As holiday travel continues at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, local school choirs are set to fill the Airport with festive cheer for passengers and guests.
The 28th Annual Holiday Music Festival will take place the week of December 2-6 in the Airport Grand Hall, located just before the TSA checkpoint. Daily performances run between 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ten West Michigan choirs are scheduled to sing 20-minute sets throughout the day, which includes:
Byron Center West Middle School
City High Middle School
Coit Creative Arts Academy
Lee High School
Legacy Christian School
Ottawa Hills High School
South Christian High School
West Side Christian School
Wyoming High School
Zeeland Christian School
“We are thrilled to welcome talented school choirs from across West Michigan to the Airport this holiday season,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “Their performances will fill the Airport with festive melodies, creating a joyful atmosphere for our guests, partners and staff.”
All festival performances are free and open to the public. The schedule of performances can be found at FlyFord.org.
A previous Ford Airport Holiday Music Festival. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)
The City of Kentwood is in search of its very own Clark Griswold, inviting residents to enter their festive homes in its annual Holiday Light Display Contest.
Community members who live in the city of Kentwood or Kentwood Public Schools district are encouraged to register and submit a photo of their outdoor display online through Dec. 12.
A photo from last year’s contest. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A photo from last year’s contest. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A photo from last year’s contest. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
A photo from last year’s contest. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The photos will be posted to the City’s social media pages, where anyone can vote for their favorite display. The top three vote-getters will earn bragging rights for a year.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the Holiday Light Display Contest again and seeing the creative and colorful displays residents create this year,” Kentwood Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “This friendly competition offers an opportunity for loved ones to work together and create a festive light display, bringing holiday cheer to their neighbors and other residents.”
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to celebrate the holiday season at its annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday light parade on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The festivities will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at and around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The event kicks off with a parade, followed by outdoor activities for all ages, including take-home children’s crafts, caroling, a ballet performance and a visit from Santa. The event is free and open to the public.
Dune Buggy food truck will be on-site with burgers, fries and beverages for purchase. Palmer House Coffee will offer beverages such as hot chocolate and coffee, and Dolce Mini Cakes will be serving mini pancakes and desserts for purchase.
“We are looking forward to hosting this special community event and bringing together neighbors, friends and loved ones to celebrate the holiday season,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “These festivities mark the change of seasons and give our wonderful community a chance to gather and spread holiday joy.”
Kentwood Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the City of Kentwood Public Works Department, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. It then travels to the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of Breton and Walma avenues will be closed 5:50-6:25 p.m. for the parade.
The tree lighting ceremony and caroling will follow at 6:30 p.m. in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. After the ceremony around 6:45 p.m., community members will be able to take photos with Santa, enjoy caroling and more.
Kentwood Holiday Tree Lighting and Parade. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Attendees also will have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. A list of suggested donation items and drop-off locations can be found at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Essay winner determines grand marshal with Mayor Kepley
For the third year, a student essay competition will determine a grand marshal who will help Mayor Kepley light the tree. Students ages 5-18 who are Kentwood residents or attend school in Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills or Caledonia school districts are eligible to participate.
Students can enter by submitting an essay that is 1,000 words or less and answers this prompt: “What do the holidays mean to you?” Entries are due Nov. 25, and a winner will be chosen and notified by Nov. 29. Essays can be submitted online or in person at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley with last year’s grand marshal and essay winner Clara Wells. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Groups interested in participating in the parade should complete the online entry form. The cost to participate is $10.
More information about the holiday tree lighting and parade is available at kentwood.us/TreeLighting.
The City of Kentwood is encouraging community members to bring joy to neighbors in need by participating in its holiday giving programs.
“Together, we can show we care and bring cheer to residents in need by donating nonperishable food items or gently used winter clothing, purchasing a gift or giving a monetary donation,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “I encourage community members, leaders and businesses to participate in one of our four holiday giving programs this season.”
The City offers four giving programs that run through Dec. 11: Adopt A Child, Be a Santa to a Senior, Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree and Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
Adopt-A-Child program; see below for details. (Photo Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Each program offers different options for participation:
The Adopt-A-Child program helps support local students who are experiencing homelessness and other challenges. To participate in the program:
Select an Adopt-A-Child tag online or from one of the designated trees at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, in the lobby of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE., or at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, or check out the Amazon Wishlist.
Purchase the item(s) on the tag.
Tape the tag to the unwrapped gift and return it during business hours to City Hall or the Kentwood Activities Center by Dec. 11.
City team members will wrap and deliver the gifts.
Be a Santa to a Senior is hosted in partnership with Home Instead Senior Care. To participate:
Grab a tag from the Senior Santa Tree at the Kentwood Activities Center.
Purchase the item(s) listed on the tag.
Wrap the gift, tape the tag to the outside and return it to the Kentwood Activities Center during business hours by Dec. 11.
Help decorate the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree at the Kentwood Activities Center with new or gently used hats, scarves, mittens, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets by Dec. 11. Donations can be brought to the center during business hours and will be distributed to individuals in local school systems and through community organizations.
The City accepts donations for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry year-round. You can drop off donations during business hours at the Kentwood Activities Center or make a financial contribution at any time. For more information, including a list of suggested donations, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The Kentwood Activities Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. City Hall opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and closes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at noon. The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information on the City of Kentwood’s holiday giving programs and to donate, visit kentwood.us/HolidayGiving.
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to enjoy spooky, seasonal fun and treats at its annual Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Kids and their loved ones can explore and collect candy from more than 25 City and community vehicles.
Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
“The City of Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat event is a great opportunity for community members, City staff and local organizations to celebrate together in a safe and fun environment,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “We hope children and their loved ones create lasting memories while kickstarting their Halloween fun.”
Every vehicle will feature seasonally decorated trunks for community members to view and enjoy. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite trunk during and after the event using the online form at kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat. The winner will be announced on social media.
Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Halloween costumes are encouraged
Attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and bring a bag for collecting their goodies.
Olly’s Mini Donuts food truck will be on site serving a variety of donuts and fall drinks for purchase.
Local businesses and community groups wishing to participate in Trunk or Treat can register for free online until Friday, Oct. 18 by 4 p.m. Pre-registration is not required for community members to attend the event.
For more information about Kentwood’s Trunk or Treat or to sign up to volunteer, visit kentwood.us/TrunkOrTreat.
Kentwood Trunk or Treat. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members of all ages to join its Fourth of July celebration on Thursday, July 4.
The annual event includes a full day of activities for all ages and interests, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival, fireworks show and more.
“Each year, our community members gather for our Fourth of July Celebration with loved ones, friends and neighbors,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “We are delighted to offer a daylong event that brings together residents, local businesses and guests to enjoy food, live music, fireworks, all-ages activities and more.”
The day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE. The breakfast takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $5 per person. It’s free for ages 3 and younger.
5K Race & Fun Walk
The 5K Race & Fun Walk begins at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Road SE. The route takes participants through nearby neighborhoods and across a portion of the East West Trail. For the safety of all participants, roller skates, dogs and bicycles will not be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal.
Kentwood Fourth of July. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Fourth of July parade
At 9:30 a.m., the parade will begin. This year’s parade will follow the same route as last year, starting at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue, turn north at the roundabout, head east on 44th Street and end at Crestwood Middle School.
City Hall carnival features rides, games, prizes and more
From 10:30 to 2:30 p.m., community members can head over to City Hall for a carnival featuring rides, games, prizes and more. Individual tickets cost $1 each, and the number of tickets needed for each attraction varies. Wristbands also will be available for $20 at the event and in advance Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3 at City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. City Hall is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday. The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
City Hall evening celebration concludes with fireworks
The day concludes with an evening celebration at City Hall from 4 to 10 p.m. that features community booths, a beer tent, food trucks, live music and fireworks. There will be musical performances by Bare Naked 90’s, Moonshot Band and JP & The Energy. The fireworks show begins at dusk and will be visible from City Hall and surrounding areas.
