Tag Archives: COVID-19

Both Wyoming, Kentwood already have higher 2020 Census response than overall 2010 results

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
U.S. Census is keeping track of how many people are filling out the 2020 Census online. (U.S. Census Bureau)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Since people are at home and have the time, the one thing that appears residents are doing is filling out the 2020 U.S. Census.

At least in the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming with the U.S. Census reporting through its interactive response rate map that both cities have already surpassed their 2010 U.S. Census overall response rate. As of May 18, 2020, the City of Kentwood is at 74.1 self-response rate. In 2010, its overall response rate was 73. The City of Wyoming’s 2020 self-response rate is 72.5, just slightly over its 2010 overall response rate of 72.4.

According to recent reports, about 59.5 percent of the U.S. households in the United States have self-responded, meaning that residents have either mailed, called in or gone online to answer the nine questions that center around who was living in the home on April 1, 2020. 

This is about 88 million households that have responded. For the 2010 census, it was about 74 percent mail in rate (the 2010 U.S. Census did not have an online component) with about 116.7 million households responding to the census. The total population report for the 2010 U.S. Census was 308.7 million of which about 300.8 million were living in homes and the remaining 8 million lived in group quarters such as school domentories, nursing homes, and military barracks. 

Michigan ranks fourth in self-response to the 2020 U.S. Census.

So where does Michigan stand?

Michigan ranks fourth with 66.2 percent or 3.2 million households responding. In the 2010 U.S. Census, the state had a total of 67.7 percent response. Despite having cities with some of the highest participation rates in the 2010 U.S. Census, Michigan had a population drop of about 54,000 going from 9.938 million in 2000 to about 9.883 million in 2010. 

Due to the population drop, Michigan lost a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, going from 15 to 14. According to state officials, the goal for the 2020 U.S. Census is for its population to be enough to maintain its current 14 U.S. House of Representative seats.

“The state has been growing, but not growing as quickly as Texas, Florida, or North Carolina,” said Michigan Statewide Census director Kerry Ebersole. “So we have the opportunity to maintain which we have in congress but it is unlikely we will pick up an additional seat.”

Keeping those seats are even more important as Michigan goes against other states for relief funding from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s important that Michigan voices are heard,” Ebersole said, “that we have a voice and representation at the federal level especially as policies are developed that may impact our state.”

And it is not just policies related to COVID-19 relief, but also for programs for the Great Lakes, Medicare, literacy, the elderly and city infrastructure such as the parks and roads.

As of May 18, 2020, the National response rate has been 59.5 percent.

It is all about the numbers

“The two things that the census influences are dollars and how many U.S. Representatives the state will have in Washington D.C.” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley in an interview about the U.S. Census before the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency order.

Funding dollars are largely determined by a municipality’s population and while looking at how the Michigan Department of Transportation determines funding, Kepley noted that 50,000 seemed to be a magic number that would increase a municipality’s funding for roads. The U.S. Census currently estimates that the City of Kentwood’s population is around 51,868 which means Kentwood needs to do a “good” job in getting residents to respond to the 2020 Census.

Which according to the 2020 U.S. Census Interactive Map, Kentwood residents have done quite well in self-responding. As of Monday, May 18, 2020, the City of Kentwood has had 74.1 percent self-response of which 65.7 have been online responses. Of course, there are still a number of factors in determining the overall funding any municipality will receive.

“If we do better in getting the word out and showing an increase, it could be that we are taking money away from another city that may not have done as well doing that,” Kepley said, adding if everyone does well then, it also will have an impact on the dollars Kentwood could receive.

But having residents fill out the U.S. Census is important, Kepley said as it impacts what the city can provide in city infrastructure such as roads and parks, low and moderate housing, and even attracting future businesses which use census information as a component to determining where to locate.

More numbers

Along with the City of Kentwood and the City of Wyoming. which has a self-response rate of 72.5 of which 63.5 were online (as of May 18, 2020), the overall Kent County self response rate has been above the U.S. average of 59.5 percent. As of May 18, 2020, it was at 73.3 percent total of self-reporting of which 64.1 percent were online. In 2010, the county had a total response rate of 73.6 percent.

Some other municipalities numbers as of May 18, 2020:

City of Grand Rapids: 65.6 percent of which 54.5 were online. In 2010, it had a response rate of 69.7.

City of Grandville: 81.1 percent of which 73.4 were online. In 2010, it had a response rate of 79.8.

Caledonia Township: 81 percent of which 73.6 were online. In 2010, it had a response rate of 81.2.

Byron Township: 79.9 percent of which 72.5 were online. In 2010, it had a response rate of 76.3

Still time to respond

Due to the COVID-19 and a majority of the nation placed on lockdown to help prevent the spread, the U.S. Census Bureau announced it has delayed the counts. U.S. lawmakers still need to sign off on the new schedule.

According to the U.S. Census website, residents will have until Oct. 31 to self-respond. Non-response follow-up with census fieldworkers going out will be Aug. 11 to Oct. 31. The U.S. Census Bureau is pushing back the 2020 U.S. Census report to the president from Dec. 31, 2020 to April 30, 2021 with the president delivering the counts to Congress within 14 days. States would receive numbers for redistricting by July 31, 2021 instead of April 1, 2021. 

Wyoming Parks and Rec offer free home kits

3-bottom, City of Wyoming,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department announced it will be offering free Rec at Home Kits.

These kits will consist of fun activities for your children to do at home. There are total of 200 kits. To receive a kit, a child should be pre-registered to receive a kit. The activity number is 300000_01.

Kits may be picked up at 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW. Additional pickup information will be emailed to all who registered.

If you have any questions, contact the Wyoming Parks and Recreation through email parks_info@wyomingin.gov.

Grand Rapids Ballet creates two new virtual programs

Entertainment
From the Grand Rapids Ballet’s Virtual Hug video.

By Michael Erickson
Grand Rapids Ballet

Michigan’s only professional ballet company, Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB), will release two “new” virtual program performances online, one of which will include a world premiere piece from Choreographer-in-Residence Penny Saunders.

This exclusive content (which will also showcase video from past performances) will be made available to those who generously make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to the organization between now and June 11, 2020.

“As the COVID-19 crisis continues, I have been looking for new ways to fulfill our mission of lifting the human spirit through the art of dance,” said Artistic Director James Sofranko. “Our new Virtual Programs seek to replicate the experience of attending one of our performances by offering an evening of ballets handpicked by myself to reflect our times as well as highlight the talents of our company.”

Program I, Classic & Contemporary, will “premiere” online May 15 and feature full versions of the following performances:

  • George Balanchine’s “Allegro Brillante” as performed by GRB in October 2018 – One of Balanchine’s most joyous, pure dance pieces of expansive Russian romanticism. Of it he said: “It is everything I know about classical ballet in 13 minutes.”
  • Danielle Rowe’s “November” as performed by GRB in February 2020 – An exciting contemporary work that reminds us why love isn’t for the faint of heart.
  • Alejandro Cerrudo’s “Extremely Close” as performed by GRB in February 2019 – A unique piece of moving walls and falling feathers will have you seeing the world from a completely different perspective.

“I am particularly excited about the world premiere in Virtual Program II from our resident choreographer Penny Saunders,” said Sofranko. “Rather than feeling stifled by the limitation of social distancing, she is turning challenges into creative jumping off points. The idea this project will one day be re-imagined in a performance venue, integrating the final film with live dancers on stage, gives us all something to look forward to. I especially wish to thank our staff and crew, the dancers, Penny and all of the choreographers participating in the Virtual Programs for their efforts to keep art and beauty present in our world.”

Program II, An Evening with Penny Saunders, will “premiere” online June 12 and will showcase the works of Princess Grace Award winner and GRB’s resident choreographer, Penny Saunders:

  • “Amiss” (world premiere) This never-before-seen work will feature the voices and talents of Grand Rapids Ballet dancers, staff, teachers, students, and board and audience members who have all generously volunteered their time to the creation of this unique piece during the COVID-19 hiatus. It is a collaboration with video editor Quinn Wharton and composer Michael Wall.
  • “Again” as performed by GRB in October 2019 – A sensual, tension-filled pas de deux is a personal story of how a dancer’s life evolves when their career on stage ends and a new chapter begins.
  • “Testimony” as performed by GRB in October 2018 – An important and topical piece influenced by the #MeToo movement.
  • “Ghost Light” as performed by GRB in February 2019 – A haunting work inspired by the singular light often left on an unoccupied stage to provide the longing spirts of the theatre the opportunity to dance in the dark.

“This project emerged to remain connected to my craft and to try and create something meaningful during this time of great uncertainty,” said Resident Choreographer Penny Saunders. “Over the years, Grand Rapids Ballet has become a creative home for me, and I felt the need to express my gratitude to such an amazing community. Quickly, over 30 individuals from across the organization — from young students to board members — answered the call and offered to join me in this collaboration. Dance, as it often does, provided comfort and connectedness. Amiss is a love story of sorts, highlighting what we cherish about our humanity, our creativity, and our arts community.”

A link to view the programs will be emailed to anyone who makes a tax-deductible donation of any amount between now and May 14 for Program I and May 16-June 11 for Program II. The videos will be available to view online for 72 hours. Donations can be made online at grballet.com/donate. To learn more about these virtual programs and all of the good work GRB is doing “at home,” visit grballet.com/grbathome today.

School News Network: Looking at Fall and Beyond

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

All Districts: School leaders working together to plan fall and beyond

Now that school districts have distance learning up and running, local education leaders are turning their attention to the next urgent concern: the future of schooling. An ad hoc committee of 13 Kent ISD school leaders — which includes Wyoming Superintendent Craig Hoekstra and Godfrey-Lee Superintendent Kevin Polston — are working on contingency plans to prepare for the next school year and beyond. To learn more about the discussion, click here. 


