Tag Archives: celebration

RiverTown Crossings celebrates 25th anniversary with holiday season events

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Going Local, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Business, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , ,
(Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


(Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)

RiverTown Crossings guests can expect magical Santa events, holiday drives, special sweepstakes and more for the 2024 holiday season celebrating the mall’s 25th anniversary.

The holiday season began on Nov. 11 with ‘GrateFULL Plates,’ where guests came together to assist families in need. The event kicked off a sleigh full of other holiday fun at the center, including Santa events, a holiday toy drive, special sweepstakes and more in honor of the mall’s 25th anniversary.

“We’re thrilled to bring Grandville a memorable holiday season,” says Ed McHale, General Manager at RiverTown Crossings. “Our goal is to create a joyful space where families and friends can gather, celebrate and give back together.”

Holiday fun at RiverTown Crossings features various seasonal events and activities for the entire family, including:

Photos with Santa – Nov. 22 to Dec. 24

Step into a winter wonderland at RiverTown Crossings and create cherished memories during the enchanting Santa Photo Experience! Santa Claus is taking a break from a busy North Pole schedule to bring joy to the whole family with a professional photo. Dates to see the jolly old elf include:

  • Nov. 22: 2 – 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 23: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 24: noon – 6 p.m.
  • Nov. 25:  2 – 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 26: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 28: CLOSED
  • Nov. 29: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

From Nov. 30 – Dec. 22:

  • Mondays – Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Dec. 23: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 24: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

*Santa does take a cookie break from 3-4 p.m. each day.

Magical Ride with Santa Sweepstakes – Nov. 23 at 11 a.m.

Jingle all the way to an unforgettable holiday experience at RiverTown Crossings! Lucky winners of the sweepstakes will get the chance to take a whimsical carousel ride alongside Santa and hot cocoa with cookies. The winner will enjoy their prize on Nov. 23 at 11 a.m.

How to enter:

No purchase necessary. Follow RiverTown Crossings on Instagram and Facebook for details on entering to win. Winners will be randomly selected on Monday, Nov. 18.

Sensory Santa Experience – Dec. 8 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

A thoughtfully designed event tailored for children with sensory sensitivities and special needs. Every child deserves a magical holiday moment with Santa, and this event ensures a comfortable, stress-free environment for families to create cherished memories. The experience will include:

  • A calm environment with dimmed lighting and limited crowd size
  • Santa and photographers trained to interact with children with sensory sensitivities or special needs
  • Flexible photo options and extended time slots
  • Trained helpers to assist with families throughout the experience
  • Pre-registration is required to ensure a calm, uncrowded environment. Sign up for preferred time slots here.
The RiverTown Carousel (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)

Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Enjoy a delightful meal, holiday craft stations, letter writing to Santa and story time with Kris Kringle.

  • Our Santa photo provider will be on-site for optional professional photos immediately following at the photo set (additional cost).
  • All guests will receive one free 5×7 printed photo with the purchase of an A photo package.
  • Sign up for preferred time slots here.

Story Time with Santa – Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 11-11:15 a.m.

Join Santa Claus himself as he takes a break from his busy Christmas preparations to share some of his favorite holiday tales with children of all ages. This heartwarming event promises to spark imagination, spread joy and create lasting memories for the whole family.

25 Cheers for 25 Years – Nov. 29 – Dec. 24

Join RiverTown to celebrate a quarter-century of memories, shopping and community. The “25 Cheers for 25 Years” holiday sweepstakes is saying thank you to the wonderful patrons who have made the center’s journey so special.

To mark this silver milestone, RiverTown is giving 25 lucky shoppers a chance to win big with this Anniversary holiday sweepstakes.

Prizes of the sweepstakes include:

  • 25 lucky winners will each receive a favorite RiverTown Crossings retailer between $50 – $250 in value -that’s a total of $2,250 in shopping joy being given away!
  • Shoppers can enter by following RiverTown Crossing on Instagram and Facebook to like, follow and tag their way to win.

Toys for Tots Holiday Drive – Nov. 1 – Dec. 1

Join RiverTown Crossing in spreading holiday cheer to children in need through the Toys for Tots Holiday Drive! In partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, the center is calling on the generous community to make the season brighter for local families.

