Tag Archives: Fireworks

Join Kentwood for its annual 4th of July celebration

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fireworks will be at dusk. (Supplied)

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

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

Other area July 4th activities:

July 2

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

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

July 2 and 3

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

July 3

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

July 4

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

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

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

Snapshots: We’ve got a lot to celebrate, so let’s light up the skies

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Holidays, , ,

What was important wasn’t the fireworks, it was that we were together this evening, together in this place, looking up into the sky at the same time.

Japanese writer Banana Yoshimoto
There will be a lot bangs and booms this weekend as communitiie’s celebrate the Fourth of July. (Pxhere.com)

Fireworks, Fireworks, Fireworks

Considering the last year and half and how we have not had much to celebrate, we thought this week’s Snapshots would be a little different since this week is the nation’s biggest birthday celebration of the year.

Yes it is July 4th weekend, so haul out those sparklers and get ready for some booms since the COVID restrictions are lifted. The bonus is July 4th is on a Sunday with many people having Monday off as well. With that in mind, there will be fireworks throughout the weekend.


Leading the celebrations will be the City of Kentwood, which has a day full of activities and fireworks for Saturday, July 3. Highlights include a parade starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE.

City Hall will be the main hub this year with a carnival from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and an evening celebration from 4 – 10 p.m. with the fireworks capping off the night.

Other cities with July 4th events are:

Caledonia: The township will have a day-long celebration Saturday, July 3, starting with a parade at 11 a.m. and stepping off from the Duncan Lake Middle School and with the festivities concluding at 10 p.m. with fireworks.

Dorr: The township will be hosting a three-day event starting on July 2. The parade is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 3, and will go through downtown Dorr. The fireworks will be around 10:20 (ish) on Saturday as well. Sunday will include more live entertainment and the movie “Back to the Future” in the park.

Grandville: Will have a two-day celebration with a 5k run, baseball and softball games, and tours of the one-room school house at Heritage Park on Saturday, July 3; and a carinval and other activities including fireworks on July 5.

Grand Rapids: The city will have a jam-packed evening of activities from 6 – 10 p.m. Saturday, July 3, that will include entertainment and fireworks at 10:30 p.m.

Rules, Rules, Rules

While local municipalities can restrict when fireworks can be used, state law requires that fireworks be allowed between 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. through July 4. Make sure you know your local ordinance as the penalty for violating it can be as much as a $1,000.

Red, white, and NOT blue

While fireworks have been around for thousands of years, the one color that no pyrotechnician has been able to perfect is the color blue. In order to get the right distinctive colors, there are two main components that are use and packed tightly. One is an oxidizer that is an oxygen-rich chemical and a fuel source like charcoal or sulfur that can burn. The reason few have been able to get the color blue is because if the temperature is too high for the emitter, which is copper, it washes off the light and stops emitting. If it is too low, there is no intensity and you do not get the right blue color. Because there are so many colors in the sky producing an array of patterns that most people do not notice the missing blue. 

Fourth of July events, fireworks around West Michigan

Citizen Journalism, ,
Mackinaw City and St. Igance are just some of the places hosting fireworks for July 4th. .

By West Michigan Tourist Association

Find 4th of July fireworks, porch decorating contests, late night kayak floats, special golf outings, and more to enjoy in West Michigan this month! 

 

Due to COVID-19, many summer events throughout Michigan are being updated and changed on a daily basis. While this article was accurate to the best of our knowledge upon publication, we strongly suggest confirming with festival organizers before making plans to attend the below events.

4th of July Celebrations

Silver Lake’s Thunder Over the Dunes fireworks event is scheduled to take place at 10:00 pm on July 4th at Silver Lake Sand Dunes State Park in Mears.

Celebrate America at Vacation Station RV Resort in Ludington with bingo, tie dye crafts, bike and golf cart parade, site decorating and a pancake breakfast on July 4th!

The Ludington Area Jaycees Porch Decorating Contest will be held throughout greater Mason County to celebrate Independence Day. Dress up your outdoor area with red, white and blue for this new, festive event with chances to win a prize. Find details on the Jaycees’ website.

Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. is the 4th annual Heykoop Veteran Memorial Car Show & Benefit at the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum in Muskegon, benefiting Lighthouse For Veterans and the fight against Veteran suicide. There will be DJ’d music, vendors, Pinning Ceremony, 50/50 Raffle, Silent and two live auctions, as well as a bounce house and face painting for the kids.

Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire is getting a jump start on celebrating Independence Day this year. Kick off the holiday weekend with fireworks on Friday, July 3rd. Make a weekend of it and stay, golf, hike or just relax and reconnect with family.

The Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce hopes to capture some of the holiday spirit by organizing a #SafeHarbor 4th of July online celebration to create a driving tour of patriotic homes, businesses, and vehicles. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their homes, businesses, and vehicles and post the pictures on the chamber’s Facebook page. Please include the address of home or business of pictures sent in. Photos will be shared on social media, as well as the chamber newsletter and website. Contest will honor the best of these categories: Most Patriotic Business, Most Patriotic Home, Most Patriotic Family, and Most Patriotic Vehicle. 

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau looks forward to seeing everyone in Mackinaw City for fireworks on the 4th of July.

Fourth of July Fireworks will take place in St. Ignace at dusk and there will be fireworks every Saturday night after that through Labor Day Weekend.

Although the Independence Day Parade has been cancelled, the Sault Ste. Marie 4th of July fireworks will still be taking place at dusk.

More Events and Happenings in July 

Harbor Springs will host the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade.

Harbor Springs Area Historical Society will be hosting the Blessing of the Fleet boat parade July 2 at 6 p.m. on Little Traverse Bay. This annual event, now in its eighth year, is the official start of summer in Harbor Springs and honors the rich maritime history of the area. Vessels of all shapes and sizes are welcome to take part and decorations are encouraged. When registering, participants can select from several options which include offers of commemorate baseball caps.

Crystal Mountain will be hosting several Fourth of July activities that include the Alpine slide, activities, laser tag, campfires, bike parade, golf scramble, and chairlift rides with live entertainment. Activities run July 1 to July 5. For more information, visit www.crystalmountain.com.

Cornwell’s Turkeyville in Marshall welcomes back the Flea Market & Antique Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 3 – 5.

Put your paddles in the river on July 4 with Guy’s Ultimate Kayak Service in Muskegon for a 1 & 1/2 hour full moon float at the Hungry Ghost Moon Full Moon Kayak Float. Your float includes a kayak, paddle, life vest, glow stick, and transport back to your vehicle. Kayak owners are welcome to join, but must provide transport for themselves and their kayaks upstream. Book your float online or call 231-740-0227 for more information.

During what would have been the National Cherry Festival week in Traverse City (July 4 – 11), members of the community are invited to join in the Very Cherry Porch Parade by decorating their porch, yard, or window to bring a smile to your friends and neighbors. The theme of the porch parade is cherries to celebrate the region’s favorite fruit! The Very Cherry Porch Parade will take place from July 4 to July 11. Registration is quick, simple and free.

Robinnette’s Apple Hause Barnyard Sale will be held at the Grand Rapids farm July 8 – 11.

If you’ve never experienced a fresh Michigan sweet cherry picked right off the tree, then you’re in for a real treat!  Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo in New Era is celebrating cherry season with everything from food to fun. Bring your family and friends to enjoy cherry donuts, cherry pie, cherry orchard tours, U-pick cherries, cherry pit spitting contest, and so much more at the Cherry Jubliee, July 11 and 12. 

Enjoy a Ladies Day and golf clinic on July 19 at The Lynx Golf Club in Otsego.  Options for either 9 holes, or 18 holes with a skills clinic by Patti Butcher, LPGA.  Register online at migolfleague.com.

Come shoot sporting clays at Blendon Pines Gun Club in Zeeland! Great for families or friends, as you are outside and can easily distance in the fresh air! It’s like golf with a gun. New shooters, no problem! Onsite instructors will start you with a safety talk and demonstration.  Great for couples, families, small groups and those seeking a new experience. Full gun store, with ammo, clothing, guns, flashlights, knives, hats, shirts, and more available onsite. Blendon Pines is open Wednesday through Saturday. For more, call 616-875-7000 or visit Blendon Pines online.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

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

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Poet/Author Ralph Waldo Emerson



By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Fireworks a no, no before June 29

Oh how we hate to start off by being the bearer of bad news, but according to state law, fireworks are allowed June 29 – July 4. So if you are planning to light up the skies this weekend, don’t. If you get caught, you could face upwards of a $1,000 civil fine. For more on the rules and how to prepare your pets, click here.

Give Some Love to Local Businesses

Independents Week starts Saturday. Hosted by LocalFirst, this special event celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit by supporting local businesses who could use a lot of love right now after being closed for 10 weeks or more. Starting on Monday are different themes each day to help inspire residents on how they can be supportive. For more information, click here.

Feeding the mind and the stomach

The KDL Kentwood, Kelloggsville, and Wyoming branches will all be offering the Meet Up and Eat Up program. a free lunch program for K-12 students. (WKTV).

