Tag Archives: entertainment

Festival is returning, Mason Street prepares for its season

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Several popular summer events have announced that they will return this summer such as Grand Rapids’ Festival of the Arts. Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Mason Street Warehouse also has announced it summer season.

But first, we start with an event in March.

“Bee” in “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGOs” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum through May 2. (Supplied)

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Artist Sean Kenney of the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s current exhibit “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO Bricks” will be the guest speaker during a March 14 GRPM Facebook live presentation.

The 1 p.m. event will feature Kenney sharing his experience as a professional artist working with LEGO bricks, a behind-the-scenes tour of his studio space and will conclude with Kenny answering questions submitted by viewers in real time.

“I look forward to meeting with members of the GRPM community, and sharing my thoughts on the process of how we bring these sculptures to life,” Kenney said.

“Wild Connections,” featuring several LEGO sculptures created by Kenney, will run through May 2.

The 2021Festival of the Arts will feature Plein Air performances June 4 – 6. (Supplied)

Festival of the Arts

In February, Festival of the Arts announced it would return this June with a different format.

Plein Air will take place June 4 – 6 and will feature artists creating landscape portraits as well as musicians performing throughout the city. Participants are encouraged to pick up their favorite food item from one of the many area restaurants and then come to one of the social zones featuring an artist. The regional art show will be virtual.

In the fall, Festival of the Arts will partner with ArtPrize to host a stage at Calder along with the Festival’s artisan market, featuring local artists and their works. The fall event will take place Sept. 17 – 19.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts announces its summer season. (Supplied)

Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Saugatuck Center for the Arts announced there will be live theater this summer at Mason Street Warehouse.

“Last summer’s outdoor concerts and films were a fantastic dress rehearsal for this summer,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “So we converted our parking lot into a flexible, multi-purpose plaza. We’re now able to host theatre, concerts, markets, classes, special events — and still park on it when needed. Guest will have a fresher, much lovelier experience in the reimagined space.”

Stamm noted that the outdoor plaza stage is smaller than the indoor theater stage. This year guests will see original sets, unique lighting design, and bold costumes during all of the shows. Live musicians will accompany the musical productions.

Three productions will be staged at the renovated outdoor plaza with participants encouraged to bring their own chairs. The season starts June 30 with “Shout! The Mod Musical.” “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” is in July and “Just Too Big! Songs from Broadway Blockbusters” is in August. There will be two Cabaret-series shows, “The Big Red Show!” Sept. 4 and The Best Bad Idea Sept. 16.

 

For more information visit sc4a.org.

Calling all artists: Area institutions prepare for summer exhibits

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

After almost a year of limited exhibitions and other art showcases, several local and regional art institutions have announced upcoming exhibits with a call to local, regional and national artists to participate.

Deadlines are fast approaching for all of these, so if you are interested, move quickly to get an application in.

UICA’s first exhibit will be in July. (Supplied)

UICA

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts will host its first exhibit in its new space at 17 Pearl St. NW. Currently, UICA is accepting submissions for the “Whereabouts: the Influence of Place and Space.”

The exhibit will focus on three parts of the building, the lobby, the corridor, and the display cases. Artists are encouraged to create a dialog between the architecture of the building and work. For the cases, artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the visual storytelling of department store window displays and dioramas. For specific guidelines, visit www.ucia.org.

Deadline for submissions is March 7 with artists being notified of acceptance by March 19.

 

Tulip Time’s Artisan Market will be virtual this year. (Supplied)

Tulip Time

This year, Tulip Time will be hosting a Virtual Artisan Market from April 24 – May 9. The decision was made to support the directives by the Centers for Disease control and State of Michigan, and with guidance from the Ottawa County Health Department.

Artists will have the opportunity get their items in front of thousands of people as the market will be featured on the Tulip Time website, Facebook and Instagram.

Artists interested in participating need to apply by Feb. 28. Those accepted will be notified by March 5. The booth fee is a $100 and must be paid by March 18. For more information, visit https://tuliptime.com/artisanmarket.

Ramsdell has a call to artists for its upcoming “Soul Sisters” exhibit. (Supplied)

Soul Sisters

With the success of its Stay Safe Face Mask Project and exhibit, Mainstee’s Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts has announced it will continue engaging local and regional artists with the exhibit “Soul Sisters.”

Curated by regional artists Lynn Willams and Mary Wahr, “Soul Sisters” is open to anyone how identifies as a woman.

“A soul sister is someone who accepts you — al of you. Let’s be united in our art” is the theme of the show, according to Wahr.

Entires are due by March 5. Up to two pieces of art can be submitted for a $20 fee. The exhibit launches on March 12 and runs through April 16. For more information, visit www.RamdellTheatre.org/SoutSisters-Exhibit.

The Lakeshore Art Festival will be June 26 and 27. (Supplied)

Lakeshore Art Festival

Muskegon’s Lakeshore Art Festival is accepting applications through Feb. 28 for its juried fine art and craft fair. The 2021 event will take place June 26 and 27 and brings in around 60,000 people featuring more than 300 fine art and craft exhibitors, 20 food vendors, children’s activities, street performers and art installations in downtown Muskegon.

To apply, visit www.lakeshorefestival.org. There is a $35 non-refundable application fee.

Snapshots: Closing out February

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You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.

Author C.S. Lewis
The Lakeshore Art Festival will be June 26 and 27. (Supplied)

Calling all artists

Several local and regional art organizations are preparing for summer exhibits and now is the time to apply to be in them. Some of the organizations are Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, Lakeshore Art Festival, and Ramsdell Center for the Arts. For more, click here.

Ansel Adams (American, 1902-1984), “Half Dome, Merced River, Winter from The Photographs of Yosemite Suite” (Silverprint photograph, 1938. Gift of the Friends of Art, 1989)

Marking a 100 years

The Muskegon Museum of Art is celebrating 100th anniversary of the Friends of Art, an independent non-profit organization established in 1921 that promotes the study of art and supports the museum. The museum, located in downtown Muskegon, is featuring two exhibits “Friends of Art: 100 Years” features almost 30 artworks donated by the “Friends” to the museum and “Ansel Adams: The Photographs of Yosemite Suite” which features 24 iconic images taken in the 1940s of Yosemite National Park. Both exhibits run through the beginning of May.


(Photo from Pxhere.com)

Plan your summer

The West Michigan Tourist Association announced it will be hosting a series of virtual travel expos for area residents to explore different travel options. The series starts March 8 with a golf expo, followed by a March 22 women and family expo, and wraps up April 5 with a travel expo. Or residents can just snag one of the WMTA’s tour guides to get an early start on planning their summer adventures. Visit wmta.org.


The Eben Ice Caves in Hiawatha National Forest

The Frozen Caves of Michigan

Kentucky may have the Mammoth Caves, but Michigan has ice caves — specifically the Eben Ice Caves, also known as the River Rock Canyon Ice Caves. About 20 miles south of Munsing, Michigan, in the upper peninsula, the ice caves form every winter. Basically, it is the water seeping from the rock above that freezes into sheets of ice, forming the “cave” between them and the cliff. The entire area is less than 50 yards long but it brings visitors all over to see this marvelous miracle in nature that is only found in Michigan.

Wyoming City Council paves the way for food trucks in the city

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

At Monday night’s City Council meeting, the council approved the last measure to allow food truck vendors in the city along with paving the way for a bike trail along Plaster Creek and the city’s Spring Carnival.

In an unanimous decision, the council approved a new fee structure for food truck vendors to operate within the city. The new fee is $300.

“I have had a conversation with a food vendor outside the city,” said Council member John Fitzgerald. “I can tell you that there is excitement about the opportunity to come into the city of Wyoming which I thought was spectacular.”

Fitzgerald said he was asked if a food truck would be able to use its approved inspection from another city, which City Planner Nicole Hofert said yes.

“This helps as they are only going through the process onetime and streamlining it so it all follows the same code,” Hofert said, adding that the fee was structured in consideration of whether a full inspection or review was needed.

 

Plaster Creek Trail

The City Council unanimously supported the construction of a Plaster Creek Trail along the south side of Plaster Creek Boulevard from Division Avenue to Buchanan Avenue. The project is estimated to be around $604,000, with a portion of the expense for a retaining wall that will be needed. Once constructed, trail users will go under Division Avenue following Plaster Creek. The trail also will provided sidewalk to the Kroc Center and The Rapid bus stop.

The council approval was need for the city to seek a $385,000 Transportation Alternative Grant for the construction, which is scheduled for 2022.


Spring Carnival

The city is planning its Spring Carnival with the Council unanimously approving waiving the city fees for the event which is scheduled for April 23 – May 2 at Lamar Park.

Mayor Jack Poll noted that the city has waived the fees since the city’s Park and Recreations Department has sponsored the event and the funds raised are used to provide scholarships and operations support for the department programs and community grants, and funds for the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance. 


Appointments

Alexander Fera was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission and LeighAnn TeBos was appointed to the Community Enrichment Commission.

