The stuffed animals are being collected in honor of Yogi, a brown bear who was humanely euthanized at John Ball Zoo this week after suffering from arthritis due to his advanced age.
Yogi was born in the wild and had been with John Ball Zoo since 1994 after repeated human area conflict in Yellowstone National Park. Yogi would have been euthanized at that time if the John Ball Zoo had not provided him with a home. At the Zoo, he lived well beyond his life expectancy.
A 30-year zoo icon
“John Ball Zoo is heartbroken by the loss of Yogi, who was a beloved presence at the Zoo for almost 30 years,” said Jaime Racalla, zookeeper supervisor at John Ball Zoo. “We’re very proud of the long life he had and the excellent care he received from our team into his later years. It is heartwarming to know that Yogi will continue to bring tokens of joy and comfort to children through the stuffed animal drive in his honor.”
Yogi’s caretakers will miss his gentle, easygoing personality.
“Yogi’s favorite day of the week was bone day,” said Jackie Wolflinger-Zellinger, swing keeper at John Ball Zoo. “He would pass up his dinner and any sweet snack we had for him, such as his evening medications mixed with honey or jam, for it, and he would be busy chewing until all the meat was gone. He was such a joy to work with.”
Teddy bear drive details
Donated stuffed bears can be dropped off at John Ball Zoo Guest Services through Oct. 19
John Ball Zoo will collect stuffed animals from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily Oct. 5-19 to be donated to the children’s hospital. The toys should be new with tags and can be dropped off at John Ball Zoo Guest Services office.
“Thank you to John Ball Zoo and our community supporting our pediatric patients at the hospital,” said Jeannine Brown, certified child life specialist at Helen DeVos. “These stuffed animals comfort our kids during their admission and aid in the healing process. We pass out many stuffed animals every day to brighten a child’s stay, especially if they forgot their treasured stuffed animal or lovey at home. Thank you for helping us make their hospital stay a little bit better with something to hold and hug.”
The final week of the ArtPrize exhibition and competition has begun, but there is still time to view all creative works at various public venues in downtown Grand Rapids.
“Balsagrom” by Aron Balorda, as displayed at The B.O.B restaurant and entertainment venue (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
From Sept. 14 – Oct. 1, artwork from 950 artists are displayed at 150 public venues across the city.
Visitors were able to vote for their favorite works, with the top 25 finalists announced Sept. 22. The competition side of ArtPrize will wrap up on Sept. 29 at Rosa Parks Circle with a reveal of the $125,000 Public Vote Grand Prize winner.
But ArtPrize is more than just public votes and cash prizes.
“Everyone needs times of connection and belonging,” the ArtPrize website states. “The thrill of being part of something bigger than ourselves. The jubilant intersection of creativity, fellowship, and wonder.”
Founded in 2009, ArtPrize was immediately established as a cultural phenomenon by grabbing the attention of artists and art critics worldwide. Not only did this annual event provide artists an opportunity to display their creations, ArtPrize also inspired conversations and engaged imaginations.
Driftwood, rocks and agates – oh my!
Pasha Ruggles poses with “Adam” portrayed as the movie character Groot (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Pasha Ruggles, resident of Oceana County and creator of “MI-Eden,” felt that spark of imagination while on a Michigan beach with her children in 2015.
“I was on the beach with my kids and they asked me to carry some driftwood,” said Ruggles. “When I threw it in the back of my vehicle…it landed just-so and I thought, ‘That looks like a fish. I’ll make a fish out of that.’”
Ruggles shrugged and smiled. “That’s how it started. And here I am,” she said, gesturing toward the multiple creations surrounding her.
A portrayal of the tree and snake in the biblical creation story (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“MI-Eden,” which can be found outside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, is composed of wood, stones and agates from Michigan streams and lakes.
Eden’s “Adam” is portrayed by Groot, and if visitors look closely they will see an apple dangling from one of Groot’s hands.
Accompanying “Adam” are a variety of animals. “MI-Eden” also incorporates a tree and snake from the biblical account of creation.
Finding solace in nature’s artwork
A “MI-Eden” eagle appears ready to take flight (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Ruggles said that many visitors and passersby think she carved the lifelike pieces in “MI-Eden,” but the artist said she does not shape the wood she finds.
“Nature shapes it and I just put it together,” said Ruggles.
Though Ruggles admits that she fell into art “by accident,” she has also found solace in her work.
“I absolutely love it,” said Ruggles. “It’s more therapeutic than anything to me. Walking on the beach, finding the stuff. If I’m not looking for driftwood, I’m looking for rocks.”
Natural elements and mixed media
Artist Tom Gifford with his 3D mixed media creation titled “MI Light” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Muskegon resident Tom Gifford also finds beauty and peace in Michigan’s natural elements.
Gifford’s 3D creation can be found at Biggby Coffee in Grand Rapids. Titled “MI Light,” the exhibit strives to display the beauty of Michigan through various forms of art.
Two photographs Gifford took himself create the Michigan outline, while the base takes the shape of a lighthouse with a light that comes on after dark.
“I like how much of a challenge it is to fit what you think of Michigan into one piece,” said Gifford.
Gifford wanted more to portray more than just a sunset for “MI Light,” and worked to incorporate all of the state’s natural elements: cliffs, sandstone, rocky beaches and clear water.
The lighthouse base was formed from pallet wood Gifford salvaged from dumpsters and then burned with a torch to give it an antique facade.
A change in plans and sleepless nights
Gifford admitted that the photograph forming Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was only taken a few weeks prior to the beginning of ArtPrize. Not quite happy with the picture he had already picked out for the mural, Gifford took one more trip up to Pictured Rocks.
As night falls, a light will illuminate the top of the lighthouse (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
He found his perfect photo, but Gifford said that, “when I order the print, it takes weeks to get the print. So it was the Tuesday before ArtPrize and I was cutting it out and getting ready. It was a lot of last minute work.”
Gifford said that last minute work on his creations is not unusual.
“I’m not just going to get it done and over with, I’m going to put every ounce of energy I’ve got into it,” said Gifford. “It definitely takes a toll on you after a while. [There are]a lot of sleepless nights.”
Michigan memories
Gifford also created a small room in the lighthouse base just big enough for two people to stand inside. Sticky notes and pens are available so visitors can post a note of what brings light to their lives.
The entrance to the room where visitors can post their favorite Michigan memories (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“People can write their own favorite Michigan memory on the wall,” said Gifford, adding that he plans to make a collage out of all the notes once ArtPrize is finished.
Gifford says he likes hearing people inside the small room.
“They are reading stuff and laughing and having fun,” said Gifford. “It makes it nice and interactive.”
To find information on artists, exhibit locations, and to keep up-to-date on events, visit artprize.org.
Ryan McCallister’s sculpture, “Count on Me,” is one of 25 finalists in ArtPrize this year (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Ryan McCallister always knew art would be his destiny (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The annual international art competition, ArtPrize, is an 18-day event in Grand Rapids that exhibits art in galleries, storefronts, parks, museums, and public venues of all kinds. This year, ArtPrize features 950 artists and 150 exhibition venues.
“Count On Me” is an eight-foot tall and eight-foot wide 3D warrior goddess sculpture made of stainless steel, river rock, and stained glass. Inspired by Valkyries and angels, McCallister created “Count On Me” to celebrate women leaders and warriors who exuded courage and power.
Based out of Cave Creek, Arizona, McCallister always knew art would be his destiny.
“I need to pour my soul into something, and my sculptures are a distillation of those desires,” McCallister said in his ArtPrize bio. “Each work of art is an attempt at showcasing human stories and potential, while highlighting the magic that comes from searching for deeper meaning in life.”
McCallister hopes his sculptures transport the viewer to another reality, and that they feel the passion and magic of his works.
ArtPrize is free, open to the public, and celebrates ideas, conversations, experimentation, and inclusiveness.
“Count On Me” can be found outside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids.
The Michigan Small Business Development Center presents Pitch Black Grand Rapids, a pitch competition for Black business owners (Courtesy, MI-SBDC)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
In an effort to uplift the Black business community, the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) has announced a Grand Rapids pitch competition on Thursday, Sept. 28.
The Pitch Black competition began in 2021 in response to the detrimental effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on Black-owned businesses in Muskegon County. Pitch Black is now coming to Grand Rapids and will focus on Black-owned businesses operating in Kent County.
Business owners will have a chance to present their pitch to a panel of judges for a chance at a cash prize (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
“It’s sort of like Shark Tank meets America’s Got Talent,” explained Ed Garner, West Michigan Regional Director for the MI-SBDC. “It will be on an auditorium stage in a game show style fashion.”
Twenty Black business owners were selected from a pool of applicants to be Pitch Black contestants. All contestants received pitch training in preparation for a preliminary round presentation to a panel of Black Judges.
Five to seven contestants will then be chosen as finalists and pitch for their share of $10,000 in front of a live studio audience.
“It’s our way of uplifting the Black business community and is part of our DEI initiative called Uplift Michigan™, a strategic movement designed to ensure equitable access for all diverse entrepreneurs across Michigan,” said Garner.
Bringing culture and personal awareness
Bertina Polk, owner of My Little Love Bugs Childcare LLC, applied for Pitch Black to bring awareness to early childhood education in the African American culture.
Polk remembers being teased because of the darkness of her skin, kinkiness of her hair, and her broad nose.
“It always made me wonder if I was good enough,” said Polk.
Seeing her own traumatic childhood memories repeated in following generations of children as young as preschool age bothered Polk.
Bertina Polk’s childcare business teaches children to have confidence in who they are (Courtesy, Bertina Polk)
“It hurts my heart that these babies are going to school not knowing who they are, the importance of their existence, their value, and being proud of their culture and the skin they are in,” said Polk. “I pride myself on the fact that my daycare has a strong emphasis and focus on making sure that our children know that their black is beautiful.”
Polk does this by building a daily childcare routine that focuses on self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
“Childhood trauma can turn into adulthood trauma,” said Polk. “Being hurtful and mean to children can ruin self-esteem in the very early stages of life.”
Whether Polk is a winner of a cash prize or not, she considers it a blessing to bring awareness to issues that young African American children encounter. She is also thankful for the opportunity to gather information that will help her grow her business.
“I’ve learned a lot after doing research about the African American culture and how it affects our children in the Early Childhood stages,” said Polk.
If Polk receives a cash prize, she plans to use it to move and expand her childcare facility.
Having located the building she wants for the new facility, Polk is already working with other agencies to provide funding for a playground, educational materials for children, as well as training for staff.
“This will give me the opportunity to grow from the family group daycare into a center, and I’ll be able to provide more services to our community and our African American children,” said Polk.
More than just a business
Reggie Macon, owner of martial arts school Battle Ground JKD LLC, joined the Pitch Black competition after it was suggested to him by a client.
At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
“Of course, the [prize] money sounds good, but I was also intrigued by the information I could potentially get from [the competition],” said Macon. “If anything, I can get some great information on how I can move forward with the business.”
Macon’s primary objective, however, is to share his passion of martial arts with youth and women.
Macon founded Battle Ground out of a desire to keep his two daughters safe. Having recognized and researched the dangers of human trafficking, Macon is focused on using his 17 years of personal training experience to help others learn how to protect themselves.
“I started out training my daughters and training a couple of kids out of my garage, and it kind of went from a passion to something I can see myself doing as a living,” said Macon.
Battle Ground features classes for youth, women’s self-defense, strike classes for MMA boxers, and Sweat It Out Saturdays – a co-ed group of various ages geared toward participants attending with a friend or partner to gain accountability in their weight loss goals.
With countless self-defense and martial arts schools available to the public, Macon differentiates himself by being more hands-on than most.
All ages are welcome at Battle Ground martial arts school (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
“It’s not just technique and that’s it,” said Macon. “I teach how to read body language, situational awareness, how to create separation to escape in certain instances, and how to build confidence in oneself to know that just because I know how to fight doesn’t mean I have to. I can walk away confidently enough to know I won’t have to cause any harm.”
During the course of the Pitch Black competition training, Macon feels the information contestants have received has been helpful in showing how and what they can apply to their businesses.
“It’s been great information throughout the competition.”
Macon hopes to purchase more safety equipment for the gym if he wins a cash prize, and also to increase marketing for Battle Ground.
“Hopefully Battle Ground will be a household name pretty soon,” Macon said.
Showcase and competition details you don’t want to miss
A business and resource showcase will be held before the competition (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Prior to the Pitch Black competition there will also be a business and resource showcase featuring all 20 contestants as well as selected organizations that support Black-owned businesses.
The competition and showcase will take place Thursday, Sept. 28 in Loosemore Auditorium at Grand Valley State University’s DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton Street in Grand Rapids. The showcase opens at 5 p.m. and the competition begins at 6:30 p.m.
Three cash prizes will be presented by the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at GVSU. The Grand Prize is $5,000, with a 2nd place prize of $3,500, and a 3rd place prize of $1,500. The prize money can be used for any legitimate business purpose.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged due to space limitations. All audience members are asked to dress in casual black attire.
Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.
Rubio Slager’s choreography portrays the power of human connection and relationships (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)
The dancers embody the complexities of human existence, peeling away societal expectations to confront their true selves. Through Rubio Slager’s innovative choreography, the journey of self-discovery unfolds on stage, inviting audiences to reflect on their own identities and the masks they wear.
The power of human connection and relationships takes center stage in BareFace. Just as Cupid and Psyche longed for each other, the dancers’ movements intertwine and interact, portraying the intricacies of love, longing, and the universal desire for connection.
“With technical precision and graceful beauty,” writes Kathy D. Hey from Third Coast Review, “the talented artists of Ballet 5:8’s dance company convey a range of emotions, from moments of grief and longing to lighter moments of comedy.”
A captivating story that embraces the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity, BareFace challenges us to confront our own masks and delve into the rawness of our emotions. Set in the Grecian fairytale world of Glome, the production captivates with its cinematic storytelling, sweeping stage pictures, and gliding sets.
A lasting impact
BareFace showcases Rubio Slager’s choreography that, as described by D’onminique Boyd-Riley from See Chicago Dance, “Flows like chimes, leaving an enduring impact long after the wind has passed. The performance is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Dancers rehearse a previous Ballet 5:8 production. (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)
The athletic prowess of Ballet 5:8’s dance artists, along with the work of costume designer Lorianne Robertson, scenic designers Sarah L. Freeman and Graham Louthan, and projections by Sarah L. Freeman and Julianna Rubio Slager, bring this full-length story ballet to life.
Artistic Director, Co-Founder and Chicano Resident Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager co-founded Ballet 5:8 in 2012. She is known for engaging audiences in discussions of life and faith through exquisite choreography, and for empowering minority women to command space in the professional ballet scene.
Since its founding in 2012, Ballet 5:8 has presented more than 45 critically acclaimed ballets, engaging and captivating communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation.
Tiered single tickets are available ranging from $15 to $45 based on seating and available online at: https://www.ballet58.org/calendar/bareface-gr. Specific children, student and senior ticket prices are available. For groups of 10 or more adults, patrons can use the code: B58GROUP to redeem $5 off each ticket.
Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Degelder, a “Golden Warrior” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, piloted an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford (Courtesy, Petty Officer 2nd Class Nolan Pennington DVIDS)
Provided by U.S. Navy Outreach
deborah@wktv.org
U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere.
Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Degelder from Grand Rapids, MI, assigned to the “Golden Warriors” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, piloted an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on Aug. 30.
Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
An online survey and in-person events are scheduled as part of transit master planning process (Courtesy, The Rapid)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The TMP will help build a community-led transit system (Courtesy, Thriving)
The Rapid is asking for community input on the future of transit as part of its Transit Master Plan (TMP).
Titled “Thriving: A framework for the future of connectivity,” the TMP seeks to identify what the public needs from The Rapid and general transportation in both the short and long term.
Individuals can participate through an online survey or by attending an in-person community engagement workshop from now until Dec. 8. This feedback will help The Rapid strategically build a community-led transit system for the next 20 years.
Everyone in the region is encouraged to participate, regardless of whether they use public transportation or not. The study area for this project extends well beyond The Rapid’s service zone with the intent to garner feedback from individuals who currently don’t have access to The Rapid.
Public transportation users as well as non-public transportation users are invited to participate in the survey (Courtesy, Thriving)
“As our region grows, so does the need to expand transit options,” said The Rapid CEO Deb Prato. “We need to create a plan that outlines how public transportation will meet the needs of all our residents. Gathering feedback from everyone, both users and nonusers, is crucial to the success of this plan.”
There will be an in-person open house event Thursday, Oct. 19 at Rapid Central Station, 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids. There will be three sessions: 7 to 9 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m.
Once the public engagement period ends on Dec. 8, The Rapid and TMP project consultants from internationally recognized firm AECOM will develop the roadmap for implementing, improving and potentially expanding transit options in the future.
The vintage ball park is hosting a Back to the 90’s Ballpark Jam festival-style show that will feature several musical artists.
Kicking off at 2:30 p.m. and running until 10 p.m., the show will consist of continuous music, beer, food trucks and of course – fun!
Troll for Trout will play alongside Papa Vegas, Domestic Problems, Knee Deep Shag and Craig Griffith. Between band acts, guests will be treated to solo performances by Adam Mikrut, Glen Danles, Ed Dupas, and more.
Troll for Trout is celebrating their 30th anniversary of colorful musical history. Over the years, the Michigan band has earned a diehard following and generated an impressive array of recordings.
“Troll for Trout and our music has always been about a lifestyle,” Michael Crittenden, founding member and chief songwriter, says on their website. “It’s that excited feeling of leaving work early on a beautiful Friday afternoon and pointing your vehicle North where there’s no schedule. It’s about finding and reconnecting with the peace that resides in all of us, but gets buried by the day to day grind.”
“Reboot” is a benefit for the restoration of Valley Field. A portion of the proceeds will also go toward the GVSU Aris Hampers Broadcasting Scholarship.
Maria Goosen, CTRS leads seniors in a Tai Chi class at Care Resources (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Care Resources in Grand Rapids recently offered a tai chi class to Day Center visitors ages 55 and older as a way to promote healthy living.
“Tai chi is a form of exercise that originated in China and has become extremely popular throughout the world,” said Maria Goosen, a certified therapeutic recreational specialist (CTRS) who led the tai chi class. “It incorporates slow, simple, repetitive and low-impact movements that can be easily modified so that anyone can participate.”
A tranquil environment
Maria Goosen, CTRS, leads a Tai Chi class (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The small exercise class took place in a room that featured a screen portraying peaceful nature scenes, low lighting, and soft music.
“Tai chi is often referred to as ‘meditation in motion’ because it focuses on your breath as well which helps to clear your mind,” said Goosen. “This allows for a multitude of emotional benefits such as decreased stress, anxiety and depression and enhanced well-being.”
Slow stretches gradually progressed into a sequence of tai chi movements that participants were able to complete sitting or standing, whichever was most comfortable to them.
Goosen says the benefits of tai chi are lengthy: improved balance, improved strength, improved hand-eye coordination, improved sleep quality, increased blood circulation and decreased risk of high blood pressure.
“It is a research-based intervention that has the capability to improve health in older adults,” said Goosen.
That is critically important to Care Resources, a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE®, which is funded by Medicare and Medicaid. The innovative community-based program for people 55 years and older promotes healthy and independent living while working to prevent nursing home placement.
The tai chi class is one of dozens of programs offered each month to participants.
Seniors warm up their muscles before a Tai Chi class at Care Resources (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Goosen helped physically guide participants’ movements if asked, but urged them not to do any tai chi moves that would cause pain. “Listen to what your body is telling you,” said Goosen.
The tranquil atmosphere of the class was sporadically broken by soft laughter over participants’ self-proclaimed “creaking bones” and lack of coordination.
“Your bodies appreciate when you move them,” Goosen told the participants. “Be thankful and grateful for all that your body does.”
Bingo…and good friends
Pamela Miller, a tai chi class participant, has been coming to Care Resources five days a week for the past four years.
“I’ve got a lot of pluses about this place,” said Miller with a firm nod when asked if she enjoyed coming to the Day Center.
Playing Bingo, singing with “Diane the Shower Lady,” shopping in the Bingo Room, spending time with friends, and singing karaoke are only a few things Miller enjoys while at the Day Center.
Pamela Miller, a regular at the Care Resources day center, has made close friends during her visits (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
And Miller’s definition of enjoyment is simple: “All I want is a good card to play Bingo.”
Miller has also forged lasting relationships and good friends at the Day Center, one being a gentleman who recently passed away.
Miller and her friend sat beside each other for years, looked out for each other, and went to events together before he died. Miller was thankful that her friend’s wife contacted Miller so she could go to his room and say goodbye before he passed.
“I know I’m not the only one who misses him,” said Miller.
Another good friend loves to paint, and Miller enjoys watching her create works of art.
Comfort and encouragement
Also very important to Miller is talking to the military veterans who come to the Day Center and offering comfort when she can.
“I’m there for them,” said Miller. “I see how they suffer. And they have suffered a lot.”
When asked what Miller’s favorite thing to do is at the Day Center, she answered without hesitation: “Encourage other people.”
Care Resources offers a day center, clinic and pharmacy in its 36,000-square-foot building at 4150 Kalamazoo Ave SE that provide a wide range of health care services as well as opportunities that promote socialization, build community and offer respite to caregivers.
Monarch butterflies play an important role in supporting our natural environment (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
By John Ball Zoo
deborah@wktv.org
Monarch butterflies will be released into the wild at John Ball Zoo on Saturday, Sept. 9 as part of a wildlife conservation celebration.
During Monarch Day at the Zoo, butterflies will be released at one hour intervals amid family-friendly events designed to teach participants why the butterflies are so important. Butterfly releases will take place at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Monarch Day at the Zoo will feature several family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about the butterflies (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
“We are so excited to welcome guests to experience the wonder of releasing monarch butterflies into the wild so their population can improve, and they can migrate to wintering grounds in Mexico,” said Dan Hemmann, area curator at John Ball Zoo. “People of all ages can enjoy the events of Monarch Day while learning about why this species is so important.”
From 9 a.m.-6 p.m., John Ball Zoo is offering fun, family-friendly activities and opportunities to learn about monarch butterflies and how pollinators help support our natural environment. Characters including Mirabelle, Rapunzel, Tinkerbell and Fawn will be present throughout the day to help spread the message on conservation efforts everyone can take to contribute to a healthy environment for pollinators.
Events also include story time with Circle Theatre at 11 a.m., as well as an aerial performance provided by Gemini Circus from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monarch Day will also feature live music by Kohns from 4-6 p.m., face painting, and animal activities throughout the day.
Throughout her life, Becci Schumaker found solace in poetry (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Grand Rapids resident and poet Becci Schumaker has always been drawn to words and the power within them – so she made words her refuge during difficult times.
Though she classifies herself as an introvert and a loner, Schumaker’s soft voice and kind countenance are the hallmark of a woman who navigated hardships and reached her dreams despite opposition.
Writing poetry was one of those dreams.
Falling in love with words
Becci Schumaker looks through her collection of poems (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“I love working with words,” said Schumaker. “I think words are fascinating. Words can be serene but they can be powerful, they can be enigmatic. It just opens up a whole new world.”
Writing poetry has been part of Schumaker’s world since she was 12 years old.
Coming from an emotionally and physically abusive family background, Schumaker immersed herself in reading and writing to escape the real world.
“It was a means of escape for me,” Schumaker said as she gently touched a binder containing several pages of her written works. “That was my safe place.”
Overcoming struggles and hardship
Words did not come easily for Schumaker at first.
In first grade, a teacher noticed Schumaker struggled with reading and provided extra instruction. By third grade Schumaker was reading college-level works.
“I haven’t stopped reading since,” said Schumaker with a smile.
Young Schumacher was immediately drawn to the genre of poetry, the words and prose a direct contrast to her hostile home environment.
Becci Schumaker’s poems have been published in several compilation poetry books (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Schumaker said she is grateful for the stable presence of an aunt and uncle with whom she spent summers while growing up.
“If it wasn’t for me having that Christian background through them, and getting my morals and values of what a good person is supposed to be, I don’t know if I would have even done this,” said Schumaker, touching the stack of poetry books in front of her.
Schumaker later took an evening American Literature class, writing a short story that her teacher urged her to publish.
However, Schumaker had to put her writing on hold as she focused on raising her four children, working two jobs for several years to support her family.
Reigniting the flame
Meeting her husband Don reignited Schumaker’s creative spirit, and she once again picked up her pen and put it to paper.
“I’ve actually woken my husband up in the middle of the night, jumping out of bed to grab pencil and paper and start writing,” said Schumaker with a grin.
“I will get a thought and will have to write,” Schumaker continued. “Nine times out of ten, the result is a poem.”
When she noticed an ad about submitting original poems to a poetry contest, Schumaker thought she would give it a try. “I Love You Lord” became Schumaker’s first published work of poetry, printed in 1997 under the name Becci Campbell. The poem was included in a Poetry Guild compilation titled By the Light of the Moon.
Everything around Schumaker inspires her writing.
At church, the pastor’s words sparked Schumaker’s imagination and she completed a poem within minutes titled “The Trinity,” now published in Forever Spoken.
Challenged by her husband to write a poem about something as ordinary as a card game, Schumaker immediately put pen to paper. The subsequent poem, “Cards,” can be found in the poetry book Memories of Tomorrow.
With several published works under her belt – the most recent being Schumaker’s poem titled “Carpet of White” in 2022 – the local poet continues to write.
Submission of her poem “The Lonely Man” is next for Schumaker’s publication goals. The poem stems from personal experience of her husband’s struggle with rehab and the beginnings of dementia.