  • Participants can bring in new, unwrapped toys to any of the center’s designated collection bins and-or the RiverTown public safety office.
  • Gifts are welcome for all ages from infants to teens. 
  • Popular and accepted items include board games, sports equipment, dolls, action figures, art supplies and electronics.
  • Not acceptable toys include second hand, used toys, realistic-looking weapons or food items.

For more information about holiday hours, deals and events at RiverTown Crossings, please visit www.rivertowncrossings.com.

NICU babies dress up for Halloween at Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Citizen Journalism, Health, Holidays, Kent County, Kids Activities, medical moment, West Michigan, , , , ,
(Courtesy, Trinity Health)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


With Halloween days away, the tiniest patients at the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are ready to celebrate! Their Halloween costumes were all hand-made by NICU nurses to fit these tiny patients without disrupting their care and monitoring.

Though the babies are not able to go outside to trick-or-treat, dressing up in the costumes allowed families to experience a childhood milestone.

  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
  • (Courtesy, Trinity Health)
About Trinity Health NICU

Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU is a licensed 15-bed, Levell III NICU, that cares for 200 to 300 newborns on the unit every year. We have successfully cared for babies born at 22 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces.

To learn more about Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU services, visit their website.

Launch of Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund to be celebrated at Arbor Circle Spring Forward event

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Arbor Circle will celebrate contributions that enabled the launch of the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund (Courtesy, pxhere.com)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Arbor Circle will celebrate the launch of the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund at their upcoming Spring Forward event on May 22.

Thomas J. Bullock, a pioneer in substance abuse treatment and recovery, was the inspiration for the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund. His too-short life is honored by opportunities Arbor Circle and the
Fund will present for addiction professionals and the broader community to learn together.

Creating opportunities to learn and reflect

Thomas J. Bullock (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)

The Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund was established through a monetary gift by James and Barbara Haveman.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to honor Thomas Bullock in this way,” shared James Haveman, co-founder of the Fund and former Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “This fund will create opportunities for substance use professionals to learn alongside one another and reflect on the current environment of treatment and where we might go together.

“We chose to entrust this work to Arbor Circle because of the organization’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, its creativity and their quality of services.”

Celebrated at annual event

In celebration of the professional contributions of Bullock, the Fund will underwrite an annual event for the West Michigan community focused on a variety of topics surrounding innovative and proven models for recovery in the field of substance use and addiction. The annual event will be hosted by Arbor Circle.

(Courtesy, Arbor Circle)

Arbor Circle will launch the Fund at their upcoming Spring Forward event on May 22, from 6–8 p.m. at the Grant Pavilion in Millennium Park. Spring Forward will raise funds for Arbor Circle while giving guests opportunities to learn more about Arbor Circle’s programs and impact. Jeffrene Woods, daughter of Bullock, will attend this year’s event.

To learn more about the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund or the Spring Forward event, click here.



Women’s City Club celebrates 100 years of empowering women and serving their community

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The Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids celebrates their 100th birthday (Courtesy, WCC)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


A champagne toast on Jan. 24 marked the 100th birthday of the Women’s City Club (WCC) of Grand Rapids.

A century of friendship and community outreach was celebrated with a centennial birthday luncheon in the Blythefield Country Club ballroom. The event served as the kick-off event for a year of planned activities highlighting WCC’s legacy.

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

And though some may think that the WCC is simply a social club, a closer look reveals that the Club is much more than a “coffee clutch,” as WCC President Wendy Sturm says.

“The City Club has had a great impact on the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “Not only have we lasted, we’re relevant.”

An historic footprint

“In 1924, a group of women in the community – the shakers and movers – got together and decided that there was a need for women to get together, be able to socialize, network with their interests, with their careers,” says Sturm. “And that was the very beginning of the Women’s City Club.”

Previous WCC President Kathleen Ray says that women were attracted to the WCC because it provided  opportunities for women to learn, communicate and network with other women at a time when that option was scarce.

One of the WCC’s historians, Marcie Woods, is intrigued by the diversity of the founding members.

“Diversity today seems to be boiled down to a racial issue, but they were so diverse in education, background, social class and occupation,” says Woods. “But they were all united in wanting a place where they could just be women.”

The WCC has stayed strong throughout the years for many reasons.