Live, local theater may be taking place as early as April

Local Entertainment, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Who would have guessed it would have taken more than a year for local theater to return? Not these actors. (WKTV)

After almost a year since the lights in area theaters went dark, there is a glimmer of hope that the stages may soon be filled with actors, antics and song.

Both Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Circle Theatre have announced upcoming productions starting as early as April along with Coldwater’s Tibbits Opera House announcing that it too will host the Tibbits Young Audiences’ spring musical “The Nifty Fifties” and have a summer theater schedule.

There are other companies, such as Broadway Grand Rapids, which have made the announcement that its 2020-2021 season has been moved to the 2021-2022 season. Actors Theatre Grand Rapids has productions listed but dates have not been announced. 

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Last month, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre announced the Ten for All Festival, a playwriting contest that will feature original 10-minute plays from local playwrights.

“We are thrilled to present this unique festival as we move back toward in-person performance in 2021,” said Grand Rapids Civic Theatre executive and Artistic Director Bruce Tinker. “We are taking advantage of this unique opportunity to open our stage to the many talented playwrights we have right here in West Michigan.”

Submissions are open from now until Feb. 26. From those submission, 12 semi-finalists will be selected, three each from four categories: comedy, drama, youth, and wildcard. During the semi-finals, which will take place March 18 – 21, the 12 selected will be featured in Zoom readings and scored by celebrity judges from around the community. The top-scoring play in each of the four categories will move on to the finals and be publicly performed on stage at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre the week of April 9 – 11.

The finalists will be performed back-to-back as one hour-long program at the Meijer Majestic Theater. Audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece and one play will receive the honor of Audience Choice. Cash prizes are being offered for the Audience Choice winner, finalists, and semifinalists.

“West Michigan is home to so many truly gifted artists and playwrights,” said Civic’s Associated Director Allyson Paris. “We are eager to lend their voices a platform and to open our space to them. Our community is the core of our mission, and this is a unique opportunity for us to showcase that.”

Details on submissions and future contest information is available at www.grct.org/tenforall.

Circle Theatre kicks off its season with a series of concert performances. (Supplied)

Circle Theatre

Last fall, Circle Theater announced its plans to host its 69th Main Stage season. The company’s season will kick off with live concert performances in May that will run throughout the summer and fall. 

“Right now we are hopeful that we will be able to open our first production,” said Circle Theatre Executive and Artists Director Lynne Brown Tepper, “even if it is with reduced capacity. However, as is the case with the other area arts organizations, we will adapt as necessary with any restrictions that may occur at or around that time.”

John Kander’s 1966 musical “Cabaret” will be added to Main Stage season running from July 15 – 31. Set in 1931 Berlin during the waning days of the Weimar Republic as the Nazis are rising to power, the musical focuses on the hedonistic nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around American writer Cliff Bradshaw’s relations with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles.

Next up will be Michael Frayn’s farce “Nosies Off,” which follows the backstage antics as the actors and crew put on a performance. “Noises Off” runs Aug. 12 – 28.

In September will be the iconic musical “Hair,” which follows the hippie counterculture and sexual revolution of the late 1960s. One of the musical’s most famous numbers is “Age of Aquarius.” “Hair” is Sept. 9 – 25.

Also in September will be the Annual Season Party, “American Graffiti: In Concert, which will be Sept. 12.

Virtual concert and performance opportunities are available. All performances are at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center, 1703 Robinson Ave. SE. Tickets and membership packages are on sale. For more information, visit circletheatre.org.

Tibbits Opera House

Tibbits will offer a spring youth performance and a summer theater program. (Supplied)

Tibbits Opera House will host its youth spring musical “The Nifty Fifties” April 23 – 25 at its facility, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater.

The Tibbits Summer Theater will take place at The Ponds event pavilion in Coldwater. The location, according to Tibbits Opera House officials, will provide social distancing and mask-wearing while offering an outdoor venue. 

“If we are outside again, we wanted to capitalize on the beautiful setting and choose shows that fit well in that setting, and if we are able, can just as easily move back to the theatre,” said Artistic Director Peter Riopelle.

 

The summer line-up for Tibbits is “The Best of Broadway,” June 16 – 23; “The Fantasticks, June 30 – July 7; “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, July 14 – 23; and “On Golden Pond,” July 29 – Aug. 6.

For more information, call 517-278-6029 and tibbits.org. 

Snapshots: Things to do this weekend

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Local Entertainment, Local History, , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

Martin Luther King, Jr.


Pretty Lights

The wintery fun continues downtown with the exhibit “Ice Luminaries” running this weekend only, Jan. 29 – Feb. 2. The exhibit features 10 giant icicles with lights frozen in the center that will light the way along the Gillett Bridge located near Ah-Nab-Awen Park. While out and about, make sure to check out the other exhibits such as HYBYCOZO,” a series of large-scale installations and artworks that investigate geometric exploration and patterns through light, shadow, and perception, located at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. For more, click here.


Strike!

WKTV is presenting high school bowling this winter as part of its sports coverage. Hosted by WKTV volunteer Bill Rinderknecht, the WKTV Sports Connection recently sat down with the coaches of the East Kentwood bowling teams to talk about winter sports during the pandemic and the opportunity to have a bowling season. WKTV will be covering another bowling match this Monday, Feb. 1, at 3 p.m.


Got a Second?

We are suppose to be getting a snowstorm on Sunday, which means you might have some downtime. If so, the Kent ISD Board of Education is asking community members for their input on Kent ISD’s next superintendent. The 14-question survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, asks participants to rank skills, character and education traits in determining what qualities would make a good superintendent. Surveys must be turned in by Jan. 31.


William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse on Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. (Wikipedia/Public Domain)

Fun Fact

Michigan has the distinction of the state with the most lighthouses and perhaps one of the most unique is the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, which is made entirely of George marble. Located on Detroit’s Belle Isle, the marble was selected because the builders knew that it would have to withstand Michigan weather. The 58-foot structure has a 47-foot shaft with a bronze light at the top that still functions today. It was completed in 1930 at the cost of about $100,000. William Livingstone was a prominent Detroit resident who was best known for his shipping accomplishments on the Great Lakes, including the creation of a deep-water channel in the lower Detroit River which became known as the Livingstone Channel. For a peek inside the lighthouse, click here.

LowellArts gives audience peek into the music scene during COVID

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,
The Ryne Experience newest album “The Onion”

By Lorain Smalligan
LowellArts

LowellArts announces the debut of a new music program for 2021 – Featured Artist Series: Connecting You with the People Behind the Music – that offers audiences a personal, insider’s view into the current music scene from the perspective of West Michigan’s talented performers. The new program features one artist each month on the LowellArts website. Each Featured Artist of the Month consists of an in depth live-recorded video interview with the artist, an artist profile, and links to past performances. The program series will launch its first feature on Monday, Feb. 1, with Ryne Clarke of The Ryne Experience, who just released a new album called “The Onion Tree.”

The LowellArts Music Committee created this program as a way to support the local music community during the pandemic and beyond. Designed to further the LowellArts mission of connecting artists and audiences, this new series will give West Michigan listeners a chance to meet the people behind the music who have performed at LowellArts events.

Criteria for selecting performers for the series is that the artists must have previously entertained audiences at a past LowellArts event such as a LowellArts Gallery Concert, a Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert, or at the LowellArts Fallasburg Arts Festival. Artists that participate in the program will be eligible to sell CD’s, albums, and digital downloads in the LowellArts gallery as part of a soon-to-be established Gallery Music Store and On-line Store.

The interviewer will ask the artist to talk about a variety of topics such as: how the break from performing due to the pandemic has affected them; how music has changed since they first started performing or recording; and/or how they feel the relationship between artist and listener is evolving in the age of digital streaming services. The interviewer will also invite the artist to perform a song, live for the video interview.

In addition to the Featured Artist of the Month being highlighted on the LowellArts website and social media outlets, the vision is to reach a wider audience by collaborating with media partners. LowellArts is seeking media partners who, upon making a formal commitment, will have the rights to re-publish the content of the feature including; the video interview, article text, photos, pre-pandemic performance video links, and links to the artist website and merchandise. Please contact LowellArts at 616-897-8545 or lorain@lowellartsmi.org if you are interested in becoming a media partner.

More information: www.lowellartsmi.org/featured-artist-of-the-month

Public Museum displays large-scale work by three local artists

Entertainment, ,
“Black Lives Matter” by Jalexia Stoutmyre. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is now featuring a new exhibit, Windows GR, three large-scale art pieces created by local artists of color.



Originally part of the Windows GR project, the three pieces of artwork are now a part of the GRPM’s permanent Collections and will be on display on the second floor of the Museum.