The Kent District Library announced it has expanded the Meet Up and Eat Up summer food program for K-12 students. Students can visit one of 12 KDL branches such as Kentwood, Wyoming or Kelloggsville, and receive a free meal. Click here for more information. Kent ISD has announced the program Summer Brain Gain for students in K-12. The program is designed help students stay sharp over the summer and avoid the usual knowledge drain that happens when students are out of school for a long period of time. The program is offered through Aug. 7. For more, click here.

An early design to provide cool air to car passengers. (Wikipedia)

Fun Fact

When the temperatures and humidity are high, we all enjoy a little cool air as we drive around in our automobiles. We have Detroit’s Packard Motor Car Company to thank for this luxury. In 1939, the company was the first automobile manufacturer to offer an air conditioning option. Made by Bishop and Babcock (B&B) of Cleveland, Ohio, the units were large, taking up half the trunk space. The system also was not reliable and had no temperature control. The option was discontinued in 1941 with other companies eventually perfecting the air condition option for cars. While air conditioning (amongst other things) has become a standard on today’s automobile that was not always the case about 40 years ago. Air conditions partly become popular because it was more aerodynamic for the car windows to be closed while going down the road then opened to cool off the riders.

Fireworks before June 29 not allowed; tips to keep animals calm

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,
Consumer fireworks are only allowed June 29 – July 1 up until 11:45 p.m. each of those days.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A quick flip through Facebook and you know its fireworks season.

“I would like to say thank you to the [person] lighting off fireworks and causing our dog to go crazy. I hope that you are pleased with causing the neighborhood dogs to freak out …”

“OMG. This is worse than the Fourth of July. STTTOOOOPPPPPP! The dogs are freaking! I have come to detest fireworks.”

“Our neighborhood was like a war zone last night and the 4th is still two weeks away.”

While no one can blame people for wanting to have some fun after being cooped up for 10 weeks or more, if you are shooting off fireworks before June 29, you are doing so illegally in most areas. Those who get caught could face up to $1,000 in civil fines.

In 2011, Michigan approved the sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks and in 2018, the state amended the law to allow local governments to restrict the use of fireworks, except around certain holidays, such as July 4.

This year, residents are allowed to display fireworks from June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. each day. Because July 5 is on a Sunday, fireworks are not allowed.

If fireworks are being displayed outside of those times, it is recommended that residents contact their local police departments even if they do not know the exact location of where the fireworks are being set off.

“Dispatch will put out a broadcast to all cars of ‘fireworks in the area of …'” said Lt. Eric Wiler, of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. “As call volume permits, officers will check the area of any violations of the firework ordinance.”

Wiler added that in the according to the state law, fireworks are not permitted on public property such as roads and parks, schools, churches, or the property of another person without their permission.

Helping Our Four-legged Friends

So how do we help our dogs get through all the noise and commotion of fireworks? We checked in with local rescue Mosh Pit Rescue for some tips.

  • Keep your dog INSIDE in a closed secure room with no open windows.
  • Use a TV, a white noise machine, your laundry, your dishwasher, a fan, your bathroom fan EVERYTHING to provide familiar noises.
  • Double check your dog is wearing a collar with tags and your contact information is current on the pet’s microchip.
  • Contact your vet about medications – there are meds that can help ease anxiety.
  • Make sure your pet is exercised during the day and take them out just before dusk again so the dog is tired and ready for a calm nap.
  • Many dogs like a kennel with blankets over the kennel as a secure safe space.
  • Consider a Kong with Frozen Peanut Butter or other feeder puzzle toy or chew toy to keep your dog occupied and distracted.
  • Have current photos of the pet in case they go missing.

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming news you need to know

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

Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.

Franklin D .Roosevelt


By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Rockets’ Red Glare

The nation celebrates its 243rd birthday this Thursday and you can bet the City of Kentwood is not holding back. The day is packed with activities from a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at Fire Station No. 1; a 5K at 8:30 a.m., followed by a parade at 9:30 a.m. Then there is the carnival, this year located behind city hall, from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. From 4 – 10 p.m. will be a community event with a beer tent, food trucks, and bands, followed by the fireworks. Remember, those attending the Kentwood fireworks, sparkles, personal fireworks and Chinese lanterns are not permitted. For a detailed map and more, click here.

And Bombs Bursting In Air

Several other local communities also will be hosting July 4th celebrations. The City of Grandville kicks off its Fourth of July celebration with a pancake breakfast. There is also a parade (11 a.m.) and activities throughout the day. Fireworks are at 10 p.m. Other communities hosting July 4th parades and fireworks: East Grand Rapids, Ada, and Cascade Township. The City of Grand Rapids will have its July 4th fireworks on Saturday, July 6.

