Smash, RC Car building and racing, a climbing wall, a scavenger hunt, and much more.
Also featured at the Woodland Mall will be the annual DreamWheels Red Carpet Classic Car Show on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This premiere event allows audience members to gather along a 135 foot red carpet as beautiful classic cars are revealed and roll by.
Rogers Plaza is the second Main Event location and will also provide live music, various family-friendly activities, the DYNO area, Miss Metro Cruise Finale competition, and the Wyoming High School Color Guard and Drumline.
Plan your visit
Metro Cruise Information Tents at the Main Event sites will have free, full color, printed programs. A full list of events and times can also be found here.
Gene Billings and daughter Cathe DeLaney, Metro Cruise 2022 (WKTV)
We want see how much fun you had at Metro Cruise!
Submit your photos from wherever you are at Metro Cruise to general@wktv.org by Monday, Aug. 28 for a chance to have them included in WKTV Journal’s photo gallery.
As the temperatures and heat indexes rise over the next 24 hours, many local high schools are debating whether to change starting times for their football season openers on Thursday, and even changing the dates to Friday.
Kelloggsville Athletic Director Carl Roscoe just notified WKTV that the Rockets have changed their Thursday game time from 7 to 8 p.m. Kelloggsville hosts Grant in their season opener.
East Kentwood Co-Athletic Director David Emeott said the Falcons have moved their freshman game to 7 p.m. tonight, followed by JV. The games will use a running clock with only a five-minute halftime.
South Christian Athletic Director David Kool said there JV game has been moved to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Caledonia.
Heat indexes are over 100 degrees in many areas of Grand Rapids today and are forecast to be that high again Thursday afternoon, according to The Weather Channel.
Check out the below guidelines on heat and heat indexes from the MHSAA website.
Managing heat and humidity policy
Thirty minutes prior to the start of an activity, and again 60 minutes after the start of that activity, take temperature and humidity readings at the site of the activity. Using a digital sling psychrometer is recommended. Record the readings in writing and maintain the information in files of school administration. Each school is to designate whose duties these are: generally the athletic director, head coach or certified athletic trainer.
Factor the temperature and humidity into a Heat Index Calculator and Chart to determine the Heat Index. If a digital sling psychrometer is being used, the calculation is automatic.
If the Heat Index is below 95 degrees:
All Sports
Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
Optional water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes in duration.
Ice-down towels for cooling.
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
If the Heat Index is 95 degrees to 99 degrees:
All Sports
Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
Optional water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes in duration.
Ice-down towels for cooling.
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
Contact sports and activities with additional equipment:
Helmets and other possible equipment removed while not involved in contact.
Reduce time of outside activity. Consider postponing practice to later in the day.
Recheck temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat Index.
If the Heat Index is above 99 degrees to 104 degrees:
All Sports
Provide ample amounts of water. This means that water should always be available and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.
Mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes for 10 minutes in duration.
Ice-down towels for cooling.
Watch/monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
Alter uniform by removing items if possible.
Allow for changes to dry T-shirts and shorts.
Reduce time of outside activity as well as indoor activity if air conditioning is unavailable.
Postpone practice to later in the day.
Contact sports and activities with additional equipment
Helmets and other possible equipment removed if not involved in contact or necessary for safety.
If necessary for safety, suspend activity.
Recheck temperature and humidity every 30 minutes to monitor for increased Heat Index.
If the Heat Index is above 104 degrees:
All Sports
Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play, and stop all inside activity if air conditioning is unavailable.
Note: When the temperature is below 80 degrees there is no combination of heat and humidity that will result in need to curtail activity.
The massasauga rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in Michigan (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is venomous, slithery, and not at all cuddly, but the conservation department at John Ball Zoo (JBZ) is working hard to preserve the endangered species.
The only venomous snake out of 18 snake species found in Michigan, the massasauga is an extremely valuable part of Michigan’s wetland ecosystem. Several other species, including butterflies, small mammals and amphibians, rely on the massasauga’s habitat to survive.