“In addition to being forward-thinking, the members of the Club have always been strong, creative leaders who are willing to invest their time and talent in the organization,” says Ray. “Flexibility and ingenuity were regularly used when facing challenges.”

That ingenuity was seen in the early years when the WCC convinced the telephone company to conduct a survey of Club membership about what programs they would like to see aired. The Club also accepted military payment certificates (script) as payment for dues and lunches during WWII, and converted all programs and events to Zoom during the pandemic.

“The city is our clubhouse”

Judge Sara Smolenski, special guest and long-time favorite of the WCC, gave the keynote presentation in honor of her late mother, a WCC member.

“When you think about ‘Cheers to 100 Years,’ you’re thinking of all the things the Women’s City Club has done over the years,” says Smolenski. “You travel around this great city, and that’s where you have your celebrations.

“The enrichment programs you have, the community outreach…it doesn’t go unnoticed.”


Judge Sara Smolenski, keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Enriching lives

Sturm says there is a lot of enrichment and fulfillment to be found in the WCC, with education being a primary Club goal.

“We attend these fabulous lectures, and learn together,” says Sturm. “It provides a lot of experiences that you might not otherwise have.

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“It stimulates you intellectually, socially, it provides a network of friendship that is really important.”

The WCC’s Enrichment Committee provides an abundance of programs for Club members. All programs relate to the Club’s mission statement: to provide educational, civic and social activities through study, community service and friendly associations.

“We have very well-rounded programming,” says Ray, citing programs about science and nature, arts and entertainment, philosophy, positive communication skills, fashion shows, book clubs, a Maj group, outreach opportunities – and more.

“We are not just little old ladies playing bridge,” Ray continues. “We are active, intelligent women who represent a wide variety of interests and passions.”

Making a difference

Equally important to the WCC is giving back to the community. This is accomplished through various nonprofits, charities and local schools.

The annual Impact Award was developed in conjunction with Union High School to provide an opportunity for high school juniors to win a cash scholarship.

WCC President Wendy Sturm welcomes members (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” says Sturm, adding that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.

To apply, students present a piece of work that reflects a person that has had a great impact on their life to that point.

“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” says Sturm. “We didn’t want to put people in a box and only have one type.

“We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”

The scholarship winner is honored with a celebration lunch where they have an opportunity to talk with the WCC members.

“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” says Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid, and their voices are very small – and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.”

Their greatest legacy

“Our greatest legacy is that, for over 90 years, we had a historic home in Grand Rapids called the Sweet House,” says Sturm. “That was our clubhouse, and we wanted that to be taken care of for perpetuity.”

Diane Jones (left) chats with a guest (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The Sweet House Foundation was formed with the sole intent of preserving the Sweet House and its contents.

“The WCC donated property, house, and contents – which included valuable paintings, musical instruments, and architectural details – and established the 501 C3 foundation,” says Ray.

“Grand Rapids has a historic home built in the mid-1800s that is being preserved for the future generations of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “We do very impactful things in the community, and [the Sweet House] is one that will live beyond all of us.”

Friendship

Sturm went on to say that the Club women advocate for each other. “We respect each other; we really treasure each other.”

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Ray agrees, saying, “The Club has provided me with a group of friends who are supportive, interesting and fun! They are unafraid to be themselves and voice their opinion – even if you don’t agree – because they know it’s a safe place.

“They are respectful, encouraging, and highly motivated. This Club is all about relationships, and I treasure the ones I have at the Club!”

The WCC has adopted the pink rose – which symbolizes friendship – as their Club flower.

As a memento of the WCC’s 100 years and those friendships, the Club designed and launched a jewelry collection featuring the pink rose. Each piece is customized, personalized, and stamped with the Club’s birth year.

What’s next in the centennial celebration?

The 100-Year Planning Committee formed several years ago in preparation for this year, culminating in a variety of planned events.

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

February will feature the launch of an online merchandise catalog for members.

In March, the WCC will join the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) for a Women’s History Month program.

“They are fascinated to have us as their guest to do this program and represent 100 years of women in the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm.

Kathleen Ray leads members in a toast (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

GRPM’s March 14 event will also feature the launch of “Our First 100 Years” history book written by WCC historians Carol Dodge and Marcie Woods. In addition to the book presentation, songs highlighting each decade will be performed on the piano.