Tara Jones plays with son, Cole, during a Bright Beginnings playgroup. (School News Network)

All Districts: Supporting parents as teachers

Bright Beginnings, which offers parents support and services to help them become the best first teachers for their children, recently received a Blue Ribbon accreditation from the Missouri-based Parents as Teachers program. Free to families in the Kent ISD, to learn more about the program and the accreditation, click here. 


Cast members from Godfrey-Lee’s production of ‘The Wiz’ prior to school building closures (courtesy photo/School News Network)

Godfrey-Lee/Wyoming: The show might go on

Last year it was snow days, this year it was COVID-19 that caused area schools, such as Godfrey-Lee and Wyoming, shutdown with school productions left in limbo. And while the show may not happen – some directors remain hopeful – there still is the story of community that brought everyone together. To learn more, click here. 

Rain keeps crowds low for Metro Health Farm Market opening

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,
Miriam Tenhaaf and her brother Paul from Diemer’s Farm and Greenhouse braved the cold and rain to attend the opening day of the Metro Health Farm Market. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Social distancing certainly was not a problem at the opening of the Metro Health Farm Market on Thursday as mother nature controlled the crowds with rainy and cold weather.

Still some shoppers – and a few friends showing support – stopped by to check out the offerings of about nine vendors who participated in the rainy opening. Plants, flowers, vegetables, cheese, and even hot coffee were just some of items available. Both vendors and shoppers wore masks and despite the cold weather, were happy to have the market open.

A sign at the Metro Health Farm Market reminds patrons of social distancing guidelines. (WKTV)

“We really appreciate it that it is open,” said Miriam Tenhaaf from Diemer’s Farm and Greenhouse, a family farm based in Holland. “We do most of our business through the farmers markets along with some restaurant sourcing.”

And while the Metro Health Farm Market’s Thursday opening was slow, Tenhaaf said the family has seen good numbers at other markets.

That is good news for Mike Cnossen of Cnossen Family Farms as the Metro Health Farm Market was the first event of the season for him and his wife, Helen.

“Farming is in our blood,” Cnossen said, although because of the weather and the very slow traffic (at around 10:30 a.m. there was about three customers at the market), the couple was starting to pack up for the day.

“We’re happy to see the season start and we’ll see what comes,” Cnossen said.

The Metro Health Farm Market is set up in the Metro Village located in front of the hospital. (WKTV)

The Cnossen’s market neighbor, Peter Van de Roovaart, owner of Full Circle Coffee with a store in Byron Center, said he too was glad to see the farm markets open.


“We are at several of the markets,” Van de Roovaart said, adding he plans to be at the Byron Center Famers Market which opens May 23 at Byron Center’s Bicentennial Park. Even with a physical location, Van de Roovaart said the company still does a lot of business through the farmers markets as well as its mobile truck.

The Metro Health Farm Market is open every Thursday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., rain or shine. It is located at the Metro Health Village in front of the hospital. The market runs through Oct. 18. For a complete list of vendors, click here. Note: Due to the current governor’s executive order, only vendors selling essential items, such as food and produce, can participate at a farm market.

Wyoming keeps its Memorial Day tradition with a video twist

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,
While it will not be hosting a Memorial Day ceremony, the City of Wyoming still plans to honor those who have served. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

One of the longest traditions in the City of Wyoming has been the annual Memorial Day ceremony to  honor the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Even with the current COVID-19 pandemic and the governor’s extended Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the city plans to continue that tradition, according to staff. The event is just going to be a little different.

The annual ceremony, usually at the City of Wyoming’s Veterans Memorial Garden, has been cancelled. Instead, city leaders and staff are working to put together a prerecorded mashup video with members from the city singing.

“As home to the Michigan Army National Guard Grand Valley Guard Armory, the American Legion Roger B. Chaffee Post, with many of our residents having served in the military, the City of Wyoming has a long tradition of holding Memorial Day as an important day of remembrance,” stated Mayor Jack Poll. “It is important for our community to come together to honor the sacrifices of our blue star families.”

The video is scheduled to be posted on the City of Wyoming’s Facebook page around Memorial Day weekend and make sure to check out the WKTV Journal page, which will be featuring the video all day Memorial Day.

This year, Memorial Day is May 25. Memorial day, usually observed on the last Monday in May, originally honored those who were lost during the fighting of the Civil War. it has evolved over the years to include all American military personal who died in any of the wars. Most communities, such as the City of Wyoming, have marked the day with special parades and ceremonies.

Memorial Day weekend is usually the official start of summer as it is a three-day weekend for most people. However, this year, with the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order extended to May 28 – the Thursday after Memorial Day – most people probably will be celebrating at home. 

‘Happy calls’ help connect elderly to the world

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood,
Care Resources PACE staff member makes on the 400-plus “Happy Calls” to program participants. (Supplied)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Two days a week Kentwood resident Beverly Artlip, 82, would visit the Care Resources PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly)  day care program, meeting up with friends, participating in activities, and checking in with staff.

That all abruptly ended when the governor’s executive Stay Home, Stay Safe order went into effect on March 24. Artlip’s connection to the world became the television and her activities centered more on reading.

That was until the phone rang a few weeks ago and a friendly voice from Care Resources PACE asked how she was doing.

“It is very comforting to know that someone cares and that they are concerned,” Artlip said.

What started as welfare calls to check on its nearly 250 elderly program participants has become what Care Resource PACE staff refer to as “happy calls,” where staff reach out to the members simply to chat.

“You talk to them about different things,” said Sue Pence, a transportation coordinator for Care Resource PACE, who joined the team to help make the “happy calls.” “You talk to them about different hobbies, what they are doing and how things are going.”

For Pence, the calls also have provided an opportunity to connect with those in the adult daycare program, where she worked before she became a transportation coordinator.

“It is nice to be able to reconnect with people I have not talked to in awhile,” she said, adding that some of the conversations can be pretty funny.

“There was one person who had this bird and it kept pooping on everything and she was talking about making it diapers and then we started talking about if you could even make diapers for a bird,” Pence said with a laugh adding others have asked about her finding a man for them — preferably a millionaire.

Care Resources is a community-based program with the PACE program being federally and state funded. The PACE program is designed to keep residents within their community for as long as possible, helping residents with medical and emotional needs. During the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the “happy calls” provide a way for staff to check on the overall medical and emotional needs of each of its participants.

 

“Many of these people don’t have family or a connection into the community so this is a way for them to feel connected and, secondly, we are family to them,” Pence said.

 

Pence estimates that she makes about 15 to 25 calls a week, adding that the entire staff makes about 400 to 600 calls a week. The average call is around 35 minutes. “Sometimes it is shorter because the person just wants to check in and other times it is a little longer,” Pence said, adding that some of the people she will call two to three times a week.

Artlip said she receives about four calls a week, all from different people which makes it fun.

“We talk about different things,” she said. “It is just plain nice to have somebody to talk to.”

Care Resources PACE staff member gets ready to deliver activity packets to program participants. (Supplied)

Along with the calls, Care Resources PACE also has been providing activity packets filled with puzzles and word searches, which Artlip said have been a nice break in her routine. 

And while receiving the calls and packets are nice, Artlip said she can’t wait to get back to the center to see her friends, but as a former nurse, Artlip also recognizes the need for caution as the world deals with COVID-19.

Pence agreed she too can’t wait to see all the friendly faces as well, since now through those “happy calls” they have a few stories to share and laugh about when they do get the chance to have that face-to-face meet up again.

Regional strategies work best doing times of disaster, GVSU researcher says

3-bottom, , ,

By Dottie Barnes
GVSU

For more than a decade, Davia Downey, associate professor of public, nonprofit and health administration, has focused her research on American disaster response.

Downey said responding to public health disasters, like COVID-19, is particularly difficult.

“All communities have hazard response plans for earthquakes, hurricanes, public health events and even terrorist attacks,” said Downey. “In most of these cases there is some warning or chatter before the disaster. That’s not the case with an infectious disease.”

While states and localities across the country have disaster management plans, Downey said most don’t pay attention to those plans until a disaster happens. “Too often, our best thinking happens after the disaster,” she said.

 

Assessing the response to COVID-19, Downey said two pieces are working well at the state level. First, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is consulting with statisticians, business owners, public health officials and emergency planners, while utilizing an internal metric system unique to Michigan.

Second, Downey said Michigan is looking to external partners about the sharing of resources. One way to facilitate this is through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. All 50 states are part of EMAC in order to share knowledge, coordinate deployment of critical supplies and help each other take care of critical needs that arise.

Davia Downey, GVSU associate professor of public

There is also a lot of information that can be gained by looking back at the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, Downey said. That is the last time a global shutdown occurred because of a severely infectious disease that impacted multitudes of countries all at once.

“The one thing that is really beneficial is now we have the Internet. We have the ability to share information much more quickly,” she said. “I have been impressed with the amount of knowledge that is being shared openly and across state and country borders.”

Downey said there are already a few lessons that can be learned from COVID-19: emergency management needs to be global and not siloed, strong networks in the beginning are the most effective tool and regional strategies work best.

“The best way to recover from this type of disaster is to have strong collaboration networks. The places that will be left out of recovery will be directly related to the amount of collaboration those communities, states or countries were engaged in prior to and during this evolving disaster,” she said.

Downey noted there’s a human element to how people deal with the unknown which colors the way they think about how to respond to a disaster.

“That comes from our amount of discounting. If we haven’t come down with COVID-19, we have a tendency to discount the severity of what’s happening,” she explained. “Our tendency to discount things not at our front door is problematic in a disaster because it hinders our ability to think clearly about how to proceed.”

GVSU Economist: Local economics stats down sharply, but not as bad as expected

3-bottom, , , ,
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

It was anticipated the local economic statistics for April would be negative, but the numbers weren’t as bad as expected, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

“This report is one of the weakest we have filed in our 40-year history; however, the data we collected in the third and fourth weeks of April did not turn out to be a record low,” he said.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of April.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) fell to -45 from -21. Long noted at the onset of the Great Recession, new orders fell to -59 in December 2008.