As a benefit to both wildlife and humans, the massasauga also consumes a large number of ticks.
“There are some studies that suggest that a healthy snake population actually helps reduce the number of ticks on the landscape,” said Bill Flanagan, Conservation Manager at John Ball Zoo.
As the JBZ conservation team works to preserve the massasauga snake population, they are also working to protect other endangered species in the area that live in the same kind of habitat.
“All the work that we do to protect the massasauga, or one of those other species, works for all of those species,” said Flanagan.
However, the massasauga is declining in numbers and considered a federally threatened species in Michigan due to fragmented habitat and habitat loss.
“This is a really unique, threatened species that is linked to Michigan in a large way,” said Flanagan, adding that Michigan has more massasauga populations than any other state or province. “Michigan is critical for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Whatever happens to the massasauga in Michigan will define the outcome for the species.”
Counting snakes and building fences
John Ball Zoo has partnered with Sarett Nature Center in a long-term monitoring program to learn more about the massasauga with the goal of helping their population recover and thrive.
“One of the biggest challenges with these kinds of efforts to save species is that it’s really hard to actually count them,” said Flanagan. “The methodology for counting them has evolved over the years.”
Severe damage can be done to the habitat simply by walking through it while counting the species.
“We want to be really cautious and figure out a way that we can do that without having to walk into the habitat as much as we have in the past,” said Flanagan.
Massasaugas have unique markings to help conservationists identify individual snakes (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
In May, members of JBZ’s conservation team began data collection at Sarett Nature Center using new technology that is less disruptive than the traditional approach of sending out conservation team members on foot. The conservation team set up a two-foot drift fence that runs across the habitat where the rattlesnakes are most active. The fence functions as a funnel, encouraging small animals to crawl through a bucket that has a camera.
“It’s a passive way to count and see what’s there,” said Flanagan, noting that massasauga snakes have a unique saddle pattern on their backs like fingerprints and unique markings on their heads that can help identify individual snakes.
The fence will stay up indefinitely and capture data when the massasauga is most active — in May and during the fall months of September and October.
“Working with Sarett Nature Center, John Ball Zoo has been able to monitor the massasauga rattlesnake,” Flanagan said. “This new monitoring system will be an excellent low-impact method to track massasaugas while protecting the habitat that supports them. What we learn from this program will help inform us for future conservation strategies.”
Preserving more than just snakes
This conservation project is part of the Zoo’s greater mission of preserving wildlife and wild places.
“Part of our mission is to protect wild animals, but also wild places,” said Flanagan. “The work we do to protect wild places is critically important for those wild animals, but it also makes a nicer place for people too.”
Enjoying the massasauga experience – from a distance
Some of the massasauga’s population decline, aside from habitat loss, is intentional killing due fear of it being venomous. Flanagan, however, said that massasaugas are shy and will often freeze and wait for human observers to move on, often rattling their tails as a warning if they feel threatened.
JBZ encourages those who encounter the species, or another type of snake, to leave it alone and do not attempt to handle it.
“Enjoy that experience – from a distance – if you encounter one,” said Flanagan, saying the best course of action is to take a picture from a safe distance and report the viewing. “That’s the kind of information that is really valuable for the conservation community and knowing where these (massasaugas) are.”
With a blend of talented veterans and promising young players, the East Kentwood football team is primed to contend for the top spot in the OK Red, annually one of the strongest football conferences in the state.
East Kentwood has a deep and experienced squad with plenty of depth along both lines, the backfield and the skill positions. Many of the veterans were part of last year’s squad that turned in a 5-5 overall record and qualified for the state playoffs. All five of Kentwood’s losses came against teams that qualified for the playoffs including two against Rockford and defeats against Caledonia and Muskegon who both reached state championship games last season.