A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station 1 to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities. A section of Breton Avenue in front of the library to the roundabout will be closed for the fireworks display. It will close 15 minutes before the show and reopen 30 minutes after the fireworks are done. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
Residents are encouraged to bring multiple forms of payment – such as cash, credit or debit cards – due to some vendors payment preferences. The City is seeking 5K runners, parade participants and volunteers for the day’s events. Visit kentwood.us/4thofJuly or call 616-656-5270 to learn more and sign up.
The Grand Rapids Christmas Lite Show has been a holiday tradition for most West Michigan families for the past 25 years.
With over 50,000 visitors each year, the Christmas Lite Show (CLS) has grown to be the largest lite show display in West Michigan.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
How it all began
A family-owned business, the CLS was founded by American veteran William (Bill) Schrader after returning to West Michigan as a wounded war veteran.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Schrader and his family would spend the days leading up to Christmas driving through neighborhood decorated in lights. It was a cherished family tradition by Schrader, his wife and their three children.
After sharing those memories with family friends, Schrader approached the LMCU Ballpark office and asked to lease the parking lot so he could bring a unique and fun holiday attraction to West Michigan.
Comprised of a 30-person team of mostly veterans, the CLS has grown from generators, gas cans, and mile-long extension cords to transformers, power boxes, and 100% LEDs, and from one semi trailer full of lights to eight.
The mission
The CLS 40-night season (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31) brings new displays and experiences every year – and is the result of a year-round effort by Schrader and his team.
“The whole mission is to bring a smile to the kids,” Schrader says on the CLS website. “It’s all about the kids.”
Schrader and his team are dedicated to spreading joy and good fortune to our community. They carry out this spirit through the CLS and by supporting and donating to local organizations like the Grand Rapids Veterans Home.
The City of Kentwood is encouraging community members to help brighten the season for their neighbors by participating in its holiday giving programs.
“For our community members who are able, I would encourage you to consider being part of our Kentwood effort through this year’s holiday giving programs,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “This is a special time of year, and we want to help everyone in our community experience the season with good food, warm clothes, and gifts for those they cherish.”
The Adopt-A-Child program helps support local students who are experiencing homelessness and other challenges. See details below. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
The City offers four giving programs that run through Dec. 13: Adopt A Child, Be a Santa to a Senior, Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree, and Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
Each program offers different options for participation:
The Adopt-A-Child program helps support local students who are experiencing homelessness and other challenges. To participate:
Select an Adopt-A-Child tag online, from one of the trees at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, or in the lobby of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE., or check out the Amazon Wishlist.
Purchase the item(s) on the tag.
Tape the tag to the unwrapped gift and return it during business hours to City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, or the Kentwood Activities Center by Dec. 13.
City team members will wrap and deliver the gifts.
Be a Santa to a Senior is hosted in partnership with Home Instead Senior Care. To participate:
Grab a tag from the Senior Santa Tree at the Kentwood Activities Center.
Purchase the item(s) listed on the tag.
Wrap the gift, tape the tag to the outside and return it to the Kentwood Activities Center during business hours by Dec. 13.
Help decorate the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree at the Kentwood Activities Center with new or gently used hats, scarves, mittens, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets by Dec. 13. Donations can be brought to the center during business hours and will be distributed to individuals in local school systems and through community organizations.
The City is always accepting donations for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. Drop off donations during business hours at the Kentwood Activities Center or make a financial contribution at any time. For more information, including a list of suggested donations, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. City Hall opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and closes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at noon.
The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Kentwood Little Free Pantry. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)
Woodland Mall is working to make the holiday season that much more special with big plans for Santa’s arrival, activities supporting local organizations and other festive events.
In addition to a number of charitable efforts, the mall is preparing for Santa’s grand arrival with a parade through the mall, followed by a pajama party, photo opportunities and dance and musical performances by local groups, among other activities.
“Our focus this year is on spreading holiday cheer through fun events with the man in red himself, as well as charitable activities, vendor shows and community performances,” Marketing Manager Kennedy Vancalbergh said. “With a few new experiences alongside the winter staples we’re known for, Woodland Mall continues to offer the best in holiday shopping and festivities for shoppers of all ages.”
(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Santa’s Parade and PJ Arrival Party – Nov. 17
Santa will make his grand return to Woodland Mall with an indoor parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17. Santa’s procession will begin near the entrance of the food court and end at his holiday home in the Macy’s court. Santa will be guided by the Academy of Dance Arts.
Following the parade, the mall will give a warm and cozy welcome to Santa with a fun-filled PJ party in the Macy’s court 6-8 p.m. All are encouraged to come dressed in pajamas for the event, which will include a meet and greet with holiday characters, an opportunity to take photos with Santa, balloon twisters, holiday crafts, face painting and a prize wheel.
Shoppers who bring in new pajamas to donate to The Salvation Army during the event will receive a coupon for a free 8-by-10 photo print with a Santa photo purchase.
Salvation Army Angel Tree – Nov. 17 through Dec. 14
Woodland Mall has partnered with The Salvation Army to give back to children in the community. Shoppers will find The Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Macy’s wing starting Nov. 17 through Dec. 14. Tree tags represent children or teenagers who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season. Shoppers can take a tag and return an unwrapped gift at the mall’s security office during mall hours.
Academy of Dance Arts Performances – Nov. 18
To celebrate Santa’s arrival, Woodland Mall will welcome Academy of Dance Arts Studio for several performances by various age groups. Throughout the afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 18, the dance group will perform to holiday music in the Von Maur wing.
Photos withSanta – Nov. 18 through Dec. 24
Santa will take photos with guests and listen to holiday wishes Nov. 18 through Dec. 24. Reservations are encouraged but not required for the photo opportunity. Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints and a family portrait.
Visitors also can visit Ursa, the enormous 12-foot polar bear decked with thousands of holiday lights, while they wait to see Santa.
(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Fur babies included
Beginning Nov. 20, “fur babies” will again be welcome to visit Santa for photos on Mondays through Dec. 18. Feathered and whiskered pets of all kinds are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, in a crate/carrier or held by the owner at all times. Pet owners must also sign a release prior to visiting Santa.
(Courtesy, Woodland Mall)
Cards for Kids Spending the Holidays in Hospitals – Nov. 18 through Dec. 11
Woodland Mall has partnered with Cards for Hospitalized Kids to provide holiday cards to local children who are spending the holiday season in the hospital. From Nov. 18 through Dec. 11, there will be a table near Santa in the Macy’s court where individuals can decorate cards for the children.
Black Friday Deals – Nov. 24
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to enable retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones. The mall will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24 so guests can enjoy an early start to the traditional shopping weekend. Several seasonal stores will offer discounted gift items on Black Friday. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Vendor Shows – Nov. 25 and Dec. 9
Shoppers can connect with an array of small businesses and vendors during the Small Business Showcase, hosted by Britney Sylvester, on Saturday, Nov. 25, and at the Holiday Bash Craft and Vendor Show, hosted by Kelly Hume Events LLC, on Saturday, Dec. 9. Shoppers can explore a wide variety of items such as wreaths, candles, jewelry and more at the shows during shopping hours on both dates.
Women’s Resource Center Winter Clothing Drive – Dec. 1-31
Woodland Mall will hold a winter clothing drive for the Women’s Resource Center, which offers programs and services to educate and empower women for workplace success, during the entire month of December. Collection bins will be at each entrance of the mall for donations of new or gently used hats, gloves and winter socks.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive – Dec. 1-24
The iconic red kettles and volunteers will be stationed at the mall’s JCPenney entrance throughout the season. Characters from Star Wars will make special appearances throughout the month. Donations go toward improving the lives of families in the local community. Every gift is precious – big or small.