The production index fell to -48 from -16. The index of purchases fell to -44 from -30, and the employment index plummeted to -41 from -25.

Long said during the Great Recession, it took 18 months (October 2007 to April 2009) for statistics in this local survey to turn back to positive.

“As the economy slowly reopens, we will be closely monitoring the confidence levels of both retail and industrial consumers, both of which have been hit very hard,” he said.

Had it not been for Internet purchases, Long said, auto sales would have been virtually non-existent. He said automakers and dealers have countered many of the lockdown measures with remote and online sales, but U.S. light-vehicle deliveries were expected to fall 50-55 percent in April.

Long said COVID-19 will cause nearly every industry to reevaluate supply chains. “Many firms had no idea that many subcomponents back in the supply chain were coming from China,” he said. “Look for an anti-China backlash.”

 

The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”

More than 60 Kent County businesses receive grant funding from Michigan program

3-bottom, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

About 62 Kent County companies were among the 195 small businesses in West Michigan negatively impacted by Executive Orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic that received grant support from the Michigan Small Business Relief Program.

This program was made possible by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) releasing $20 million in grants and loans through the Michigan Strategic Fund. MEDC allocated the 11-county West Michigan region $1,000,000 in grant funding to be administered by The Right Place, Inc. This region included Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties.

The demand for funding throughout the region was staggering with over 3,300 applications received, requesting over $71 million in both grant and loan funding. Each county formed committees to accept and review applications for the extremely limited grant funding. A full list of the review committees can be found at this link. Grant applications were evaluated based on the criteria set forth by MEDC. 

Of the $1,000,0000, $615,000 went to 62 companies in Kent County. Ionia received $40,715 grants for seven companies and in Muskegon County, $140,000 was awarded to 30 companies.

These grants may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business. To respect the privacy of our region’s small-business owners during this challenging time, The Right Place, Inc. will not be releasing the list of individual grant recipients.

As well, The Right Place, Inc. received and forwarded 33 loan applications to MEDC for evaluation under the loan portion of the Michigan Small Business Relief Program. MEDC will make final determinations for loan applications.

New sports performance facility takes advantage of ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ time by building support

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, ,
Entrepreneurs Daimond and Regina Dixon were set to open Alpha Human Performance. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Entrepreneurs Daimond and Regina Dixon know how to turn lemons into lemonade, thanks to some quick pivoting that saw the couple go from planning a late April grand opening of their 6,500 SF Alpha Human Performance athlete performance and recovery facility to organizing online training sessions and registering online memberships. The result of their “Alpha Up” initiative is having more than 300 athletes and fitness enthusiasts registered to participate in online training sessions before the facility ever opens its doors. The couple hopes their quick actions and positive attitude, along with benefit of more time to plan and recruit members, will actually serve as a boost in business when the facility opens.

Throughout early spring, the Dixon’s were in the thick of grand opening planning while Erhardt Construction crews worked to renovate a vacant warehouse building at 3233 Eastern Avenue in Grand Rapids into a sports performance and fitness facility catering to area elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Then, in mid-March, just as all of Michigan started to realize the widespread impact of COVID-19, the Dixons were told that construction would have to halt, delaying the planned late April grand opening of the new venture.

Although Daimond Dixon, a well-known area high school and college sports trainer, felt discouraged, he quickly worked through emotions and, along with his business partner and wife Regina, began to adjust grand opening plans and develop online training options as a way to keep potential members engaged while stuck at home during the state’s “Stay home. Stay safe” quarantine.

“Just like I tell my athletes to give it all they got when they want to quit, I knew I had to practice what I preach and begin finding a way to turn this into an advantage for Alpha Human Performance,” said Daimond Dixon, who has spent the past 25 years working with high school, college and professional athletes across West Michigan. “I tell people to bring our their ‘inner alpha,’ so it was time to start telling that to myself.”

Soon after, the Dixons got to work organizing various online training opportunities, branded as “Alpha Up.” The free online trainings, which  just required individuals to register on the Alpha Human Performance website, quickly filled up, as area runners and athletes were desperately seeking new workout and conditioning routines.  As of April 28, Alpha Up has 300 members, all of whom are now award of the Eastern Avenue facility and future memberships.

Alpha Human Performance is located at 3233 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. (Supplied)

“The online engagement has been a great way to not only attract and cultivate relationships with potential members, but it’s allowed our crew to test and refine training offerings,” said Regina Dixon, a former high school athlete, who handles all business development and operations for Alpha. “We can’t say that we are excited to have this additional time before opening, but we’ve tried to make the best of it by keeping people engaged and tightening up our programming before opening our doors.” 

Erhardt Construction is leading the buildout, which was already underway when the shutdown mandate went into effect. Although Alpha and Erhardt have not finalized a new timeline, Dixon hopes that Erhardt can finish up in May, paving way for an early June grand opening. 

“We are watching all the Governor’s updates on when and what businesses can open, so we realize there is a lot to be figured out,” Dixon adds. “In a strange way, however, we’ve been blessed to have more time to prepare our opening, so are eager to open the doors of Alpha Human Performance very soon!”

Photo of the Week: Cookie As Art

Citizen Journalism,

There has been a lot of baking going on during the Stay Home, Stay Safe order and Kentwood resident Gerald DeMaagd benefited from these special delights that were a gift from Kentwood residents Ray and Kris Bizon. The technique used for the cookies was royal cookie icing.

Do you have a photo you would like considered for Photo of the Week? Email it to WKTV Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.

GVSU Occupational Health and Safety students resources to front line health care workers

3-bottom, , , ,
GVSU Pew Grand Rapids Campus (GVSU)

By Nate Hoekstra
GVSU

In a normal workday setting for health care workers who have to wear personal protective equipment, or PPE, the same equipment that workers know fits properly is readily available. But when the COVID-19 pandemic created shortages of PPE at many health care facilities, the need for respirators and gloves was met with donations. 

While the donations were needed, using equipment without a proper fit can render the equipment less effective than it would normally be. 

To help address this concern, Grand Valley Occupational Safety and Health students have created helpful guides for health care workers that provide a step-by-step tutorial for qualitative fit-testing different styles and brands of respirators.

“The guide also provides information about the different types of respirators and provides information on the acceptable conditions, and maximum efficiency,” said professor of occupational safety and health Derek McCormick.

McCormick said that the N95 mask, which has become commonplace since the pandemic began, is intended to filter 95 percent of contaminants from the air. That efficiency goes down if the mask isn’t worn properly, or doesn’t fit right.

“Knowing how to fit-test these respirators is important because OSHA requires employers to assess hazards in the workplace and provide the right PPE, and employees want to be using the right equipment for the job,” McCormick said. “This project helps identify the best way to use the tools available for health and safety.”

A different group of occupational safety and health students also created a guide for proper cleaning and PPE in room sanitization processes. Again, in normal times the same kind of sanitizer would be used in a health care setting, but with shortages of chemicals and cleaners, non-standard solutions are being used.

Those different chemicals and cleaners have different exposure risks, which can be mitigated by different kinds of gloves that are designed to protect from different hazards. The students created a list of cleaners that can be used in place of normal sanitizing processes, and what PPE should be used to protect workers from side effects or other hazards.

“These seniors and recent graduates are making a difference in a unique way,” McCormick said. “Helping protect frontline workers in our health settings during a pandemic is a wonderful and important way to showcase what they have learned at Grand Valley.”

Wyoming Senior Center remains closed until June 1

3-bottom,
The Wyoming Senior Center will be closed through June 1. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

City of Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt announced that the Wyoming Senior Center will remain closed until June 1. All scheduled events at the Senior Center through June 1 are canceled and may be rescheduled for a later date.

“This is a preventative measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in populations at high risk of getting very sick,” Rynbrandt wrote in an email letter to the community. “High-risk populations include older adults and people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.”

Rynbrandt said staff will continue to evaluate the current state of COVID-19 as more information is available and update the community members as needed. All those who are directly impacted by the cancelations that go through June 1 will be contacted.

For more information about COVID-19 and preventative measures, visit the Kent County Health Department’s Webpage for People at Risk.

Metro Health relies on virtual care to continue seeing patients safely during COVID-19

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,
Dr. Renee Elderkin conducts a virtual visit with a patient. (Supplied)

By Jamie Allen
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

Social distancing precautions are important, but so is a patient’soverall health. Metro Health is here for patients and their families and wants to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. This means finding innovative ways to continuing seeing patients at a safe distance.

Metro Health’s virtual care options allow for patients to stay in regular contact with their providers and care team amid COVID-19, while keeping both the patient and provider safe. Delaying care can be often be dangerous to a patient’s health when ongoing care needs are significant. In addition to primary care for annual check-ups and medication checks, all 14 Metro Health specialties are seeing patients through phone calls, emails and video visits.

“Virtual care has always been a part of our patient access strategy, but COVID-19 has rapidly shifted our focus from in-person care to virtual care in our primary and specialty care settings,” said Josh Wilda,Chief Information Officer, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.”

Video visits are safe, secure and use a high-quality connection. When in-person visits are not possible, a video visit is the next best thing. This option provides a connected experience for the patient and provider, by supporting nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions. Metro Health’s virtualcare options have been very well received by patients.

“Our patients’ response to virtual care has been one of relief,” said Wilda. “When our office connects with patients, they have been grateful to be able to continue their care without having to come into the office or the hospital during these times of recommended social distancing.”

Dr. Ghali Taling discusses care with a patient through a virtual meeting. (Supplied)

“Our endocrinology patients are simply happy that their physicians can see them from the safety of theirown homes,” said Metro Health Endocrinologist, Dr. Edward Kryshak. “Many of our higher risk patientsare afraid to leave their homes and virtual care options make continued care for this vulnerable population possible.”

New mothers are also among those grateful that they can stay connected to their OBGYNs without having to expose their newborns to unnecessary germs during traditional post-partum office visits.