Free picture () from https://torange.biz/fx/new-bottle-years-fireworks-effect-78192

Now for the Rules

By now, you should have heard of the state’s new rules about fireworks. For the July 4th holiday, consumer fireworks are allowed from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. through July 5 (since July 5 falls on a Friday.) According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there was an estimated 9,100 fireworks-related injuries treated in the United States in 2018, of which more than half were around July 4. So here are a few safety tips provided by local firefighters: only use fireworks outdoors in clear areas away from buildings, vehicles, and flammable substances; never relight a “dud” firework, but after 20 minutes soak it in a buck of water; fireworks should be suprivsied by a responsible adult; and have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

Some Patriotic Trivia

As you are waiting for the fireworks to start, here’s a few pieces of July 4 trivia to wow your friends and family. Of all the signers of the Declaration of Independence, only John Hancock actually signed the document on July 4, 1776. Fifty-six men from the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. Of the original signers, only Thomas Jefferson and John Adams became President of the United States. Both men died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826.

Lastly: The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was July 8, 1776 in Philadelphia. The following year, on July 4, 1777, the city adjourned Congress and celebrated Independence Day with bonfires, bells, and fireworks. In honor of that, the Liberty Bell is tapped 13 times on July 4 in remembrance of the 13 colonies.

Have a safe and happy July 4 from WKTV

Celebrate Independence Day at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Front Row

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Christie Bender
Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced that tickets for the annual Front Row for the Fireworks celebration are on sale now! Join the GRPM for the Independence Day fundraiser on Saturday, July 6, to coincide with the City of Grand Rapids’ fireworks show.

In addition to having the best seats in Grand Rapids for the fireworks, visitors will be able to explore all three floors of the Museum, including the Changing America and TOYS! exhibits, enjoy rides on the 1928 Spillman Carousel, hear patriotic music on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, and see a Chaffee Planetarium show. At dusk, visitors can head outside to the enclosed lawn seating areas or stay inside the Museum for air-conditioned comfort to watch the fireworks as they burst over the Grand River.

During the event, the Museum will offer affordable meal deals and ice cream treats available for purchase.

Tickets for Front Row for the Fireworks are $15 for the general public and $10 for Museum members. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at grpm.org/FrontRow or by calling the Museum at 616.929.1700.

Sponsor a Child to Attend Front Row for the Fireworks

By sponsoring a child for Front Row for the Fireworks, you are giving local kids in foster care the opportunity to see the fireworks from one of the best viewing locations along the river, bringing a fun and memory-making experience into their lives.

To sponsor a child, visit grpm.org/events/frontrow/.

The GRPM is once again working with Samaritas, West Michigan Ronald McDonald House, D.A. Blodgett St. John’s Home, Bethany Christian Services, Kids Food Basket and Catholic Charities of West Michigan to bring foster children, who might otherwise not be able to attend, downtown to the Museum to enjoy the event. Children can be sponsored with a $15 ticket donation that includes event admission and a meal for the child.

Changing America

This exhibit examines the relationship between two great people’s movements, which both grew out of decades of bold actions, resistance, organization and vision. In addition to artifacts from the GRPM Collections, many artifacts on display are on loan from the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. Local stories are told through the eyes of our community in the form of oral histories, and the exhibit includes a space for visitors to reflect and share their own story. Find out more at grpm.org/ChangingAmerica

TOYS!

TOYS! is an interactive, multi-generational exhibition of toys and games to rekindle childhood memories and spark the creation of new ones. This GRPM original exhibit features toys and games from the Museum’s Collections and on loan from the community, allowing visitors to imagine, compete and create, while going on a journey of toys through generations. Find out more at grpm.org/Toys. 

New Year, New… Blah?

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, How-To's, , , , ,

By Ronald Christian Rivera, LMSW, Outpatient Therapist

 

New Year, new blah… The fact that I put off writing this blog entry (New Year’s inspirational) until the end of January shows my lack of interest for hallmark catchphrases and societally forced transformations. Now, I know I’m coming off as somewhat pessimistic, but I’m the kind of person that thinks we should be seeking growth and transformation in our daily lives and not simply at the beginning of the year. Most of us sprint towards desired changes until we’re faced with obstacles and challenges that our new routines bring about, and in no time we find ourselves right back where we started.

 

Let me back up a bit and say that I do think there’s something special in regards to the hope and inspiration that a new year brings. For some people it represents a fresh start or a clean slate. If you’re someone that finds that spark for change due to this time of the year, then more power to you. Maybe I should be more embracing of this annual gift.

 

In treatment we have a scientific phrase used to describe the catalyst for change or universal phenomenon that we refer to as, “whatever works.” So, if kicking off the New Year generates newly found motivation in you to _____________ (insert New Year’s Resolution), then that’s the antidote to ambivalence. Below I have provided a rather commonsensical, yet overlooked, “how-to” guide that (hopefully) may assist in following through with your New Year’s Resolutions for 2016. “May the odds be ever in your favor.”- Katniss Everdeen (I think).