“I think we should be very competitive this season,” said East Kentwood coach Tony Kimbrough. “We have a good returning class of seniors, a good group of juniors and a couple of talented sophomores who will contribute this year. We’re looking pretty good. I think we can be in every game and have the opportunity to win but we will need to stay healthy.”
Senior QB Casey Joppie. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
Offensively, the Falcons welcome back senior quarterback Casey Joppie (6-foot-1, 195 pounds). A three-year varsity player, Joppie has a strong arm and makes good decisions with the ball.
“Casey has started for us the last four years,” Kimbrough said. “He definitely can throw it and put the ball in tight quarters. He makes good decisions with the ball and does not turn it over.”
When Joppie puts the ball in the air he has a talented cast of options to throw to. Shamar White is a returning starter at wide receiver while Kendrick Nou is another senior veteran. Senior standout Stellan Bowman will see action at H-back while senior Jaret Tate and sophomore Aaron Cobb are a pair of talents at tight end.
“We are pretty loaded at the receiver spots,” Kimbrough said. “We also have a host of talented underclassmen who have good size and speed.”
The Falcons also have plenty of options at running back. Seniors Elisee Kanda and Savontes Scott and junior Elijah Jones offer a blend of speed and size running the ball.
Rylan and Matthias Granderson handle the left side of the offensive line.(WKTV/Hayden Passig)
Paving the way for the Falcons is a big and talented group of offensive linemen. Sophomore center Charlie Nichols was brought up to the varsity as a freshman and started the last four games for the Falcons. Nichols has made so much progress that he is a team captain in just his sophomore season. The left side of the line is handled by the Granderson brothers. Senior Rylan Granderson (6-3, 310) lines up at left tackle with junior Matthias Granderson (6-2, 264) stationed at left guard. At right guard, the Falcons have junior Andrew Durr and Kalib Sanders with Justin Negron stepping in at right tackle.
“We have a solid rotation of seven guys up front,” Kimbrough said. “We have some returning players and a host of juniors that will play a role. We can play up to eight guys on the offensive line and that depth is a great thing to have.”
With the depth they have, look for the Falcons to run a balanced offense with the ability to run or throw the ball with equal success to keep opposing defenses off balance.
East Kentwood senior Stellan Bowman, LB. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
On defense, the Falcons have several starters returning. Senior Stellan Bowman (6-1, 220) anchors the defense from his linebacking position. A returning all-state player, Bowman committed to the University of Ohio during the summer. Bowman leads a solid group of linebackers that include Cobb and Nouha Diaite.
Lining up in front of the linebackers is a deep and strong group of defensive linemen. The Falcons plan to rotate six or seven defensive linemen to keep a fresh group on the field. Among the defensive linemen to watch for are nose tackle Mike Zua, junior Devaughtae Greely (6-1, 255), junior Shawn DeLano, Kalib Sanders and Rylan Granderson.
The Falcons also boast plenty of talent in the defensive backfield. Kanda returns at a cornerback position with White lining up at the field cornerback spot. A pair of starters graduated at the safety positions so the Falcons will have some new but talented starters. Juniors Gabe Wolf and James Johnson bring a solid skill set to the field at the safety spots.
“We’re pretty excited about the defensive side of the field,” Kimbrough said.
East Kentwood senior Elisee Kanda, CB. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
The Falcons open the season Thursday when they travel to Hartland. Kentwood then squares off against Byron Center for the first WKTV Game of the Week before beginning conference play in Week Three.
“Our schedule is loaded every year,” Kimbrough said.
WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back next week!
Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’ll bring you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute program.
As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.
You won’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!
Poweshiek skipperling butterfly. (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
By Adam Brown
WKTV Contributor
John Ball Zoo has recently stepped up its conservation efforts concerning local endangered populations. This time, the species in question is the critically endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly.
To the untrained eye, the skipperling may resemble a small, brown moth. In reality, it’s one of the most at-risk butterfly species. That’s where John Ball’s conservation efforts come in. Off the main path in an area inaccessible to the public, the zoo raises caterpillars in their Poweshiek Skipperling Hoop House.