Artists Creating Together Concert – Dec. 4
Artists Creating Together, which empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate through the arts, will give a musical performance on ukuleles and Tubano drums 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Von Maur wing.
More Surprises for Shoppers
There will be surprise visits from a variety of fun characters and drop-in performances for shoppers to enjoy on occasional weekends throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Hours
The mall will have extended hours to ensure guests can get all their holiday shopping completed. Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com/hours for details. To avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.
On Christmas Eve, Woodland Mall will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The mall will be closed on Christmas Day. The mall will be open the day after Christmas 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on New Year’s Eve noon to 6 p.m. and on New Year’s Day 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
‘Tis the season to watch out for holiday scammers. With the holidays fast approaching beware of any deals that appear too good to be true. Scams create the illusion of being trustworthy on the outside yet are a façade fooling consumers into sharing personal information and sending money.
Scammers are looking for all kinds of way to trick you out of your money. (WKTV/Tessa Schultz)
Scams can come in many shapes and sizes, yet they aren’t the gift you’d like this holiday season. Scams can appear blatantly obvious or they can be concealed from what seem to be reputable sources.
Some of the biggest online shops have had scammers impersonating the organization. Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, and your local department stores all have scammers lurking around impersonating trustworthy transactions and tricking consumers.
Scam Data
Federal Trade Commission data reports that in 2021 online shopping scams contained $3.92 million in total reported losses with the median loss for consumers was $500 dollars.
Shoppers that have fallen victim to questionable purchases are not always compensated for their financial losses. According to the FTC, 25% of 2021 consumers reported a loss to fraud.
Types of Scams
Some of the most common scams are internet auction fraud, phishing, order confirmation scams, and technical support scams.
Internet auction fraud occurs when a seller misrepresents merchandise online. In many cases, items are left undelivered, with the buyer at a loss for their money. Scammers may advertise items with outrageous deals and discounts swindling shoppers into franticly buying nonexistent listings. Eventually, shoppers are met with remorse when their item never arrives on their doorstep.
Phishing is a scam where fake emails, text messages, and websites are used to commit identity theft or steal personal information. The criminal may ask personal questions fishing around and urging you to share your bank account numbers, debit card pin, or other personal information. Typically a scammer’s contact information mimics the names of larger brands hustling shoppers into trusting and handing out their personal information.
Order confirmation scams provide unwarranted emails, texts, and phone calls claiming that you need to confirm or deny unauthorized purchases. Amazon recently published a memo warning customers of scammers mimicking counterfeit transactions and seeking personal information. Panic-stricken shoppers may rush in order to cancel fake purchases when in reality they are being conned.
A technical support scam is a type of fraud where a scammer insists that you need to buy tech support for your devices.
Data breaches can occur to those who download software on their devices. Sensitive information can be stolen, hacked into, and leaked.
Malware is online software containing viruses and spyware. Malware is often undetectable and is a large threat to your online security.
Tips to Avoid Scams
Always use direct websites when seeking customer service and tech support.
Do not react to scams based on the principle of urgency. Many scammers want you to feel the need to “act now.”
In no case should you provide payment, or bank account information, install software, or purchase gift cards when prompted to respond in an urgent nature.
Be cautious when providing any personal information including account numbers and passwords when completing purchases online or on the telephone. Contacting customer service with any questions regarding transactions may ensure safe shopping.
Santa and his reindeer want you to steer clear of holiday scams this year, be sure to travel with ease online to protect your wallet this season.
Vertigo Music (129 Division Ave. S) crackles with energy all year ‘round — but the holiday season gives our neighborhood record curators a special opportunity to hook you up with Christmas classics and unforgettable gifts for the audiophile on your list.
This year, Vertigo owner Herm Baker has stocked brand-new copies of 20 different holiday albums, such as The Temptations’ Christmas Card, Sufjan Stevens’ Songs For Christmas and the Home Alone soundtrack, as well as the albums Herm told ArtRat are his best seasonal sellers: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash’s The Christmas Spirit, Elvis’ Christmas Album and Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas.
Other seasonal collections feature Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones and the Beach Boys. And if you need your holiday Mariah Carey fix, Vertigo stocks two different albums to choose from: the 1994 Merry Christmas album, which features Carey’s original rendition of “All I Want For Christmas is You,” and the 2010 follow-up, Merry Christmas II You, which features an “Extra Festive” version.
New adventures in hi-fi
Vertigo’s staff of four is always ready to hook you up with music you’ll love. For this occasion, Ethan and Logan stepped up enthusiastically to help ArtRat explore Vertigo’s holiday collection.
“David Bowie and Bing Crosby!” exclaimed Logan, rifling through the racks. “This one just released this Black Friday on its 45th anniversary. How could you go wrong with Bowie?”
“And A Charlie Brown Christmas! This one is selling fast. It’s my favorite holiday album to listen to — you don’t normally get to hear it on the radio. We also have the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. I love a good movie score.”
“This one is like, post-rock Christmas, and probably the coolest seasonal record we have.” Ethan said, picking up a copy of Scarlet Holliday, a three-song EP the band MONO created with producer Steve Albini in 2021 as a “special little gift” to bring hope to listeners feeling isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Who wants to listen to the same music over and over again?” Ethan asked. “This one still feels festive, but it’s different.”
Vertigo has also stocked Canned Heat’s Christmas Album and Blondie’s Yuletide Throwdown, as well as No Presents on Christmas by King Diamond for those who really want to take the holiday season to the next sonic level.
If none of these picks jingle your bells, Vertigo has three crates of used holiday records priced at $1 each.
“I recently had a customer come in looking for a specific singer-songwriter Christmas album for a gift,” Logan said.
“I wasn’t sure we’d find it, but we flipped the first record and there it was. So, even if we all think we might not have it, we probably do!”
Vertigo’s crates contain yuletide music created with organs, music boxes, gospel choirs or guitars. One record in the store’s used Christmas section reads, “Obenkirchen Children’s Choir: a musical experience of unusual charm and merit, so appealing they make you want to cry.”
Unknown pleasures
And if you want to find a gift for the discerning music fan, Vertigo probably has it. “This isn’t your average shop,” Ethan told ArtRat. “This is a real-deal, old-fashioned record store.”
Whether your tastes run to an instructional Jazz Dancing vinyl that guarantees to “prepare you for any current dance craze,” or John F. Kennedy: The Presidential Years, which offers “some of the key words uttered by President John F. Kennedy, humbly presented as a perpetual record,” you can find it at Vertigo.
Vertigo’s shelves are stocked with B-side compilations and rarities, special-edition releases, and more, perfect for gifting to the music lover or trivia buff in your life.
Vertigo Music is open Monday through Friday 12-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
This article provided by ArtRat, located at 46 Division Ave. S. For more about ArtRat, visit the gallery’s website at www.artrat.us. To join ArtRat Gallery’s mailing list of events and exhibits, email matthew@artrat.us.
Santa’s reindeer will be making a quick visit to the KDL Wyoming branch on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
From 2-3 p.m., the reindeer will be at the library, located at 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
Those stopping by are reminded to dress warmly and not to forget their cameras.
If you can’t make it on Tuesday, the reindeer will be at the KDL Byron Township Branch, 8191 Byron Center Ave. SW, from 4- 5 p.m. the day before, Monday, Dec. 19.
Levi Dutcher, with his family outside Old Grove Christmas Tree Farm in Caledonia, will carry on a family tradition of selling trees. Credit: Levi Dutcher.
LANSING – Christmas trees are in Levi Dutcher’s blood.