“I Can’t Breathe” by Guillermo Sotelo. (Supplied)

The Museum purchased the three pieces from Grand Rapids artists: Jalexia Stoutmyre, DeVante Barnes and Guillermo Sotelo, that were created specifically for the Windows GR project. On May 30, 2020, a peaceful protest in support of Black Lives Matter was held in downtown Grand Rapids, in response to the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, 2020. Following the protest, riots broke out causing damage to vehicles and buildings. As a result, Windows GR was created, in collaboration with Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts and a special group of creatives, to use the plywood-covered windows as blank canvases, allowing artists to paint pieces to speak out against systemic racism as well as provide a new platform for black and brown artists’ work to be seen and appreciated. Many artists worked collaboratively in this community activation project to paint the boarded up windows of businesses throughout downtown Grand Rapids over the summer of 2020.

“The protests and riots that took place in Grand Rapids this past summer are part of the history of the city. It is the privilege and place of the GRPM to preserve the stories of our community,” said GRPM President and CEO Dale Robertson. “To that end, these local artists’ statements speak to us on the ideals of justice, of systemic racism, and on racial reckoning. They represent and memorialize the community response to the destruction to our downtown which occurred at first light the following day. The Museum is pleased to be able to host these works, and connect with the community in this way.”

“Urban Funeral” by DeVante Barnes (Supplied)

“As a museum, we believe in the importance of building a collection to share stories that reflect the diversity of our community,” said Alex Forist, the GRPM’s Chief Curator. “Sharing the truth about history isn’t always going to be easy, but it’s important that we tell stories as accurately and completely as possible in order to preserve pieces from this moment in time for future generations. By purchasing these pieces, the Museum is honored to assist with amplifying the voices of black and brown artists in our community.”

The artifacts can also be explored on the Museum’s online Collections database, available at grpmcollections.org. This exhibit will be included with general admission. 

Tibbits announces auditions for ‘The Nifty Fifties’

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Tibbits Young Audiences will host auditions Feb. 8 and 9. (Supplied)

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association

Tibbits Young Audiences will move forward with its spring musical, “The Nifty Fifties”to be presented April 23-25 and will hold auditions for the show at 5 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9 at Tibbits Opera House.

After being forced to cancel last year’s production of “The Secret Garden” the week before opening, the TYA team is excited to get the students back on stage. “The Nifty Fifties” by Tim Kelly with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur is a funny, top-tapping tribute to the 1950s. It tells the story of Gracie Stanley, who has gotten herself into hot water by promising to deliver her distant cousin, rock star Ziggy Springer, for the high school dance.  When Ziggy is unavailable she and her friends decide to fake his appearance. The story takes some turns and features memorable characters include a singing soda jerk, a snooty rival, a “totally square” building owner, a paranoid brother, a beatnik gang and its “bad dude” leader.

Auditions are open to any student in sixth through eighth grades. Students should bring a current, non-returnable photo, their completed audition form, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian; no additional guests will be allowed.  Students must project through their mask for the audition. They will be asked to introduce themselves from stage, read parts from the script, sing a familiar children’s song, and follow some simple choreography.

Audition forms and the part of the script the auditionees will be reading will be available online at Tibbits.org. Rehearsals will begin Feb 15, 2021 and will be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:30; not all roles meet all days. Rehearsals will be in small groups to allow for social distancing and masks will be required. The show will be presented April 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. and April 25 at 2 p.m. at Tibbits.

“The Nifty Fifties” will be directed by Julia Littley and produced by Tirsha Odisher with musical direction by Jayne Lillis. This productionis generously sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Coldwater. Students involved will learn characterization, blocking, costuming, makeup and all aspects of a stage production. Due to current restrictions, several adaptations have been made including reducing the size of the cast to 25 students in order to maintain social distancing.  While the TYA program usually casts 50 students from grades 4-8, because of the limited cast size this production will be limited to older students in sixth through eighth grades.

According to Littley, “We are giving this opportunity to the older students since we are limited to half of what we normally cast. It was a difficult decision and we understand it might be disappointing to our younger students, but rest assured we will open this opportunity back up to those in grades 4-5 as soon as we are able, hopefully by the fall production.”

Tibbits Young Audiences offers programs both for and by area youth to develop their interest in the arts. Two shows yearly, a non-musical in the fall and a musical in the spring, provide students an enjoyable introduction to the world of theatre. By putting on a show, they learn teamwork, discipline, theatre skills, self confidence and an appreciation for the arts.

Auditions will be held at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Mich. Students need only attend one time. Masks are required inside the theatre. For more information call 517.278.6029 or visit Tibbits.org.

Snowmen invade Grand Haven as part of fun February event

Entertainment, ,
Grand Haven Main Street hosts a Build a Snowman contest Feb. 13 – 20. (Photo from Pxhere)

By Vicki Ellis
Grand Haven Main Street

Grand Haven Main Street invites the community to Build a Snowman on Main Street! Snowmen on Main Street is a new event created by Grand Haven Main Street’s promotions committee that showcases the talents of Snowman building at its finest throughout the Main Street District.

Snowmen on Main Street is a new community contest that allows you to express your snowman making talents without using snow (they do have a snowmelt system, after all)! You may enter individually or as a team. Your snowman can be made out of any type of material, though it will be displayed outside, so use weather resistant materials where possible. Your snowman can be 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional. What you create is up to you. Each snowman that is delivered to Grand Haven Main Street on February 10 will be attached to the light posts up & down Washington Avenue (Harbor to Beacon) and along 7th (Washington to Beacon).

“We are ecstatic to be welcoming a new winter event in 2021, Snowmen on Main. Community driven events like these are what bonds our local communities together and drives our Main Street businesses forward,” Grand Haven Main Street Executive Director Jeremy Swiftney stated. “Grab your materials, you and your team, get creative, and stop by to enjoy the historic main street district as the year round destination our community needs.”

The competition will begin on Saturday, Feb. 13, and run through Saturday, Feb. 20. The community is invited to come to Grand Haven Main Street throughout the week and vote for their favorite snowman.

There will be a first place Juried Award and a first place People’s Choice Award – each will win a trophy and bragging rights.

Grand Haven Main Street presents Snowmen on Main Street so…


– Choose your team

– Pick up, complete & return the registration form* by Feb. 1

– Create your vision

– Build your snowman

– Deliver your snowman to GHMS no later than 2/10 (519 Washington Avenue 9am—12noon)

*Registration is posted on Facebook and www.ghdowntown.com

Michigan trees identification program hosted by Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Entertainment,

By Cara Barnes

Dr. Danielle Zoellner, Idle Awhile Farm

W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

Develop the skill to identify trees in their winter form from the warmth of your living room this winter. Join Dr. Danielle Zoellner of Idle Awhile Farm & Forage and the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary online next month to learn to identify common Michigan trees and shrubs using growth form, bark, buds and twigs.

The Winter Twig Identification workshop is set for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, and will be held on Zoom. Participants are encouraged to bring any twigs with buds on them to identify during the workshop. Register by Saturday, Feb. 9, for the link to access the meeting.

  

The cost of participation is $15 for Sanctuary members, and $20 for non-members. Participants may opt to buy the recommended text, “Winter Tree Finder: A Manual for Identifying Deciduous Trees in Winter,” by May T. Watts, which is available for purchase online.

 

The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, open during all four seasons, is a perfect place to practice newfound identification skills. The Sanctuary is located at 12685 East C Ave., one mile north of M-89 and just west of 40th Street. To learn more, visit birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or 269-671-2510. 

Fifth annual ‘Roger That!’ celebration will be virtual

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Roger B. Chaffee Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Museum

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and Grand Valley State University announced today that the annual Roger That! conference and event is returning on Friday, Feb. 19, and Saturday, Feb. 20. Roger That! celebrates space exploration and the life of Grand Rapids native, Roger B. Chaffee, with a multi-day virtual experience, hosted by both organizations. 

“The Museum is thrilled to partner with GVSU for the fifth year to celebrate the life of Roger B. Chaffee and space exploration through a series of free public events,” said Rob Schuitema, the GRPM’s Director of Public Programs. “Although the celebration is virtual this year, attendees are going to be fully engaged and intrigued by the incredible lineup of guest speakers and presentations that address space, science, art and more.”

GVSU will host a virtual academic conference consisting of a diverse lineup of panelists including meteor scientists, engineers, artists, experts on virtual reality, physicists, space collection curators and astronauts. Registration required. For more information on GVSU’s guest lecture lineup, schedule and to register, visit gvsu.edu/rogerthat.

Roger Chaffee died with his fellow astronauts in a training exercise. (Grand Rapids Public Museum)

“Going virtual has allowed us to include speakers from around the country and around the world (Australia and Vatican City) and will also allow conference participants to tune in from everywhere,” said Deana Weibel, event co-organizer and GVSU professor of anthropology. “For instance, we have a visual effects panel composed of Hugo, Emmy and Oscar awardees. Since this year’s event is virtual, we felt it was important to include discussion from members of an industry that helps take us where we can’t be.”

Public events hosted as part of Roger That! include a livestream of a 1925 sci-fi silent film “Our Heavenly Bodies,” accompanied by the acoustics of the GRPM’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ; a webinar led by Dr. Brent Bos, who is a West Michigan native and NASA scientist; and a science fiction panel discussion featuring Hollywood special effects artists. To learn more about public presentations taking place as part of Roger That! visit grpm.org/RogerThat.