A legacy of words
Becci Schumaker reads one of her poems aloud (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When asked how many poems she has written over her lifetime, Schumaker responded, “Oh gosh, probably hundreds and hundreds.”
When asked if she ever threw one of her written works away, Schumaker quickly replied, “I keep them all. Even if I don’t think it’s good, I’ll fold it up and tuck it away somewhere. Maybe someday I’ll go back to it, and reread it, and write it a different way.”
Though she loves poems, Schumaker said her main reading genre is science fiction, and her favorite movies are “ones that put you on the edge of your seat.”
Schumaker freely acknowledges the incongruity between the lighter, lyrical prose of her written works and the darker genres of her favorite movies.
“Even though I like those kinds of movies, [poetry] is my stress relief, my go-to outlet that brings me into the light,” said Schumaker, looking at the binder of poetry. “This is my sanity.”
A powerful responsibility
The power that words contain is always at the forefront of Schumaker’s mind, especially words wielded with harmful intent.
“People don’t realize words really do hurt,” said Schumaker, admitting that, at 71 years old, she still struggles with hurtful things spoken to her as a child. “The scars are there forever.”
“I have had to survive on my own since I was sixteen,” Schumaker continued. “You learn about life. That’s what a lot of this writing is.”
The poet regularly encourages people to carry a notebook and write down any idea that comes to them.
“You never know what’s going to come of it,” said Schumaker, gesturing toward her own poems laid out before her.
Staying active and looking ahead
Along with writing, Schumaker stays active by participating in mission trips with her church and volunteering for WKTV Community Media.
“I’ve got to be doing something, and this gave me an outlet,” said Schumaker about WKTV, adding that she fell in love with the camera work at the station.
When asked what is next for the active poet, Schumaker shrugged. “From here, we’ll see what life brings,” she said with a smile.
15,000+ collector/sports/antique cars, two days, 17 hours, five cities, 13 miles, and hundreds of public and private events will descend upon 28th Street and the surrounding areas on Aug. 25 and 26.
An estimated 200,000 people participate in Metro Cruise related events during this annual two day event.
Since its inception in 2005, Metro Cruise has been a consistent celebration of cars, local business, great food, and family and friends while also continuing the car culture known in the Grand Rapids area.
A new era
Previously owned by the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, Metro Cruise has recently come under new ownership through a privately owned entity.
Despite the change in proprietorship, Wyoming Police Lt. Andrew Koeller said, “The Wyoming Police and the City of Wyoming are providing the same services we have traditionally provided.”
Rogers Plaza mall parking lot in Wyoming is always a focal point for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKACC)
Wyoming Police Department is staffing Metro Cruise with assistance from the Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grandville Police, Walker Police, Kentwood Police, and Wyoming Fire Department.
Eventgoers can expect to see WYPD in marked police vehicles, police motorcycles, on bicycles, and on foot.
“The Wyoming Police Department is committed to providing a safe environment during the event for all to enjoy,” said Koeller.
Take a quick Pit Stop
“We are very excited to announce a feature of Metro Cruise we know you’ll love,” the Metro Cruise website states. “There are now more ways than ever to enjoy your favorite auto event.”
Three Pit Stop sites have been added to Metro Cruise. These sites will be smaller, more specialized, and offer easier access than the Main Event sites at Woodland Mall and Rogers Plaza.
Hosting a minimum of four key features – collector car club(s), food vendor(s), official Metro Cruise merchandise, and an entertainment feature – each Pit Stop site will be open to the public with space for free parking.
Popular events
The Metro Cruise Dust Off kicks off the event series each year (WKTV)
Official event times are 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. The Official Cruise time down 28th Street at 4 p.m. on Saturday. However, it is not unusual to see classic cars cruising along 28th Street all weekend long.
The Woodland Mall Main Event location will offer several family-friendly activities such as live music, Car Smash, RC Car building and racing, a climbing wall, a scavenger hunt, and much more.
Also featured at the Woodland Mall will be the annual DreamWheels Red Carpet Classic Car Show on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This premiere event allows audience members to gather along a 135 foot red carpet as beautiful classic cars are revealed and roll by.
Rogers Plaza is the second Main Event location and will also provide live music, various family-friendly activities, the DYNO area, Miss Metro Cruise Finale competition, and the Wyoming High School Color Guard and Drumline.
Plan your visit
Metro Cruise Information Tents at the Main Event sites will have free, full color, printed programs. A full list of events and times can also be found here.
Gene Billings and daughter Cathe DeLaney, Metro Cruise 2022 (WKTV)
We want see how much fun you had at Metro Cruise!
Submit your photos from wherever you are at Metro Cruise to general@wktv.org by Monday, Aug. 28 for a chance to have them included in WKTV Journal’s photo gallery.
The massasauga rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in Michigan (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is venomous, slithery, and not at all cuddly, but the conservation department at John Ball Zoo (JBZ) is working hard to preserve the endangered species.
The only venomous snake out of 18 snake species found in Michigan, the massasauga is an extremely valuable part of Michigan’s wetland ecosystem. Several other species, including butterflies, small mammals and amphibians, rely on the massasauga’s habitat to survive.
As a benefit to both wildlife and humans, the massasauga also consumes a large number of ticks.
“There are some studies that suggest that a healthy snake population actually helps reduce the number of ticks on the landscape,” said Bill Flanagan, Conservation Manager at John Ball Zoo.
As the JBZ conservation team works to preserve the massasauga snake population, they are also working to protect other endangered species in the area that live in the same kind of habitat.
“All the work that we do to protect the massasauga, or one of those other species, works for all of those species,” said Flanagan.
However, the massasauga is declining in numbers and considered a federally threatened species in Michigan due to fragmented habitat and habitat loss.
“This is a really unique, threatened species that is linked to Michigan in a large way,” said Flanagan, adding that Michigan has more massasauga populations than any other state or province. “Michigan is critical for the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. Whatever happens to the massasauga in Michigan will define the outcome for the species.”
Counting snakes and building fences
John Ball Zoo has partnered with Sarett Nature Center in a long-term monitoring program to learn more about the massasauga with the goal of helping their population recover and thrive.
“One of the biggest challenges with these kinds of efforts to save species is that it’s really hard to actually count them,” said Flanagan. “The methodology for counting them has evolved over the years.”
Severe damage can be done to the habitat simply by walking through it while counting the species.
“We want to be really cautious and figure out a way that we can do that without having to walk into the habitat as much as we have in the past,” said Flanagan.
Massasaugas have unique markings to help conservationists identify individual snakes (Courtesy, John Ball Zoo)
In May, members of JBZ’s conservation team began data collection at Sarett Nature Center using new technology that is less disruptive than the traditional approach of sending out conservation team members on foot. The conservation team set up a two-foot drift fence that runs across the habitat where the rattlesnakes are most active. The fence functions as a funnel, encouraging small animals to crawl through a bucket that has a camera.
“It’s a passive way to count and see what’s there,” said Flanagan, noting that massasauga snakes have a unique saddle pattern on their backs like fingerprints and unique markings on their heads that can help identify individual snakes.
The fence will stay up indefinitely and capture data when the massasauga is most active — in May and during the fall months of September and October.
“Working with Sarett Nature Center, John Ball Zoo has been able to monitor the massasauga rattlesnake,” Flanagan said. “This new monitoring system will be an excellent low-impact method to track massasaugas while protecting the habitat that supports them. What we learn from this program will help inform us for future conservation strategies.”
Preserving more than just snakes
This conservation project is part of the Zoo’s greater mission of preserving wildlife and wild places.
“Part of our mission is to protect wild animals, but also wild places,” said Flanagan. “The work we do to protect wild places is critically important for those wild animals, but it also makes a nicer place for people too.”
Enjoying the massasauga experience – from a distance
Some of the massasauga’s population decline, aside from habitat loss, is intentional killing due fear of it being venomous. Flanagan, however, said that massasaugas are shy and will often freeze and wait for human observers to move on, often rattling their tails as a warning if they feel threatened.
JBZ encourages those who encounter the species, or another type of snake, to leave it alone and do not attempt to handle it.
“Enjoy that experience – from a distance – if you encounter one,” said Flanagan, saying the best course of action is to take a picture from a safe distance and report the viewing. “That’s the kind of information that is really valuable for the conservation community and knowing where these (massasaugas) are.”
Carol R. Dodge with her book, The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion (WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion by Carol R. Dodge (Courtesy Photo)
Carol Dodge, lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, recently published a book that closes a large gap in the history of the area and its development.
The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion was published May 13, 2023 and is lauded as a “welcome addition to publications chronicling the history of Grand Rapids, Michigan,” according to the Sweet House Foundation website.
Dodge has a long history with what is now called the Sweet House, remembering how, as a young girl of 8-years-old, she would walk past the Sweet House – then called the Women’s City Club – on her way to choir practice at church.
“I was really impressed with the building and hoped that someday I could have lunch there,” said Dodge.
A dream come true
Dodge’s dream of entering the City Club came true when, as a senior in high school, she received the Daughters of the American Revolution Merit Award. Recipients of the award were honored with a tea held at the Club.
“I was able to go inside and was so impressed with the beautiful house,” said Dodge. “I always hoped that someday I would be a member of the City Club.”
Dodge’s wish became reality in 1985 when she joined the WCC. Her love of early American history and early Grand Rapids history was immediately utilized when the WCC appointed her Chairman of the History Committee.
That interest and her appointment as Chairman prompted Dodge to delve deeply into the history of the mansion that was home to the WCC.
Rare pieces of history
Dodge quickly realized there were two men who had lived at the mansion who played an integral role in the growth and development of Grand Rapids – but were rarely talked about.
Grand Rapids Mayor Martin L. Sweet built the mansion in 1860 soon after he took office. Sweet was an entrepreneur who greatly contributed to the economic and political development of the area before he died in 1905.
“He was a very prominent man,” said Dodge. “Even as far as Kansas City and Colorado, they would talk about Sweet and all that he was doing.”
Concert pianist Ottokar Malek operated the Malek School of Music from the mansion during the years 1914-1919. In 1919, St. Cecilia Music Center approached Malek about expanding their orchestra of 20 musicians.
“He accepted the position and increased the orchestra to 65 outstanding musicians,” said Dodge.
Carol Dodge (right) with Pamela Keim of Grand Tap Media (WKTV, Deborah Reed)
“I was just fascinated with finding out about the two men who lived there and all that they contributed to the city of Grand Rapids,” said Dodge. “And there is no book, no gathering of information about them or about the Sweet House.”
Dodge began giving presentations and writing articles so members of the WCC would know about Sweet and Malek.
“I did that for about 15 years, and then I thought: ‘What’s going to happen to the information when I’m no longer around? I think I should write a book,’” said Dodge.
Putting it all together
Dodge began by taking scripts from her oral presentations and converting them to written form. She then dove into further research, finding the majority of pertinent information at the Grand Rapids Public Library.
“I really have to credit the history section of the library,” said Dodge. “Those people were so helpful to me.”
Between verbal interviews, online research, history books and biographies of previous residents of Grand Rapids, and old newspaper articles from the 1800s, Dodge was able to create a clearer picture of Sweet, Malek, and the Sweet House.
“I just kept piecing information together until I had enough to complete [Sweet’s] story,” said Dodge. “It took two and a half years to diligently gather everything.”
A team of two editors helped Dodge, meeting weekly with her during those two and a half years.
“It was quite a journey,” said Dodge. “The book is what it is today because of their help.”
Dodge said she hopes the book will raise awareness in the community about the significance of the Sweet House and the importance of preserving it, as well as “close the gap and fill in the history so that people will recognize the impact [Sweet and Malek] had on the city, the development and the culture.”
What’s next?
Carol Dodge during interview with Pamela Keim, Grand Tap Media (WKTV, Deborah Reed)
At 88-years-old, Dodge shows no sign of slowing down. She continues in the role of historian for the WCC and the Sweet House Foundation, conducts tours of the Sweet House, writes articles, and actively promotes The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion with speaking engagements.
When asked if she was always this active and project-oriented, Dodge replied without hesitation: “Yes.”
Copies of The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion can be reserved by contacting the Sweet House at sweethousegr@gmail.com or 616-459-5484. A donation to the Sweet House Foundation is requested in exchange for the book.
A memory wall in LaFontsee Galleries shares its story. (WKTV/McKenna Peariso)
For the first time in nearly four decades, new leadership is taking hold at LaFontsee Galleries.
This month, founders Linda and Scott LaFontsee announced that Jason and Kate Meyer have bought the business. Artist Kate Meyer will take the lead on running the gallery, with Linda LaFontsee assisting her with the transition over the next six months.
“We found the right people,” said Linda LaFontsee. “We started thinking about it several years ago and I finally got to the point where I could entertain the idea of letting go of my baby.”
The LaFontsees have overseen growth of the art-hub enterprise for more than 36 years. From humble beginnings in 1987 as a small framing business to the award-winning 24,000 square foot gallery now located at 833 Lake Dr. SE.