His parents planted 2,000 while his mother was pregnant with him in 1988. Now, he is preparing for his first holiday season as the owner of a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm.
“It takes a lot of work and a lot of money to make a little bit of money in the end,” said Dutcher, of Old Grove Christmas Tree Farm in Caledonia. “But it’s definitely a lot of fun.”
Dutcher is one of nearly 500 Michigan Christmas tree farm owners benefiting this year from an exceptional growing season.
Ideal weather conditions made it the best
“It was pretty much the consensus of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association board that it was the best year they’ve had for growing in a long time,” said Amy Start, the executive director of the group that promotes Christmas tree farms.
Dutchman Tree Farms near Cadillac benefited from ideal weather conditions in northern Michigan.
“We had decent moisture throughout the summer and did not have any late-season frosts,” said Scott Powell, the nursery manager of Dutchman in Manton and president of the association.
A good growing season is a good sign, but when it comes to actually selling the trees, other factors come into play.
“Usually what affects the selling season is good weather,” Start said.
“A little bit of snow for atmosphere is always lovely,” she said. “But if not, we at least hope it’s not raining. Because nobody wants to go to a farm when it’s down pouring or muddy.”
A ‘fresh start’ to the season
Michigan is third in the nation for Christmas tree production, according to the tree grower group. Each year the state supplies two million trees nationally.
Choose-and-cut farms appeal to younger families who want to “make a day of it,” Start said.
“They feel as if it’s the freshest way to get a tree,” she said. “Because it is. You are cutting it down yourself.”
That experience is the culmination of nearly a decade’s worth of work for the farmer. It takes Christmas trees seven to 10 years before they are ready to cut.
Each growing season is critical and has lasting impacts for farmers beyond that. Drought during one season can delay growth, Start said.
“It takes a lot of work and a lot of care to get them to the full size to sell so the growers are really, really diligent about those trees,” she said.
Some new choose-and-cut farms are set to open to the public this year, but an opening is the completion of a project started long before – sometimes several decades.
A longtime coming grand opening
Dutcher is opening his choose-and-cut farm this year, seven years after the trees were planted.
The events that led to the grand opening began before Dutcher was born. The 2,000 trees his mother helped plant in 1988 were nearly all wiped out by a drought.
When Dutcher was 8-years-old, his parents sold trees for one year. They never did it again.
“During that season I thought, ‘Wow, this is a lot of fun,’” Dutcher said. “The whole family was hanging out. I didn’t come from a lot of money, so anytime someone came up to buy a $20 tree, it was really exciting.”
About 20 years later, Dutcher bought property in Caledonia. His sister-in-law recommended planting Christmas trees so the family could gather each year and cut their own.
Dutcher took the idea one step further and planted 1,000 trees.
“It was a mixture of me remembering all the good times we had the one year my parents sold trees and my sister-in-law’s suggestion,” Dutcher said. “That’s how we’ve arrived at this.”
Dutcher’s family will still bond over the farm, including his aunt, who will fly from Oregon to help out.
More than just trees
Christmas tree farmers find other ways to make ends meet while the trees grow.
Photo ops with Santa and a fire pit to roast marshmallows are ways that Creekside Christmas Trees in Port Austin attract local residents during the Christmas season.
Creekside owner Lisa Szymanski planted trees two years ago. She anticipates that the choose-and-cut portion of the farm will open in 2027.
“We are doing things on the retail side to keep us relevant and keep people in the area knowing that we are here and getting in the habit of coming,” Szymanski said.
Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.
Carillonneur, Julianne Vanden Wyngaard (Photo courtesy of GVSU)
Do you hear what I hear?
The annual GVSU Christmas Eve Carillon Concert will take place at 9:30 p.m. at the Pew Campus, 401 W. Fulton St., downtown Grand Rapids. Patrons are invited to drive-up and park in one of the lots near the carillon and listen to the performance by Carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard. The concert is free.
Chaffee Planetarium will present “Let It Snow” through Jan. 3, 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Look to the stars
The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum has reopened and is featuring three different shows: “Let It Snow,” “Under Starlit Skies,” “Ice World,” and “Incoming!” which is narrated by “Star Trek’s” George Takei. For a full Chaffee Planetarium show schedule, visit grpm.org/planetarium. Also, the Public Museum will be open throughout the holidays. Visit grpm.org for the museum’s holiday schedule.
Bah-Humbug!
Get into the holiday spirit with the classic Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” currently being presented by the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. The company is live streaming the performance through Broadway On Demand through Dec. 31. Tickets are $9.99 for individuals and $24.99 for families. For more information, visit grct.org.
Fun Fact: Bells in Space
In 1965, “Jingle Bells” became the first song broadcast from space when the astronauts aboard Gemini 6 decided to play a prank on Mission Control and performed the song on a harmonica and actual jingle bells they had smuggled on board. Another fun fact about the song is that was originally composed as a Thanksgiving song by James Lord Pierport who premiered the piece as “One Horse Sleigh” at his church’s Thanksgiving performance.
There is one holiday event that the officers at the Wyoming Department of Public Safety look forward to — Shop With a Cop — and the officers were not about to let COVID prevent it from happening.
Traditionally, children are partnered with a police officer or firefighter from the department and shop for things that are on their Christmas list. But the recent COVID-19 pandemic put a kink in those plans due to restrictions large gatherings.
So instead, the officers from the department’s community service unit, with lists in hand, headed to the Meijer on Clyde Park Avenue and went shopping for the children.
“We have done this for a numbers of years,” said Connie Searl. “They are a great part of our community and they come in and shop for all the different kids to make sure they too have a great Christmas.”
Officers connected with students over the phone and through email to get their wish lists. With a $3,000 donation from Clyde Park Meijer and $2,500 from the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance, the officers spent several hours shopping for gifts for the children and their families. Lt. Joe Steffes, part of the community service unit, said the department helped about 40 families this year.
There was a wrapping party at the station with about every officer pitching in to help. Officers then delivered the gifts to the children and their families.
Steffes said the officers are thrilled at the opportunity to make the holidays a little brighter for some of the community’s families.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to connect with police in a fun and exciting way,” Koster said. “Their time is spent shopping, talking and getting to know each other. One of the really cool things that we see every year is that most children want to spend their money on gifts for their family members. I just love that.”
Carillonneur, Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, poses for a portrait after practicing songs on the Beckering Family Carillon Tower on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids Dec. 14. Vanden Wyngaard will perform a Christmas Eve concert where guests can drive up and “crack their windows just a little” to hear the music. (Photo courtesy of GVSU)
For the past 19 years, retired GVSU carillonneur Julianne Vanden Wyngaard has climbed the 112 steps of the Beckering Family Carillon Tower for a special Christmas performance — a performance that cannot be stopped by the current COVID pandemic.
Since it has always been a drive-up concert, the program does not have to make any changes to meet the 2020 gathering guidelines. So the free Christmas Eve Carillon Concert will take place at 9:30 p.m. on the Grand Valley State University’s Pew Grand Rapids Campus, 401 W. Fulton St.
Vanden Wyngaard said it was important to her to continue the tradition, which is celebrating a 20th anniversary. She performs from the playing cabin of the carillon, with the windows of the bell tower’s belfry open on all sides, knowing an audience that she doesn’t see has gathered in vehicles parked nearby. “Silent Night” always closes the concert.
“Then they just toot their horns and drift off into the darkness,” Vanden Wyngaard said.
She said the 9:30 p.m. concert is timed so that people with either evening or midnight services can still stop by to enjoy the music.
The concert is free and open to the public. Find more information here.