“I had a patient last week that I did a video visit with who was six weeks post-partrum,” said StevenLown, OBGYN, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “It was a beautiful day outside and shewas walking with her baby in a stroller. She said she loved it and commented how nice it was that she could be out walking her infant and do a visit at the same time.”

Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Metro Health has conducted 6,700 video visits. In addition to video visits, patients can take advantage of asynchronous visits for emailing their providers questionsand concerns through Metro Health’s digital platform, MyChart.

To schedule a visit using one of Metro Health’s virtual care options, patients should reach out to their Metro Health provider. If you do not have a provider, please visit https://metrohealth.net/find-a-doc/

Wyoming summer concerts cancelled, eyeing something for the fall

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , , ,
Due to COVID-19, the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission has announced that the city’s Concerts in the Park has been cancelled for 2020. (City of Wyoming)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission announced over the weekend that the 2020 Wyoming Concerts in the Park season has been cancelled. 

The cancelation is a result of COVID-19, according to the committee’s chairperson Renee Gardner, who made the announcement on the Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.

“We work hard to bringing this event to our community each year, enjoying music and dancing with all of you,” Gardner posted. “As the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, we made this decision out of concern for the safety of our volunteers and loyal attendees.”

According to John Sinkevics, publisher of Local Spins, a West Michigan music website, concerns for many of outdoor venue organizers has centered around social distancing and keeping patrons safe. In a recent Eric Zane Show, Celebration! Cinema Vice President of Programming Ron Van Timmeren mentioned that when area theaters are allowed to open how social distancing will impact the venues has been a topic of discussion. Before the Stay Home, Stay Safe order went into effect on March 24, most local theaters were blocking out seats to help maintain social distancing. 

Patty Williams, who coordinates the annual Sounds of Summer at Cutlerville’s Cutler Park, which is in July, has confirmed that the four-concert series will be taking place. Also, the Lowell Chamber has confirmed its Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts will take place various evenings from July 2 – Aug. 29.

Gardner encouraged people to stay connected to the Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page as the commission is hoping to announce a possible concert for the fall.

“We will be meeting over the summer to plan something special,” she wrote, adding that the commission hopes its fans “stay safe and healthy. We can’t wait to see you at our next concert.”

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission is looking to fill vacancies on the planning of the annual Wyoming Concerts in the Park event. Volunteers are needed to help plan the 2021 season. Those interested may email WyomingCEC_info@Wyoimingmi.gov or message the group on Facebook. 

GVSU Carillon in Grand Rapids to turn blue to thank critical workers

3-bottom, , , , ,

By Dottie Barnes
GVSU

Beckering Carillon will turn blue May 1 – 15 to thank health care workers.

The Beckering Family Carillon Tower on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus will turn blue as a way to thank critical workers for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grand Valley, in partnership with Creative Day Technologies and Odyssey Lighting, is paying tribute to all critical workers, including first responders, health care workers, grocers and many more, who are putting themselves in harm’s way during the COVID-19 crisis.

The carillon will be illuminated by blue lights, installed by Creative Day and Odyssey Lighting, beginning May 1 and extending through May 15. 

“This is one small way to honor all of the critical workers who are working so diligently to keep us safe, fed and cared for,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. “We honor them for their hard work and unwavering commitment. We are forever grateful.”

A sign, next to the carillon, will offer extended words of gratitude from Grand Valley:

“Thank you, Critical Workers! You have risen to the occasion to provide frontline support and ensure our community is cared for, housed, and fed. You have remained calm and steadfast in a time of crisis and uncertainty. We know it has not been easy. Your commitment and fortitude have not gone unnoticed. We see you. We thank you. We will not forget.”

Hear live GR Symphony concerts on Blue Lake Radio every Sunday in May

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director Marcelo Lehninger leads the Grand Rapids Symphony in its 2019-2020 opening performance. (Supplied) 

In this time of social distancing, we need music now more than ever. While concert halls, movie theaters, restaurants and pubs are closed, the Grand Rapids Symphonyis reaching into its archivesto bring you concerts performed live in DeVos Performance Hall.

Listen to Blue Lake Public Radioevery Sunday afternoon in May and hear your Grand Rapids Symphony in a past concert originally performed live and unedited, so it’s almost like being there in the audience in DeVos Hall.

Tune in at 1 p.m. Sundays to Blue Lake Radio at WBLU-FM 88.9in Grand Rapids or WBLV-FM 90.3in Muskegon or go online to Blue Lake Radio here.

Over the next four Sundays, you can hear music by Gustav Mahler, Piotr Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms and Frederic Chopin among other great composers plus such eminent soloists as Grand Rapids’ own Grammy winningmezzo soprano Michelle DeYoung; 2015 International Tchaikovsky CompetitionGold Medal-winning cellist Andrei Ioniță; Grand Rapids Symphony concertmaster and violinist James Crawford; and GRS Music Director Marcelo Lehninger’smother, pianist Sônia Goulart.

The Grand Rapids Symphony performs in DeVos Performance Hall. (Supplied)

Here’s the schedule for Grand Rapids Symphony concerts on Blue Lake Public Radio in May:

Sun., May 3 – Marcelo Conducts Mahler

Originally performed April 12-13, 2019

MAHLER:Symphony No. 3

Marcelo Lehninger, conductor 

Michelle DeYoung, mezzo-soprano

Grand Rapids Symphony Women’s Chorus

One of his most popular orchestral works of all, Mahler’s sunny, Symphony No. 3 was named the “10thGreatest Symphony of All Time” in a poll of professional conductors for BBC Music Magazine. A lover of nature, Mahler spent summers in the countryside outside of Salzburg where he composed his Third Symphony in a tiny shed, built at the edge of a meadow, near the shore of a lake, with a view of the mountains beyond. Grammy Award-winning mezzo soprano Michelle DeYoung, who was born in Grand Rapids, is soloist in the work whose slow movement was arranged for a small orchestra and performed in New York City on the 10thanniversary of 9/11.

Sun., May 10 – Mother’s Day with Maestro

Originally performed May 17-18, 2019

RAVEL:Mother Goose Suite

CHOPIN:Concerto No. 2 for Piano

BRAHMS:Symphony No. 2

Marcelo Lehninger, conductor 

Sônia Goulart, piano

Marcelo Lehninger’s mother, pianist Sônia Goulart, joins her son to celebrate Mother’s Day 2019. One of the most prominent Brazilian artists of the past 30 years, Goulart makes her Grand Rapids debut performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto in F minor, an idiomatic and highly personal work that only could have been composed by one of the greatest pianists of all time. Johannes Brahms spent nearly 20 years struggling to compose his First Symphony. With that behind him, the great German Romantic composer dashed off his Symphony No. 2 while on a summer vacation. A friend who was among the first to hear it before its premiere told Brahms, “It is all rippling streams, blue sky, sunshine and cool green shadows.”

Sun. May 17 – All Tchaikovsky

Originally performed February 8, 2019

TCHAIKOVSKY:At Bedtime

TCHAIKOVSKY:Variations on a Rococo Theme for cello and orchestra, Op. 33

TCHAIKOVSKY:Nocturne for cello and orchestra

TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 4

Marcelo Lehninger, conductor 

Andrei Ioniță, cello 

Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus

Tchaikovsky was one of the greatest composers of melody who ever lived. In his late 30s, the unabashed romantic truly hit his stride. In just four years from 1875 to 1879, Tchaikovsky premiered his First Piano Concerto, his Violin Concerto in D Major, his ballet Swan Lake, and his opera Eugene Onegin.Nestled among these are his deeply emotional, fateful Symphony No. 4 and his exquisite Variations on a Rococo Theme. Andrei Ioniță, winner of the Gold Medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, is soloist in Tchaikovsky’s only major work for cello and orchestra.

Sun. May 24 – Elgar’s Enigma Variations

Originally performed March 1-2, 2019

SAWYERS:Valley of Vision(US Premiere)

WALTON: Concerto for Violin

ELGAR: Enigma Variations 

David Lockington, conductor

James Crawford, violin

The British are coming, the British are coming, led by English-born conductor David Lockington.

Edward Elgar mysteriously composed each of his 14 Enigma Variationswith a particular friend in mind. The exquisite “Nimrod” Variation, performed for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, is heard at the end of the 2017 film Dunkirk. James Crawford, Concertmaster of the Grand Rapids Symphony, is soloist on William Walton’s Concerto for Violin, written for and premiered by the great American virtuoso Jascha Heifetz. Grand Rapids Symphony has previously performed several works by Philip Sawyers, a childhood friend of Lockington’s.

Sun. May 31 – Brahms’ Symphony No. 4

Originally performed Oct. 24-25, 2014

PONCHIELLI: Il Convegno

BRAHMS: Symphony No. 4

Kynan Johns, guest conductor

David Shiffrin, clarinet

Suzanna Dennis Bratton, clarinet

Composed at the height of his career as a composer, Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 was an immediate hit at its premiere in October 1885. Much like Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and Schubert’s “Great” Symphony, Brahms’ last symphony has achieved the immortality and enduring popularity of the final symphonies of those composers. The 19thcentury composer Amilcare Ponchielli is little remembered today apart his “Dance of the Hours” from his opera La Giaconda. But the prolific Italian composer wrote many works for orchestra and bands including Il Convegno, a virtuoso showpiece for two clarinetists, featuring dazzling technical brilliance from both guest clarinetist David Shiffrin and GRS principal clarinetist Suzy Bratton.

Kentwood electronic recycling business opens online store

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,
Take a peek inside Valley City Electronic Recycling. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

In the wake of today’s COVID-19 world, Valley City Electronic Recycling, (VCER) a certified B-Corp and licensed large quantity universal electronic waste handler, has announced a new way to purchase electronic items through its online Tech Store.

Launched in April 2020, VCER’s new online retail store offers the same quality refurbished computers and electronics that customers would find in the company’s brick and mortar Tech Store in Kentwood. Items include Apple products, Google Chromebooks, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and HP EliteBook laptops, HP EliteDesk and Dell OptiPlex desktops, printers, hard drives, monitors, networking equipment and more.