In that time, LaFontsee Galleries has received many state and national recognitions. In 2022, the American Art Awards named it one of the top 20 galleries in America. The gallery also received the ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Award for Arts and Culture in 2004.
“Initially when the gallery started, there was not really much of an art scene in Grand Rapids,” said new owner Kate Meyer. “It really just started with a small framing shop and Linda and Scott showing a couple of pieces on the walls where they had a little bit of space from local artists and it grew from there.”
Growing its Grand Rapids
The tiny framing operation run out of Scott LaFontsee’s basement was fittingly named Underground Studio. As the area’s art scene began to take shape, the business moved downtown into the North Monroe Business District and rebranded to LaFontsee Galleries in 1994. Then in 2012, the founders reopened the gallery in its current home on Lake Drive.
LaFontsee Galleries started a a framing operation. During the May 24 open house, visitors will be a behind-the-scenes look at the business’s iconic framing department. (WKTV/McKenna Peariso)
“We have grown with the city for sure,” LaFontsee said. “It’s wonderful to be able to not only show their work but create a community with the artists as well.”
It’s estimated more than 60,000 works of art are stored at LaFontsee Galleries, with only a quarter currently decorating the walls. LaFontsee says the depth of the work the space holds for each of the artists is rather unusual, thanks to the building’s generous square footage.
The gallery’s entire collection including the current portfolio of more than 70 artists will be retained under the new leadership. Fifteen team members will also remain on staff.
An artist herself, Meyer has had her work displayed across Grand Rapids and has been featured at ArtPrize several times. She admires the gallery for its balance of a warm, welcoming environment with a professional caliber of fine art.
“It’s more than just a gallery,” said Meyer, “it really is a community space that has so many different facets to it.”
Just the Right Match
LaFontsee Galleries has a long history of involvement in local nonprofits and community events. Its list of collaborators include Frey Foundation, Gilda’s Club, Artists Creating Together and more.
LaFontsee Galleries has been an art-hub in Grand Rapids for 36 years. (WKTV/McKenna Peariso)
Connecting through non-profits is what originally brought the LaFontsees and Meyers together; Jason and Linda met while working with the Blandford Nature Center. Along with his advisory role with the gallery, Jason Meyer currently serves as executive director for the White Oak Initiative, a coalition addressing the decline of America’s white oak population.
Kate Meyer also has over a decade of experience in fundraising, event planning and leadership in environmental nonprofits and conservation. Her most recent role was associate director of development for the state’s chapter of the world’s largest conservation organization, The Nature Conservancy. She also previously served as the Kent County Parks Foundation’s executive director.
“They really hand-picked us and I think they see a lot of themselves in us and vice versa,” Meyer said.
Celebrating a New Era
Terms of the gallery’s transaction were not disclosed. The LaFontsees were advised by Calder Capital LLC on the deal. The Meyers used financial consultant DWH LLC as their advisors.
The gallery will host an open house on May 24 from 4 to 5 p.m. where the public can meet and greet with owners old and new. Attendees will also have the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at the business’s iconic framing department and learn more about the process of preserving art.
Six random strangers are stuck in a room until they figure out how to come to a consensus. In today’s polarized world, one wonders how that is even possible. Yet, if a system based on law is to function properly, then much depends upon agreeing to follow it. And democracy – where all citizens are considered equal under the law – needs a system based on law to exist. But when it comes right down to it – the system and the law – well, those are two distinct things to consider.
This is the dilemma that Petty Crimes, written by local playwright Kristin Andrea Hanratty, explores in its 90-minute world premiere production this week at Actors’ Theatre.
Veteran actor Greg Rogers is Clayton, the older white male stepping sincerely and assuringly into the role of jury foreman. (Courtesy, Actors’ Theatre)
The crime itself is minor, a simple misdemeanor requiring only six jurists; it should be a quick deliberation and then everyone gets back to their own lives. But the characters and the context complicate things.
The play takes place in one setting, a cramped room that serves as an alternate deliberation space due to a much bigger trial happening at the same time. The other trial has overtaken the regular facilities as well as the public imagination, and with it a disruptive media frenzy. This displacement reveals but one layer of context that counteracts the idea of equal justice. The jurors are uncomfortably (even if for some, just physically) aware of what garners attention in society, and what is overlooked, as their deliberations proceed.
While instructed to dutifully fulfill their part of the legal process and follow the narrow parameters of the law, real life and lived experiences creep in through the cracks of their contained environment (as do the flies). Much like the mismatched chairs in the room that each negotiate for their own, perspectives and privilege sorts itself out.
The cast nimbly understands the broader representation each role brings to the table, including veteran actor Greg Rogers as Clayton, the older white male stepping sincerely and assumingly into the role of jury foreman; Bryanna Lee as Becca, the enthusiastic young legal student fascinated and distracted by the process; and Ruth Ann Molenaar as Eileen, a mature Black woman whose agency resides in keenly knowing how to read a room filled with all the others.
Ruth Ann Molenaar is Eileen, a mature Black woman whose agency resides in keenly knowing how to read a room filled with all the others. (Courtesy, Actors’ Theatre)
Interesting how a single, comfortable new office chair can say so much about dominant ideology, its hegemonic gestures of equality, and its actual heir apparent in this system we uphold, for better or worse.
This production is a respectable debut of an original work, and it is a play that deserves to live on in future interpretations by theatres across the country. Kudos to Actors’ Theatre in Grand Rapids for recognizing this and initiating the launch.
ArtRat Gallery is enjoying a long winter’s nap until Jan. 5, but our Heartside neighborhood is staying lit to welcome 2023 this Saturday night.
Whether you’re looking for a formal dinner, a costume party, a basement punk concert or a good old-fashioned bar crawl, check out a dozen New Year’s Eve events within a 5-minute walk of ArtRat Gallery (46 Division Ave. South).
The Apartment Lounge’s first party of 2023 “is going to be a big deal,” manager Jason Martin told ArtRat. “My favorite part is seeing how much fun everyone is enjoying the performances.” For $10 cover, you can be a part of the festivities at Grand Rapids’ oldest LGBTQ-friendly bar. The event will be hosted by drag doyenne Jasinya Maria Sanchez, and the cover includes party favors and a champagne toast. Jason tells us there’s only one more booth available (which includes charcuterie and a bottle of bubbles), so reserve your front-row seats before it’s too late.
The Beacon Corner Bar has two reasons to celebrate, one is New Year’s Eve and the other is marking its first anniversary. (Courtesy, Beacon Corner Bar)
Grand Rapids’ new home for Long Island-inspired “sea and land fare” has two reasons to party: It’s celebrating both the new year and its own one-year anniversary with a three-course coastal dining experience that features live music by Mark Levengood. ($65)
Want to ring in 2023 from a rooftop? The Hilton invites you to head up to Knoop Rooftop Beer Garden, “Grand Rapids’ only rooftop lounge NYE experience.” There will be charcuterie and New York Sours, not to mention an amazing view. Tickets are available here. ($100)
“This year has gone by so fast, and we are looking forward to celebrating the beginning of 2023 with you!” The chefs at Divani have created a $75, three-course menu (with gluten-free options) to ring in the new year. Reserve your table here.
Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh! (That’s “Happy New Year!” in Irish Gaelic.) Raise a pint at Dublin Hall’s Glitter and Gold Party, with music by DJ Tony Banks. The event will include party favors, a late-night buffet and a champagne toast. Doors open at 9 p.m.; tickets are $40 pre-sale or $50 at the door.
Co-owner and sommelier Shatawn Brigham told ArtRat that GRNoir will offer “six to eight” varieties of bubbly for your New Year’s delectation, as well as livejazz from saxophonist Alain Sullivan and his quartet.
House of Wine kicks of the New Year with a champagne tasting. (Courtesy, House of Wine)
Do you get a kick from champagne? House of Wine invites you to “treat yourself” by making a NYE reservation for drinks and small plates. They’ll be hosting an exclusive champagne tasting to help kickstart your New Year’s Eve celebration. (Book online here.)
Heartside’s new queer-owned salon is proud of its creative and inclusive environment. On NYE, you can explore the space with an evening of glitter, local art vendors and pole performances. Stylists will be offering discounts on glitter-y makeup and hair applications from 6-8 p.m. so you can leave “ready for the countdown at your local gathering place!” Pole performances will run from 8:30-9:30 p.m. (Get your $10 tickets here!)
ArtRat’s neighbors at Rockwell Republic are looking back to the 1980s this New Year’s Eve: Sport your biggest hair and brightest windbreaker, and enter to win a $200 cash prize at the gastropub’s ‘80s-themed costume party. Book ahead for a complimentary champagne toast; the festivities begin at 8:30 p.m.
Head on down to South Division’s venerable LGBTQ+ nightclub, and celebrate the 2023 New Year with a snack buffet, party favors and a house diva performance, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Legendary Rumors DJ Monica Parker will be spinning tracks alongside DJ Timmy T. Doors open at 8 p.m., admission $25.
If you’re more the party-crashing type, there’s still a place for you (that isn’t your parents’ garage) this Saturday night. The all-ages, alcohol-free music venue is hosting its New Year’s Eve Trash Bash: a “big family reunion” featuring Chain Ripper, The Mollusks, The Sissy Boys, Dregs, American Cheese and Fetus Deletus! Come check out these Michigan punk/metal/hardcore bands from 7 p.m. till midnight. (The gnarliest NYE celebration in town costs just $10 a ticket!)
And if you prefer a lower-key start to 2023, stock up at Grand Vin (15 Ionia Ave. SW). Owner Kimberly Grimm told ArtRat, “We won’t have an event at the shop on NYE, but we do have more than 60 different types of sparkling wine available at every price point to help customers celebrate at home!” Stop in from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. on Saturday so house sommelier Thom Grimm can help you put the right fizz on your New Year’s Eve.
LANSING – When Gerald Ford became president in 1974, the nation was in agony.
His predecessor, Richard Nixon, had resigned from the Oval Office rather than face certain impeachment by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The previous year, the last American combat troops had withdrawn from Vietnam amid intense anti-war protests, dwindling trust in the federal government and the subsequent collapse of the corruption-riddled regime of U.S. ally South Vietnam.
Cover of “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis.” (Courtesy, Potomac Books)
Ford, the quiet Republican vice president from Grand Rapids, faced the challenge of helping the nation heal from the anguish of White House corruption and the trauma of a deeply unpopular war.
His first official act was to pardon Nixon, a decision that political analysts say doomed his chances of winning the presidency in his own right in 1976.
After that, Ford’s tenure in the White House was unspectacular as he wrestled with problems that are familiar to Americans today, such as high inflation, recession and international conflicts in Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere.
He endured no crises that rose to the level of creating major conflict with journalists and news organizations, unlike what the nation witnessed with presidents Donald Trump, Nixon and several others.
And thus Ford – the only president to come from Michigan – received only two brief references in Northwestern University journalism professor Jon Marshall’s new book, “Clash: Presidents and the Press in Times of Crisis” (Potomac Books, $36.95).
Bill Ballenger, the publisher of the political newsletter “Ballenger Report” and a former Republican state legislator, observed, “Generally speaking, I thought the press did a pretty good job covering Ford.”
“He wasn’t a polarizing personality by any means,” Ballenger said.
Ford had built good will with the press during his years as minority leader of the U.S. House, Ballenger said, and his selection as vice president was well received by the press.
“Ford had good connections in the traditional Washington press corps,” Ballenger said, and that’s where he turned to staff his press office rather than picking public relations practitioners or people who “were not really journalists, like you’ve seen in recent years.”
As president, he drew on veteran Michigan reporters, starting with Detroit News chief Washington correspondent Jerry terHorst, whom Ballenger described as “a big hitter in Michigan journalistic coverage.”
But a month later, terHorst, who also was from Grand Rapids, quit in protest of the Nixon pardon.
Ford then hired Detroiter Jack Hushen, also from the Detroit News, as deputy press secretary.
Ford’s approach to press relations contrasts vividly with Trump’s.
As Marshall wrote in the new book, “Through his presidency, Trump encouraged hostility toward journalists. He called them ‘dishonest,’ ‘disgusting’ and an ‘enemy of the people.’’
“He referred to negative but accurate stories about him as ‘fake news,’” Marshall wrote.
Relations between reporters and other presidents have been ragged as well, to say the least.
John Adams, for example, sent editors to jail, Abraham Lincoln let critical newspapers be closed and Woodrow Wilson used “misleading propaganda” to advocate going to war.
Nixon directed his first vice president – the convicted felon-to-be Spiro Agnew – to skewer the press as a “treacherous enemy.”
Gerald Ford of Grand Rapids is the only president from Michigan. (Courtesy, whitehouse.gov)
Bill Clinton’s clashes centered on his sexual relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinski and Whitewater, the scandal involving his investments and financial dealings.
Marshall also detailed crisis-linked conflicts between the press and presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
What does it all mean?
Marshall wrote, “Since the founding of the United States, the relationship between presidents and the press has been inspiring and troubling, fragile and durable, pivotal and dysfunctional, often all at the same time.”