Public Virtual Events

 

The GRPM will kick off its public celebration on Friday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. with a special virtual presentation of the 1925 sci-fi German silent film, “Our Heavenly Bodies,” accompanied by the dynamic sounds of the 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. This performance will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance due to limited spots. Tickets are available by visiting grpm.org/RogerThat.

On Saturday, Feb. 20, at noon Dr. Brent Bos, West Michigan native, senior research physicist at NASA Goddard Flight Center, and camera operator of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid mission, will host a webinar titled Bombshells at Bennu: Revelations from NASA’s First Asteroid Sample Return Mission. This webinar will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance due to limited spots. Tickets are available by visiting grpm.org/RogerThat.

The celebration will conclude with a panel discussion, Art and Special Effects in Science Fiction, on February 20, starting at 3 p.m. The panel will be led by four Hollywood special effects artists: Vincent Di Fate, Ron Miller, Robert Skotak and Rick Sternbach. This group of artists have produced Oscar, Emmy and Hugo winning achievements, and will discuss the role of art in science fiction, while focusing on the introduction of special effects in silent films. The panelists will reflect on Friday’s silent film of “Our Heavenly Bodies” as well as share their own stories, experiences and artwork. Q and A will follow. The panel discussion will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance due to limited spots. Register at gvsu.edu/rogerthat.

Visitors are encouraged to continue celebrating space exploration by visiting the GRPM’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, which features a new show Incoming! that explores asteroids, comets and meteors. A live show, created by the GRPM, will accompany the movie portion of Incoming! in partnership with NASA scientist Brent Bos. In addition to the show, the GRPM also partnered with Brent Bos and created a set of new interactive experiences outside of the Chaffee Planetarium. These include a lunar crater station, meteors under a microscope and a meteor pinball machine.

 

The Planetarium lobby also features an exhibit with Roger B. Chaffee related artifacts that tell a detailed story of his life.

The GRPM is open during regular business hours with capacity limits. Advance tickets are required for entry. Planetarium lobby interactives and displays are included with general admission. Planetarium shows are an additional cost and can be purchased at grpm.org/planetarium.

Roger B. Chaffee and the Apollo Tragedy

 

On Jan. 27, 1967, tragedy struck NASA’s Apollo program when a flash fire occurred in command module 012 during a launch pad test of the Apollo/Saturn space vehicle being prepared for the first piloted flight, the AS-204 mission. Three astronauts, Lt. Col. Virgil I. Grissom, a veteran of Mercury and Gemini missions; Lt. Col. Edward H. White, the astronaut who had performed the first United States extravehicular activity during the Gemini program; and Grand Rapids Native Roger B. Chaffee, an astronaut preparing for his first spaceflight, died in this tragic accident. The Grand Rapids Public Museum renamed its planetarium to the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium the same year. The Planetarium was originally opened in 1994 and has gone through renovations to provide the best experience for Planetarium visitors.

Roger B. Chaffee, born in Grand Rapids, MI, was an American naval officer and aviator, aeronautical engineer, and NASA astronaut in the Apollo program.

Holiday lights in Holland to stay up until March

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Kara de Alvare
Downtown Holland

Downtown Holland‘s holiday lights will remain up all winter long to help bring some much-needed light to the community after a difficult year. The lights will remain up until March so they can be enjoyed by Downtown Holland customers, along with numerous walkers and runners who like to take advantage of Downtown Holland’s snowmelt system all winter long.

“We made the decision to leave the lights up because we recognized that the community could use a little light during these long winter days,” said Downtown Development Authority Coordinator Amy Sasamoto. “We invite everyone to Downtown Holland to stroll the brightly lit streets. We hope it’s a gift that helps lift everyone’s spirits!”

The holiday lights in Downtown Holland are installed and maintained by Chips Ground Cover, a local Holland business, and are paid for the City’s Downtown Development Authority. No general taxpayer funds are used for the project. The DDA is funded by a 1.6 mil tax levy paid annually by properties located within the DDA boundaries.

Public Museum to host virtual backyard stargazing program

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Chaffee Planetarium experts will be on hand for a virtual Backyard Stargazing meet-up Feb. 4. (Supplied).

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that a Backyard Stargazing virtual meet-up will be offered to the public on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.

Virtual visitors will journey to the depths of the universe, alongside the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium experts and local astronomer, James Van Prooyen, to learn how radio waves help inform astronomers about a variety of celestial objects including meteor showers, pulsars, gamma ray bursts and more.

“We’re excited to continue offering virtual programs to bring the planetarium experience directly to the homes of people who love science and space exploration,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the GRPM’s Vice President of Science & Education. “We intentionally select program topics to fit the interests of all ages, and work to create engaging environments for families to participate in together.”

 

Backyard Stargazing Meetups are only $2 for GRPM members and $4 for the general public. One ticket link is needed per household. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Tickets can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Calendar. 

Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation. 

The GRPM is open and welcoming visitors. Explore three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic, open through spring 2021. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the new GRPM visitor experience, visit grpm.org/the-grpms-new-visitor-experience/. For updates, please visit grpm.org. 

Meijer Gardens hosts soft opening of new welcome center

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By John VanderHaagen
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has announced the soft opening of the new Welcome Center to the public on Jan. 11 at 9 a.m. The 69,000 square-foot building greatly enhances the arrival, admission and orientation experience for guests. The Welcome Center features contemporary sculpture as well as horticultural elements throughout.

Please note: The Jan. 11 opening is a soft opening, and not all areas of the building will be open and accessible until fall of 2021. Additional information will be sent regarding the Opening Celebration and Dedication.

“The magnificent new Welcome Center is made possible by the generosity of Fred & Lena Meijer, the extended Meijer family and hundreds of individuals, companies and foundations,” said President & CEO David Hooker. “The Welcome Center was created in response to an unprecedented embrace of our mission as reflected in our attendance, membership and donor base growth…Our architects, artists and garden designers have created a place to experience our mission that is truly world-class.”

Located at the beginning of the journey into the 158-acre main campus, the Welcome Center complements the glass architectural lines of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and serves as a place for guests to comfortably purchase tickets or a membership, view an orientation film and receive information about their visit. The design ties together the many parts of Meijer Gardens into a coherent and understandable whole and serves to welcome everyone who enters.

The Welcome Center is comprised of two levels, the Main Level and the lower Courtyard Level. Main Level exterior and interior highlights include an expanded and relocated Peter C. and Emajean Cook Entryway, PNC Portico, expanded and relocated Ram’s Garden, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Ticketing Center, expanded coat room and restrooms, a Mobility Center for complimentary wheelchairs and electric carts, O-A-K Theater and the Garden Pavilion, featuring horticultural displays and the new sculpture titled Utopia by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The Garden Pavilion is scheduled to open later this year. Courtyard Level highlights include an expanded and relocated Peter M. Wege Library, archives and storage, Lievense Indoor Eating Area and a Courtyard Level garden named Mimi’s Garden, featuring a glass enclosed sunken garden that is naturally lit from above.

The new Welcome Center and recently completed Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater and related facilities were designed by architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.

In addition to horticultural details throughout, the Welcome Center will feature prominent works of Contemporary sculpture by celebrated international artists: Jaume Plensa, George Segal, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, El Anatsui, Kenneth Snelson, Alexander Calder and Marshall Fredericks, whose work first caught the eye of Fred Meijer and began his passion for collecting sculpture. Part of the permanent sculpture collection, the placement of these pieces and horticultural elements reflects the greater Meijer Gardens mission as evidenced throughout the Gardens & Sculpture Park.  The exterior and Frey Foundation Plaza leading into the Welcome Center will feature sculpture by Marshall Fredericks, Tony Cregg, Manuel Neri and Henri Laurens.

Boyne Highlands Resort offers enchanted trail full of lights

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Erin Ernst
Boyen Highlands Resort

 Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has opened a new winter attraction, The Enchanted Trail.

 

“The Enchanted Trail offers a magical experience for all ages,” says Mike Chumbler, Boyne Highlands Resort’s president and general manager. “It’s a really serene and peaceful walk culminating at a beautifully designed yurt where beverages are served, and guests can gather round a bonfire, before journeying back.”

The trail totals two miles roundtrip, and features the twinkling of hundreds of lights strewn throughout the path.  Guests can opt to walk, or snowshoe the trail with snowshoes available for rent. Tickets are $15 per person, and The Enchanted Trail is open on weekends and holidays with departures from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and s’mores are included. A cash bar is available and beverage tickets can be purchased in advance for the event.

Reservations are required and can be made online at boynehighlands.com.

Social distancing should be practiced on the trail and face masks are required inside the yurt and anytime six feet cannot be maintained from other parties.

For complete event information, lodging reservations, or more information about Boyne Highlands Resort, please visit boynehighlands.com or call 866.759.3530.