The enclosures within hold the zoo’s supply of caterpillars, with the ultimate goal of preserving them and preventing extinction, per Michigan State University’s Haddad Lab Research Assistant David Pavlik. In fact, much of the butterfly’s life cycle is spent in the caterpillar stage, only becoming a butterfly for a few-week period in early summer.
Why Is This Important?
“Michigan is the last place in the United States where Poweshiek skipperling currently exist. The Poweshiek skipperling used to be one of the most abundant butterflies in the Midwest. In the early 2000s, populations started crashing to the point where it’s really close to the brink of extinction,” Pavlik noted on the necessity of such a conservation initiative.
Skipperlings naturally reside in habitats known as prairie fens, which also house additional threatened species. This gives John Ball hope that their conservation efforts may be expanded to help the many other threatened wildlife that call the Great Lakes State home.
What Can the Public Do?
While not currently open to the public, there are ample opportunities for zoogoers to get involved. Every donation to John Ball’s conservation fund or visit to the zoo itself lends a helping hand to these desperately needed programs, Pavlik added. Due to the overall rarity of the skipperling, there are few opportunities for the public to directly connect with the species via hands-on contact. One remedy the zoo is undertaking to strengthen public involvement is the Habitat Hero program.
“Our Habitat Hero program is a community science effort to get more pollinator plants into communities here in West Grand Rapids,” added Bill Flanagan, John Ball’s Conservation Manager. The program is not just limited to the skipperling. Flanagan noted that the program hopes to expand relief efforts for other local pollinators in the area, such as songbirds or monarch butterflies.
Since the project is closed off to the public, spreading awareness is a top priority since the skipperling is not a well known butterfly. One primary talking point is that species extinction is not limited to faraway places like the jungles and rainforest, it can happen even in our own backyard, Pavlik emphasized. Those who have been involved with the project firsthand have been very supportive, and John Ball hopes that support will grow as knowledge about the mission spreads.
Though the zoo’s current skipperling project is localized, it has the potential to lead to so much more.
“What we do right here in Michigan can have an impact on the biodiversity of the planet,” Flanagan added. Protecting habitats and supporting the zoo’s undertaking quite literally saves species.
Collaboration and the Future
A project of this scope cannot be undertaken alone, and the zoo partners with several other agencies and zoos around the country to bring their operation to life. John Ball is a member of the Poweshiek Skipperling International Partnership, which coordinates common relief efforts throughout the U.S. and Canada. They work with the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides much of the major funding for the project through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Michigan Natural Features Inventory performs land surveys, while local land managers work to preserve what remains of the skipperling’s habitat.
500 Poweshiek skipperlings released this year
This year has been by and large the most successful for the initiative, with 500 Poweshiek skipperlings released into the wild and a further 1,800 caterpillars currently residing at the zoo. In addition to the skipperling, John Ball has recently begun similar preservation efforts with the Mitchell’s satyr, another federally endangered butterfly.
Butterfly release. (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
The zoo’s released butterflies have been observed breeding in the wild and helping to grow the population rate. Pavlik hopes that the number of caterpillars and butterflies increases every year until the species can be pulled back from the edge of extinction.
Flanagan emphasized how easy it is to slip into hopelessness due to the precarious state of the skipperling’s population. However, physically observing the success of reintroduction in the wild reminds them all of the good that can come from conservation.
Mitchell’s satyr butterfly. (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
The program gives West Michigan patients greater choice and access to top-rated care close to home while also reducing costs. The Grand Rapids market was previously the largest in the state with a single open-heart program.
The UMHW cardiovascular operating room has state-of-the-art equipment (Courtesy, UMHW)
UM Health-West CEO Dr. Peter Hahn said the milestone is a testament to the collaboration and meticulous preparation that led to the program launch last October.