In Marshall’s view, “Although sometimes sloppy, partisan and sensationalistic, journalists have often courageously served the public while covering presidents despite formidable forces trying to stop them.”
And he warned of trouble signals for future Oval Office accountability to the citizenry.
“The truth about presidents may now be harder to know,” according to Marshall. “The declining economic health of the news business has weakened its ability to hold presidents accountable.”
Eric Freedman is the director of Capital News Service and a journalism professor at Michigan State University.
National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s vintage Grand Rapids Griffins Bobblehead. (Courtesy, National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum)
The bobblehead is part of the American Hockey League Vintage Bobbleheads collection that the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is releasing in conjunction with the start of the 2022-23 AHL season, which begins Oct. 14. This marks the first vintage bobblehead series featuring every AHL team, and each bobblehead is officially licensed by the AHL.
Standing on a circular ice-like base bearing the team’s name, the smiling Grand Rapids Griffins bobblehead is suited up in a black jersey featuring the team logo and holding a hockey stick. Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 500, and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in November, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order. A set featuring all 32 bobbleheads is $900.
Grand Rapids Griffins kick off season at home
Founded in 1996, the Grand Rapids Griffins started play as a member of the now-defunct International Hockey League before moving to the AHL in 2001. The team is currently an affiliate of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and were an affiliate of the Ottawa Senators from 1999-2002. The Griffins opened as the third IHL affiliate in Grand Rapids history, after the Grand Rapids Rockets of the 1950s and the Grand Rapids Owls of the late 1970s. The Griffins won Calder Cup titles in the 2012-13 and 2016-17 seasons. In 2021-22, they finished seventh in the Central Division.
“We’re excited to be working with the AHL to release the first collection of vintage bobbleheads featuring every American Hockey League team,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Van Andel Arena is one of the best venues in the AHL and the Griffins are sure to give the fans of hockey-loving Grand Rapids plenty of excitement in 2022-23.”
The Grand Rapids Griffins start its 72-game season at home this weekend with tonight’s 7 p.m. game against the San Diego Gulls. They plan the Gulls again at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The team then plans the Milwaukee Admirals at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, before heading out on the road for two weeks.
Some Michigan communities are trying to accommodate aging residents – and it’s not just the gray-haired population that benefits, advocates say.
Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things they love such as shopping. (pxhere.com)
More than 18% of the state’s population is 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census. It ranks 14th among the states for the largest population of people over 65.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in June approved a plan to make the state age-friendly.
It focuses on communication and information, respect and social inclusion, health services and community support, social participation and transportation.
That comes after announcing an initiative in 2019 with the AARP and the World Health Organization to make Michigan an age-friendly state.
Building an age-friendly community
An age-friendly community is a place where people of all ages can live comfortably, according to AARP, a nonprofit organization that advocates for Americans who are 50 or older.
Since then, nine cities have come up with an age-friendly community plan.
Auburn Hills was the first in Michigan to join a national network of such communities in 2013. It was followed by Highland Park and Lansing in 2015; East Lansing and Southfield in 2017; Grand Rapids in 2018 and Royal Oak and Jackson in 2019. Oak Park joined just this year.
Age-friendly communities allow seniors to be independent and continue to do things that they love, like going to the grocery store and visiting their grandchildren within their community, said Paula Cunningham, the state director for AARP Michigan.
They offer benefits to others, too, Cunningham said. For instance, longer crosswalk times help seniors with walkers, but also help those using wheelchairs and parents pushing strollers, she said.
Grand Rapids focuses on making information available
The City of Grand Rapids started working on its age-friendly community plan in 2016, according to Jay Steffen, assistant planning director for the City of Grand Rapids. After meeting with more than 500 area seniors, hosting several meetings, and talking to leaders in the community, the city’s efforts culminated into The Grand Rapids Age-Friendly Action Plan that is focused on four areas: communications, housing, outdoor spaces, and transportation.
The accessible walking trails is one the amenities that makes the City of Grand Rapids’ Mackay-Jayvee Park an age-friendly park. (Courtesy, City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation)
Through the communication program, the city established a webpage designed to provide information on the four main topics along with connecting residents to services such as United Way’s 211, Network 180, and Senior Neighbors.
“It has been an interesting and challenging process because of the pandemic,” Steffen noted. “We do feel that the more readership we have along with working with the many other agencies that we are doing a fairly good job at getting the word out.”
The city’s parks and recreation department has contributed to the site by providing a list of 28 parks that are the most age-friendly based on a number of amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, parking, accessibility to walking paths, and seating.
Steffen said the city also has reached out to Senior Perspectives magazine, which focuses on providing information for seniors, to have the publication available in Grand Rapids.
City of Wyoming discusses age-friendly in master plan
While the City of Wyoming has not formally adopted an age-friendly community plan, its new [re]imagine master plan, does recognize that the city has experienced a “significant increase in the proportion of older adults aged 65 years and up…”
Under the Traditional Residential section of the plan’s Land Use recommendations, the master plan encourages expanding housing options for older adults seeking to age-in-place.
By providing such options, it makes it easier for a family to provide daily care to aging members as the family can moved closer to that member or have the member move closer to the family, said Nicole Hofert, the city’s director of planning and economic development.
What they are doing on the other side of the state
East Lansing community leaders strive to make the city accessible to young and old, said Thomas Fehrenbach, the director of planning, building and development for the city.
“Throughout the plan, we are very intentional on addressing not just seniors but people of all ages and all abilities,” said Fehrenbach, a member of East Lansing’s Age-friendly Community Committee.
The city’s plan focuses on housing, transportation, communications/information, social participation, respect and social inclusion, community support and health services, outdoor spaces and buildings, civic participation and employment. It was approved by the AARP in 2020.
The community plan for Southfield is similar.
The city has already achieved many goals, like placing more benches at bus stops and across the city, said Kendall Murphy, the immediate past chair of Southfield’s Commission on Senior Adults.
“With the rapid aging of baby boomers, we needed to make sure that we were prepared for that population to start being retired,” Murphy said. “We wanted to make sure that people were supported as they are aging. ”
Michigan was the first state in the Midwest and fifth in the country to join the network of age-friendly communities.
Janelle James is a sophomore at Michigan State University. She is pursing a double major in journalism and political science. James aspires to one day secure a position as an investigative journalist, white house correspondent, or politician. She is the state government reporter at The State News and has an internship with HOMTV, the government access channel for meridian Township. At HOMTV, James anchors live new shows, conducts interviews and covers local government.
Artwork submitted to the “Voices” project (WKTV/D.A. Reeds)
“Dreams” is the piece artists Pamela Aldern and Michael Hyacinthe submitted. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
A close-up of the ribbon wall in the “Voices” exhibit. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“Dreams” by Pamela Alderman and Michael Hyacinthe (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
By D.A. Reed WKTV Contributing Writer
From aesthetics, to healing, to raising awareness of important global issues, ArtPrize 2022 offers something for everyone.
“Elephant Chunko” by Kristina Libby (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“It’s well known that (people) can create a piece of art and…speak through the art, tell the story, tell the emotion, tell the journey through the art. That can be a very healing thing,” Pamela Alderman, artist and 12-year ArtPrize participant, told WKTV.
Since its inception in 2009, the international art competition ArtPrize has drawn millions of people to Grand Rapids and sparked endless conversations about art and why it matters.
Through Oct. 2, visitors have a chance to experience art in ways they never have before. During the 18-day event, art is exhibited throughout Grand Rapids, from public parks and museums, to galleries and vacant storefronts, to inside bars and on bridges.
Taking a stroll to see what can be seen
This particular reporter spent an enjoyable afternoon scouring the streets and venues of downtown Grand Rapids for art and found much more than was expected.
During her walk, the tutor meet Desert Storm veteran Aaron Ball who is showing his piece at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
In a city already immersed in art, with performance halls, event arenas, and ground-to-rooftop murals decorating several outside walls of businesses and apartment buildings, ArtPrize enhances what Grand Rapids already has to offer.
As I walked from one end of the city to the other, gazing at incredible displays of art of every genre imaginable, I also tuned in to the people. Excitement dominated each venue and exhibit, with art enthusiasts alternating between intensity as they studied the exhibits and displays to gasps of amazement and delight. ArtPrize visitors ranged from young to old, and sported school groups, guests tightly clutching maps while trying to find their way, and others who were clearly natives to the area, striding with confidence and purpose.
But visitors are not the only ones to gain something from ArtPrize.
Using art to give people a ‘voice’
Veterans, led by artist and veteran wife Alderman, and veteran and entrepreneur Michael Hyacinthe, have found healing through art and community.
“Sometimes, when people are traumatized, they can’t put that trauma into words,” Alderman said, “but they can help work through that trauma through an art experience or creative opportunity.” Alderman went on to explain how stress is stored in the mind, but creative outlets can help release that stress.
“Art may not heal the whole person, but it certainly is instrumental in helping to begin that healing journey, or help to continue that healing journey,” said Alderman.
This collection of art by veterans can be found at Veterans Memorial Park and is titled Voices. Partnered with Kent County Veterans Services, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and Hyacinthe’s non-profit Has Heart, Alderman and Hyacinthe’s Voices project is raising awareness for veterans while simultaneously providing a pathway to healing and creating a place for veterans to experience hope.
But Alderman and Hyacinthe wanted to do more. “We wanted to inspire dreams, to inspire kids to keep dreaming, keep thinking big, keep reaching for the stars,” Alderman said.
Inspiration knows no age
While venue curators of Voices, Alderman and Hyacinthe also entered ArtPrize as contestants. Their exhibit, Dreams, allowed children to send in drawings that the artists then turned into a large mural.
“The way children communicate also inspires adults. They’re so vulnerable, so honest, and so innocent that they also end up inspiring adults,” said Alderman.
It inspired this reporter. Veterans Memorial Park was my first stop, and I was not disappointed. Among the opportunity to view breathtaking artwork, I was able to meet and chat with Desert Storm veteran Aaron Bull, and also write a note on a yellow ribbon and tie it to a wall with hundreds of others that would later be distributed in care packages to active-duty soldiers.
Animals, quilts and more
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum hosts artist and mother Luba Sordyl, creator of Help Us. Sordyl created the acrylic painting containing 17 intertwined animals after learning about how chemicals in the water impacted the health of animals and the environment in general. She hopes to raise awareness about this important environmental issue with her artwork.
“United We Stand” by Andrew Lee at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Also displayed at the museum were handmade quilts titled Shock and Awe & United We Stand by veteran Andrew Lee. In visiting with viewers, Lee said that he created quilts as a way to heal after his two deployments to Iraq. Each quilt is made up of hundreds of individually cut squares of fabric and then given away to veterans once completed.
All ages will find something to enjoy at ArtPrize, with several interactive exhibits that delight both adults and children. Among these are scavenger hunts, mailbox cubbies ready for exploration, large, chunky animal sculptures with colorful bodies called Chunkos, a 12-foot fort, and a display where visitors can write and share their dreams.
To learn more about ArtPrize and find tips to make the most of your visit, click here: ArtPrize 2022.
D. A. (Deborah) Reed is an award-winning author of young adult novels and a creative writing instructor from the Grand Rapids area. To find out more about D.A. Reed, visit her website: D.A. Reed Author
The Epitones was one of three finalists in The Stray Cafe’s first Battle of the Bands competition held in March. (Courtesy/The Stray Cafe)
Original music should tell a story in a “unique way,” says drummer Matt DeRuiter of the Epitones.
“We strive to share empowering messages and love through our music, along with creating an environment for people to express themselves while listening,” he says in a recent email to WKTV Journal.
His band was one of the three finalists in a recent Battle of the Band competition at The Stray Café located in Wyoming.
Influenced heavily by Pink Floyd and Umphrey’s McGee, DeRuiter says the self-taught trio from Grand Rapids describe their sound as “Psychedelic Rock.” The group also includes lead guitarist/vocalist Chris Gill and bassist Colin Darling.
DeRuiter answered a few other questions about the band.
WKTV Journal: How did the band get its name?
DeRuiter: We spent quite a long time trying to settle on a name and decided on this as both of our guitarists are tone junkies, continue to experiment with new techniques and tones, and are consistently refining their sound. We got the idea from “Epic Tones” and then combined it to be Epitones.
WKTV: How did you get together?
DeRuiter: We formed as a three-piece in 2018, though we have all been friends playing together on and off casually and in different projects since 2012.
WKTV: What are the band’s goals?
The Epitones formed in 2018. (Courtesy/The Stray Cafe)
DeRuiter: We hope to wrap up a few singles this year and to continue playing larger shows. This is our first year playing festivals such as Cowpie, so we hope to continue playing more festivals, new venues, and to work with bigger bands in the area.
WKTV: How do you describe the West Michigan music scene?
DeRuiter: Being relatively new to the scene it has been somewhat difficult to gain traction, especially during Covid. Though as we continue to play more shows we have gained a steady following and are starting to get some more recognition as a band. This Battle of The Bands was a great way to share our music and network with fellow musicians.