The event is open to the public and free to attend. Free registration tickets for the event can be found here.

As 2024 progresses, the WCC will host a gala-style, red carpet event to recognize women throughout history who have been involved with the Club.

The centennial year will end with the WCC’s annual Evergreen Gala. 

“We have a wonderful legacy that I hope people will come and learn about through our celebrations throughout this year,” says Sturm.


“Cheers to 100 Years” – a toast by Kathleen Ray (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Empowering women

“The group that we are today, we’re a very modern group of women,” says Sturm. “We’re shakers and movers in the community; we have a history of making things happen.

“And that was one of the reasons our group was founded. Leadership got together and wanted to socialize and make a difference – and they did.”

Interested in joining the WCC?

Individuals over 18 who are interested in becoming a member of the WCC may request an application from a member of the Club, the Membership Chair, or the Club Administer at wccgrbusiness@gmail.com.

Wyoming fire welcomes new fire truck by giving it a little push

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Wyoming firefighters push one the city’s new fire trucks into the Gezon station. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

With the help of the community, the Wyoming Fire Department welcomed its newest truck Tuesday night by pushing it into the station.

The Wyoming firefighters who helped to push the new pumper truck into the Gezon station. (WKTV)

It is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s, according to Wyoming Fire Chief Brian Bennett.

“So the push-in started back in the days of the horse-drawn carriages,” Bennett said. “Every time the firefighters returned from a call, the horses could not back up and push the equipment into the station.”

The firefighters would have to disconnect the horses and physically push the equipment back into the station, he said.

As the equipment modernized and the need for horses lessen so did the need for the firefighters to push the equipment.

“It was a really cool tradition that they had done for years and firefighters wanted to figure out a way to continue that tradition,” Bennett said. “So it came to be that when a department received a new piece of equipment, the push-in still stayed there as the department would push that piece into the station to signify the equipment’s start of service.”

A little help from the community

In fact, the Wyoming Fire Department has done push-ins with all of its equipment over the years but what made Tuesday’s event special is it was the first time the public was invited to join the department for the push-in.

“The public needs to be involved in this too because you are just as much a part of this as we are,” Bennett said to those in attendance. “We get to play with the shiny new toys but without the support of the community none of this takes place.”

There was supposed to be two new fire trucks at the event but one was still having the final touches done in Kalamazoo.

A design that fits the community

The new trucks, which replace two older fire trucks that were sold in June, are smaller than the standard engines many residents are use to seeing. However, outside of the fact that the new trucks seat two people versus six, the trucks have all of the capacity of a larger engine at about half the cost, Bennett said, adding the trucks are able to pump water and have ladders. A fire truck that seats six is around $650,000 while the two-person vehicle is closer to $350,000.

Because of its versatility, the trucks are able to complete many different tasks that are needed in the city such as responding to a medical request or putting out a dumpster fire. The trucks also will be able to support the other vehicles in the fleet and vice versa.

“You really need to design your equipment by what you do in your community,” Bennett said. “It is not about the community neighbor who has the flashier, shiner truck. We design our trucks to help with what we do most in our city.”

Pierce Manufacturing, a manufacturer of custom fire apparatus, built the trucks at its Florida plant. The trucks were delivered to the city in August.

After the push-in, there was a community open house. (WKTV)
Left, Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt listens as Fire Chief Brian Bennett talks about the new fire truck. (WKTV)

Activities, tours planned at GM plant as part of Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

A vehicle that once showcased the future of cars and technology will be just one of several to be featured at a special 75th celebration event at the Wyoming GM-Components Holdings LLC located at 2100 Burlingame Ave. SW.

Joining forces with the 17th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise, the GM plant decided to host its 75th celebration in conjunction with the annual event. Signs will help direct Metro Cruise participants to the plant which has a day packed with activities.

Of course, one of those activities will be a car show featuring the Futurliner  No. 10, a red-and-white bus that is part of the collection of the National Automotive and Truck Museum, which is based in Auburn, Indiana. The Futurliners, there was 12 at onetime, were first manufactured as part of the 1939 New York World’s Fair and later featured in GM;s Parade Progress, a promotional caravan traveling a 150-stop route across the United States and Canada. 