“We recognized there’s a need to be able to deliver technology to people in a safe and sustainable manner – particularly now when so many people are working from home and kids are getting their education in a virtual format,” said Valley City Electronic Recycling President Jason Kehr. “We’ve been thinking about doing this for a number of years, but this crisis really pushed us into doing it sooner, especially since our brick and mortar store is temporarily closed to the public due to Michigan’s stay-home order.”

While its brick and mortar store remains closed, Valley City Electronic Recycling has opened an online store. (WKTV)

In addition to VCER’s eBay store, customers can access VCER’s online retail store through its website and make their purchase online. Once the online purchase is complete, customers will receive an email notification and coordinate a time for curbside pickup at its location at 2929 32nd St SE in Kentwood.

“We are taking all precautionary safety measures in accordance with all federal CDC, local and state health department guidelines and following social distancing best practices when it comes to local pick-up orders,” Kehr said. “With our inventory constantly evolving, we hope to offer nationwide shipping in the near future.”

If a customer has a question about an item, or would like more information, they can call the VCER Tech Store at 616-421-3385 or email: VCTechStore@valleycityer.com.

Metro Health grateful for the outpouring of community support and donations

3-bottom, , ,
Kentwood’s Buddy’s Pizza stopped by with some of its Detroit-style pizzas. (Supplied)

By Jamie Allen
Metro Health

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health and the Metro Health Hospital Foundation would like to express gratitude for the outpouring of support from local businesses, restaurants and community members.

“West Michigan is stepping up to rally around the health care community and we are so grateful,”said Greg Meyer, Chief Community Officer, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health. “We are working around the clock to ensure that our staff has the supplies and equipment needed to save lives and continue to provide safe, excellent care to our patients.”

Hudsonville Ice Cream provided some sweet treats to Metro Health – University of Michigan Health staff. (Supplied)

A few highlights include:

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) and other vital supplies donated from nearly 250businesses and individuals including Byrne Electric, Sherwin Williams, Amway, Steelcase,Home Depot, Lowe’s, Planet Fitness and Mitten Brewing.
  • Delicious meals and snacks for employees from more than 50 restaurants, businesses and individuals including Camp Bow Wow Byron Center, The Gluten Free Bar, CSA of West Michigan, Hudsonville Ice Cream, Buddy’s Pizza, Chick-Fil-A, Grand Rapids Griffins, Nuance Communications, Sprinkles Donuts and Pizza Parliament Food Truck.
  • Patient and caregiver messages submitted by the community through Metro Health’swebsite, handwritten cards for staff and inspiring signs and sidewalk chalk art.
  • City of Wyoming and the Wyoming Fire Department display of the American flag outside of the hospital.
  • Locally-made gifts for moms that deliver at Metro Health during visitor restrictions purchased with a grant from the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.
  • Nearly $121,000 distributed to 88 Metro Health employees facing financial hardships related to COVID-19 from a relief fund established by the Metro Health Hospital Foundation. This is funded by the generosity of fellow staff members and community donors.“The Metro Health Hospital Foundation is honored to be involved in these efforts, but it’s the community’s generosity that has made these added resources possible,” said Jaime Counterman, Director of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation. “We want to thank the community for their compassion during these unprecedented times.”

New moms received locally made gifts purchased through a grant. (Supplied)

Metro Health continues to accept donations of unused PPE, inspiring messages for patients and meals for our hardworking staff. All donation information can be found on metrohealth.net/covid- 19-updates.

Please also visit metrohealth.net/covid-19-updates for the most up-to-date information from the CDC and resources to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This says it all. (Supplied)

Kelloggsville asking for sinking fund to help with long-term projects

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
The playground at Southeast Elementary. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The playground at Kelloggsville’s Southeast Elementary is a mismatch of different equipment: silver monkey bars that look like they are from the 1970s mixed in with what seems like newer bright blue swings, a slider, and balance equipment.

It is easy to tell that the equipment has been used — a lot. The bright blue paint on the slider has been chipped away to reveal the metal. The slides with scratches are now a faded pink and the monkey bars have a slight bent in them.

Southeast Elementary and the district’s West Elementary are two of Kelloggsville’s oldest buildings. Admitting he is not certain of their age, Eric Alcorn, Kelloggsville’s auxiliary services director, said he estimates Southeast Elementary to have been built in the 1950s or early 1960s.

Playground upgrades at the two elementary buildings are on a long list of proposed projects that will be funded if Kelloggsville voters approve a May 5 proposed 1.0 mill sinking fund request.

West Elementary would be the first school to receive new lockers, carpet, playground upgrades and parking lot repaving. (WKTV)

“With our newest elementary building, we want to make sure that all the buildings are up-to-date and that all our students are benefiting from the rewards by being able to grow both physically and mentally,” Alcorn said.

As district officials proposed a 2018 bond request for a new elementary building (which was approved by voters), they made it clear that the new building was part of a long-term plan to update and modernize the district’s elementary schools. The sinking fund request is the next step in that plan with Superintendent Samuel Wright stating on the district’s website that “A plan has been made to identify items that are necessary to keep our buildings in excellent shape and aren’t exactly recognizable. Items such as parking lot paving, HVAC, roofs, and energy conserving projects are expensive and additional funds are needed to complete these projects.”

In Michigan, a sinking fund is a millage levied to support school safety improvements, technology improvements, and the repair and construction of school buildings. It is a “pay as you go” system that does not require borrowing money or paying interest. A sinking fund milage is calculated using the taxable value of a home, which is usually about half of the assessed value. For example, Kelloggsville Public Schools is asking for 1.0 mill. On a house valued at $100,000, the taxable value is $50,000. The annual cost to a Kelloggsville taxpayer would be $50, which is about 96 cents a week.

A sinking fund is for up to 10 years. Kelloggsville’s sinking fund request would run from 2020 – 2029. It is estimated that within the first year, 2020, the district would receive about $371,073.

An important aspect to a sinking fund, which Alcorn pointed out, is that money from that fund can not be used for things like regular maintenance, purchasing teaching supplies or textbooks, or paying teacher and administrator salaries. In fact, the law requires districts with sinking funds to keep these funds separate from the district accounts and a district also must have s separate auditor each year of the funds to ensure they are being spent appropriately.

“The fund will help us pay for long term projects that in the end will help us not have to pull from the general funds to help pay for it,” Alcorn said, adding by creating a fund that allows for the district to handle building and safety concerns, the district is able to maintain school services without concerns of having to use money for an emergency. 

“We are not in a situation where an emergency needs to be addressed,” Alcorn said. “However, we do not want to have to make a decision that would move money away from student services because of a need.”

School officials have made a wish list over the 10-year life of the sinking fund of items they would address in the district’s facilities. Year one would focus on West Elementary receiving new carpet, lockers, playground upgrades, and the parking lot would be repaved. The second and third year would focus on Southeast Elementary, which would receive playground upgrades, repaved parking lot that would include a bus loop, and classroom remodels. In fact, over the 10 years, every building in the district, which also includes the Early Childhood Learning Center, the middle school, high school and the alternative high school, 54th Street Academy, would benefit from the fund by receiving roof replacements, classroom updates and parking lot repaving.

 

If the sinking fund is approve, in year 9 the 54th Street Academy would receive a roof replacement and in year 10, its parking lot would be repaved. (WKTV)

Voting by Absentee

Kelloggsville Public Schools has about 2,400 students enrolled for the 2019-2020 school year, with Alcorn noting the district continues to grow. While most Kent County school districts are pretty much contained to one area, Kelloggsville Public Schools has about half its students in the City of Wyoming and the other half are from the City of Kentwood.

Alcorn said the district was just gearing up to inform voters about the sinking fund request when the Stay Home, Stay Safe order took effect on March 24. In April, the governor issued an executive order that the May 5 elections would be done “to the greatest extent possible” by absentee voter ballots.

Residents who have not received a notice for an absentee ballot may request one from their local clerks office. The Kelloggsville Public Schools’ website also has information on how to obtain an absentee ballot. The ballot must be mailed and received by 5 p.m. May 1 or you may bring the ballot to your city’s clerk’s office on the day of the election, May 5, by 8 p.m.

Also according to the May 5 elections order, the clerk’s office in both cities will be open for people to request, fill out and return an absentee ballot. Voters may also register and vote that day as well. According to the Kelloggsville website, you may request ballot up until 4 p.m. on May 5 and you have until 8 p.m. to return an absentee ballot.

For specific guidelines on May 5 voting, visit the City of Wyoming Clerk’s Office page or the City of Kenwood Clerk’s Office page.

Essence Restaurant Group positions for post-COVID dining habits with new takeout concept

3-bottom,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

A dining concept that the leaders of Essence Restaurant Group were planning to introduce in the future has been fast-tracked due to the coronavirus pandemic and the state’s “Stay home. Stay safe.” social distancing mandate. Effective May 1, Jimmy Berger’s Chicken Shack will debut as a pop-up, carryout restaurant at 919 Cherry Street. Jimmy Berger’s replaces the award-winning Grove restaurant that Essence operated for nine years until closing March 16 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Although Essence owners hoped to reopen Grove after state mandates expired, it became clear early in the crisis that Grove’s intimate-setting concept would no longer work in a post-pandemic, social-distancing dining environment. So, a concept that Grove head chef Mike Borraccio had been discussing for future rollout suddenly became a reality, and plans were quickly put in place to make Jimmy Berger’s Chicken Shack a reality.

Essence managing partner James Berg (Supplied)

As the name implies (also a twist on Essence managing partner James Berg’s name), chicken will be the central culinary theme, with initial menu items including various rub-roasted chickens and parmesan chicken sandwiches. Traditional Southern side dishes will also be offered, ranging from baked beans, hand-cut waffle fries, mashed potatoes, braised greens and other favorites. Operating as a “pop-up” concept will allow Essence to quickly adjust menu items and add new offerings based on customer feedback and dining habits.