Upcoming Performances:
Playing at the Deck in Muskegon June 26 and July 24, playing Dunesville Music Festival, Cowpie Music Festival, and Walk the Beat in Grand Haven.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The theme of this year’s Pulaski Days. (Pulaski Days Facebook)
By John D. Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
After taking 2020 off because of Covid-19 restrictions, the annual Pulaski Days celebration on the west side of Grand Rapids returns this weekend, Oct. 1-3.
The theme of Pulaski Days 2021 sums it up best:
“Keep Calm and Polka On!”
“We have all experienced some sort of challenge over the past year and a half,” said longtime resident Eddie Sypniewski, a local event promoter and advocate for the west side.
Pulaski Days is the celebration of Polish/Lithuanian culture held every fall in Grand Rapids since 1973 . (Supplied)
“It’s time to step back, take a deep breath and ‘stay calm and polka on!’”
The return of the 49th annual event means a lot to the Polish community, and those who frequent the halls throughout the year. Pulaski Days is a great opportunity to spend the weekend in food, drink and entertainment when 14 halls are open to the public.
What does Sypniewski love most about Pulaski Days?
“I love it all!” he said. “Family, food, music, tradition. The parade and Polka Mass are there for all to participate.”
“The turnout has been amazing, more than even in year’s past,” she said. “I feel like people are anxious to get back out and back into Pulaski Days. The buzz is good. We’re going to have a big turnout this weekend.
Pulaski Days on the west side of Grand Rapids dates back to 1973, and honors Revolutionary War Hero Gen. Casimir Pulaski. Fourteen private halls will be open to the public this weekend featuring Polish food, music, and dancing.
Each hall will have a variety of events. The parade is at 11 a.m. Saturday and runs down Michigan Street starting at College Avenue and ends at Diamond Avenue.
The polka Mass is at 10 a.m. Sunday at Holy Spirit Church.
Polish Halls open to the public Oct. 1-3:
American Legion Post 459 (658 Michigan Ave NE)
Knights of Columbus (1104 Muskegon NW)
Polish Falcons (957 W Fulton)
Polish National Aid Society – Jackson Street Hall (921 Jackson St NW)
Sacred Heart Benevolent Society Eastern Avenue Hall (506 Eastern Ave NE)
Sacred Heart Club – Kosciuszko Hall (935 Park St SW)
Saint Adalberts Aid Society – 5th Street Hall (701 5th Street NW)
Saint Casimir’s – 6th Street Hall (649 6th St NW)
Saint Isidores Aid Society – Diamond Hall, home of the Pulaski Days Monument and Pulaski Square (435 Diamond NE)
Saint Ladislaus Aid Society “Laddies Hall” (58 Lane Ave SW)
Saint Stanislaus – Little Hall (823 Michigan Ave NE)
Saints Peter & Paul Aid Society – Saint Georges (1513 Quarry NW)
Sons & Daughters Club (1057 Hamilton NW)
Vytautas Aid Society (1300 Hamilton Ave NW)
For more information, including a list of events, go to pulaskidays.org.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Grand Rapids Civic Associate Director Allyson Paris and Executive Director Bruce Tinker announced the 2021-2022 season for the company. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Associate Director Allyson Paris admitted she had quite a different feeling this morning than she did about year ago.
“It was definitely much more joyful,” Paris said. Joyful because today, June 1, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre announced its 2021-2022 season which includes “The Wiz,” the production that had to be canceled last spring due to the pandemic.
“We had just cast it and had to make that decision that we would not be moving forward with the show,” Paris said of the announcement that was made to the cast and volunteers in the spring of 2020. But with regulations changing daily as more people get vaccinated, the show will go on with most of the original casted actors and crew planning to return in the spring of 2022 for the production.
“There are going to be some changes as some of the original cast members will be away or at college,” Paris said, “but most of the original cast will be returning.
“The Wiz” will wrap Civic’s 2021-2022 season. (Supplied)
“That has been true for most of the our performers who were rehearsing and preparing and then everything just shutdown. It has been a waiting period to see if that show would return and if it fits into their schedule.”
Grand Rapids Civic there certainly has a schedule for its 96th season which includesthree shows from its scheduled 2020-2021 line up, “The Sound of Music,” “Shakespeare in Love, and “Dragons Love Tacos” along with “The Wiz,” which was originally part of the company’s 2019-2020 season.
The season will start off with the musical “Once” and is based on the 2007 film of the same name. It is a love story of “Guy” and “Girl” and centers around the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.” Civic will then feature the musical concert Black Bold and Beautiful: Onward Together, which Paris described as a celebration of African-American music. Wrapping up 2021, will be the award-winning musical “The Sound of Music,” a musical celebration of the lives of the Von Trapp family with such familiar hits as “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Maria.”
Shakespeare finds his muse in the fun “Shakespeare in Love,” which kicks off 2022, followed by the children’s production “Dragons Love Tacos,” which is based off the popular Adam Rubin book. Because of the popularity of its “Ten for All” playwright competition this past February, Civic will again be hosting the competition in 2022.
“Sound of Music” will be Civic’s holiday offering. (Supplied)
Executive Director Bruce Tinker said there are still some variables in regards to health guidelines such as seating capacity and masks requirement for performers. But that aside, Tinker said it was an “honor” to announce the new season.
“After over a year of uncertainty surrounding our calendar, we truly feel this announcement and new season is a gift to ur community,” Tinker said. “We can’t thank them enough for their continued support and encouragement over the past year.”
As for the community excitement, Civic received 690 page views during its June 1 Facebook announcement and Paris said within a few minutes of the announcement, she had received three to four emails asking when auditions would be and who would be directing.
“It is joyful because It is much more of a return to normal,” Paris said of the announcement. “It is a celebration as we are are reminded that what we get to do is so special.”
Season tickets for both new and renewal will be on sale start Aug. 3 and individual tickets will go on sale starting Aug. 17. All season packages, such as Flex, will be available. For more information, visit tickets@grct.org or call 616-222-6650.
iHeart West Michigan Radio and Dégagé Ministries will once again partner this year on a daylong fundraiser, the fourth annual “Day of Hope”, to raise money for those in need in Grand Rapids. The radiothon raised more than $80,000 in 2020. In conjunction with the fundraiser, Dégagé will also feature some of its patrons in an outdoor exhibition called “Project Hope” to raise awareness of increasing homelessness in Grand Rapids.
Day of Hope will be held Friday, Feb. 5, from 5 a.m to 5 p.m. This year, the broadcast will feature on-air personalities from WOOD Radio from 5 a.m. to noon, as well as personalities from BIG 101.3 FM from noon to 6 p.m., who will share stories of hope from the men and women served at Dégagé.
Dégagé also will host its second public exhibition in the past six months, Project Hope, in conjunction with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.’s World of Winter event and Day of Hope. Project Hope will activate displays at nine sites around the downtown Grand Rapids area and will feature life size photos and stories of homelessness and hope from Dégagé patrons. Project Hope follows up Dégagé’s successful 2020 art installation, the Pillowcase Project, which featured more than 4,700 pillowcases representing the women who have stayed at the organization’s Open Door Women’s Center since 2003. Dégagé hopes to educate more of the Grand Rapids community on issues related to homelessness, as well as provide stories of hope from those the organization serves. Project Hope will be on display through Feb. 26.
“The pandemic has only increased the many needs and burdens of the men and women Dégagé serves,” said Dégagé Ministries Executive Director Thelma Ensink. “But Dégagé is a place of hope, and we are grateful to iHeart Media, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the City of Grand Rapids for the opportunity to share our stories of hope with the Grand Rapids community.”
For more information on the Day of Hope or Project Hope events, visitdegageministries.org.
“It was nice to see all the people walking around,” wrote a Facebook friend as we discussed visiting downtown Grand Rapids to see the World of Winter Festival.
Hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) and the City of Grand Rapids, the annual event is designed to encourage area residents to get out and enjoy the winter weather. Wanting to make the event special, especially with everyone dealing with the pandemic, the city’s DDA added to its initial $150,000 contribution with an additional $155,000 to expand the festival. This allow organizers to increase the number of outdoor sculptures .
The festival runs through the end of February with different activities and sculpture pieces being installed.
“HYBYCOZO” is on display at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Currently on display is “HYBYCOZO,” a series of large-scale installations and artworks that investigate geometric exploration and patterns through light, shadow, and perception. The piece is located at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW.
Between the Blue Bridge and Pearl Street will be “Grand Illuminations” featuring light and color along the Grand River.
“Winter Tumbleweeds and Grasses,” on the Blue Bridge, is an interactive art installation made out of more than 5,000 pool noodles. The installation features five large tumbleweeds, three small tumbleweeds and for groves and two anemones.
Near the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW, is the “Path of Encouragement,” which features positive saying and messages such as “It’s OK to no be OK.”
“Path of Encouragement” is located near the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Look to the sky to see the 20-foot inflatable dancing tube persons on top of 10 buildings throughout downtown Grand Rapids. Part of the “Color the Skyline,” the bright colorful characters can be seen from the downtown sidewalks as well as from US-131 and I-196.
Being added on Friday is “Impulse,” an interactive art installation that consists of 15 seesaws that light up and create sound when put into motion by people. “Impulse” is located on Monroe. At Canal Park is “The Singing Tree,” a lighting experience that transforms traditional displays into interactive experiences. Participants will be able to sing, clap, or yell to create an unforgettable and magical experience.
Another installation, set to run Jan. 29 – Feb. 2 is the “Ice Luminaries.” Featuring 10 giant icicles with lights frozen in the center, the Ice Luminaries will light the way along the Gillett Bridge located near Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
“Winter Tumbleweeds and Grasses” on the Blue Bridge. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
On Feb. 1, the “Elevated Love Language” project, led by Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Ericka “Key Kane” Thompson, will be installed. In this exhibit, short poetic expressions from local artists will be placed on billboards or projected onto buildings throughout the city.
Also in February, every Saturday and Sunday night, will be “Projection Mapping” by Live Space, which will light up the front of the Civic Auditorium, located on Lyon Square across from the Amway Grand Plaza.
More than 80 ice sculptures will be part of the Valent-ICE, which will take place Feb. 12 – 14. Grand Rapids Running Tours will be offering Ice Sculpture Walking Tours and self-guided tours also will be available.
Many of the past group experiences will not be taking place at this year’s event, however DGRI is planning to live-streaming dance performances at two installations. Also during the six-week event, there will be walking tours such as The Chilly Challenge: the Heartside Walking Tours and Black History Walking Tours as well as pop-up performances, tribal storytelling, outdoor ice games, and a scavenger hunt.
Darren Dykhouse, founder and lead investigator of (LSP) Lakeshore Paranormal has appeared on four episodes of Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast and was the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunter’s first guest on Cryptic Frequencies, my Blog Talk Radio show. We open every show with a literary reference significant to each guest and so Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” has become LSP’s signature opening.
Dykhouse mostly explores local urban legends and suspected haunted locations in Michigan, but he also investigates private homes and provides smudging and blessings on request. He tediously edits and regularly posts his 10-15 minute video blogs to YouTube where viewers are able to see different haunted sites through the camera lens. On the list are: The Felt Mansion, The Old Allegan County Jail Museum, Joliet Prison, The Old Stimpson Hospital, and these ships rumored to be haunted; the Coast Guard ship USCGC Acacia and the S.S. City of Milwaukee both docked in Manistee, and the USS LST 393 in Muskegon.
Darren Dykhouse of the Lakeshore Paranormal
This list is incomplete as additional videos spotlight haunted trains, woods, piers, many cemeteries, and an Alien connection. Dykhouse is perhaps the king of cemetery sessions with reports from The Old Beaver Dam Cemetery, Nunica, Woodville Lake, the Ada Witch/Finlay Cemetery, Bath Cemetery, and others. Bath being the location of the worst school massacre in U.S. history.
Darren uses a simple approach to investigating the supernatural, asking a minimal number of questions with only one or two investigators. Collaborations have included Robert Walker of Michigander Man, scuba diving specialist Taff Williams, Brandon Hoezee of Kent County Paranormal, Jamie Rae Wonders, myself and others. He currently has been teaming up with Ali’s Vlogs T.V.
Dykhouse likes to keep it basic but does experiment with some modern devices and techniques, using his P-SB11 Spirit Box, proximity pods, Spiritus Whispering and Necrophonic phone apps, and on occasion utilizing the Estes Method. You can find his videos on You Tube and conversations with him on our show G.R.G.H.P.P. episodes 7, 14, 18, & 31 and Cryptic Frequencies’ first episode.
Dykhouse is empathic and like the rest of us he is sometimes haunted by doubts, sorrows, fears, and even loved ones. The ghost of Edgar Allan Poe’s lost love “Lenore” would have us believe, “’Tis the wind and nothing more.”
People have danced on its staged. They have ice skated in its circle. They have sat on its steps to admire the Grand Rapids Art Museum and other surrounding landmarks in Michigan’s second largest city.