The vehicles were in operation up until the mid-1950s and served in other capacities after that. In the case of the Futurliner No. 10, which is only one of nine known to be in existence, it was sold to Detroit’s Goebel Brewing company, and was renamed the “Goebel Land Cruiser.” 

Also at the show will be the GM Pride car, which is a custom Cadillac  CT5 that features a wrap of the Pride colors. The car was featured this year at the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Pride Parade.

There also will be a display of GM’s Journey to Zero Emissions featuring a few of the company’s electric cars.

Starting at noon, visitors will have the opportunity to head inside the plant for tours along with demonstrations from five local robotic teams, all of which are sponsored by GM, and a robotic demonstration by the plant’s engineering team that will be handing out some sweet treats.

In addition to the tours, the plant will also be holding a Jobs Fair. Any one interested in exploring employment at the plant can check in at the Security window in the lobby. You will be directed to the on-site Human Resource representatives who will help you through the application process.

Rounding out the day’s activities will be food trucks, children’s activities, other GM displays, and John Ball Zoo programs.

While the GM Corporate Giving has presented it’s grant awards each year at the Metro Cruise (and will again at the Rogers Plaza stage on Saturday morning), this is the first year GM has been the official headline sponsor. A company representative said this is “definitely very exciting and should be a great time. We are thrilled to be able to invite the community in.”

Grand Rapids Ballet to host free outdoor summer dance festival

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Ballet will be performing outside this Friday and Saturday. (Supplied)

As Grand Rapids Ballet continues to celebrate 50 years in 2022, the organization is announcing a first-of-its-kind free Summer Dance Festival, taking place outdoors on Friday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 27. In collaboration with other performance groups throughout Michigan, GRB welcomes West Michigan to enjoy two evenings of world-class dance, tasty food from local food trucks, and Michigan-made beer all under the evening skies outside of the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

“The idea for our Summer Dance Festival was born out of a community-wide celebration of our 50th anniversary, and in that spirit, I’ve opened the stage to performers from our diverse local dance community,” said Artistic Director James Sofranko.

The outdoor stage will open with live music by local singer/songwriter Ralston Bowles from 5:15-5:45 p.m. each evening and the first dance performances will begin at 6 p.m., featuring classical ballet favorites and contemporary works performed by Grand Rapids Ballet’s company dancers, apprentices, and trainees. The evening also will feature performances by Grand Rapids Ballet School students. Guests are invited to bring their own chairs to enjoy the performances.

“We are excited to present an inclusive and community-centered showcase of the best dance artists and students in Grand Rapids,” said Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio. “We are very proud to have been a part of the art and culture of Grand Rapids for the past 50 years and look forward to continuing to serve our region and Michigan into the next 50!”

To celebrate dancers and different styles of dance from across the Mitten state, GRB is hosting various community dance partners who also will perform throughout the event, including Arthur Murray Dance Studio, CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, Dancespire, Deos Contemporary Ballet, Edgar L. Page (Aug. 26), Golden Tiger Kung Fu Academy (Aug. 27),Grand Valley State University Dance Program, La Fuerza de Grand Rapids (Aug. 26), and Ray Love – The P.A.C.K.

“I hope that people will recognize not only the treasure of Grand Rapids Ballet that exists here but also the thriving arts scene and the multitude of dance organizations that bring art daily into our lives,” Sofranko shared. 

Join Kentwood for its annual 4th of July celebration

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Fourth of July parade is set for 9:30 a.m. and will start at Crestwood Middle School. (Supplied)

The City of Kentwood has a day filled with activities for all ages planned on Monday, July 4 for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival and fireworks show.

“Celebrating our nation’s independence by participating in Kentwood’s Fourth of July festivities has been a favorite family and community tradition for many decades. People of all ages enjoy these events, from pancakes and parades to 5Ks and fireworks,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “Come out and join us for a day filled with festivities when memories are made, and community is strengthened.”

The events will begin with a pancake breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave SE. The $5-per-person breakfast will be served 7-9:30 a.m. and include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. It’s free for ages 5 and younger.

At 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather next door at the Kentwood City Hall parking lot, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, for registration and packet pickup for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk. The chip-timed race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish in front of City Hall. Participants will loop through nearby neighborhoods before coming back on the paved East West Trail to finish. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal and shirt for this race. Shirts are only guaranteed for those who register before June 21.