 

Comprehensive guide to achieving your New Year’s Resolution goals:

  1. Slow and steady wins the race. Set small, measurable, bite size goals that can be reasonably achieved within 1-3 months. This will help you to build off of your daily progress which in turn will provide additional motivation to stick with your plan as you meet short term goals and continue to raise the bar. Example: Instead of saying, “I want to get in shape by summer.” Try, “I’m going to exercise three times a week for the next month and aim to lose 10 pounds.”
  2. Your language matters. There have been some interesting articles that I’ve read throughout the years in regards to how our irrational thoughts can prevent us from taking risks and challenging our comfort zone. Negative thoughts, intrusive thoughts, and self-defeating attitudes can be toxic for anyone who is attempting to make changes in their lives. Even when we have the motivation to try something new and dare to take a leap of faith, our inner critic is right there to remind us of why we shouldn’t. Silencing our inner critic can be challenging, but one effective way to combat that pesky inner voice is by mindfully speaking to ourselves with the wisdom and encouragement that we would give to our best friends. Example: Instead of allowing your friend to dwell on past failures after experiencing a set back on a new business venture, it would be more constructive to challenge their negative attitude by helping them focus on past accomplishments that were only met after overcoming adversity. It is essential that we channel this stream of positivity and affirmation in moments of “self-talk” in order to silence the voice of self-defeat.
  3. Make it fun! This is a big one for me. If the resolution you’re looking to make involves a significant lifestyle change, then it is essential that you have a fun time doing it. We humans love our habits, and man, is it difficult to lose our comforts no matter how destructive or maladaptive they may be. Example: For some of us that might be finding the simple pleasures of adjusting to an early morning routine and for others it could be finding a creative exercise to stay in shape if running or biking are not your cup of tea. The takeaway is this: the more fun or pleasure we get from the activity the more likely our body will crave that we repeat it.

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Snapshots: Fireworks — fun for everyone

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

 

By WKTV Staff

 

The Fourth of July — also known as Independence Day or America’s Birthday — has been a recognized federal holiday since 1941. The day actually marks when the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. (The vote for independence took place on July 2.)

 

This year, most communities will be celebrating the nation’s 242nd birthday on Wednesday, July 4. For today’s Snapshots, we provided a list of Fourth of July activities and wish everyone a safe and happy celebration.

 

Click on the cute little map thumbnails below, and you will be whisked to larger maps which will guide you to where you need to go.

 

Kentwood

Activities begin with a pancake breakfast at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root), 4950 Breton Rd. SE, from 7:30-9:30am and is followed by the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk and the parade which starts at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The middle school also will be the site for the evening activities that start at 6pm with fireworks at dusk. For more, click here.

 

Grandville

Grandville’s Fourth of July celebration kicks off the day with a flag raising at 8:30am at the Grandville Middle School, 3535 Wilson Ave. SW followed by a parade. In the afternoon at the Middle School, there will be a variety of activities starting at noon with fireworks at dusk. For more, click here.

 

Grand Rapids

The Amway Family Fireworks in Grand Rapids will be July 7, yes, Saturday, July 7. The activities such as games, food, vendor exhibits and music, will kick off at 5pm at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is right next to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW. Fireworks will be at dusk (estimated time is 10:30pm) For more, click here.

 

Dorr

This community to the south has a five-day celebration that started on June 30 and wraps up on July 4. On Wednesday, there is a community breakfast at the Dorr Christian Reformed Church, 4220 18th St., Dorr, followed by a parade and activities throughout the afternoon. The fireworks will be at dusk (estimated time is 10:20pm) For more click here.

 

Other local communities: 

East Grand Rapids, Ada, Allendale and Cascade will have Fourth of July celebrations as well. These will include parades, activities, and fireworks.

 

Village of Hopkins

Just a little further south, the Village of Hopkins has teamed up with the Gun Lake Casino for its annual Fourth of July celebration. Activities start with a free breakfast. The children’s parade is at 4pm and the main parade at 5pm. The fireworks, which are being billed as the “biggest boom ever,” are scheduled for dusk. For more, click here.

 

Lakeshore

The communities of Grand Haven, Saugatuck-Douglas and Holland all have Fourth of July events taking place. Also, Nelis’ Dutch Village will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. A vintage car show is set for Tuesday, July 3.

 

And to the North

Muskegon will be hosting a two-day Fourth of July celebration and the annual Lakeshore Art Festival will be taking place on July 6 and 7. Also, the White Lake area has its Fourth of July parade on Wednesday along with fireworks over the north end of White Lake. Ludington hosts its annual Freedom Festival which includes a parade and fireworks.