Essence Restaurant Group managing partner James Berg alluded to possible changes at Essence and the regional dining scene in a March 23 heartfelt post on all Essence brand social media sites (Grove, The Green Well, Bistro Bella Vita). In the first person message Berg acknowledged that Essence would be as fluid as possible moving forward. 

“We recognize not all restaurants will be able to remain in business during this crisis. We are fighting for our survival along with our colleagues in hopes that the industry will recover. We are hopeful we will once again employ more than 100 team members—but we can only do that if we make it to the other side of this pandemic intact.” Berg wrote in the post. “We are not special; we are not curing diseases; we are simply feeding people in hopes that we can survive and continue contributing to our community once this is over.”

Berg’s 30-year restaurant-industry wisdom was correct, as many regional and national restaurants had to shutter or pivot to survive this pandemic. Still, closing the highly acclaimed Grove was tough.

“To all of our incredible guests that helped make Grove one of Michigan’s best-ever restaurants, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Without your passion and support, Grove would not be leaving such a solid legacy,” Berg said. “But, there is a silver lining,” he adds, referring to the new pop-up concept.

head chef Mike Borraccio (Supplied)

Headed by Grove’s head chef Mike Borraccio, who had the concept in mind for a while, Essence leaders decided that now is an ideal time to introduce the concept to Grand Rapids.

“This is the type of concept that the Essence senior leadership team was planning to introduce in the future, but the future is now, so we’re going with it,” said Mike Borraccio. “We’re excited to bring this fun, pop-up concept to Grand Rapids!”

For the time being, this concept will be carryout only; however, once the stay-home order has lifted, Jimmy Berger’s plans to offer limited, fast-casual seating and catering. Although some information is still being finalized, customers can learn more about the restaurant at jimmybergers.com.

Although the West Michigan dining landscape is in a state of uncertainty, Berg was certain that something would need to change with the Essence offerings, so it was better to be proactive and transparent on the changes.

“We are known for being a leader and innovator when it comes to dining concepts,” adds Berg. “We know that taking risks puts us in a vulnerable position, but the outpouring of support we received from that post reminded me that this market is for us, and we owe guests and followers transparency and honesty; we know they want to see us succeed.”

He continued, “We had to make some hard adjustments, but we’re always reaching for new, unique ways to serve this market.”

As Essence ramps up for Jimmy Berger’s Chicken Shack opening, it also has been preparing its other concepts, The Green Well in East Hills and the flagship Bistro Bella Vita in downtown Grand Rapids, to be ready when the state mandates expire.

Since the beginning of the quarantine period, The Green Well quickly pivoted to a carryout and online ordering operation. That process has worked so well that Essence leaders plan to put a heavy emphasis on carryout and online ordering once it morphs back into full-service operations.

Bistro Bella Vita will also return as a full-service concept once it’s safe to do so. Essence leaders are planning on a phased approach to returning to full-service by incorporating physical distancing practices to ensure the health and safety of its guests. Bistro’s large dining room areas will serve as an advantage, as it can easily accommodate guests looking for an exceptional dine-in experience while also having adequate space between seating areas.

 

Upon Bistro’s reopening, Essence’s executive chef Jeremy Paquin will work with Bistro’s head chef Dan Blanchard to elevate Bistro’s Modern French and Italian cuisine. General manager and beverage manager Tristan Walczewski will oversee the service team and wine program.

“Together this experienced team will reopen Bistro Bella Vita as the culinary destination in Michigan,” Berg noted.

GVSU expert shares what astronauts can tell us about enduring isolation

3-bottom, , ,

By Peg West
Grand Valley State University

With federal guidelines for social distancing extended because of the COVID-19 pandemic and much of the country under stay-at-home orders, a large segment of the population is dealing with isolation for the foreseeable future.

Deana Weibel, GVSU professor of anthropology (GVSU)

Among us is a small segment of the population that understands isolation in a way no one else can. Astronauts have had to find ways to handle isolation to get the job done, to get along with each other and for their overall well-being, said Deana Weibel, professor of anthropology, whose research focus includes space exploration.

Weibel, who recently wrote an article for The Space Review about this issue, shares some lessons astronauts have learned that can apply to everyone in these extraordinary times. The upshot: Even though it’s serious business in space, diversions are crucial for tolerating isolation.

• Have a schedule

With nowhere to go, it is easy to fall into the trap of days almost numbingly running together. What astronauts know, Weibel said, is that having a schedule creates the structure necessary to break up the days and provide mental stimulation.

NASA gives astronauts a significant list of tasks to complete in each 24-hour period, often more than the astronauts can finish, Weibel said.

 

“You’re staying so busy, isolation isn’t really an issue because you always have the next thing to do,” Weibel said.

• Communicate with others outside your current small world

As they move about in the heavens, astronauts have the constant of the ground crew’s voices in their heads, Weibel said. That is a crucial line of support, but astronauts count on more.

 

Even as they orbit the Earth, they can have instantaneous communication with loved ones using a variety of devices, Weibel said. They may be busy with tasks and sometimes carrying out risky maneuvers, but they know how important it is to reach out beyond their confines.

That shows the power of real human connection, which plays out on Earth right now in the popularity of video meetings, video parties and video chats with friends. “If this had happened even 20 years ago we couldn’t have done that,” she said.

• Celebrate milestones, make special efforts to connect, pitch in and look for morale boosters

Weibel said research has shown that isolation can be one of the major causes of conflict with crew members who are confined together for extended periods. She cited work by anthropologist Jack Stuster, who had astronauts keep diaries during their missions.

Some of the conclusions drawn can help those in isolation from wearing on each other as the weeks go by, she said.

Ideas: Be sure to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other passages of time. Little surprises like an unexpected item in the food stash for astronauts can give them a mental boost, Weibel said. So, too, might a splurge treat for a family member in a grocery order or preparing a loved one’s favorite meal.

Speaking of meals, having them together helps with a meaningful connection, Weibel said. Designated nights for movies or a TV series gives everyone something to anticipate, including astronauts. Scott Kelly, who recently wrote about his experiences with isolation while in space, said he binge-watched Game of Thrones twice.

And be sure chores are evenly distributed to cut down on potential resentment while being cooped up. Again, that was important for astronauts, research found.

• Get some fresh air

Weibel noted that astronaut and West Michigan native Christina Koch, who returned to Earth in February from the International Space Station, talked of being eager for outdoor sensory experiences such as feeling a breeze. That yearning shows nature is a balm, and many of those isolated on Earth right now can experience it by getting outside.

The benefit of a walk? Much-needed exercise, something astronauts also swear by, though they have special reasons given their environment. “Astronauts will lose bone mass if they don’t,” Weibel said.

GVSU New Music Ensemble’s newest album features pieces inspired by national parks

Entertainment, ,

By Peg West
Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University’s New Music Ensemble is set to release an album featuring compositions inspired by the scenery of national parks.

Dawn Chorus will be released April 24 on Innova Recordings and will be available everywhere, said Bill Ryan, ensemble director. The 11-track recording features works created to reflect the splendor of Arches, Badlands, Capitol Reef, Grand Teton, Wind Cave and Yellowstone national parks.


Dawn Chorus Director Bill Ryan speaks before the group’s performance. (Supplied)

It is the fifth commercial recording for the nationally acclaimed group.

Ryan has led the ensemble on three tours of national parks to play compositions he has specially commissioned to correlate with each park; a fourth tour planned for this summer has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Composers for these tours were chosen for their strong connection to the natural environment, Ryan said. Each piece reflects the feature of a particular park that inspired the composers, such as its vastness, its landscape or its wildlife.

The album includes all of the pieces from the 2016 tour as well as some from 2014, Ryan said. Two of the composers are Grand Valley alumni who were students when they wrote the pieces: Ashley Stanley and Niko Schroeder.

Ensemble members, all since graduated, recorded the music at Solid Sound Studios in Ann Arbor, Ryan said.

“When we initially started doing this project, I didn’t have the idea of recording it in my head,” Ryan said. “After getting incredible pieces from the composers, I started looking for a way to share it with an audience beyond the national parks.”

Dawn Chorus has been on three tours of national parks to play compositions especially commissioned to correlate with each park. (Supplied)

Founded in 2006, the ensemble is an undergraduate group that focuses on contemporary music. The ensemble has received recognition from national publications and performed throughout the country.

During this period of remote learning and communication, Ryan reached out to students and alumni to record a piece of music for a video showing what life is like on tour with the ensemble. Each player performed an individual part to a click track — some even using just their phones — and then the music was assembled.

The trailer to Dawn Chourus’ new CD. (Supplied)

GVSU graduating senior writes ‘An Original Song for the (COVID) Class of 2020’

Entertainment, , , ,

By Peg West
Grand Valley State University

Sentimentality is a time-honored emotion for graduating seniors, and Joseph VanArendonk was feeling that heavily as he approached his last week at Grand Valley State University. 

What sets VanArendonk and his peers apart is the unprecedented mix of emotions that comes from experiencing a lifetime milestone during the pandemic of a lifetime.

VanArendonk channeled those feelings by writing his first ever song: “An Original Song for the (COVID) Class of 2020.”

The piece came together in a weekend. As he wrote a song full of the sentimentality and sadness he was feeling, he also found himself thinking about the he response to the pandemic itself, the lack of social distancing he had witnessed just that day and the strife it is causing.

“The song is just really my internal monologue that rhymes,” said VanArendonk, a human resource management major who is also president of the campus student a capella group, Euphoria.

So the next day he and some his friends, using proper social distancing, of course, recorded scenes for the video about the recommended ways to handle the pandemic, providing a change of tempo in the song and a message: “Understand that you are not alone.”

The result is about three-and-a-half minutes of catharsis and reflection, as well as gratitude and a little levity.