Constructed in 2000, the Beckering Family Carillon Tower is 151-foot carillon-clock tower that features 48 bronze-casted carillon bells by famed French foundry Fonderie Paccard, which has casted more than 120,000 bells that are throughout the world.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) partners with artists Tyler and Ashley Voorhees (Glenn, Michigan) to present The Lamplighter. This stunning sculpture will be on display through Jan. 4, next to the Christmas tree in downtown Manistee. The Lamplighter is an interactive sculpture for people to enjoy safely and yet, encourage togetherness.
The Lamplighter harks back to the early days when the streets of most towns and cities were lit by gas lamps. By means of long poles, ladders, and even tall bikes, these lamps had to be lit each night as dusk turned to darkness. Lamplighters provided not only light but also safety in their communities. More than just a job, these harbingers of light represent a way of life: illuminating darkness.
The Lamplighter sculpture is constructed with dozens of antiquated tools and man-made artifacts in a grand gesture to this humble worker of the past. You are invited to pedal the stationary bikes surrounding the sculpture to generate light. This illumination is a nod to the light that we all carry within us. The Lamplighter symbolizes a collective connection to spread that light.
In a year of adaptation, artists Tyler and Ashley Voorhees have had to find new avenues to connect with patrons as their typical schedule of art festivals was upended by COVID-19. The Lamplighter sculpture was originally scheduled to be debuted at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. After that event was added to the endless list of canceled events, the Voorhees duo searched out a new venue to unveil the sculpture. Xavier Verna, Executive Director of the RRCA, answered the call, and the stage was set for this momentous month-long exhibition.
The exhibition will run from through Jan. 4. This sculpture is supported by patrons of the arts, Arts Midwest, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, The City of Manistee, and presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) concludes its 2020 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concerts with a virtual Holiday Classics concert performed by Lance Luce on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.
Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ performed by an internationally acclaimed theatre organist.
Lance has played hundreds of concerts across the U.S., Canada, England and Australia. While at the Organ Grinder in Toronto, Ontario, he played for well over a million patrons within eight years. In 2014, he was awarded “Organist of the Year” by the American Theatre Organ Society. He has played concerts for numerous chapters of the American Theatre Organ Society, other affiliated theatre organ groups and clubs, and for the national and regional conventions of the ATOS in the United States and TOSA in Australia.
Recently, Lance became the head organist for the Detroit Red Wings at the new Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI. He was also the house organist at several family style restaurants, with two of them being located in Michigan. He has been a church organist for 43 years and is currently at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills.
Virtual organ concerts will be brought into the homes of ticket holders, with a fantastic screen presentation highlighting the organist playing the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ, with various views including an up-close view of the organist playing the keys.
The Holiday Classics Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert will be live streamed from the GRPM’s Meijer Theater and will be available to watch via a Zoom link. Virtual tickets are $5 per member, $10 for the public. Special group rates available. Only one ticket link is needed per household or group. Tickets are available by visiting grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616.929.1700.
What is the holidays without a little holiday theater magic? Two West Michigan theater companies oblige with a couple of holiday classics.
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will be hosting a on-demand streaming presentation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic Dec. 18 -31. The live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage costumes and live sound effects, was set to be presented live similar to Civic’s presentation of “Dracula” in October. The recent statewide partial shutdown, reducing the number of people in a gathering, forced the theater company to rethink its plans.
Instead, the program will be live streamed Dec. 18 – 31 through Broadway On Demand. From the novella by Dickens, “A Christmas Carol,” follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he his visited by three ghosts and learns the true meaning of Christmas.
There are two casts for the live broadcasts. Tickets are $9.99 for individuals and $24.99 for per family. For tickets, visit grct.org.
Farmers Alley
Farmers Alley Theatre presents “Home for the Holidays” through Dec. 24 (Supplied)
Of course, there is no place like home for the holidays and Farmers Alley Theatre will be hosting a special presentation titled “Home for the Holidays” through Dec. 24.
Hosted by Farmers Alley Founders Adam & Rob Weiner and Denene Mulay Koch & Jeremy Koch, this 90-minute special will feature favorite holiday classics, new seasonal songs and a dose of Christmas magic all of which will be streaming on Broadway On Demand.
The event features performances by Nat Zegree, Whitney Weiner, Joriah Kwame, Julie Nemitz, Sandy Bremer, WMU’s Gold Company, Andrea Arvanigian, Max Wardlaw and so many more PLUS a special reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas featuring a cavalcade of stars.
Christmas is just around the corner and that means the Christmas Lite Show is back with more than a million lights, colorful tunnels, and 50 animated displays for which guests can view from the comfort of their own vehicles.
“It’s great entertainment for the family and lots of lights and displays to see,” said the creator of the show William “Bill” Schrader.
After he became inspired by a friend who had a light show, Schrader decided to put together the Christmas Lite Show. At the time, he had just retired from the military after 28 years of service and wanted to do something different and exciting. The show has been going for 23 years and last year, more than 70,000 guests visited the site at Fifth/Third Ballpark.
“The show started out with a few generators and a few extension cords,” Schrader said. When the show first started back in 1997, a box of lights was less than a dollar to purchase. Still, Schrader said the display was small with charge only being $5 per car.
Every year, Schrader said he tries to add more to the show. Last year it was Tala the elephant, who entertained the crowds by shooting candy canes out of her trunk. This year, Tala has returned to the show with her two babies Lumi and Auggie. This past summer, there was a designed contest for a display for the show. The winner was 7-year-old Lucas Cummings. Cummings drew a big tunnel covered in red lights with a Santa hat on top. His winning design is now part of this year’s light show.
The Christmas Lite Show features more than 50 displays. (courtesy Christmas Lite Show)
Another addition to look for at the 2020 show is the patriotic scene. Last year’s American flag has been joined by the Statue of Liberty, which stands 18 feet hight. The area filled out with lots of red, white, and blue trees and arches.
Guests have the option to take the Memory Lane Train or drive through the Christmas Lite Show. On the Memory Lane Train, every seat on the train allows for a 365-degree view of the show and the night sky. The ride will take about a half-hour to weave through about the two miles of lights and guests are advised to dress warmly.
Though Covid-19 had put a damper on most of the year, it has only made a few small changes to the show, according to Schrader. This year, the Christmas Lite Show team implemented new safety measures to be sure guests are safe when they take a ride on the Memory Lane Train. There also is a socially-distanced waiting areas, designated spacing on the train, and regular sanitation between trips. Guests also are asked to wear masks when aboard the Memory Lane Train. In addition tickets for the drive-thru show are scanned without contact.
Typically it takes about half an hour to travel through the light show. Guests are welcome to take as many photos as they would like as long as they are not operating the vehicle. Guests are also instructed to stay in their vehicles and on the train.
The show will continue every night until Jan 2, 2021. The show takes place at Fifth/Third Ballpark on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 a car (depending on vehicle) and $60 for a row on the Memory Train, which seats up to four people. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.
Over the weekend, my daughter came home to announce “It’s back.”
“What’s back?” I asked.
“The Christmas tree, or bush, along M-6,” she responded.
If you drive along M-6, between the US-131 interchange onto M-6 and the entrance/exit ramps off of M-6 to Kalamazoo Avenue, there is a good size bush growing in the median of the highway. Sure enough, it has been decorated with red tinsel, a few bulbs, and solar power lights.
Michigan Department of Transportation oversees the care and maintenance of M-6. MDOT staff said they didn’t know anything about the decorated bush but that members of the department noticed it was decorated a few weeks ago. According to my daughter, the bush also was decorated last year as well with the decorations coming down around mid-January.
MDOT staff said the lights worked, however; we drove-by at night and the lights were not workin. Solar power lights can be that way, work one night and not the next.
As to who decorated it, well that probably will remain a mystery as much as the monolith found in Utah, Romina, and now California, but as one MDOT staff said “I admire the trimmer’s holiday spirt and appreciate their enthusiasm.”