Following the race will be a parade at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE. Organizations who would like to participate in the parade can visit kentwood.us/july4 and fill out the online form to register.

From 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival behind city hall featuring rides and carnival games. (Supplied)

From 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival behind City Hall featuring a variety of rides and carnival games for all ages. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. Tickets and wristbands will only be available at the event. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.

City Hall will also be the hub for the evening celebration 4-10 p.m., which will include community booths, a beer tent, food trucks and a fireworks show. A variety of bands, including Project 90, The Stone Soul Rhythym Band and Serita’s Black Rose, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from City Hall and surrounding areas.

A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station #1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. Guests who are parked at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch can take the roundabout out to Breton Avenue heading north or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south.

A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done.

Fireworks will be at dusk. (Supplied)

The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.

The City is seeking volunteers for its Fourth of July Celebration. Individuals who are interested are encouraged to sign up online or call 616-656-5270. More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found at kentwood.us/july4.

Other area July 4th activities:

July 2

Grand Rapids: Starting at 6 p.m., there will be family-fun activities, games, food, vendors, and live entertainment which will lead up to the firework show at 10:30 p.m.

Gun Lake: Fireworks are scheduled for July 2 with a rain date of July 3. Fireworks began at dark.

July 2 and 3

LMCU Ballpark: The West Michigan Whitecaps will have fireworks for both games against the Fort Wayne Tin Caps. Game times are 6:35 p.m July 2 and 6 p.m. July 3.

July 3

Caledonia: The Caledonia Independence Day Celebration will include a parade at 11 a.m. Fireworks will be at dusk and can be seen from Duncan Lake Middle School, CalPlex, or Holy Family Catholic Church.

July 4

Grandville: The Grandville July 4 Celebration will be include a pancake breakfast, parade with flyover, life music and fireworks at dusk.

Dorr: As usually, the Dorr July 4th Celebration will be the entire weekend, July 2-4 with the the parade and fireworks being on July 4.

For more area July 4th celebrations and activities, visit Experience GR’s website.

Snapshots: Pretty lights and Labor Day fun

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.

32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt

John Ball IllumiZoo Hues (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Pretty Lights

John Ball Zoo’s IllumiZoo Wild Hues opens this weekend at John Ball Zoo. During a sneak peek, our group got to tour the grounds and check out some of the amazing lights that literally transform the zoo into a mystical, magical place. Make sure to check it out. The show is open through Nov. 14 and we learned that the light displays do change as the season moves closer to Halloween. (No scary staff.) Check out the story by clicking here.

Ready, set, write

Write Michigan has returned! Writers of all ages are invited to enter, with separate categories for youth, teens, adults and Spanish language (12 and younger). Winning entries will be published and receive cash prizes. Entries need to be submitted by Nov. 30. For more information visit www.writemichigan.org.

Labor Day in Belding

This weekend, especially Monday, is not just a three-day weekend but an opportunity to recognize the contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. This weekend, the community of Belding will be hosting a Labor Day celebration, Sept. 3 – 6. Centered around an eighties theme, the four-day event features parades, games, karaoke, fireworks, a talent competition and an 80s beer tent. For complete details, visit www.beldinglaborday.org.

Fun Fact: They Took a Seat

“I am confident that when it is all over with there will be a better understanding between employer and employee and better still conditions will be improved under which men and women labor and live.” Former Michigan Governor Frank Murphy

In 1936, GM employees at Flint’s GM Fisher Number One Plant lead a 44-day sit-in that would become the most important strike in American history because it changed the United Automobile Workers (UAW) from a collection of isolated individuals into a major union, ultimately leading to the unionization of the United States automobile industry. GM did not receive the support it had hoped from state officials including the governor with local officials unable to move the workers out. On Feb. 11, 1937, with GM’s production severely crippled, the strike came to an end with an agreement that gave birth to the UAW. 

Blandford Nature Center celebrates its founder with tribute Sept. 8-11

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Many of the historic buildings at Blandford will be open during the tribute set for Sept. 8 – 11. (Supplied)

By Jess Bitting
Blandford Nature Center

Blandford Nature Center will be hosting a celebration of the life and achievements of founder Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray, who passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids on August 18, 2020. She was 93 at the time.