There is no doubt that Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has become the epicenter of the City of Grand Rapids with an array of festivals, performances, and civic event taking place there. In fact, the amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. As a result, the original materials are coming to the end of their useful lives.
“Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle has hosted numerous important moments in Grand Rapids history since its installation in 2000,” said Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) president Tim Kelly. “Over 700,000 visitors each year use the park for recreation, entertainment, civic gatherings and much needed breathing space in a growing city. It’s imperative that we all contribute to the well-being of this asset.”
It is why a group of volunteers have come together through Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy with the mission to restore, elevate and preserve the cherished landmark that was created as a work of art by the internationally renowned artist Maya Lin. Formed in 2018, Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy is a partnership between the City of Grand Rapids and the DGRI.
Tripp Frey, leads the nonprofit Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Conservancy. (Supplied)
“Public spaces have been and will continue to be a vital part of our society and the proposed restoration project intends to restore, elevate and preserve Ecliptic for the next century,” said Frey Foundation’s Tripp Frey, who is leads the nonprofit Conservancy. “In its first 20 years, it has become a beating heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Our goal with this effort is to preserve its integrity and beauty for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
The Conservancy is close to engaging construction firms to provide upgrades to the nearly 20-year-old Maya Lin-designed artwork at downtown Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle. The Conservancy has received significant support from various sources and is now finalizing plans that will ensure the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle continues to serve visitors and residents of Grand Rapids for the next one hundred years.
Construction is planned to begin in spring 2021 with an expected completion date of Sept. 6, 2021, exactly 20 years to the day after the original dedication of the park.
This collaboration has resulted in the planning of a restoration project that will renovate the current artwork and park structures, upgrade each feature with new and more durable materials, and provide way showing and interpretive moments to make the artwork and park more accessible to visitors and community stakeholders.
Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle was named one of the American Planning Association’s Top-Ten Great Public Spaces in America in 2017, for excellence in urban planning and usage including stakeholder engagement at the local, state and federal level.
The amount of use Ecliptic has received has surpassed original expectations by nearly two-thirds more foot traffic than planned. (Supplied)
“Ecliptic is such a treasure to Grand Rapids, and now we are seeing the impacts of incredible use over the years, “ said David Marquardt, director, Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation. “This effort will ensure the longevity of the park as a work of art and as a place of meaning for the residents of Grand Rapids.”
To learn more about the renovation and fundraising efforts, individuals can go to the Ecliptic at Rosa Parks Circle Patronicity site at www.patronicity.com/ecliptic.
Mathias J. Alten (American, 1871–1938). The Sources of Wealth, 1910. Oil on canvas. GVSU Art Gallery, Gift of Old Kent Bank; transfer from the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition showcasing Mathias J. Alten, Grand Rapids’ most esteemed painter. Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy is a survey exhibition that coincides with the 150th anniversary of Alten’s birth in 1871 and will be on view at GRAM through April 24.
Mathias J. Alten (American, 1871–1938). Self Portrait, 1913. Oil on canvas, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift of the Artist.
In the early to mid-twentieth century, Alten was nationally recognized for his landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that drew on traditional European painting as well as more modern styles, like impressionism. The exhibition shows how over his lifetime, Alten’s painting evolved from a controlled, academic technique into a more fluid and expressive approach.
“Mathias Alten emigrated from Germany to Michigan at age 17 in 1889, where he spent the majority of his career painting and teaching in downtown Grand Rapids. Nearing the 150th anniversary of Alten’s birth, An Enduring Legacy celebrates his contribution to the arts in our city,” said GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. “The exhibition includes paintings from throughout Alten’s career—including rarely seen artworks in other media and of monumental scale—offering our guests the chance to discover his work in a new way.”
Largely a self-taught artist, Alten received his first formal training in Paris at the age of 27. Like other ambitious American artists of his generation, Alten frequently traveled to paint in scenic settings and artist colonies in the U.S. and Europe. Even so, his primary residence and support base always remained Grand Rapids, where he spent the majority of his life painting and teaching.
The exhibition is comprised of highlights from GRAM’s permanent collection, the Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, and Grand Rapids Public Library, as well as works from private collections. In addition to paintings on canvas, the exhibition features murals, stained glass windows, and a selection of the artist’s private sketchbooks.
Opening concurrently with An Enduring Legacy is an exhibition in two parts: Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts, highlighting the Arts and Crafts movement and its influence in the Midwest regions and West Michigan. Drawn primarily from a local private collection and enhanced with works from GRAM’s holdings, the first segment of the exhibition will be on view from Oct. 24 – Jan. 23 and explores three important Grand Rapids designers: Charles P. Limbert, Albert Stickley, and Forrest Emmerson Mann. These designers saw an opportunity to merge the fine craftsmanship and style of the English Arts and Crafts movement with factory production. By creating a harmony between machine production and handwork, Limbert, Stickley, and Mann produced furniture and décor that was well-made, beautifully designed, and affordable.
Mathias J. Alten (American, b. Germany 1871–1938). The Striped Skirt, 1917. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift in Memory of Eleanore Alten Gilleo by her Family.
“An Enduring Legacy provides an ideal opportunity to consider other creatives in Grand Rapids during the same period,” stated GRAM Chief Curator Ron Platt. “In the early twentieth century, Grand Rapids’ reputation as the Furniture City was due in large part to the cultural popularity of Arts and Crafts furniture and décor. Mann, Limbert and Stickley were responsible for some of the most beautiful and inventive Arts and Crafts design being produced at the time.”
GRAM members and the public are invited to take part in upcoming related programming, including the Member Opening Morning, Gallery Chats, art-making workshops in GRAM Studio, and Family Day. For those in our community who prefer to stay home, the Museum will continue to share free digital resources including artist interviews and talks, virtual tours, artmaking activities, and more at artmuseumgr.org/MuseumFromHome.
“Chickens Don’t Fly Too Much” at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Supplied)
By Faith Morgan WKTV Intern
Local artist Reb Roberts already planned to make his iconic chickens part of the newest mural at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and as he began painting, he couldn’t help but notice how empty the airport was.
The Gerald R. Ford Airport had been reporting record numbers up until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March and like many airports across the nation, the Ford Airport saw the number of visitors drop severely. Seven months later, and many people have opted for either other ways to travel or have reduced flight time.
The fact that most chickens do not fly and that the Ford Airport was somewhat empty, lead Roberts to name the mural “Chickens Don’t Fly Too Much.”
“When I was there at the airport, it was kind of amazing because there’s not that many people traveling,” Roberts said during a recent virtual interview. “I think it was just perfect timing.”
The 80-foot mural features chickens and other birds along with dogs, trucks and Roberts’ signature sun, making for an inviting welcome or fond farewell to airport travelers. Roberts said he personally hopes the mural will encourage people to fly and help the airport get back to the incredible amount of traffic it had post COVID-19.
“Chickens” is the second in a series of murals created by notable West Michigan artists as part of the Frey Foundation’s gift, which will also feature changing sculptures and exhibits. The mural joins “The Great Blue,” which was completed in March by Nick Nortier and Kyle DeGroff and features a blue heron on a Michigan waterway.
Umbrella outside businesses on Fulton (WKTV/Faith Morgan)
Colorful creations everywhere
A quick drive through Grand Rapids and you can see many of Roberts’ work in city parks and Grand Rapids Public Schools. From 1999 to 2017, Roberts and his wife Carmella owned and operated Sanctuary Folk Art on Division Street.
“That street is it’s own animal and some of the things that are being experienced right now in this country and in this world are things that have been happening on Division for years and years and years, but no one’s really addressed it as a whole,” he said.
The gallery featured work by many local outsider folk artists, artists who are self-taught or haven’t received professional training.
Roberts admitted he often found himself attracted to this form of art. “There could be 100 booths of artwork and I would always like that stuff, it shows what somebody has to say. It wasn’t too formal or you didn’t have to interpret it too much.”
In fact, 20 years before diving into his career as an artist, Roberts worked with children and families, often finding joy in children creating spontaneous, colorful works of art. “Before painting I didn’t know much,” he said, adding that after working with kids he found a calling towards art, especially through the creations of preschoolers. “If they can paint, then I can paint,” he said.
Umbrella outside businesses on Fulton (WKTV/Faith Morgan)
Just Pick Up a Brush
If you’re a creative person looking for motivation, Roberts shared his technique for how he starts his pieces.
“Wherever you are at the most, whatever space you frequent the most, it’s important to have those materials right there so they’re staring you in the face,” he said, adding it doesn’t matter whether you’re a painter or a musician, whatever medium of creativity you explore, have that medium somewhere in plan sight. Often creative individuals try to wait for ideas to inspire them, but as Roberts said, having your medium physically there is the best motivator for inspiration.
Roberts said that artists often get frustrated by the lack of traction their work receives. He encouraged that anyone who is creative to keep practicing. Even having hundreds of pieces of work could be beneficial to an audience and acts as a “savings account” for artists.
“Make more,” he said. “It’s a gift, if you’re an artist it’s a major gift. There’s a lot of good things about being a creative person, you can do it anywhere in the world.”
And sometimes you need to take a break
During the pandemic, Roberts took a short break from painting.
“I was just trying to figure out what was going on in the world like a lot of people were,” he said. “I kind of liked the quiet in the world for a little bit.”
Roberts said he knew he’d eventually return to his artistic strive. “When you’re ready, get back at it.”
And so he did. Along with the Ford Airport mural, Roberts recently added to his “outdoor” collection with colorful benches on the corner of Pearl Street and Ionia Avenue to colorful umbrellas outside cafes and restaurants stretched down Fulton Street featuring his stylized characters including those famous chickens.
Benches on the Corner of Pearl St & Ionia (WKTV/Faith Morgan)
From set design to location, the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s fall offerings are going to look at little different this year.
Like many others, the Civic Theatre staff has had to be a little more creative to overcome the COVID-19 challenges of social distancing and masks. The company’s answer: drive-in theater.
Bruce Tinker
Yes, you heard correctly, the company is set to present the perfect pairings of “Dracula” in October and “A Christmas Carol” in late November/early December in an old radio-style format in the parking lot of the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW.
“The one thing COVID has taught us is that preplanning is the road to disaster,” said Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Executive Director Bruce Tinker. It’s hard for any theater company in the West Michigan area to do much preplanning since when the facilities will reopen remains an uncertain variable.
With that in mind, Civic Theater staff started looking at what other theater companies across the nation were doing along with brainstorming their own ideas. Over the summer, the company had a successful outdoor concert series where, for a fee performers, came to a home for a concert. The series sold out within hours of being announced.
Looking to offering something to a wider audience, the staff learned of The Des Moines Playhouse live theater drive-in project and began looking at how the team could adapted it to the Grand Rapids area. The first challenge was finding a space.
“Des Moines has a large parking lot to host the drive-thru event,” Tinker said. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s downtown location has no parking lot. The location challenge was met when the management at the DeltaPlex offered its parking lot.
A radio-style format was decided on since it requires little or no sets or costumes. The format is reminiscent of the golden age of radio, which was the 1930s, where actors would read from a script using mostly their voices to relay the story. While costumes are not required, actors would wear items that would help them get into character such as a cape for Dracula or carry a cane for Scrooge.
In Civic’s upcoming production of “Dracula,” set for Oct. 23 -25 and Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, there are plans to project scenes on the side of the DeltaPlex to help establish the setting. Actors will have minimal costumes but the story will largely be told through their voices, Tinker said. The audio will be broadcasted via FM with the audience listening in through their car radios. Adding to the night of fun, DeltaPlex will have vendors on hand selling theater food items, Tinker said.
Only a 100 cars will be allowed per showing. (There are two shows per night at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.). Considering one vehicle can hold up to five people, there is a possible 500 people who could be in attendance. The Civic Theatre usually has a 500 to 600 seating average and can hold up to 740.
And no worries about a small car getting stuck behind a large truck. The Civic team went out to the DeltaPlex parking lot and tested out where cars should be parked so everyone could see the production. This means all tickets will be sold as general admission with vehicles being directed on where to park based on size.
Ticket sales for “Dracula” opened on Sept. 4 with sales moving, Tinker said, adding they have sold tickets to every perform so far. Tickets are $100 per vehicle. For more information or tickets, visit grct.org.
Grand Rapids Symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)
By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk The Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grand Rapids Symphony and Music Director Marcelo Lehninger announce today Pathwavespresented by SpartanNash, the Symphony’s reimagined 2020-2021 artistic season.
During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, your Grand Rapids Symphony has created ground-breaking new ways to share the gift of music with the West Michigan community with a dynamic and innovative season of concerts, delivered via live streamwith support from Fox Motors, starting with a multistage setup in the Van Andel Arena and an intimate chamber setting at St. Cecilia Music Center this fall. Programming for the 2021 portion of the season will be announced at a later date.
The Grand Rapids Symphony will re-unite for the first time since March. The concerts will feature performances by socially-distanced orchestral ensembles, performed without intermission, and streamed live to patrons’ homes, reflecting the Symphony’s commitment to the health and safety of musicians and audiences alike. The concerts will include a live audience when health and safety requirements allow.