The community came out in support of the City of Kentwood’s collection of food stuffs for its Little Free Pantry. Donations are accepted at the Little Free Pantry year round. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
This holiday season set aside some time and make the holidays brighter for your fellow community members in need. Kentwood’s annual holiday giving programs have returned and they are looking for a variety of donations.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation has partnered with Home Instead Senior Care for the “Be a Santa to a Senior” program. More 17 years, the program has provided gifts to low income seniors. To date, more than two million gifts have been given to about 750,000 seniors. To participate in this event, select a tag by calling 616-656-5270. Next, purchase the item(s) listed on the tag, wrap the gift, tape the tag to the outside, and return it to the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, by Dec. 16. For more information visit beasantatoasenior.com.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation is also hosting the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree. For this event, the department is asking residents for new and gently used hats, scarves, mittens, coats, boots, snow pants, socks, and blankets. These items will be donated to local schools and nearby community organizations that need support this winter. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 16 and can be dropped off at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, during business hours.
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation is also accepting donations for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. Donations are accepted year-round and with so many impacted by the COVID pandemic, the need is even greater this year. Canned goods, non-perishable food, personal care items are just some of the suggested donations. A complete list is available at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
At the pantry, those in need are invited to take anything they need with no application, and no questions asked. Donations for the pantry can be dropped off at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, during normal business hours. For more information, or to become collection bin location, visit kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
Santa and Mrs. Claus take a moment for pictures before talking to local children. (WKTV)
Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and WOOD TV8’s Michele DeSelms were host for the Wyoming Gives Back live broadcast. (WKTV)
Helping out back stage were City of Wyoming’s Jennifer Stowell and Amanda Moore. (WKTV)
City of Wyoming’s Jennifer Stowell checks over the prizes for the raffle. (WKTV)
For Wyoming Gives Back 2020, the grand prize was a television. Other prizes included gift certificates and items. (WKTV)
The City of Wyoming’s Department of Public Works wishes everyone happy holidays. (WKTV)
Santa gets ready to take some calls from local children. (WKTV)
WKTV worked some magic to bring Santa calls to area children this year. (WKTV)
Local students connect with Santa and give them their Christmas lists. (WKTV)
Local children talk to Santa through Zoom. (WKTV)
Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster and offices offer their holiday greetings to area residents. (WKTV)
Wyoming Fire Chief Brian Bennett (far right) and his staff wishes everyone a happy holiday. (WKTV)
Newly elected council member John Fitzgerald wishes everyone a happy holiday. (WKTV)
A close up of some of the this year’s Wyoming Gives Back prizes. (WKTV)
San Juan Diego Academy performs during the Wyoming Gives Back live broadcast. (WKTV)
San Juan Diego Academy performs at the Wyoming Gives Back live broadcast. (WKTV)
Santa takes a call. (WKTV)
Some of the magic to bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to area children. (WKTV)
Mrs. Claus said she was so excited to talk to children during the live broadcast of Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
WOOD TV8’s Michele DeSelms receives a special thank you gift from the City of Wyoming for helping out with this year’s Wyoming Gives Back event. (WKTV)
Some of the WKTV crew who helped to make the Wyoming Gives Back live broadcast happen. (WKTV)
On Dec. 3, WKTV presented the first live broadcast of Wyoming Gives Back. The program was hosted by Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and WOOD TV8’s Michele DeSelms and features prize drawings, a performance by Wyoming’s San Juan Diego Academy and a visit from Santa. Check out the photos to take a peek at just some of the fun that took place during the event.
The Russo family helps Kara Boorsma put toys in the Wyoming Gives Back box. This year, Wyoming Gives Back collected more than 500 toys. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
This year’s Wyoming Gives Back has been a success with more than 500 toys donated to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. Now the fun begins as WKTV hosts the live broadcast at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3.
During the broadcast, which can be seen on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 along with WKTV’s Facebook page and at wktv.org, prizes will be raffled. Residents were able to get raffle tickets when they donated an unwrapped, new toy. This year, area residents donated more than 500 toys, which organizers said they were amazed at the amount considering the circumstances with so many facing hardships due to COVID.
“I am grateful to our Wyoming community for their generous toy donations this year,” said the City of Wyoming Administrative Assistant Jennifer Stowell, who helps organize the annual event. “These donations will help make many local children’s holiday season brighter.”
Along with the raffle drawings, the hour-long live broadcast will feature a musical performance by Wyoming’s San Juan Diego Academy, which has performed every year at the Wyoming Gives Back. Also there will be presentations by the Salvation Army and lots of holiday fun with hosts Mayor Jack Poll and WOOD TV8’s Michele DeSelms.
Despite COVID-19 challenges, Marge’s Donut Den was able to collect about 200 toys this year. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be attending as well, taking phone calls from area children and Santa will be announcing the winners of this year’s coloring contest. City staff said there were a number of entries to the first-ever coloring contest, making the final selections a tough decision for Santa.
Before the Wyoming Gives Back event, WKTV will be live streaming the Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. This broadcast also can be seen at WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 along with WKTV’s Facebook page and wktv.org.
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
May West, American actress, 1893 – 1980
Write a letter to Santa
Take some time and write a letter to Santa. Kids have until Dec. 18 to get their requests into Santa. Deliver your letters to the “North Pole” mailbox at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, or the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Letters can also be mailed to Santa’s P.O. Box at 8448, Kentwood, MI 49518. All letters will receive a response from Santa, just be sure to include your return address. For more details visit kentwood.us/letterstosanta.
Visit the Big Guy
Grab your family and drive over to Little Pine Island Camp for a drive-thru Santa visit. Along the path, there will be various stations full of refreshments, games, and takeaways. Attendees have to remain in their vehicles as they drive along the trail from station to station. The event is free to attend however it is asked that guests pre-register to ensure that all children attending the event will receive a gift. Little Pine Island Camp is located at 6889 Pine Island Dr. NE in Comstock Park. The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Take in a Christmas Lite Show
Grab your friends and family and take a drive through the Christmas Lite Show located at the Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Dr. NE. One of West Michigan’s largest, animated, drive-thru light shows is now celebrating its 23rd year of entertaining people of all ages. To drive through the show tickets start at $25 (price varies on the type of vehicle). There is also an option to take a ride through the show on the Memory Lane Train. Tickets for the train are $60 per row. Each row includes 4 adult seats and small children can sit on adults laps for free. The show takes place on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The show is open through Jan. 2. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.
(Supplied by Woodland Mall)
Fun Fact: Santa didn’t always wear red
Did you know that the big jolly man in the red suit with a white beard didn’t always look that way? Before 1931, there were many different depictions of Santa. He had a variety of looks from a tall lanky man to a short elf. He even once wore a green suit. It was Coca-Cola that helped create the modern image of Santa. In 1931, the company placed advertisements that showed a realistic Santa Claus wearing a red robe with white trim and the image stuck.
A guest selects some items from the Degage Christmas Store Express. The store will be open again this year with social distancing guidelines in place. (Supplied)
By Anna Johns WKTV Intern
The holiday season is expected to look different this year but Degage Ministries is not letting these hardships get in the way of Christmas. Degage Ministries annual Christmas Store Express has been going on for a number of years and this year will be no different, according to organizers.
The goal of the store is to help low-income and homeless residents of the Heartside neighborhood purchase holiday gifts for family and friends. They will be reselling household items, clothing, toys, and more to residents at reduced prices. The store will provide those in need an opportunity to feel dignity and value in not only choosing, but also paying for the gift items. Individuals who cannot afford the store have an opportunity to earn Degage dollars that they can use for shopping.
“This is a great way for people to bring the brightness of their lives to Christmas this year,” said Degage Ministries Event Coordinator Kristen Aidif.