 

And one last boom….

At tonight’s Whitecaps games (July 3) there will be fireworks. The game starts at 7:05pm. For more, click here.

 

WKTV Schedule July 4 schedule

9:00am — Senior Exercise: Summer Special

9:30am — Celebrating Life & Food: Celebrating the 4th of July

10:00am — 4th of July Special

10:30am — A Salute To Honor

11:00am — Wings of a Mighty Fortress

12:30pm — Kentwood 4th of July Parade

1:00pm — Lost Boat Ceremony

2:15pm — Lest We Forget

4:30pm — Patriotic Festival of Music

6:00pm — West Shore Symphony: Spirit of America

7:30pm — Kentwood 4th of July Parade

8:00pm — 2017 Metro Cruise

8:30pm — Wings of a Mighty Fortress

10:00pm — Veterans’ Creative Arts Festival

Fido and Fifi are NOT amused — how to keep your pets safe over the 4th of July

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, How-To's, Pets/Animals, ,

By WKTV Staff

 

Have a dog or few? If so, you may be dreading the impending fireworks. By now, you’ve probably already gotten a taste of how your pet reacts to loud noises — neighborhood kids like to set off fireworks a few days early.

 

Tales of dogs escaping yards abound — just ask your local Humane Society. And veterinarians say that July 3rd is usually the most trafficked day in their offices, with clients coming in to get drugs for their dogs.

 

Fireworks displays are an inevitability, but there are some things you can do to help keep your pup calm. Here are some tips for surviving the loud booms.

  • Exercise your dog earlier in the day to release pent-up energy.
  • Keep your canine indoors during fireworks and keep him company, if possible. Run the air conditioner to keep him cool.
  • Don’t take your dog with you to a fireworks display. (That’s just nuts.)
  • Make sure your dog has a safe place inside to retreat to. Dogs often feel safer in small, enclosed places if they’re scared of loud sounds. Consider crating your pup, if he’s comfortable there. Covering the crate will help.
  • Keep windows and curtains closed, if possible. Removing visual stimulation can really help.
  • Ensure that your dog wears ID tags with a collar that fits properly. That way, if he somehow escapes, there is a better chance that he’ll be returned to you.
  • Leave Fido a frozen Kong toy filled with his favorite morsels. It’s a good distraction.

For more tips, go here.

 

And take heart. It will all be over soon. (Until next year…)

 

Tickets on sale for Public Museum’s Front Row for the Fireworks

Entertainment, ,

By Christie Bender

grpm.org

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s (GRPM) annual Independence Day fundraiser, Front Row for the Fireworks, offers visitors an evening of entertainment, discovery and fun. Front Row for the Fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 7, to coincide with the City of Grand Rapids’ celebration.

 

In addition to having front row seats underneath the fireworks, the night includes patriotic music playing on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, live sky shows in the Chaffee Planetarium, rides on the 1928 Spillman Carousel, as well as a unique Museum-wide scavenger hunt for the family. For 2018, event tickets will also include admission to the GRPM’s summer exhibits Be The Astronaut and Zoo In You: Microbes!

 

At dusk, visitors can head outside to the enclosed lawn seating areas or stay inside the Museum in air-conditioned comfort to have an amazing view of the fireworks as they burst over the Grand River. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for outdoor seating.

 

During the event, the Museum will offer affordable meal deals for $6.00, featuring a summer menu. Ice cream treats will also be available for purchase.

 

Tickets are on sale now! Tickets are $10 for Museum members and $15 for the general public. For more information and to purchase tickets visit grpm.org/FrontRow, call 616.929.1700 or stop by the Museum’s front desk. Proceeds from this event support exhibits and programs of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

 

Please note, the Museum will close at 5 p.m. on July 7 and re-open at 6:30 p.m.

Kentwood celebrates Fourth of July with a day full of activities

City of Kentwood, , , , , ,

 

A pancake breakfast, 5K run, carnival games and of course, fireworks, all adds up to one event — the City of Kentwood’s annual July 4th Celebration.

 

Taking place on Tuesday, July 4, the celebration kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at a new location, the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Library, 4950 Breton Rd. SE. For $5, its pancakes and sausage to start off the day.

 

From there, participants can head next door to City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE, watch the start of the Autocam 5K Race and Fun Walk, which starts at 8:30 a.m. Cheer the runners on as they follow a new course this year that will start and end at City Hall along with allowing race participants to travel through the East West Trail and the neighborhoods west of City Hall.