Grass River Natural Area hosts annual race this weekend

Entertainment, , ,

By Betsy Willis
Grass River Natural Area

Grass River Shiver takes places this weekend. (Grass River Natural Area)

Put on your snowshoes and run or walk through the beautiful snow-covered Grass River Natural Area this weekend, Jan. 9 and 10, at the Grass River Shiver, a fundraiser for the education programs at GRNA. This snowshoe race in northern Michigan is only a short distance from Traverse City. A prize is awarded to overall male and female 5K/10K winners. Walkers are welcome.

Registration includes:
– a one-of-a-kind race on a marked course on beautiful trails through wetlands and woods
– a soup voucher for a free soup lunch to-go from Short’s Brewing Co.
– after-race snacks and refreshments
– 1st place prize is awarded to one overall male and female for the 5K and 10k
-Some Grass River swag – a GRNA neck gaiter/buff for each runner/walker!

This year the Shiver event has been changed to a hybrid format to meet distancing protocols. ​Run or walk at your convenience on Saturday or Sunday. See the event schedule for more details.

Weekend Event Schedule

Saturday, Jan. 9 and Sunday, Jan. 10:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The Grass River Center will be open and staffed for six hours on Saturday and Sunday. The Center is heated with restrooms. GRNA is asking that only one group/household comes indoors at a time. The course is available from dawn to dusk.

An official clock will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning for those that would like an official clocked time to run their race, but you can run the course any time Saturday or Sunday at your convenience and clock your time. Upload your time results on the GRNA webpage after you finish. Also, upload any photos you took at or during the race! Race times must be submitted by midnight Sunday night, January 10th. You can pick up your race materials at the Grass River Center before or after you race.

Go to www.grassriver.org to register.

Snapshots: Holiday music and more

Citizen Journalism, , ,

Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows.

Edwin Osgood Grover, American publisher and educator, 1870 – 1965



By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


Carillonneur, Julianne Vanden Wyngaard (Photo courtesy of GVSU)

Do you hear what I hear?

The annual GVSU Christmas Eve Carillon Concert will take place at 9:30 p.m. at the Pew Campus, 401 W. Fulton St., downtown Grand Rapids. Patrons are invited to drive-up and park in one of the lots near the carillon and listen to the performance by Carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard. The concert is free.


Chaffee Planetarium will present “Let It Snow” through Jan. 3, 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Look to the stars

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum has reopened and is featuring three different shows: “Let It Snow,” “Under Starlit Skies,” “Ice World,” and “Incoming!” which is narrated by “Star Trek’s” George Takei. For a full Chaffee Planetarium show schedule, visit grpm.org/planetarium. Also, the Public Museum will be open throughout the holidays. Visit grpm.org for the museum’s holiday schedule.


Bah-Humbug!

Get into the holiday spirit with the classic Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” currently being presented by the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. The company is live streaming the performance through Broadway On Demand through Dec. 31. Tickets are $9.99 for individuals and $24.99 for families. For more information, visit grct.org.


Fun Fact: Bells in Space

In 1965, “Jingle Bells” became the first song broadcast from space when the astronauts aboard Gemini 6 decided to play a prank on Mission Control and performed the song on a harmonica and actual jingle bells they had smuggled on board. Another fun fact about the song is that was originally composed as a Thanksgiving song by James Lord Pierport who premiered the piece as “One Horse Sleigh” at his church’s Thanksgiving performance.

Chaffee Planetarium set to reopen Dec. 22

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Chaffee Planetarium will present “Let It Snow” through Jan. 3, 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will reopen and welcome visitors on a limited capacity basis starting on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Visitors to the Chaffee Planetarium can relax, recline and visit the galaxy, constellations, far away planets, learn about asteroids and much more! All of the shows feature the latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience.

The Chaffee Planetarium will host multiple shows per week with enough time in between for a thorough cleaning. The schedule beginning this week will include the holiday show, Let it Snow, as well as the popular show Incoming!, Under Starlit Skies and Ice Worlds.

Let it Snow
This special holiday show features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery and special effects. Let it Snowwill run through Jan. 3, 2021. 

George Takei’s “Incoming!” at the Chaffee Planetarium. (Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Incoming!
Narrated by George Takei, Incoming! explores asteroids, comets and meteors. California Academy of Sciences developed cutting-edge visualizations based on real-time data from current NASA missions to show audiences the dynamic story of our Solar System. A live show was created by the GRPM to accompany the movie portion of Incoming! in partnership with NASA scientist Dr. Brent Bos, who is currently studying asteroids and grew up in West Michigan.

Ice Worlds
The delicate balance between ice, water and the existence of life has been a topic of scientific inquiry for generations. In travels to the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet, viewers will examine the ecosystems that exist and thrive there and learn how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, see how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets and moons in our solar system.

 

Under Starlit Skies – LIVE Presentation
Join a live presenter to explore the wonders of the winter night sky. Learn tips and tricks that will help you find planets and constellations from your own backyard. Fly to the far reaches of the solar system to get a closer look at planets, moons and more.

For a full Chaffee Planetarium show schedule, visit grpm.org/planetarium. Planetarium tickets are $2 for Museum members, $4 each with general admission to the Museum, and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required and can be purchased at grpm.org.

 

The GRPM is open and welcoming visitors. Explore three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the GRPM’s visitor experience, visit grpm.org/the-grpms-new-visitor-experience/. The Museum will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For updates, please visit grpm.org. 

Manistee celebrates the holidays with special statute

Entertainment, ,
The Lamplighter by Tyler and Ashley Voorhees (Supplied)

By Xavier Verna
Ramsdell Theatre

The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) partners with artists Tyler and Ashley Voorhees (Glenn, Michigan) to present The Lamplighter. This stunning sculpture will be on display through Jan. 4, next to the Christmas tree in downtown Manistee. The Lamplighter is an interactive sculpture for people to enjoy safely and yet, encourage togetherness.

The Lamplighter harks back to the early days when the streets of most towns and cities were lit by gas lamps. By means of long poles, ladders, and even tall bikes, these lamps had to be lit each night as dusk turned to darkness. Lamplighters provided not only light but also safety in their communities. More than just a job, these harbingers of light represent a way of life: illuminating darkness.

The Lamplighter sculpture is constructed with dozens of antiquated tools and man-made artifacts in a grand gesture to this humble worker of the past. You are invited to pedal the stationary bikes surrounding the sculpture to generate light.  This illumination is a nod to the light that we all carry within us. The Lamplighter symbolizes a collective connection to spread that light.

In a year of adaptation, artists Tyler and Ashley Voorhees have had to find new avenues to connect with patrons as their typical schedule of art festivals was upended by COVID-19. The Lamplighter sculpture was originally scheduled to be debuted at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. After that event was added to the endless list of canceled events, the Voorhees duo searched out a new venue to unveil the sculpture. Xavier Verna, Executive Director of the RRCA, answered the call, and the stage was set for this momentous month-long exhibition.

The exhibition will run from through Jan. 4.  This sculpture is supported by patrons of the arts, Arts Midwest, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, The City of Manistee, and presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.

Pigeon Creek Park hours extended, LED lights added

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Pigeon Creek Park hours have been extended to 10 p.m. (Ottawa County)

By Jessica VanGinhoven
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission voted to extend park hours at Pigeon Creek Park at their monthly meeting on Dec. 2.

“Regular winter park hours (7 a.m. -8 p.m.) begin on Oct. 16 each year,” said Jason Shamblin, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Director. “Although, with three miles of lit trails and no snow to begin our winter operations, the commission agreed to extend the park hours for hikers and bikers to 10 p.m.”

As usual, when winter operations begin and trails are groomed for cross-country skiing the park will close to hikers, dogs, and mountain bikers.

“We are so pleased to be able to make this adjustment at Pigeon Creek Park, especially during these stressful times,” said Shamblin. “By the time many of us finish with our work day, myself included, it’s too dark to get out for a hike. Between turning on the trail lights and extending our operating hours, we hope to help more individuals and families spend more time outside.”

After publishing its first Sustainability Plan in 2017, the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department began to transition to LED trail lights. Making this switch has allowed the lights to remain on more often without additional cost.

Pigeon Creek Lodge & Equipment Rental

Ski and snowshoe rental will be available at the Pigeon Creek Lodge this year. We believe getting outside is more important to our health and wellness than ever. Although, visitors should expect some adjustments to our operation this year:

  • Masks/face coverings will be required everywhere except out on ski/snowshoe trails, including the sledding hill.
  • Rental equipment is only available during satisfactory snow conditions and our rental hours have changed. Before you visit, check our trail conditions page for lodge and rental information: miOttawa.org/trails
  • Ski and snowshoe rental will be available in the lodge. Capacity will be limited inside the rental area; be prepared to wait outdoors.
  • The Lodge will not be open for warming or concessions. Please bring your own snacks and beverages, and be prepared to use your vehicle as base camp.
  • Modern restrooms in the lodge will be open.

For more information, please visit: https://miottawa.org/Parks/winter-rec.htm

Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series concludes with virtual holiday concert

Entertainment,

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

Lance Luce (Supplied)

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) concludes its 2020 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concerts with a virtual Holiday Classics concert performed by Lance Luce on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.

Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ performed by an internationally acclaimed theatre organist.

Lance has played hundreds of concerts across the U.S., Canada, England and Australia. While at the Organ Grinder in Toronto, Ontario, he played for well over a million patrons within eight years. In 2014, he was awarded “Organist of the Year” by the American Theatre Organ Society. He has played concerts for numerous chapters of the American Theatre Organ Society, other affiliated theatre organ groups and clubs, and for the national and regional conventions of the ATOS in the United States and TOSA in Australia.

Recently, Lance became the head organist for the Detroit Red Wings at the new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. He was also the house organist at several family style restaurants, with two of them being located in Michigan. He has been a church organist for 43 years and is currently at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills.

Virtual organ concerts will be brought into the homes of ticket holders, with a fantastic screen presentation highlighting the organist playing the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, with various views including an up-close view of the organist playing the keys.

The Holiday Classics Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Virtual tickets are $5 per member, $10 for the public. Special group rates available. Only one ticket link is needed per household or group. Tickets are available by visiting grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616.929.1700.

Feel Like You Belong: Sharing the passion for the rhythms of life

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, WKTV Projects, ,

Alan Headbloom
Feel Like You Belong

At an early age, singer/songwriter Netty Bruce Manga, stage name Ney-T, discovered he had a knack for music as he was able to distinguish the different parts of harmony.

From the West African nation of Senegal (bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Gambia, and Mauritania), Manga recently sat down with Feel Like You Belong host to talk about his home country and his “passion for the rhythms of life.”

Netty Bruce Manga (WKTV)

Manga said that his mother was directing him more to what people call “respected jobs” such as a lawyer or engineer.

“But when I discovered my passion for music, it was a very big discussion,” Manga said during the interview.

Manga continued to head down a different career path until he bought himself his first guitar while in college. It was with that guitar that he discovered just how much music meant to him and that he needed to follow the calling.

For more of Manga’s music, visit nettybrucemanga.com. For more from Feel Like You Belong, visit feellikeyoubelong.com.

Exploring Michigan’s spooky side in the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunter’s podcast

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In the Halloween episode of the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast, guests and hosts dressed up for the season. (WKTV)

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

Hosting Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast and Cryptic Frequencies Blog Talk Radio show has introduced me to the spooky, weird, and strange world that surrounds us here in our Great Lake State.  Michigan measures very high on the mysterious meter with Bigfoot, Dogman, and lake monster sightings, significant UFO sightings, haunted ships and lighthouses, roads, cemeteries, libraries, and museums.  We profile mysterious people and places, authors and investigating teams and it’s my pleasure to share some supernatural insights, starting with one of our all-time favorite guests, Shetan Noir.

Noir recently joined us for a special WKTV, The Whole Picture Podcast Halloween episode #34 where we discussed urban legends and superstitions.  We opened with the poem “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by A.H. Schacknofsky and co-host Brandon Hoezee offered insights into the half-truths and his own family connections to the legend of the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

Guest Shetan Noir dresses as a green mermaid during the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast special Halloween edition. (WKTV)

Co-host Kim Kolean presented evidence of the Allegan County “Melon Heads” with a disturbing photo image of what they might have looked like.  The show also featured two of Noir’s books, “Lake Monsters and Odd Creatures of the Great Lakes” and “Mothman and Other Flying Creatures of the Midwest.” She shared an incredibly fascinating story of the Lake Superior Mermaid while dressed in costume as a shimmering green dragon lady.

My first encounter with Noir was during the 2018 Michigan’s Ghost Coast Paranormal Convention in Grand Haven. Noir was one of the featured speakers and during the day she asked to interview our team for her podcast Into the Liminal Abyss. Noir is an author and a journalist who has spent 25 years researching the paranormal in the field of cryptozoology, the search for or study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated.

Currently Noir is the lead investigator for the Michigan Chapter of the North American Dogman Project as well as research into Lake Monsters, Mothman, Bigfoot, Nain Rouge. While ghost hunting might have been enough to keep most people busy, Noir found time to author several books.  Noir’s amazing research chronicles actual eye witness accounts, historical testimony, real world explanations, hoaxes, fossil evidence, and artistic renditions of what these monsters might have looked like with detailed descriptions. Noir’s extensive research documents evidence of hundreds of people experiencing strange creatures at the same time with very similar descriptions by reputable well respected citizens, police, sea captains and crews, and collectively challenges the true definition of cryptozoology.

For more about Noir and her work, listen to the Grand Rapids Ghost hunters Paranormal Podcast at the WKTV Journal or on Facebook at The Whole Picture Podcasts.

GR Museum offers winter break programs

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,
This year’s Snowflake Break and Digital Discover Sessions will have some LEGO brick fun. (WKTV)

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be offering new educational programs for first through sixth graders available in-person or virtually during the holiday break in 2020.

Educational offerings will be available on a limited capacity basis for in-person Snowflake Break Camps and online Digital Discovery Sessions from Dec. 21 – 30, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions will offer a variety of topics from holiday traditions to space exploration and LEGO® brick fun to watershed science.

 

“The Museum is looking forward to offering fun, educational programs for kids during their winter school break, whether in-person or virtually,” said Rob Schuitema, the GRPM’s Director of Public Programs. “These programs create environments that encourage students to get excited about learning, resulting in better content retention and curious minds that are eager to further explore history, science and culture.”

To register, visit grpm.org/EduClasses. There is limited capacity for both Snowflake Break Camps and Digital Discovery Sessions; early registration is recommended, discounts available for Museum members.

Digital Discovery Sessions

 

Online Digital Discovery Sessions are designed for kids to explore science, history, culture and more online and from the comfort of their home. Museum educators will lead digital learners through themed projects using Zoom and the platform SeeSaw. Digital Discovery Sessions are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December 21-30, and run for two hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. These sessions are designed for kids to work independently. 

Participation will require access to the internet and the use of a device to watch presentations and complete activities. A recommended materials list is provided with each session description.

Digital Discovery Sessions are $20 per child, with a reduced rate of $10 per child for GRPM members.

Snowflake Break Camps

Beginning Dec. 21, kids can partake in small-group, in person camps at the GRPM to use the Museum as a learning lab, while interacting with artifacts and specimens, and conducting experiments to explore science, history, culture and more. Museum educators will lead small-group, hands-on learning experiences tied to classroom curriculum objectives.

Classes are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during Snowflake Break from Dec. 21-30, and run for three hours. Morning and afternoon camps are available, with various topics. Capacity is limited to eight students per session, to ensure a low risk environment. Students will be required to complete a COVID-19 screening prior to attending the session.

Snowflake Break camps are $40 per child, with a reduced rate of $30 per child for GRPM members. 

Popular holiday activity continues to light up the season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
Found William “Bill” Schrader was inspired to create the Christmas Lite Show from a friend’s display. (Supplied)

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

Christmas is just around the corner and that means the Christmas Lite Show is back with more than a million lights, colorful tunnels, and 50 animated displays for which guests can view from the comfort of their own vehicles. 

“It’s great entertainment for the family and lots of lights and displays to see,” said the creator of the show William “Bill” Schrader. 

After he became inspired by a friend who had a light show, Schrader decided to put together the Christmas Lite Show. At the time, he had just retired from the military after 28 years of service and wanted to do something different and exciting. The show has been going for 23 years and last year, more than 70,000 guests visited the site at Fifth/Third Ballpark.

“The show started out with a few generators and a few extension cords,” Schrader said. When the show first started back in 1997, a box of lights was less than a dollar to purchase. Still, Schrader said the display was small with charge only being $5 per car.

Every year, Schrader said he tries to add more to the show. Last year it was Tala the elephant, who entertained the crowds by shooting candy canes out of her trunk. This year, Tala has returned to the show with her two babies Lumi and Auggie. This past summer, there was a designed contest for a display for the show. The winner was 7-year-old Lucas Cummings. Cummings drew a big tunnel covered in red lights with a Santa hat on top. His winning design is now part of this year’s light show.

The Christmas Lite Show features more than 50 displays. (courtesy Christmas Lite Show)

Another addition to look for at the 2020 show is the patriotic scene. Last year’s American flag has been joined by the Statue of Liberty, which stands 18 feet hight. The area filled out with lots of red, white, and blue trees and arches.

Guests have the option to take the Memory Lane Train or drive through the Christmas Lite Show. On the Memory Lane Train, every seat on the train allows for a 365-degree view of the show and the night sky. The ride will take about a half-hour to weave through about the two miles of lights and guests are advised to dress warmly.

Though Covid-19 had put a damper on most of the year, it has only made a few small changes to the show, according to Schrader. This year, the Christmas Lite Show team implemented new safety measures to be sure guests are safe when they take a ride on the Memory Lane Train. There also is a socially-distanced waiting areas, designated spacing on the train, and regular sanitation between trips. Guests also are asked to wear masks when aboard the Memory Lane Train. In addition tickets for the drive-thru show are scanned without contact.