Items sold at the store are donated by the community and Degage Ministries is currently looking for donations for the shop. This year, organizers have created an Amazon wishlist to make it easier for the community to help. Items can be purchased from the Amazon wishlist and will be sent directly to the ministry.
Another option is to purchase items listed on the wishlist and drop them off at any Center for Physical Rehabilitation location, which there is a location in the City of Wyoming at 1736 Gezon Pkwy., Suite 100, and near near the City of Kentwood at 7150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Suite B. These items should be dropped off unwrapped and donations must be received no later than Dec. 9.
The store will be open Dec. 16 and 17 at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. They are also looking for community volunteers and those who are interested can find more information here.
At this year’s Christmas Store Express event, participants and volunteers will need to wear masks and social distance the required six feet. (Supplied)
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey
Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied)
Holiday Traditions Continue
This weekend get into the holiday spirit with a visit to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The Meijer Gardens currently has its Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition on display. This exhibit features 46 trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe and 300,000 lights throughout the grounds. In addition from 1-4 p.m. on the Saturdays leading until Christmas Day, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the “Rooftop Reindeer” and pose for photos with them. For more information visit the Meijer Gardens webpage here.
Penn & Tell Fool Us Magician Richard Preston presents a virtual show. (Photo by Stuart MacDonald)
A little old-fashioned magic
Head back to the 1960s for a little bit of magic and wonderment as magician Richard Preston presents his virtual Christmas Capers Magic Show on Saturday, Nov. 28. During the show, Preston will entertain viewers with a theatrical show full of life and mystery. Though the show is virtual, Preston said there will be audience participation, anecdotes, jokes, and more. The show is 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per household (and it doesn’t matter if you have 1 or 100 attending) and are available to purchase on Preston’s website.
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. (Supplied)
Stickley and Alten
Stroll through the Grand Rapids Art Museum to check out the work of one of the most influential painters from Grand Rapids, Matthias Alten. “Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy,” features works from the late impressionist painter who was active iduring the early to the mid-20th century. The museum also celebrates Grand Rapids furniture heritage with “Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts,” featuring works from furniture manufacturers Charles P. Limbert and Albert Stickley and artist Forrest Mann. The museum is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 12 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 12 to 9 p.m. For tickets and other information, visit the Museum’s website.
Did you know that the first Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade had live animals? The first parade took place in 1924. More than 250,000 people attended the parade that year but it was barely covered by the media. The parade included animals from the Central Park Zoo, floats, and bands. Today the parade has become the longest parade in the world and is three hours long. While this year’s parade was prerecorded (less cheering crowds), it is estimated that more than 50 million people watched the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving parade from the comfort of their homes.
Getting in the holiday spirit is easy when you visit downtown St. Joseph during November and December.
Countdown to the New Year with SWMI businesses and restaurants! Free entry with purchases made at participating locations through Dec. 20. To enter, fill out an entry form for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from a participating location. St. Joseph Today will draw daily winners through the month of December. The grand prize will be drawn on December 31 for a $500 St. Joseph Today gift certificate good at over 80 locations. Visit stjoetoday.com/countdown for a list of participating locations.
Downtown St. Joseph holiday lights (Supplied by St. Joseph)
On Friday, Dec. 4, Light up the Bluff will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland, featuring one million holiday lights. The lights will then remain on through Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Most Romantic City.
Dec. 4-10, Window Wonderland invites attendees to stroll downtown to get into the holiday spirit as they take in the holiday window decorating contest. Dozens of storefronts will participate in this holiday window decorating event. Vote for your favorite holiday window all beginning at 10:00am on Friday, December 4 – voting will remain open until 11:59pm on December 10 at stjoetoday.com/vote. This event is sponsored by Edgewater Bank, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, and Holt Bosse.
Additionally, new winter lights have been added throughout downtown St. Joseph. Zapal says, “St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.”
The new winter lights have been placed downtown along State St. (from Elm St. to Ship St.) as well as Broad St. and Ship St. (Lake Blvd. to Main St.) and Pleasant St. (Lake Blvd. to Court St.) and will remain up through February 14 in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.
With all the holiday specials taking place this weekend, it is the perfect time to snatch up a couple of toys for the Wyoming Gives Back event.
Last year, there was one full truck at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
For the past 10 years, the City of Wyoming has hosted the Wyoming Gives Back event. This year, due to COVID, the event will be broadcast live on WKTV Comcast Chanel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Mayor Jack Poll and Michele DeSelms from WOOD TV8 will emcee the program. The WKTV’s Facebook page and wktv.org will be live streaming the event as well.
Area residents have until Nov. 30 to drop off a toy to one of five collection sites in the city. When they drop off an unwrapped, new toy, residents will receive one raffle ticket per new toy just like in past events. On Dec. 3, the raffle drawing will take place with winning raffle numbers being announced. Winners will pick up their items form Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.
Make sure to drop off a toy to one of the five collection sites by Nov. 30 to receive a raffle ticket. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Wyoming Gives Back drop-off locations are:
Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, small toys, puzzle box-size or smaller, will be accepted at the drive-thru, all others will be by appointment only
“We decided to participate last year and did it again this year because we love to help and support our community,” said Katie DeBoer with Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, one of this year’s collection sites.
Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for donation, and it appears that this year’s event is on its way to meet last year’s goal with Marge’s Donut Den reporting it had already collected more than 200 toys.
Last year, the event raffled more than $4,000 in prizes and city staff have said they have some great prizes for this year’s event as well. But to be entered into the raffle, a resident must drop off a toy by Nov. 30.
Also as part of the fun, Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pages or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be downloaded from the event webpage. Santa will be attending the live Dec. 3 broadcast, answering phone calls from area children and will be announcing the winners of the coloring contest.
For more about Wyoming Gives Back, visit the event page.
The year of 2020 has been less than stellar which maybe why many residents have turned to the holiday season for a little cheer with Christmas music and decorations.
Even the holiday shopping seems to have started a little earlier this year.
“I think people just needed something that was a little brighter right now,” said Woodland Mall Marketing Director Cecily McCabe. “With so many things that had to be cancelled or be put on hold, it was great that we were able to offer some of the holiday traditions people look forward to.”
One of those has been visits with Santa. The visits are a little different this year with families required to make a reservation. Children are not able to sit on Santa’s lap and a clear plexiglass window separates Santa from guests but he is still accepting Christmas wishes and there are opportunities for photos.
McCabe said the mall also expects to be able to accommodate all of those Black Friday shoppers.
“We are expecting brisk traffic throughout the event,” she said. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season. The shopping season is shorter this year, three weeks instead of around four, but shoppers have been out scooping up early deals. In fact, many of the stores have extended their Black Friday deals to start either before Thanksgiving or run through Saturday or Sunday. In years past, Black Friday deals end in the afternoon on Friday.
Also some of the stores are allowing shoppers to purchase doorbuster items online as well, McCabe said. By allowing holiday shoppers to do this, it is hoped it will help with the capacity limitations that were put on the stores from the recent Michigan Department of Health and Human Services partial shutdown order. In that order, it states that retail businesses may have up to 30 percent capacity and must provide line control for those wishing to enter a store.
“The stores all have different capacities because those are determine by a different formula,” McCabe said. “In our common areas we will be able to accommodate our Black Friday customers.”
For those looking to avoid crowds, several of the stores are offering personal styling seasons, where a person can book a time either before or after the store closes and sometimes during regular store hours, to come in and meet with a personal shopper.
While children will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap this year, he is still collecting Christmas wishes at Woodland Mall. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)
Woodland Mall also recently announced an online and hybrid shopping opportunities through its website.
The mall’s online sMall surprises Holiday Collection features three different gift packages. Through the Mall2Go program, guests can order from several of the mall stores and either pick up at the store or at designed curbside locations. There are both stores and restaurants participating in the Mall2Go program.