From Wednesday, Sept. 8, through Saturday Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public can view an exhibit about Dockeray’s life in the auditorium of the Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center at Blandford Nature Center. This multiple-day exhibit will highlight her passions and accomplishments over the span of several decades. As a pioneer in environmental education, Dockeray was a local icon who had a passion for inspiring people of all ages to fall in love with and protect nature; and this exhibit documents her journey in doing so. During this four-day exhibit, Blandford’s Historic Buildings will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Dockeray will be remembered for many things, but she is perhaps best known for her classroom visits and lectures with her ancient slide projector. With this machine in hand, she brought nature to life through vivid imagery and stories that enthralled children and adults alike. Visitors will be able to see some of her slides, as well as view a documentary about her life and a digitized version of one of her most iconic presentations, “These Things are Ours.” Visitors will be encouraged to share their personal memories of Dockeray.

Prior to Dockeray’s passing, Blandford Nature Center, in collaboration with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, purchased the Highlands Golf Club and is in the process of implementing the master plan for that property. Dockeray always called this “our last great land conquest” and was proud to be part of saving that property from future development. Now everyone can use the new barrier-free trail that connects the Visitor Center to The Highlands to experience the beauty that Dockeray always imagined could exist on that property.

COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and required masks for all attendees, will be in place to ensure a safe experience. The Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW.

Benton Harbor’s The Livery presents the 6th Annual “Funk Fest”

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By Brandon DeJaynes
The Livery

The Livery presents its 6th Annual Funk Fest – a celebration of wild & sour ales – on Oct. 20 to 25. The week will have specialty beer tappings, specialty firkins, a bottle release, and some funky food.

The Livery will be taking the entire week to celebrate their wild/funky/sours brews in lieu of the typical weekend blowout. There is something special lined up for each day starting Tuesday, Oct 20, and ending on Sunday, Oct. 25.

So make plans to stop by and get your funk on!

Tuesday: “Verchuosity 2020” tapping (Sour/Oak Aged Belgian Amber with Cherries) (+ “Mueuze”, “Maillot Noir”, “Black Lily” hit the beer board)

Wednesday: “Sour Sop Spontaneous Combustion” tapping (Sour/Oak Aged Dark Wheat with Sour Sop addition)

Thursday: “Golden Caruba” tapping (Sour/Oak Aged Golden Ale with Caruba addition)

Friday: Firkin #1: “Blackberry Rhubarb Spontaneous Combustion” (1pm), Firkin #2: “McGilligans with Passionfruit, Orange, Guava” (5:15pm)

Saturday: Firkin: “Mango Verchuosity” (Sat 1pm), Bottle Release: “Mueuze” (3-year blend of Maillot Jaune (Biere de Garde))

Sunday: Buy Any 16-inch Pizza and receive $1 off 5oz, $2 off 10oz, and $3 off prowler fills of any “Funk Fest ‘ specialty sour pour.

Ford Airport to Surprise ‘GRRand Passengers’ After Record-Breaking Year

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Sue Diehl, Ford airport’s three millionth passenger in 2019, was met with a surprise of balloons, airline vouchers, gifts, free parking, and more. (Supplied)



By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) will be surprising two special “GRRand Passengers” on Tuesday, Jan. 21, to commemorate another record-setting year.

Official passenger totals will be released on Tuesday, and Ford Airport calculations show 2019 as the best year in GFIA history. November 2019 was the busiest November in Airport history with 283,895 passengers served, putting the total numbers for the year at 3,276,656 – already surpassing 2018’s total of 3,265,242 with one month left.

Media and the public are welcome to join airport officials as they surprise two lucky “GRRand Passengers” around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

“We have another tremendous year to celebrate and we thought this would be a fun way to engage with our guests and also brighten the days for two very lucky people,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO. “We are thankful to live in a community where we have such wonderful support of our Airport, and this is just a small way for us to say thank you to West Michigan for the loyalty throughout the past year.”

The “GRRand Passengers” will each be receiving two $350 travel vouchers and three free days of parking from the Airport Authority, a gift basket of travel accessories valued over $300, and much more.

Airport staff will also be passing out cupcakes, airport trinkets, and registering people to win a $350 flight vouchers from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. that day.