Typically it takes about half an hour to travel through the light show. Guests are welcome to take as many photos as they would like as long as they are not operating the vehicle. Guests are also instructed to stay in their vehicles and on the train.

The show will continue every night until Jan 2, 2021. The show takes place at  Fifth/Third Ballpark on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 a car (depending on vehicle) and $60 for a row on the Memory Train, which seats up to four people. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.

Hempy Keyboard concerts return in virtual format

Citizen Journalism,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Maestro Robert Nance (supplied)

Each winter, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA) offers a curated selection of intimate piano concerts presented in its lobby. More than just a concert, these world-class musicians perform classical, modern, and jazz works; along with sharing stories and engaging with the audience.

This year the SCA is bringing the Hempy Keyboard Series performances straight to your living room through an exclusive livestream experience filmed from the Bertha Krueger Reid Theater in Saugatuck. After the performance, patrons can participate in a virtual Q&A session with the performers. Unable to watch the live show? A recorded version of the show will remain active for (72) hours after the live performance.

Tickets can be purchased individually or bundled together as part of a special Full Series Pass.

Every VIP package includes e-ticket access to each Hempy Keyboard Series concert plus a unique musical gift created by Maestro Robert Nance. During his Thursday, March 11, 2021 performance, Maestro Nance will debut a composition dedicated to and orchestrated around the names of Full Series Pass holders.

Individual and season passes may be purchased online at www.sc4a.org/hempy-keyboard.

Snapshots: Shopping, concerts and more

3-bottom, , , ,

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.

Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
Photo courtesy sphere.com

Time for some Holiday shopping

This weekend take the opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. The Holiday Market on Main will take place in downtown Lowell within walking distance of parking, restaurants, and breweries. Shoppers will have the opportunity to visit a variety of stores from antiques to candy to clothing. The event begins on Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 22. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit https://www.discoverlowell.org/christmas-through-lowell/ 

The Grand Rapids Symphony has a virtual concert set for Friday, Nov. 20. (Supplied)

Listen to a Virtual Concert

Join The Grand Rapids Symphony for their virtual concert “PathWaves- A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy”. The concert will feature themes from Final Fantasy and have surprises, battles, and characters from throughout the entire series. The concert will be directed by Eric Roth and feature the music of composer Nobuo Uematsu. This takes place on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. This event is only available live and not available for replay. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase here.

The “Wild Connections” is now open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (WKTV/Anna Johns)

Visit the Public Museum

Take a chance to visit the Grand Rapids Public Museums’ new exhibit “Wild Connections”. This exhibit features more than 20 Lego sculptures that explore mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit is interesting for all ages and connects art and science. In addition to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. They can pose for a Lego-themed photo or follow the animal tracks for a scavenger hunt.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for museum members and Kent County residents. Advanced ticketing is required and tickets can be purchased at https://www.grpm.org/legos/. 

The Michigan Triangle (mysteriousfacts.com)

Fun Facts: Michigan Triangle

You may have heard of the Bermuda Triangle – but did you know the Great Lakes has its own mysterious triangle? The Michigan Triangle spans from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan, and south to Benton Harbor. Numerous unexplained shipwreck have occurred in this area dating back to 1891. In addition to the disappearances, there is even an area where divers discovered strange Stonehenge-like rock formations. Some say these tragedies are caused by high winds and rough weather while others claim paranormal forces are at work. 

This weekend the last one for the John Ball Zoo’s 2020 season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,
The Canadian Lynx is getting ready to for its winter home at the John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)

By Darci David
John Ball Zoo

Only three days left for guests to enjoy John Ball Zoo for the 2020 season. Guests can get their last visits for the year to see the red pandas, along with the chimpanzees, meerkats, lions, bears, tigers and the other amazing animals from Friday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Nov. 22.

Along with many new babies, including red pandas, armadillos, Canada lynx and others, the Zoo had had other exciting additions for the 2020 season. Guests are now welcomed by a new front entry valley, which includes a winding ADA compliant entry pathway, along with new restrooms, concession stand and groundwork to bring new animals into the Zoo family.

With the increased cases of COVID, the Zoo will require all guests ages 5 and older to wear a mask at all times and everywhere in the Zoo, including outdoor spaces. They also have again reduced guest capacity within the Zoo to allow space for social distancing.

With limited admission tickets available, guests are highly encouraged to reserve their timed tickets ahead of time to guarantee their preferred date and time. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org. John Ball Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information about the John Ball Zoo, visit jbzoo.com.

Applications now open for the 2021 Collegiate Vocal Competition

Entertainment

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

Applications for the Collegiate Vocal Competition are available. This competition is an opportunity for college-level voice students to compete for cash prizes and receive feedback from acclaimed opera artists.

Applications are now available for the Collegiate Vocal Competition hosted by Opera Grand Rapids. (pxhere.com)

The competition offers the second-largest purse in the nation with nearly $25,000, awarded. First place receives $10,000, second place receives $5,000, third receives $2,500, and the winner of the Friends of the Opera Award will receive $1,000.

For the first round of the competition, applicants will submit their performances online. The top ten finalists will perform in the final-round concert at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center in Grand Rapids on April 3, 2021.

Those who are interested in competing must be enrolled as an undergraduate at a higher-education institution in the United States and be under the age of 21 as of February 1, 2021. Applications are due by Feb 1, 2021. For more information on auditions visit https://www.operagr.org/collegiate-vocal-competition/ 

St. Joseph lights luminaries to kick off the holiday shopping season

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,
St. Joseph hosts its Luminary display Nov. 20. (West Michigan Tourist Association)

By Amy Zapal
St. Jospeh Today

The holiday season will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and Holt Bosse, creates a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales/promotions, specialty items, drawings/giveaways, free gift wrapping and gift ideas galore from participating restaurants and shopkeepers.

“All ages are invited to head downtown for this festive event,” said Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate, grab a sweet treat, or get a jump start on your holiday gift shopping it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”

Additionally, St. Joseph Today will kick off the holiday music a little earlier this year. Zapal says, “SJT added holiday music throughout downtown in 2019 as part of Window Wonderland.” Zapal goes on to say, “This year we wanted to start the holiday festivities a little earlier during the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. We’re hoping to spread a little extra cheer this year!”

Participating locations include 221 Main, Baroda Founders, Caffe Tosi, DK Boutique, G&M Variety, Grins, Oh My Darlings, Olive Cart, Perennial Accents, ReVive Spa, Silver Harbor Brewing, State Street Stuff, The Buck Burgers & Brew, The Natural Gem, Third Coast Surf Shop, and White Pine Winery.

NEW THIS YEAR: St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.

Through this partnership, new winter lights will be placed downtown along State Street (from Elm Street to Ship Street) as well as Broad Street and Ship Street (Lake Boulevard. to Main Street) and Pleasant Street (Lake Bpi;evard. to Court Street). The winter lights will kick off Friday, Nov. 20, Luminary weekend, and remain up through February in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.

“Our hope is to make outdoor spaces more inviting during the winter.” Zapal goes on to say, “Downtown St. Joseph will transform into a winter wonderland, enticing visitors, shoppers and diners alike, for the holidays and throughout the winter. We invite the community to enjoy this winter season and support local businesses.”

For more information on Luminary visit stjoetoday.com/luminary.

Catch these upcoming fall and winter events:

  • Small Business Saturday: Saturday, Nov. 28 (all day)
  • Window Wonderland: Friday, Dec. 4 (7 – 8:30 p.m.)
  • Reindog Holiday Parade: Saturday, Dec. 5 (3 p.m.)



For more information, call St. Joseph Today at 269-985 1111 or visit stjoetoday.com.

Amway Grand Plaza opens Spanish-inspired restaurant with a side of dazzling views

Entertainment, Local Entertainment,

By Alyssa Snyder
Amway Grand Plaza

AHC Hospitality announces the opening of MDRD, a Spanish-inspired full-service restaurant at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton Thursday, Nov. 17.

MDRD (Amway Grand Plaza)

Located on the 27th floor of the recently renovated glass tower, MDRD (pronunciation: Madrid) will bring a vibrant all-occasion dining option to Grand Rapids, with modern Spanish cuisine, lavish libations, an energetic atmosphere and unobstructed river and city views.

“With its upscale yet comfortable ambiance, MDRD will offer an exciting new dining concept in Grand Rapids’ Hotel District,” said George Aquino, vice president and managing director of AHC Hospitality, the management company behind Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD. “With the most coveted city views in Michigan, MDRD will be a fun and intimate spot for date nights, evenings out on the town and special events—for locals and visitors alike.”

Designed by global design firm Gensler, MDRD will provide a dramatic and energetic experience in an accessible, decidedly unstuffy environment. The fresh approach will allow diners to select from a variety of experiences depending on the group or occasion, ranging from the casual social lounge to the cozy, welcoming bar area and high-end dining room, where every seat is the “best seat in the house” thanks to innovative stadium-style seating. A custom tile installation will spill through the space, reminiscent of falling confetti and the classic costumes associated with Spain’s famous Carnival celebration. Custom lighting will hang above, a modern take on the hoops and batons of street performers, while bright murals of Spanish neighborhoods handcrafted by local artist Maddie Jackson will adorn the walls.