McCabe noted that the recent order does not allow dine-in at any restaurant but that restaurants at Woodland Mall, like many others, are offering take out.
For those wishing or planning to visit the mall in-person, McCabe had a few suggestions: if possible, shop early; if you are looking to avoid the crowds, come either Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday, because “while the traffic will be brisk the mall won’t be as jammed”; and to take advantage of the curbside delivery.
The mall will have extended holiday hours over the weekend, Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 6 p.m. Hours through the holidays will be 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday with Dec. 20 hours being 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Most Kent County offices and COVID-19 testing sites will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27. in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. All offices will reopen Monday, Nov. 30. at 8 a.m.
A few service exemptions are:
The Kent County Correctional Facility will remain open with regular hours; however, all other services will be closed.
All Department of Public Works services will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 but disposal facilities will be open Friday, Nov. 27.
The NxGen LINC Up site has openings for COVID-19 testing starting Monday, Nov. 30, and Baxter Holistic Center has openings starting Tuesday, Dec. 1. More COVID-19 testing locations can be found at www.accesskent.com/covid-testing.
For more information on how to access Kent County departments and offices, visit www.accesskent.com.
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
Photo courtesy sphere.com
Time for some Holiday shopping
This weekend take the opportunity to begin your holiday shopping. The Holiday Market on Main will take place in downtown Lowell within walking distance of parking, restaurants, and breweries. Shoppers will have the opportunity to visit a variety of stores from antiques to candy to clothing. The event begins on Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 22. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit https://www.discoverlowell.org/christmas-through-lowell/
The Grand Rapids Symphony has a virtual concert set for Friday, Nov. 20. (Supplied)
Listen to a Virtual Concert
Join The Grand Rapids Symphony for their virtual concert “PathWaves- A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy”. The concert will feature themes from Final Fantasy and have surprises, battles, and characters from throughout the entire series. The concert will be directed by Eric Roth and feature the music of composer Nobuo Uematsu. This takes place on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. This event is only available live and not available for replay. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase here.
The “Wild Connections” is now open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (WKTV/Anna Johns)
Visit the Public Museum
Take a chance to visit the Grand Rapids Public Museums’ new exhibit “Wild Connections”. This exhibit features more than 20 Lego sculptures that explore mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibit is interesting for all ages and connects art and science. In addition to the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities. They can pose for a Lego-themed photo or follow the animal tracks for a scavenger hunt. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for museum members and Kent County residents. Advanced ticketing is required and tickets can be purchased at https://www.grpm.org/legos/.
The Michigan Triangle (mysteriousfacts.com)
Fun Facts: Michigan Triangle
You may have heard of the Bermuda Triangle – but did you know the Great Lakes has its own mysterious triangle? The Michigan Triangle spans from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan, and south to Benton Harbor. Numerous unexplained shipwreck have occurred in this area dating back to 1891. In addition to the disappearances, there is even an area where divers discovered strange Stonehenge-like rock formations. Some say these tragedies are caused by high winds and rough weather while others claim paranormal forces are at work.
The Russo family helps Kara Boorsma put toys in the box located at their restaurant, Russo Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Shay Russo easily admits that it seems like such a small thing, a toy underneath a tree, but to a child it “means the world.”
“But it is tough when you have to decide if you are putting food on the table or purchasing a toy,” Russo said.. And this year, with COVID and the shutdowns, it just seems tougher, she said.
It is why when the City of Wyoming called and asked if Russo’s Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW, would serve as a collection site for this year’s Wyoming Gives Back campaign, Russo and her husband Mike said yes.
There are boxes at five locations in the City of Wyoming for the annual Wyoming Gives Back campaign. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“It may not seem like much, a toy under the tree, but to a little one it is so important,” Russo said. “They have that hope and to be able to see just a couple of gifts under the tree keeps that magical wonder alive.”
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the City of Wyoming has made the move to host a live broadcast on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Four local businesses stepped up to be drop-off locations for area residents. Residents need to drop off toys by Nov. 30. While there, the business owner will give the person a raffle ticket for each new toy donated. Raffle winners will be announced during the live broadcast which will include musical performances, holiday greetings, and a visit from Santa.
Under the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order, all of the drop-off locations are open to the public. Those locations are:
Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, small toys, puzzle box-size or smaller, will be accepted at the drive-thru, all others will be by appointment only
“We are mostly have pick up or delivery, so we are open with people coming in to pick up their food,” Russo said. During the spring shutdown, the restaurant saw an uptick in business and Russo said she hopes that if it happens again with the current partial shutdown it will translate in more toy donations.
Marge Wilson owner of Marge’s Donut Den, another drop-off site, said she is concern that the current shutdown may have some impact on donations.
“The trickle down effect is starting to hit people,” Wilson said. “People are starting to focus more on the needs of their family.”
Still she was amazed by the generosity of her staff and customers who have already donated more than 200 toys, enough to fill nine boxes.
“We had this craft show just before the shutdown and one of the vendors donated about 150 toys,” Wilson said. “That and several of the staff and customers have come in with items as well.”
Marge’s Donut Den first round of collection netted in about 200 toys for this year’s Wyoming Gives Back campaign. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for the annual event, and with the support of the participating businesses, the City raffled nearly $4,000 in prizes. Many area businesses have again donated to the raffle prizes with an array of items being offered.
Also this year, the Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pates or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be downloaded from the event webpage. Completed coloring pages need to be returned to the dropbox or drive-thru at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, by Nov. 30 to be entered into the drawing.
For more information about Wyoming Gives Back, visit the event page.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today its Curiosity Shop will participate in Museum Store Sunday, taking place on Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by the Museum Store Association, Museum Store Sunday celebrates museum stores and their ability to sustain a museum’s service to their community and public. The GRPM’s Curiosity Shop features local artisan jewelry, apparel, artwork, gourmet treats, stationary and educational gifts both online and in its physical location. Purchases at the GRPM’s Curiosity Shop support ongoing work of the Museum, including exhibitions and programs.
“We’re excited to participate in Museum Store Sunday once again this year,” said GRPM’s Gift Shop Manager Stephanie Dykert. “We all know about Black Friday and Small Business Saturday; this is another way to support the Museum through holiday gift giving. Just as we curate our Collections, we do the same when we select local products and items that reflect on the Museum’s experience and mission to inspire curiosity. We’re happy to offer such a diverse range of gifts that will appeal to shoppers of all ages.”
On Museum Store Sunday, the GRPM’s 10% member shopping discount will be extended to all patrons on Nov. 29 only, both in the GRPM’s Curiosity Shop and online store; members will receive an additional 10% off purchases.
The GRPM’s Curiosity Shop carries a wide selection of unique products, related to history, science, and culture including exhibit mementos, GRPM branded souvenirs, educational science kits, books by local authors, Michigan merchandise and more.
Shoppers can make purchases online anytime at shop.grpm.org. Options are available for direct shipping as well as contactless curbside pick-up at the Museum’s 272 Pearl Street location. The Curiosity Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Museum admission is not required to shop. Limited capacity, masks required.
Products from local artisans and vendors within the Curiosity Shop include: Cellar Door Artisans and Preserves, Imagination Starters, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Wildship Studios, Megan Altieri, Artist & Author, The Mineral Man, Hanover’s Michigan Mints, Fresh Coast Candles, Westside Collaborative, Mitten State, Michigan Awesome, Michigan Mittens, Cherry Republic, Keweenaw Gem & Gift, Roeda Studio, Little Flower Soap Co., North Country Candy & Gifts, Reggie James and Raggedy Amy Studios.
The GRPM is currently open and welcoming visitors to explore the three floors of core exhibitions, along with Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks and Under the Arctic. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the updated GRPM visitor experience, visit grpm.org