“Before we saw a single patient, we built and equipped a state-of-the-art operating room. We assembled a team of leading heart surgeons and cardiovascular experts, and we designed protocols to ensure our first patient could have the same expectation of excellence as our 100th patient,” Hahn said. “We intend to continue building on that success.”
Dr. Alphonse DeLucia III, who leads the UM Health-West cardiac surgery team, said the program’s success shows the genius of the model established by the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan. The joint operating agreement leverages the expertise of Trinity Health Muskegon, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, UM Health-West, and more than 125 years of cardiovascular leadership from University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor.
“Patients no longer have to wonder if they are getting the best option for care,” DeLucia said. “Patients go through their own cardiologist. If advanced cardiovascular care becomes necessary, the Network provides the collective expertise from all four programs to evaluate each case and ensure the best possible treatment.”
Trinity Health provides access to some of the most accomplished surgeons in the state (Courtesy, UMHW)
Whether surgery takes place at Trinity Health Muskegon or at UM Health-West in Wyoming, the Network provides access to some of the most accomplished surgeons in the state. These surgeons have decades of experience and have performed thousands of operations.
Another aspect that sets the program apart, said Dr. Theodore Boeve, a cardiothoracic surgeon based at Trinity Health Muskegon, is that it draws on the renowned cardiovascular expertise of University of Michigan.
“Some of the greatest advances in cardiovascular medicine and surgery got their start in Ann Arbor, and Michigan Medicine continues to be a leader in improving outcomes for patients with heart disease,” Boeve said, noting patients benefit from the latest research and clinical trials. “This opens an entirely new scope of treatment options.”
UM Health-West Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Grifka said the early success confirms that the cardiac surgery program and the Network are addressing a critical necessity for the fastest-growing region of the state.
The overwhelming success of the cardiovascular program has encouraged plans for further expansion (Courtesy, UMHW)
“The fact that we expect to perform close to 125 surgeries in our first 12 months – and possibly 200 in our second year – shows West Michigan needed more options in the fight against heart disease, the No. 1 cause of death,” Grifka said. “We are making a direct impact on the quality of life for our patients across the region.”
Dr. Himanshu Patel, Executive Director of the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan says the overwhelming success of the program has encouraged plans for further expansion and advancements.
“Expansion in the next decade is not a matter of if, but when,” Patel said. “We are confident of this, just as we fully expect to continue delivering more breakthroughs and sophisticated treatments for our patients.”
Godwin Heights Coach Brandon Kimble said he felt last year could have been a six – or seven-win season for the football team if they executed down the stretch.
“We are focused on execution and finishing all four quarters,” said Kimble, whose team finished 3-3 in the OK Silver last season, 4-5 overall. “We lost a couple close games last year.
Keion Beasley. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
Jace Reid-Anderson. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
“We were really banged up during the Calvin game finishing the year, so we are excited to be back healthy.”
Keion Beasley is tapped to fill the shoes of standout quarterback Jamarion Collins, who graduated last year.
“We are really excited to have Keion take over and lead us at the QB position,” Kimble said.
Jace Reid-Anderson returns and “will be a key piece at WR/DB.”
Other Key Players
“Miguel Ocampo will be top of the list of players we are expecting to have a great year at DB and WR,” Kimble said. “Jeff Zelaya is a returning All-Conference RB that will lead the way for us on the ground. Tellios Moore is another skill position we expect to have a great year.”
Jeff Zelaya. (WKTV/Hayden Passig)
“Up front, Patrick Knight, Diego Revolorio, Johlahn Thomas and Antione Jones are the guys that will lead us offensively and defensively.”
Godwin Heights Season Opener: At Mason County Central on Thursday, Aug. 24 (7 p.m.)
“We are excited to travel to Mason County and battle a tough-run, heavy team,” Kimble said. “This will be a game that will be won in the trenches. The team that is able to establish the line of scrimmage will win the game.”
WKTV Friday Night Highlights show is back next week!
Just like we did during basketball season, every Friday we’ll bring you many great high school football clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area teams, highlight some top performers and their stats, give final scores, and show a snapshot of the latest conference standings in an exciting 30-minute program.