And VanArendonk is looking forward with hope amid the uncertainty. “It lifted my spirits to see an actual date set (Oct. 10) for the postponed commencement. Seeing a solid date is something I have recently learned to value,” he said.

Just the Facts: Scientists debate how to reopen the world

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, , ,

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Getting Off the Life Raft

“We’ve managed to get to the life raft,” says epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH), in a recent AAAS/Science Magazine article. “But I’m really unclear how we will get to the shore.”

The article states that as governments move forward, there are many things officials will have to consider such as health of citizen, freedoms of the population, and economic constraints. Countries will be follow different paths to reopen as there is no controlled experiments to compare the effectiveness of different social distancing measures with one expert noting the comparisons of these paths could be revealing. 

Breaking those habits

As the debate continues on when U.S. states and cities will reopen, one item everyone can agree on is that to beat the pandemic, everyone will need to make a change in their behavior. Throughout the crisis, people have been ordered to seek protection in large and small ways from washing their hands to avoiding almost all physical contact.

According to an AAAS/Science Magazine article, politicians, executives and Facebook and Twitter leaders have consulted with Robb Willer, a sociologist at Stanford University who has recruited more than 40 top behavioral sciences to help determine how to steer people into certain actions.

U.S. Census Delayed

When it comes to the U.S. Census, it appears U.S. leaders are in agreement: data collection is going to be delayed. The Trump administration has requested that Congress give the Census Bureau a four-month extension, until April 30, 2021, to deliver its data to the president and another four months to tell each state how many seats it will hold in the 435-member House. 

The reason for the request, according to an article in AAAS/Science Magazine, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Census Bureau to delay sending out enumerators to track down anyone who hasn’t already completed the 10-question census that became available last month. Field operations are expected to continue until the end of October, making it impossible to meet the current statutory deadlines, which had field work being completed on Aug. 14. 

Start Garden awards more than $300,000 to 68 entrepreneurs experiencing financial strain

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Just 10 days after announcing an aggressive relief effort that pivoted its annual 100 business ideas competition, The Start Garden 100, into a fund for existing entrepreneurs, Start Garden announces it has selected grantees of its 100 Comeback Fund. Launched April 7, entrepreneurs had 100 hours to apply for a grant from a $300,000 fund. Just yesterday, a review committee awarded more than $300,000 to 68 entrepreneurs.

It was a whirlwind experience for the Start Garden team and entrepreneurs, but organizers knew the process needed to be quick as time and money is precious for so many entrepreneurs that are trying to navigate the next 100 days. 

“Each day we talk to entrepreneurs, many say that time is their biggest enemy,” said Jorge Gonzalez, Start Garden co-director. “When their April 1 bills came due, it was a serious blow. We knew they needed money before May 1, so we compressed what’s normally six months of work into three weeks. With so many requests, we wished we could do more. We’re confident we did the best we could as fast as possible.”

The results of the 100 hour application process:

  • 430 applications submitted.
  • $5.6 million in requests.
  • 70% of fund requests were for $10,000 or less.
  • 68 applicants were selected to receive funds.
  • Selections were made & entrepreneurs notified in less than 100 hours.
  • 88% of recipients indicated a household income of less than $60,000.
  • 44% of recipients are female. 56% male.
  • 35% of recipients are African American. 32% are Caucasian. 25% are Hispanic. 4% are Asian. 3% identified as Other.

“New business owners frequently pay everyone else before themselves. Almost instantaneously, their ability to provide for their own families was compromised,” said Start Garden co-director Paul Moore. “These funds targeted eliminating that problem for an entrepreneur as they spend the next few months navigating the daily changing landscape of how to make a comeback.” 

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic reached Michigan, the decision was quickly made to pivot funds to The 100 Comeback as Start Garden leaders knew that new entrepreneurs often defer paying themselves in order to grow their business and they can’t lay themselves off. Almost all federal and state small business relief comes in the form of loans, and many new businesses can’t risk the additional leverage.

“The need for entrepreneur financial support is unlike anything we’ve ever seen right now,” said Start Garden co-director Darel Ross II. “People think a business owner is taking home the biggest check. Most don’t realize they’re investing that money into their people and business. In the small business and tech startup community, the financial impact of the COVID-19 shut down hits employers and employees alike.”

“The decision making process was quite emotional,” adds Start Garden program director Laurie Supinski. “Each entrepreneur has such a unique set of problems, which having the 100 second video in the submission was critical to understanding. Their resilience and creativity is so inspiring, and the heartbreak is very real right now. We remain hopeful that this venture will help keep 68 talented entrepreneurs going instead of folding.”

Learn more about The 100 Comeback: https://100.startgarden.com/

The 68 Recipients: 

5F Ventures, LLC

AgHelp

Any Colour You Like Treats LLC

Arebelo & Associates

Art Caribbean Fusion Cuisine

Aztech

Bare All LLC

BattleGR

Blackbird RSVP

Break Room Therapy

Bryan Esler Photo

Chez Olga LLC

CNN Cleaning, LLC

Daddy’s Dough Cookies

Dime & Regal

Edgerow Property Management

El Globo Restaurant

El Granjero Mexican Grill

Emonae Korean BBQ

EverythingAB

Flip Dog Yoga

Germination Labs

Grand Rapids Sport & Social Club

Graped Out

Guelaguetza Designs

Irie Kitchen

Jose Abreu Graphic Studio, antiguamente Koren Graphic Design*

KOKI

La Casa del Pollo Loco

Lawnbot

Life Addicts Studio

Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano

Little Space Studio

Littlebird, That Earlybird, Kingfisher

Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate

Luxe Artisan Preserves

Matt Everitt Productions

Michigan Clinical & Therapeutic Massage

Michigan House Creative

Mindset Meals

Mosbys Popcorn

Muse GR

New Valley Landscape LLC

Noble Strong Training LLC

Old World Olive Co.

Pack Elephant

PhotoUp

Polished Nail Bar & Spa

Pottery Lane

Rising Grinds Cafe

Rogers Wealth Management Services, LLC

RYE Venue Management LLC DBA The Lit GR

SlothWerks LLC

Soldadera Coffee LLC

Sparkle All The Time

Supreme Focus Ent (Dj Composition)

Sympl.

Tacos el Cunado

The Comedy Project

The G-1:27 Collection

The Hot Spot Metal Studio

The Wisdom Center LLC

United Freedom Painting LLC

VIVE MICHIGAN Magazine

Wallway Technologies & Women in Tech with Ariana Podcast

Wear Your Curls

Wimage, LLC

Wormies 

COVID-19 could not stop the wedding bells from ringing for one West Michigan couple

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Melaine Bork and Bradley Wernette were not about to let COVID-19 prevent them from getting married. The couple tied the knot April 13 at Metro Health. (Supplied)

April is a big time for weddings and like many couples, Melanie Bork and Bradley Wernette were looking forward to their special day on April 17 in Petoskey, Mich. However, one uninvited guest — COVID-19 — crashed the party before it could even get started.

Both essential employees working at Metro Health – University of Michigan Health — Bork is a a nurse in the post-anesthesia recovery unit and Wernette is a physician assistant in neurosurgery — the couple faced long hours ahead on the front lines of battling the coronavirus. That and a governor’s executive order limiting gatherings met the Petoskey wedding was not going to happen.

But Bork and Wernette were not about to let anything stop them from getting hitched.

Metro Health chaplain John DeVries (center) officiated the ceremony. (Supplied)

“We can say that we’re more excited about the marriage than one day of a party and a wedding,” Bork said. “We’re more excited about the rest of our lives and a marriage.”

They picked a new venue, the place they happened to be at the most, Metro Health, and reached out to the hospital’s chaplain, John DeVries. DeVries has married other people at the hospital, but it is normally when a patient is too sick to have a wedding anywhere else, adding that this was a much nicer experience, despite the less-than-perfect venue.

“It is really nice to have a wedding to focus on and to show there are good things going on during this unprecedented time,” DeVries said.

Social distancing guidelines were followed for the April 13 wedding of Melaine Bork (second from right) and Bradley Wernette (right). (Supplied)

So a few days earlier from their original date, the couple tied the knot on Monday, April 13, with two co-workers as witnesses and DeVries officiating the ceremony, and of course, all social distancing guidelines being followed. Metro Health also was able to stream the ceremony for the couple’s family members to watch and enjoy the special union.


The couple is not alone. Across the country, there have been reports of couples finding ways to say their “I dos,” from one couple stepping outside for their “walk” to another having a drive-by wedding.

The couple, who reside in Hudsonville, hopes to have a party with the 110 friends and family who were planning to come to the Petoskey ceremony this summer to celebrate their nuptials as well as taking their postponed honeymoon to Hawaii.

The couple’s friends and family were able to watch the wedding via streaming. (Supplied)

‘Hallelujah’ It’s the weekend!

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , , ,
The Grand Rapids Symphony and Chorus perform “Hallelujah”. Sound mixing done by Jay Round. Video editing by Glen Okonoski and Steve Secor. (Grand Rapids Symphony)

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk
Grand Rapids Symphony

Though the concert halls are empty, the musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphonyand Symphony Chorus have not been silent.

More than 70 musicians of the orchestra and chorus have banned together to create a virtual performance of the “Hallelujah” Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

The production led by Music Director Marcelo Lehninger debuted Thursday evening. You can see “Hallelujah for Hope: From Our Homes to Yours” here on the Grand Rapids Symphony’s website as well as on its Facebook page and YouTube page.

More than 70 musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus each recorded his or her performance in their own homes, and all of the individual tracks were brought together in the nearly 5-minute performance unveiled on April 9.

“During these extraordinary circumstances, we need music more than ever. Music sustains us and nourishes us. It gives us comfort when we’re troubled and offers hope for renewal,” Lehninger said. “Beethoven said it best: ‘Music can change the world,’ and we agree.”

Grand Rapids Symphony and Chorus members recorded their pieces from home.