 

From City Hall, visitors have an excellent opportunity to snag a viewing spot for this year’s parade which will step off at 9:30 a.m. from Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, exiting out of the south drive on to Walma Avenue. The parade will travel south down Walma to Breton, going right past the Kentwood City Hall. From Breton, the route will go west on 52nd Street, ending at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE. The annual parade is covered live by WKTV on Channel 25.

 

The celebration takes a break for the afternoon with evening activities set to start at 6 p.m. at Crestwood Middle School. There will be carnival rides, giant inflatables, food vendors and food trucks along with music by Great Scott, games and of course, the entire evening wrapping up with fireworks. Additional parking and viewing will be available at the City Center, 4900 Breton St. SE. Note, no personal fireworks, sparklers or Chinese lanterns allowed at the public event.

 

Volunteers for the annual event are still needed. To volunteer or for more information about the July 4th Celebration, visit www.yourkprd.org or call 616-656-5270.

 

The Kentwood July 4th Celebration is part of the city’s 50th Anniversary celebration. The 50th Anniversary community-wide celebration is set for Aug. 11 and 12. For more information on the Kentwood 50th Anniversary, visit www.kentwood50.com.

Wyoming lights up the sky with its annual fireworks at Concerts in the Park

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , ,

The Brena Band

Once again the City of Wyoming gets the West Michigan Fourth of July celebrations started with its annual WY-FI (Wyoming fireworks) event tonight at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.

 

The evening, which is part of the city’s Concerts in the Parks series, starts at 7 p.m. and includes two concerts featuring the Sweet J Band and the Brena Band, followed by fireworks at dusk. There also will be giveaways, face painting and food from area restaurants.

 

The Sweet J Band

A familiar foursome, the Sweet J Band has been performing the Greater Grand Rapids for more than 15 years at such venues as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The group includes Matt Young, lead guitar and vox, Colin Tobin, lead vox and guitar, Matt Kok, bass and xo and Brian V, drums. The group performs music from the sixties to current and covers blues, rock, and soul.

 

The Brena Band also hails from Grand Rapids having performed in and around the area. The group offers a range of musical genres, however, expect to pretty much rock out at tonight’s concert as the group gets everyone ready for the fireworks.

 

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission, which organizes the Concerts in the Park, recommends attendees be at Lamar Park by 6:30 p.m. There is plenty of parking on-site. The concert and the parking are free.

 

For more information, visit wyomingcec.org.

Get your tickets now for the annual ‘Front Row for the Fireworks’ event at the GRPM

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , ,

Photo supplied

Kate Moore, Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s (GRPM) annual Independence Day fundraiser, Front Row for the Fireworks, offers visitors an evening of entertainment, discovery and fun. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, July 1 to coincide with the City of Grand Rapids celebration.

In addition to having front row seats in Grand Rapids underneath the fireworks, the night will include patriotic themed Mighty Wurlitzer Organ concerts in the Meijer Theater, exciting shows in the Chaffee Planetarium, rides on the 1928 Spillman Carousel, as well as a unique Museum-wide scavenger hunt for the family. Please note, the Museum will close at 5 p.m. on July 1 and re-open at 6:30 p.m.

The Museum Café will serve a meal deal for $5.00, featuring various summer menu items sure to please any palette. Ice cream and other treats will also be available for purchase. At dusk, visitors can head outside to the carousel walkway or the enclosed lawn seating area, or stay inside the Museum in air-conditioned comfort to have an amazing view of the fireworks as they burst over the Grand River.

Tickets are on sale now! Tickets are $10 for Museum members and $15 for non-members. For more information and to purchase tickets visit grpm.org, call 616.929.1700 or stop by the Museum’s front desk. Proceeds from this event support exhibits and programs of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Support Local Foster Children

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is once again working with Lutheran Social Services, West Michigan Ronald McDonald House and D.A. Blodgett Homes to bring foster children, who might otherwise not be able to attend, downtown to the Museum to enjoy the festivities. Ticket purchasers may sponsor a child with a $15 ticket donation that includes a meal for the child. For details, please visit grpm.org or call 616.929.1700.

Front Row for the Fireworks is sponsored by Varnum, LLP and Macatawa Bank.

Rockets red glare are allowed, just make sure you check your city ordinance

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

Get a front row ticket for the Grand Rapids fireworks at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, fireworks usage is expected to be at an all-time high this Fourth of July.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

 

A few years ago, Michigan lifted the ban on consumer fireworks. All fine and dandy (as long as you’re safe and follow the rules), but it certainly is not a free-for-all when it comes to lighting them up — the state legislature allows local municipalities to put in place ordinances on when such fireworks can be used.

 

Consumer fireworks are devices designed to produce visible effects by combustion such as firecrackers sky lanterns, bottle rockets, roman candles and certain aerial shells not exceeding 1.75 inches in diameter.