With accomplished Chef Stephan VanHeulen as executive chef, MDRD’s flavorful menu will be inventive yet approachable, including meat and seafood main dishes like fileta a la plancha, beef tenderloin steak with piquillo pepper and black garlic sauce, thumbelina carrot, wild mushroom, confit potato and anise jus; and bacalao al ajillo, lightly salted cod in garlic sauce with grilled scallion, chorizo oil and potato pave.

Spanish classics like patatas bravas and paella will also grace the menu, plus beautiful and decadent desserts by pastry chef Doug Orr, innovative cocktails and an extensive wine list with a focus on Spanish varietals.

“We can’t wait to see how diners at MDRD respond to Chef VanHuelen’s take on Spanish classics, his love letter to Spain,” said general manager Parker Bulliment. “Combined with our staff’s impeccable service and the space’s mesmerizing views, every dining experience at MDRD will be one to remember.”

MDRD will be open for dinner service from Tuesday to Thursday, 4:30 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Proper COVID precautions will be taken in accordance with state and local guidelines. For more information on Amway Grand Plaza and MDRD, please visit www.amwaygrand.com/dining/mdrd.

Public Museum’s newest exhibit connects the viewer, nature through Lego creations

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, , ,

By Anna Johns

WKTV Intern

The Fornosan Clouded Leopard looks mournfully at the passerby while in the distance a large yellow construction truck sits on top of the remanence of a forest; the forest that was once his home.

Today animals are going extinct at rapid rates. The Fornosan Clouded Leopard is an example of this as it was driven to extinction by habitat destruction and illegal hunting. According to the World Wild Life organization, over the past 40 years there has been a 60% decline in the size of animal populations. In Michigan, there are currently 25 species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).



The Grand Rapids Public Museum is working to being attention to this important topic in its latest exhibit “Wild Connections,” which features more than 20 Lego sculptures that explore mankind’s relationship with nature.

“In this exhibit you will be able to explore larger than life Lego creations such as wildlife, plants and insects, as well as how humans interact with nature, ” said GRPM Marketing Manager Alee’a Cherry. “This exhibit appeals to everyone of all ages and it also bridges art, creativity, and science,”

The artist behind the exhibit Sean Kenney, who uses the toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit highlights animals big and small and explores the balance of ecosystems, predator/prey relationships, as well as the relationships between humankind and the natural world.

Kenney lives in New York City and understands the importance of preserving nature. He believes that everything in nature is interconnected and this exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful. His goal is to celebrate the inherent beauty in nature and to protect animal habitats.

“Growing Ideas” (WKTV Journal/Anna Johns)

Of the 20 sculptures, Cherry said she could see a couple become fan favorites.

“The bike because it is so large and you feel like you can get right on and ride it,” she said with a laugh.

Near the large red tricycle, is “Growing Ideas,” another piece that Cherry said she believes will also be a fan favorite.

“Being able to see all the intricate parts of the city created in Lego bricks is just truly amazing,” she said.

This piece, which is a large-scale city scape with a cloud of ideas hanging over, was built with more than half a million Legos and was one of the biggest projects Kenney and his team ever took on. The Legos represent ideas that fall from the tree raining down onto the city showing that inspiration and creativity have no limits.

“Deforestation” (WKTV Journal/Anna Johns)

In addition to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. Guests can pose for a Lego-themed photo or follow the animal tracks for a scavenger hunt. They can also test their skills with challenges such as “How far can you jump?,” and “How tall are you in Legos?”

“We hope that people walk away with the inspiration to create something,” Cherry said. “We want to make sure people go home with the information they need to research more, make informed decisions, and also create.”

“Wild Connections” is open until May 2, 2021. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for museum members and Kent County residents. Advanced ticketing is required and tickets can be purchased at https://www.grpm.org/legos/.

Public Museum helps Santa go virtual this season

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment
The Grand Rapids Public Museum Santa will be meeting friends and families virtual this year. (Supplied)

By Kate Kocienski
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced a new family-fun experience with the Grand Rapids Santa virtually for 2020. Santa can visit families virtually through a LIVE Zoom chat or downloadable video message to the kids or entire family.

Santa will be making Zoom calls to families at a pre-scheduled time, or families have the option to receive a downloadable customized video message directly from Santa. Purchases of a Virtual Santa message or Zoom chat support the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be staying at the North Pole until Christmas Day but will be calling to visit with local children. (Supplied)

“Knowing that many holiday traditions will likely look different this year, the GRPM is offering a safe way for families to visit with Santa,” said Gina Schulz, vice president of development for the GRPM. “The entire family will have fun with either a call from Santa directly or a customized message to play anytime you’d like. Each purchase also supports the Museum’s ongoing exhibits and programs.”

Direct calls from Santa will cost $35. Calls will take place over Zoom. Downloadable videos will cost $30 and videos will be emailed directly from Santa to the purchaser. Videos will be available for purchase through Dec. 13, and for those looking for a last-minute gift from Santa, live Zoom calls will be available from Dec. 14 – 21 for $45. Virtual Santa messages and Zoom calls can be reserved or purchased at grpm.org/Santa or by calling 616-929-1700. 

Binder Park Zoo announces birth of Colobus Monkey

Citizen Journalism,
Binder Park Zoo’s newest addition is colobus monkey. (Supplied by Binder Park Zoo)

By Leslie Walsh
Binder Park Zoo

Binder Park Zoo recently announced that a baby black and white colobus monkey was born in the early hours of Oct. 31 at the zoo.

Parents Usi and Nairobi produced the offspring, whose gender has not been determined yet, upon a breeding recommendation of an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan. The event marks the first birth of a primate in almost five years at the zoo when a black mangabey monkey was born in October of 2015.

The “baby monkeys are born with their eyes open and a strong grip which they need to cling to mom,” said Kelsey Miller, lead keeper at Binder Park Zoo. “We’re really happy that this little one is alert, appears healthy and is demonstrating a good strong grip.” Other than observing and providing basic care, keepers maintain a “hands-off” approach with the new family to encourage their natural parenting instincts. “Nairobi is showing that she is a calm and attentive mom to her baby and we see Usi being protective of them both”– the behaviors we hope for, especially for first-timers,” Miller said.

Colobus monkeys have lived at Binder Park Zoo since 1998. The Monkey Valley exhibit opened in 1999 and remains an engaging “in-the-round” exhibit where two primate species coexist – the black and white colobus and black mangabeys. The current colobus troop consists of three monkeys; male Usi, his mate Nairobi and a female named Puddin’.  Rejected by his mother as an infant, Usi was hand-raised by his keepers, which included round the clock feedings and specialized care. An important goal was to rear him to identify as a monkey and not a human – a particular challenge of hand-raising primates. Zoo staff were successful and Usi was ultimately introduced, and accepted by the troop. Usi’s name means “eyebrow” in Swahili – in response to the pronounced eyebrows he was born with. Nairobi was born at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2015 and came to Binder Park Zoo in 2018 together with her female companion/aunt named Puddin’. Puddin’s experience as a senior troop member places her in a guardian role, helping to protect Nairobi and care for the youngster – duties that troop members typically share.

“Usi didn’t necessarily have an ideal start in life,” said Kathryn Sippel, the zoo’s curator of collections . “When you hand-raise an animal you develop a special affection for them, rooting for the underdog.

“So, it’s been very rewarding for our Animal Care staff to watch him grow into the primate he was meant to be, and now become a father. Usi was born on April 16, the first day of the 2015 zoo season, and it’s interesting that five years later, his baby is born on the last day of the 2020 season! It shows how much time, patience and tenacity is often invested in these important programs.”

The eastern black and white colobus or Colobus guereza are native to equatorial Africa. The name “colobus” is from the Greek word for “mutilated,” because unlike other monkeys, colobus monkeys do not have thumbs. One of only two colobus species, the other being the Angolan colobus, black and white colobus have shiny black fur and a white-framed bearded face. They are the most arboreal of African monkeys and spend most of their time in the treetops. Their long mantle hair and tails appear to act like parachutes during long leaps between branches in the tree canopy.

“It is an honor to be part of the extraordinary conservation work at Binder Park Zoo” said Binder Park Zoo President and CEO Diane Thompson. “Our zookeepers and veterinary staff, along with the other staff members, make a difference daily, and their work matters. Knowing that our conservation efforts have resulted in expanding the efforts of protecting this vital species is thrilling. We are genuinely excited to welcome the baby colobus to the zoo family.”

Gestation for colobus is approximately six months. They are born with a pink face and white fur. They begin to change color at around four weeks of age and acquire the characteristic black and white adult coloration at approximately three months of age. Guests can expect to see the youngster on exhibit in the spring.

Binder Park Zoo is closed to the public now for the winter months and will open again on April 15, 2021. Visit binderparkzoo.org for more zoo news and follow us on Facebook.