As a bonus, we’ll have a reporter on the field at the Game of the Week to interview coaches and players for the show and occasionally have them come into our studio for a live interview as well.
You won’t want to miss all our great local coverage. Thanks for tuning in!
Video courtesy of Staff Sgt. Drake Chandler, 126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element, DVIDS
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Soldiers disembark at The Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing (Courtesy, Pfc. Erich Holbrook)
U.S. Army Soldiers of the 125th Infantry Regiment and Delta Company (MICO), Michigan National Guard were reunited with family and friends in Lansing and Grand Rapids on Aug. 16.
Soldiers of the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (125IN), including C Company of Wyoming, spent approximately one year deployed to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) “advises, assists and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Daesh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks,” according to the CJTF-OIR website.
Soldiers were reunited with family and friends Aug. 16 after a year-long deployment (Courtesy, Pfc. Erich Holbrook)
Though the territory occupied by Daesh has been liberated, Daesh continues to be a “persistent terrorist threat.” CJTF-OIR works continually with partnered forces to ensure defeat of any Daesh remnants.
“I’m very proud of the commitment, service and sacrifice of the Soldiers of the 125 Infantry,” said Col. Matthew M. LeaTrea. “The Soldiers of the 125 Infantry served honorably and with the highest traditions of military service, and their service reflect great credit and pride upon their unit and the Michigan Army National Guard.”
Returning Soldiers also hail from A Company located in Detroit; B and HHC Companies located in Saginaw; D Company located in Big Rapids; D Company, 83rd Brigade Engineering Battalion (MICO) located in Lansing; and H Company, 237th Forward Support Company located in Bay City.
About the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment
Family and friends were waiting to welcome the soldiers home (Courtesy, Sgt. Patrick Mayabb)
Headquartered in Saginaw and with companies located throughout Michigan, the 125IN is commanded by Lt. Col. Justin Bierens, and is a subordinate unit of the 63rd Troop Command located in Belmont and commanded by Col. Matthew LeaTrea.
The 125IN traces its lineage to the 1850s and, among other conflicts, elements have seen service in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Since the Global War on Terror, Soldiers of the 125IN have been activated and/or deployed in support of several missions, with the most recent being Syria.
The City of Kentwood has announced Heather Visco as its new human resources director.
In this role, Visco will lead the City’s human resources functions and staff, including employee recruitment, team member development and employee and labor relations efforts. She also will oversee the strategic planning, development and administration of employment-related inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility initiatives.
Visco began her new role with the City on Aug. 21 and was confirmed by the City Commission at its Aug. 15 meeting.
“The City of Kentwood is pleased to welcome Heather to our team,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “She has extensive experience in human resources management, recruitment and talent strategies which will assist in our goals of making the City of Kentwood a wonderful place to launch and establish careers serving community.”
Visco brings a broad background in private and public sector human resources to the City. Most recently, she was the human resources manager at EBW Electronics in Ottawa County. In this position, she oversaw all day-to-day functions of the HR department, led employee relations and recruitment efforts and managed employee benefits programs and payroll.
She previously held supervisory HR roles with the Van Buren Intermediate and Ottawa Area Intermediate school districts, supporting HR functions including recruitment, contract negotiations, training and onboarding efforts among many others.
“It is an honor to join the City of Kentwood as human resources director,” Visco said. “The City has a strong team of dedicated employees working to make the community a wonderful place to live and work, and I am looking forward to supporting the individuals and organization behind that effort.”
Visco holds a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University in English education and a graduate certificate in human resources administration from Central Michigan University. She is working toward a master’s degree in law for human resources professionals at Wayne State University with an anticipated graduation in the fall of 2024.
She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management and serves as a board member and communications director for the Lakeshore Human Resources Management Association.
Visco succeeds Gail Dewey, who has moved into the part-time role of deputy human resources director.