 

Low-impact and novelty fireworks that are ground-based or handled devices such as wheel fountains, smoke devices, ground spinners, and sparklers, are permitted.

 

But you’ll want to check with your local municipality before you shoot off a bottle rocket or light that roman candle. In both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, consumer firework usage is restricted to the day before, the day of and the day after a national holiday.

 

Even on permitted days, there are restrictions. In the city of Kentwood, fireworks are prohibited during the hours of 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. In Wyoming, fireworks are prohibited between the hours of 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on the day before and the day after the holiday. On the day of the holiday, fireworks are prohibited from midnight to 8 a.m.

 

Also in Wyoming, the ordinance prohibits a person from discharging or displaying fireworks on another person’s property or within 15 feet of another person’s property without the property owner’s permission. You must get a permit to discharge fireworks in a public street or right-of-way, a public park, school property or any other place of public assembly.

 

“We do get a number of complaints during times when people are allowed to set off fireworks and if they are doing it during the allowed time legally, there is not much we can do,” said Capt. Kim Koster with the Wyoming Public Safety Department. Many residents do call the department with concerns over the noise from fireworks upsetting their pets and small children.

 

“If it is endangering public safety or personal property, we are going to investigate to make sure that it is being done safely,” Koster said.

 

According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, consumer fireworks usage is expected to hit an all-time high this Fourth of July and safety remains a top priority. One of the biggest concerns the council has reported on is an increase in injuries among youth “who have used fireworks in videos unsafely to impress friends or get a laugh.” It is unlawful for anyone under 18 to discharge or display consumer fireworks in the State of Michigan.

 

Another factor is alcohol, said Ellen Bristol, director of internal communications and public relations at Metro Health. “There is a saying that nothing bad ever happens when it starts with a salad,” Bristol said, adding that many of the firework injuries Metro Health has taken care of over the years have had alcohol involved as well. To help with promoting fireworks safety, Metro Health recently put out a blog post on fireworks safety tips.

 

The bottomline, Koster said, is to think about where you are, what you are doing and just be “considerate of your neighbors.”

 

For details on the laws in Kentwood or Wyoming, visit the respective websites.

Slight changes make Kentwood’s Fourth of July celebration really sparkle

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , , ,

Get a front row ticket for the Grand Rapids fireworks at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Kentwood’s Fourth of July fireworks will be at Crestwood Middle School.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

 

This year, the City of Kentwood has made a few tweaks to its annual Fourth of July celebration – which will be observed on Monday, July 4 – in an effort to make the activities more centralized.

 

Kentwood’s Marketing and Events Coordinator Laura Barbarick said there was a move by city staff at the recommendation of Mayor Stephen Kepley to pull the events together in one place. So it was decided to have the Kentwood Community Church as the main spot for the morning events with all the evening activities remaining at Crestwood Middle School.

 

The celebration – which has been taking place for more than 35 years in Kentwood – will kick off like it always has with a pancake breakfast from 7 – 11 a.m. in a tent in the east parking lot of Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. SE. Cost is $7/general, free/children 3 and under for pancakes, sausage and eggs.

 

Barbrick noted that because both the 5K race and the parade start and end at Kentwood Community Church, participants and visitors will need to vary their route to the church since 60th Street between Eastern Avenue and Ridgebrook Drive will be closed. The recommend route is to enter the Celebration! Cinema South drive off of Kalamazoo Avenue and follow until it dead ends into Eastport Drive. Turn right and follow Eastport until it dead ends into Ridgebrook Drive, turning right on Ridgebrook Drive to the church.

 

Because of the effort to centralize events both the Autocam 5K Race & Fun Walk and the parade routes are reverse from last year.

 

The 5K begins at 8:30 am. with racers traveling west towards Eastern, north on Eastern with a turn around near the front of CVS so they head south on Eastern and then east on 60th Street. Registration is open up to the day of the race with late registration and check in are at Kentwood Community Church. For more information, visit www.classicrace.com.

 

Immediately after the race will be the parade, set to start around 9:30 a.m. The parade starts at 60th Street and Ridgebrook in front of Kentwood Community Church and will travel west on 60th Street then north to the 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue intersection. Anyone interested in participating in this year’s parade should contact the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department at 656-5270.

 

The Fourth of July celebration activities continue in the evening at 6 pm. with a carnival at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE., and concluding with fireworks at dusk. There will be a variety of games and rides for the whole family to enjoy. Concession and food trucks will be onsite until 10 p.m.

 

Volunteers are needed for all portions of the celebration. To volunteer or for more information about the event, visit the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s website, www.yourkprd.org or call 656-5270.