“It would have been simple and easy for us to step away from our mission of delivering great music during the pandemic,” said Mary Tuuk, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Symphony. “But now, more than ever, we know that music can greatly enrich our lives. Over the next nine months, the Grand Rapids Symphony will feed our souls in the wake of immense societal challenges. We are heartened by the inclusive and healing ways we can bring music to the West Michigan community.
Music director Marcelo Lehninger has redesigned the 2020-2021 season to include six virtual fall programs presented by Wolverine Worldwide; four from the Van Andel Arena, and two from St. Cecilia Music Center. The Symphony will return to DeVos Performance Hall in January 2021, with concerts through May. Previously announced programming for the 2020-2021 season will be rescheduled for the 2021-2022 season as feasible.
“Plans and programs may change, but our commitment to music and performing for our audience is unwavering,” Lehninger said. “I am very excited to return to the stage with your Grand Rapids Symphony.”
The new Pathwaves series includes varied styles of music and diverse composers, like waves of hope leading us down our community’s path of healing. Special guest artists will include internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez. The Symphony also has engaged composer James M. Stephenson as Musical Collaborator to create several new arrangements for the orchestra. The Symphony’s opening concert will prominently feature a collaboration with the Grand Rapids Ballet. Programs will include intimate chamber music from “Final Fantasy” video games and the popular Metro Health Holiday Pops.
“It will be an inspiring and creative approach,” said Lehninger. “You’ll see many familiar faces on our programs, and our musicians will be featured in unique ways.”
Current 2020-2021 subscriptions will be honored with free virtual access to the six fall concerts and DeVos Performance Hall concerts in 2021. Current subscribers also will be eligible to attend concerts in-person as audiences are permitted to return. A subscription package is available to new subscribers for $76 that grants access to all six virtual concerts from September through December.
A separate subscription package for the 2021 concerts will be available at a later date. Single tickets for most concerts are $15. Single tickets for programs with Joshua Bell and for the Holiday Pops are $25. Because of the virtual delivery format, student discounts will not be offered. The Symphony Scorecard program continues for the season.
The best part? You don’t have to do a thing but watch your email for the link to view the concerts while they are performed live. Emails will be sent closer to the concert date. If you are a Friday or Saturday subscriber, you’ll get the link for the appropriate Friday or Saturday concert. To learn more, please visit GRSymphony.org/pathwaves.
“We are deeply committed to continuing our mission of delivering great music,” Lehninger said. “Now, more than ever, we will walk together to restore our collective wellbeing through our reimagined season, Pathwaves.
Marcelo Lehninger conducting the symphony (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)
Pathwaves: Grand Rapids Symphony Fall 2020 programming
Friday and Saturday, September 25-26, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Romeo and Juliet
Marcelo Lehninger, conductor | Grace Kim, violin | Andrew Laven, cello
Grand Rapids Ballet | Michael Schaeffer, accordion
Music from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Julietwith a performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet.
Friday, October 16, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center
Mosaic Motion
Edye Evans Hyde, vocals | Mike Hyde, guitar
The concert highlights music for chamber strings and brass with performances by vocalist Edye Evans Hyde and guitarist Mike Hyde.
Friday and Saturday, October 23-24, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Marcelo Plays and Conducts
Marcelo Lehninger, conductor and piano
The program welcomes Lehninger to the piano to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 while also conducting from the piano.
Friday and Saturday, November 13-14, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Voice and the Violin featuring Joshua Bell
Violinist Joshua Bell performs Nov. 20. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Public Museum)
In the past, they’ve performed separately in Grand Rapids. Now experience the incomparable violinist Joshua Bell and the sizzling soprano Larisa Martinez, husband and wife, together with your Grand Rapids Symphony.
Friday, November 20, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., St. Cecilia Music Center
A New World: Intimate Music From Final Fantasy
Eric Roth, guest conductor
A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy presents fresh arrangements of music from throughout the 25+ years of the Final Fantasy catalogue for a variety of chamber ensembles. The programs feature string quartets, piano and guitar solos, duos, trios and other mixed groups of instrumentalists to produce an immediate and personal encounter with the extraordinary Final Fantasy musical themes, characters and settings.
Friday and Saturday, December 4-5, 2020 | 7:30 p.m., Van Andel Arena
Metro Health Holiday Pops
Bob Bernhardt, conductor | Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Pearl Shangkuan, director
Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, Sean Ivory and Leah Ivory, co-directors
Embellish | Special Appearances by Capathia Jenkins, vocals and Tony DeSare, piano/vocals
The West Michigan holiday tradition features familiar holiday favorites with your Grand Rapids Symphony and includes virtual performances from the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, vocalist Capathia Jenkins, and singer/pianist Tony DeSare.
Disappointment reigned supreme when it was announced that COVID-19 had put the kibosh on this year’s ArtPrize activities. As others scrambled to fill in the gaps, we discovered there is quite a bit of art — both new and old — for any resident to take their own art tour through downtown Grand Rapids.
Take this walking tour by yourself, or with family and friends, to get some fresh air while enjoying the beautiful art that adorns the Grand Rapids’ streets.
Starting from the LOVE sculpture along Monroe Avenue, take the path behind it past the Panera Bread along Campau Avenue going below the JW Marriott Grand Rapids bridge along Louis Street to see the blue “Steel Water” fluoridation statue located by the Grand River along Louis Street. The statue was made as a pride symbol of Grand Rapids for being the first city that utilized water fluoridation in 1945.
Head back east to the LOVE sculpture and go north along Monroe Avenue. Then join Pearl Street by turning west from Monroe Avenue. Along Pearl Street, you will see the benches and a garden-like monument built to preserve the memory of a lifelong friendship which later became a business partnership between Rich DeVos and Jay Van Andel. The two entrepreneurs formed Amway Corporation that turned into a global corporation. This monument is right outside the JW Marriott hotel, which was the last venture DeVos and Andel embarked on together. The flower monument is surrounded by benches and pillars each dedicated to the sister cities connected to Grand Rapids by Amway.
Head north on Pearl Street over the bridge to the front of the Grand Rapids Public Museum where the Memorial Bell is located just west of Pearl Street. Dedicated in 1995, the bell was donated by a Local 336 Firefighters of Grand Rapids and it serves a tribute to all firefighters, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
While looking at the Memorial Bell, you can’t help but notice the Apollo Command Module, which is actually a time capsule. Celebrating the city’s sesquicentennial and the nation’s bicentennial, the module was filled with memorabilia that reflects life in Grand Rapids in 1976. What does it hold? Well, you won’t get a sneak peek until July 4, 2076 when it is scheduled to be open.
As you continue to walk outside the Grand Rapids Public Museum you will see paintings on the walls of the building along Front Avenue which lead you to the east entrance of the spectacular Blue Bridge.
Before getting across the bridge, there is the Noahquageshik sculpture right before the entrance. Noahquageshik, also known as “Chief Noonday,” was a very influential leader of the original people (Grand River Ottawa Anishinabe) of Grand Rapids and this statue is dedicated to him.
If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, you can take a stroll through Lacks park that leads to a mini nature trail beside the calm waters of the Grand River right below the Blue Bridge, which extend north to the bridge on Pearl Street.
Lacks Pack has beautiful sculptures in it as well such as the River’s Edge and the Be Still and Know IV. This park can serve as a cute spot for taking pictures, having your “alone time,” hanging out with your loved ones or just getting your daily work out steps in.
After crossing the Blue Bridge, go east into the small path, called the River Edge, right outside the building covered with beautiful art paintings and head north onto Fulton Street.
You’ll see a little black box painting dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement before turning west onto Ottawa Street and you will see another Black Lives Matter painting along Louis Street. These paintings were done on windows broken after a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Flloyd.
Keep walking north on Ottawa Street and head west on Monroe Street to find yet another wall painting dedicated to the Black community and the rights and justice they deserve.
And the best way to complete the tour is at the famous Rosa Parks Circle that houses a statue dedicated to Civil Rights activist Rosa Park at the intersection of Monroe Street and Monroe Avenue. Head across the street, head south along Monroe Street to the starting point, the LOVE sculpture.
Going on this tour made me realize what a rich artistic culture Grand Rapids has. The city’s buildings, sculptures and statues are full of many stories that show that Grand Rapids is a city full of art even without ArtPrize.
CWD Real Estate Investment has partnered with Lions and Rabbits to bring vibrant murals to the boarded storefronts in Downtown Grand Rapids. The art will spotlight local artists while commemorating the comradery that took place during the clean-up effort this past Sunday.
After the events that unfolded late Saturday night, Downtown Grand Rapids was left with significant damage to prominent storefronts throughout the city. However, on Sunday morning, the community came together to help clean up the aftermath. By mid-afternoon, streets and sidewalks were swept of debris and storefronts were boarded up.
While the boards act as an effective temporary measure to protect the already damaged storefronts, they detract from much of the lively energy Grand Rapids has come to inhabit. To help restore some of this energy, CWD has partnered with Lions and Rabbits to bring back the artistic spirit our city embodies. Murals will be installed throughout the Downtown area’s damaged storefronts in an effort to inspire, invigorate, and remind the community of the city’s strength and unity.
“What happened here Saturday night was not unique to Grand Rapids. What happened next certainly was. On Sunday morning—literally before the sun was up, our community came out to repair the damage sustained,” said Sam Cummings, managing partner at CWD Real Estate. “The generosity and selfless beauty of what happened everywhere around our downtown inspired us again and again throughout the day. It is such a testament to what an amazing place West Michigan is.”
CWD is working to get windows cut and installed as quickly as possible, but until then, the firm wants people to feel comfortable being Downtown. With businesses beginning to re-open as a result of the Stay-At-Home orders being lifted, CWD wants to encourage people to continue supporting local businesses in and around Downtown Grand Rapids in their time of need.
As a result, the collaborative project will highlight some local artists while supporting the small businesses that were damaged, but above all, it will commemorate the tremendous display of community observed on Sunday.
Murals will celebrate the community effort to help clean-up downtown. (Supplied)
“We wanted to memorialize and perpetuate that spirit of community by turning to local artists who will use their talents to express that beauty on the temporary enclosures while we wait to return to normal downtown,” said Cummings. “We are grateful for their involvement!”
Murals will begin appearing throughout Downtown Grand Rapids starting Friday, June 5. The full list of CWD properties that will see mural installations include: 37 Ottawa, 40 Pearl, 50 Louis, 80 Ottawa, 111 Lyon, 125 Ottawa, 169 Monroe, 180 Ottawa, 201 Michigan and 250 Monroe.
To commemorate its 50th year, Festival of the Arts is excited to announce renowned designer Stephen Frykholm as its 2019 poster artist. One of the longest running festivals in the state of Michigan, Festival of the Arts will hold its 50th celebration on June 7, 8, and 9 in downtown Grand Rapids.
“Steve was an obvious choice to create the 50th celebration poster,” said Festival of the Arts Executive Director David Abbott.” He is a luminary in the design community and we knew he would create something unique and compelling to commemorate this milestone event.”
Frykholm started his career at Herman Miller in 1970 as the company’s first graphic designer. In 1986 he received the Carl F. Frost Award, Herman Miller’s highest recognition for an employee. In 2007, AIGA, the professional association for design, awarded him an AIGA Fellow, and in 2010 he earned AIGA’s most prestigious award, the AIGA Medal. Steve has been recognized as an annual report design legend by Graphis magazine and he was acclaimed as an American design icon in the 50th anniversary issue of Communication Arts. He retired from Herman Miller in 2015.
“When David Abbott asked me if I would design the Festival of the Arts poster this year, I couldn’t say no, because it’s the 50th year of the festival. That’s a big deal!” Frykholm said. “It was also 50 years ago that the critically acclaimed Calder stabile was installed, and it is the epicenter of the festival. After reviewing all the former posters in the lower level of City Hall, I decided on my direction–the iconic Calder would be my focal point. The Grand River and the Native American mounds are also important city symbols, and I wanted to include them. The large poster I came up with is simple and direct in its design and typography with a blue sky for optimism. I hope it inspires people to start their summer–and perhaps a suntan–by attending the 50th Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts in June.”
This year’s poster will be available for sale in the Festival Store and at the Gift Shop at the GRAM during Festival of the Arts. Both signed and unsigned versions will be available at different price points.
The Calder stabile, or La Grande Vitesse, was formally dedicated on June 14, 1969, and has since become the civic symbol of the City of Grand Rapids. Its installation inspired the first Festival of the Arts, a three-day community arts celebration held each year on the first full weekend in June. Festival began in 1970 and was originally sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids.
Festival started with two stages, some artwork and a few food booths. Today, the celebration covers much of downtown Grand Rapids with three performance stages, dozens of food booths, and endless art and activities for all ages. Now in its 50th year, Festival of the Arts is one of the longest running festivals in the State of Michigan.