The very first performance of Handel’s Messiah was given in April 1742 as a benefit concert to raise money for two hospitals in Dublin. The “Hallelujah” Chorus may be 278 years old, but its message of comfort still rings true, and its promise of hope is just as relevant for us today.

Grand Rapids Symphony selected the most famous chorus from the best-known oratorio in the English language because it’s so well-known and because it uses both orchestra and chorus.

“Because of its message of hope, as well as the importance of expressing joy for the gift of music, we believe this would be a powerful piece of music to share as a gift to our community,” said Mary Tuuk, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony, who also participated in the virtual performance.

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Grand Rapids Symphony began cancelling concerts and events on Thursday, March 12. The GRS offices closed as of Monday, March 16 with staff continuing to work from home.

Two weeks later, the Grand Rapids Symphony launched From Our Homes to Yours featuring daily solo performances by musicians throughout the Grand Rapids Symphony family. The series debuted March 27 with a video featuring Principal Cellist Alicia Eppinga and Music Director Marcelo Lehninger on piano.

Through the end of April, you can enjoy a new performance every morning at 9 a.m., seven days a week, on the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Facebook page or YouTube page. You also can view the entire lineup of videos already posted on the Grand Rapids Symphony’s From Our Home to Yours page on YouTube.

“In challenging times, we need music more than ever,” Lehninger said. “So our talented musicians will continue to perform from their homes to yours.”

To maintain operations, the Grand Rapids Symphony has launched a fundraising campaign titled Music More Than Ever: From Our Home to Yours. All donations to the campaign (up to $5,000) will be matched dollar for dollar by generous friends and supporters who have pledged $50,000 in matching funds.

“Although the Grand Rapids Symphony isn’t performing, our musicians and staff still are being paid,” Lehninger said. “You can help us by supporting our Music More Than Ever campaign.”

GVSU expert describes local economy “like a train wreck in slow motion”

3-bottom, , ,
Brian Long, photo from gvsu.edu

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

In the 40-year history of a Grand Valley State University economic survey, the economic situation in West Michigan has seldom looked this grim, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business.

“Although negative, much of our data collected in the third and fourth weeks of March do not begin to reflect the impact of recent events,” said Long.

Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of March.

The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) slipped to -21 from +7. The production index dropped to -16 from +2. The index of purchases plunged to -30 from +9, and the employment index plummeted to -25 from +9.

Long said the Detroit automakers made good on their promise to report only 2020 quarterly sales, which reflect the aggregate of positive sales months of January and February and the negative month of March. “Even then, sales were off considerably,” he said.

Long said at this early stage, assessing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is almost impossible, but said “we are now in a historical collapse.”

“If, by some miracle, we were to have a viable vaccine in the next few months that could be widely distributed, the economy would quickly begin to recover,” said Long. “However, some marginal businesses have already been forced to close, and there will surely be more to follow. Unfortunately, this crisis is still just beginning.”

The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”

Public Museum announces community documentation project for COVID-19

3-bottom, , ,

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that it is actively collecting digital submissions of community stories, videos and photos related to COVID-19 to ensure the local pandemic experience is documented for future generations. The COVID-19 pandemic will be recorded as a significant event in history and the GRPM encourages all community members to take a moment to reflect and share how COVID-19 has impacted you, your family and community. 

“We want to do our part in making sure that we’re documenting history as it happens, especially since this pandemic has dramatically shifted life for the people of West Michigan and beyond,” said Alex Forist, the GRPM’s Chief Curator. “We hope to collect a variety of stories from community members so we can accurately portray what life was truly like during the pandemic, while also creating an archive for future generations to remember this time.” 

Signs like these on Marge’s Donut Den is just some of the items the Grand Rapids Public Museum is looking to collect. (WKTV)

Once it is safe to do so, the Museum will begin collecting objects related to the pandemic as well. From products and signage made by local businesses, to homeschool lesson plans and grocery lists, the Museum hopes to document everyday life during this time. Donors may indicate objects they are interested in giving to the Museum Collections in the online form at grpm.org/collections. To ensure all health care workers have the resources needed during this time, the Museum will not accept objects or medical items, such as N95 masks, until the crisis is over. 

To submit a story, video or photos, visit grpm.org/collections and click “submit.” People of all ages are encouraged to submit. Children 17 and under may submit their experiences, but must have a parent or guardian sign off on the form. For additional questions, please call 616.929.1809.

The GRPM Collections page on the Grand Rapid Public Museum’s website. (WKTV)

The Grand Rapids Public Library is also collecting stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic to create a shared community memory of this time. Consider sharing your story with both the GRPM and the GRPL. Stories submitted to the GRPL will become a part of the Library’s permanent archival collections and will give scholars, historians and medical researchers a record to study in the future. Learn more at https://www.grpl.org/covid-19-stories/. 

To learn more about the GRPM’s Community Documentation Project, visit grpm.org/collections. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #CommunityCollectingGR to help spread awareness. 

Cyber-scammers taking advantage of COVOD-19 online searches to steal identities

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Tech Trends, ,
Cybercrime is always a problem, but during current COVID-19 restrictions, scammers are taking special advantage of people searching the World Wide Web. (GVSU)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Online scamming is nothing new — according to the Federal Trade Commission the most common categories for fraud complaints in 2019 were imposter scams, debt collection and identity theft, with identity-theft linked credit card fraud reported by more than 167,000 people.

But in the current world of COVID-19 awareness, cybercriminals are targeting Americans who are working from home, and spending more time online, according to a story on consumeraffairs.com by Rob Douglas, identity theft protection contributing editor.

“The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to be wary of cybercriminals exploiting coronavirus fears to steal personally identifiable information (PII),” the Consumer Affairs article states. “Financial information and medical information is especially sensitive right now.”

There is also an increased number of hackers creating malicious websites that spoof legitimate public health resources. For example, a link can seem like it should lead you to a map of “COVID-19 cases near me” could infect your phone or computer with spyware or ransomware.

For reliable information on COVID-19, the public is urged to to visit the Center for Disease Control (cdc.gov) or World Health Organization (who.int) for accurate, safe information about coronavirus trends and statistics.

According to Consumer Affairs, increasingly common COVID-19 scams include:

Fraudulent e-commerce vendors for masks, sanitizers and test kits.

Fraudulent investment sites.

Phishing and vishing through update emails, texts and voicemails.

Spoofed government and health organization communications.

Fake vaccines or “miracle cures”.

Scam employment posts.

Phony charity donation offers.

For the complete ConsumersAffairs.com article, follow this link.

MichiganWorks! hosts virtual job fair

3-bottom, , ,

West Michigan Works! is hosting a virtual hiring event that will include pre-scheduled phone calls for employers to discuss job opportunities with interested job seekers. The registration for this virtual hiring event is live and closes this Friday, April 10, at noon.

In order to best meet employers’ hiring needs during the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive, West Michigan Works! will be hosting a “virtual” job fair on April 21 and 23. 

Employers may register to participate in a morning or afternoon session on each day the job fair is held (register for as many sessions as you like). Each session will include a series of 15-minute time slots in which you will have the opportunity to discuss job opportunities with pre-scheduled candidates (see example below). Prior to the event, you will receive a final schedule with a list of candidates and their contact information. You will then call candidates at the scheduled times to discuss job opportunities.

Hiring Event Sessions:
April 21: 9 a.m. to noon, includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 21: 1 to 4 p.m., includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 23: 9 a.m. to noon, includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)
April 23: 1 to 4 p.m., includes up to twelve scheduled time slots (15 minutes each)

To register, please visit: https://employers.westmiworks.org/virtual-hiring-event-registration/.  Employers will be asked to provide the job titles for which they are hiring for and the PMTC posting URL for each. 

Please note that registration will close on Friday, April 10 at noon.

Maintain a healthy home by disinfecting it

3-bottom, ,

By The Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan

We are all spending more time at home during these challenging and unprecedented times. Social distancing and staying at home are our first line of defense against COVID-19, but we should also be keeping our homes safe and disinfected to prevent possible transmission. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a wealth of guidelines for making your home healthy when it comes to COVID-19.

Those guidelines start with the recommendation to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas. Those surfaces include tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks. How do you do that? Follow these simple guidelines:

  • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
  • For disinfection, you can use diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, or an EPA-registered household disinfectant.
  • If you have a child with asthma, always separate the child from the room being cleaned to avoid the bleach triggering an asthma attack, and do not over-concentrate your cleaning solution.  

Prepare a bleach solution:

     4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, or
     5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. 

Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19.



For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link) that are suitable for porous surfaces.

Follow these guidelines from the CDC to keep your children and family safe during this time.

GVSU economist says recession caused by COVID-19 will be a little bigger than 2008-09 recession

3-bottom, Health,

By Dottie Barnes
Grand Valley State University

Paul Isely, photo from GVSU

It will be June before there is any broad-based restart of any economic activity, said Paul Isely, associate dean and professor of economics in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.

State health officials have said the number of COVID-19 cases in Michigan will peak in early to mid-May. Based on that, Isely said the West Michigan economy will now see a decline larger than $3 billion. 

“Right now, this recession looks like it will be a little bigger than the 2008-09 recession,” he said. “About 41 percent of the $3 billion decline is the slowdown in manufacturing and 26 percent is entertainment, food services and retail.”

Isely said about 10 million people across the country have applied for unemployment during the last two weeks, matching the level of unemployed people in 2009-10. More people are expected to apply in the next two weeks.

“The good news is many of those people have been able to apply for unemployment benefits and most, not all, will be helped by that aid,” he said.

Isely said the crisis caused by COVID-19 will be something economists haven’t seen before in modern times. 

“But, it’s still looking like there’s a possibility of a fast tail on this, meaning manufacturing will be able to ramp up relatively fast — in one to three months — once we get into late May or June,” he said. “And that means this recession, unlike the last three recessions, has the possibility of us recuperating many of those job losses in a relatively short period of time in the course of the year.”