Tag Archives: KROC Center

Kroc Center brings back popular spring break event

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

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

After three years of limited offerings during the COVID pandemic, family–friendly activity options are once again available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center during Spring Break 2023 from April 3–7.

Open swim, climbing wall, and gymnasium hours are extended to help parents make sure they never hear, “I’m bored!” New this year, guests can use the Kroc’s online registration system to reserve an open swim session and pay in advance to cut down on wait times when they arrive.

Day passes are only $12 per person for all ages during Spring Break week, and as always, Kroc Center members get unlimited free access to all activities. All children age 11 and under must be supervised by an adult while visiting the Kroc Center. There is also a “family room” where parents and kids looking for a break can have snacks, play games, and more.

Those who may be looking for a place to celebrate Easter can also visit Kroc Church for special events on Easter Sunday, April 9. Activities include a breakfast, Easter egg hunt, and a 10 AM worship service. There will also be a Good Friday observance on April 7. Please see the Grand Rapids Kroc Church page on Facebook for more information.

“Spring Break has always been one of the most popular times of year at the Kroc,” said Major Carol Huffman, Senior Kroc Officer. “Our entire Kroc Krew is excited for the opportunity to welcome in families again for a week of fun close to home.”

Once Spring Break wraps up, the Kroc Center will be excited to also launch some new building renovations in April to better serve members, including the addition of new second-floor locker rooms, plus changes to the lobby to improve safety, traffic flows, and energy efficiency.

Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information on open recreation hours and other details.

Organizations to offer some spooky family-friendly fun

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

As Halloween quickly approaches, some local organizations will be offering some Halloween fun that is designed to be spooky as well as family-friendly.

It’s the Monster Mash

The Salvation Army Kroc Center will be having a “graveyard smash” on Friday, Oct. 28, as it brings back its popular “Monster Mash” event. The program runs from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Kroc Center, located at 2500 S. Division Ave.

The free event features “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot which will include Kroc Center and other Salvation Army groups distributing candy and other information along with local businesses.

“Monster Mash is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Major Carol Huffman, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment, as well as showing our support for other neighborhood businesses and organizations. I’m not sure who is more excited the kids or our staff.”

While science suggest that outdoor events are generally safe, face coverings and social distancing are recommended for all participants. The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning.

Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200.

It gets spooky at the Grand Rapids Ballet

With witches, mummies, and tricks and treats, the Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company is ready to fill the Peter Martin Wege Theatre with the special Halloween weekend performance “Spooktacular.”

The Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company presents “Spooktacular” Oct. 28-30. (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)

“Spooktacular” takes place Oct. 28-30 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday.

Directed by Junior company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, the story follows a young girl on Halloween night as her only wish is to go trick-or-treating with her older sister and friends. When they refuse to let the young girl tag along, she embarks on a mischievous plan to get their candy. Audiences will be able to follow the adventure with appearances by skeletons, martians, Frankenstein, and even the “Addams Family.”

“It is exciting to be able to bring this Junior Company production back to the stage this Halloween.” Mosolygo said. “The students have been working hard over the past two months to bring the audience’s favorite Halloween characters to life. This entertaining ballet is perfect for the whole family and everyone is encouraged to attend in costume.”

Those who do attend in costume will be entered into a special drawing to win tickets to the Junior Company production of “The Wizard of Oz” in March.

Tickets are $20 and available at grballet.com, by phone at 616-454-4771, ext. 110, or in-peson at GRB’s Box Office at 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW.

Salvation Army Kroc Center hosts free block party

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

Back for another summer of fun, The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding its popular “Kroc Block Party” event Friday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free to both members and non-members.

Area students are invited to attend the Kroc Party event Friday. Aug. 19. (Supplied)

Kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide. Community partners also will offer activities for families, including a bounce house and cotton candy provided by National Heritage Academies, a mobile gaming truck from the Kent County Prevention Coalition, and an appearance by the Grand Rapids Gold mascot, “Buckets.”

Other local organizations scheduled to participate with information and giveaways for families include Launch Trampoline Park, Consumers Energy, Family Futures, Kent County Head Start, YWCA West Central Michigan, Hope Network, and Health Net.

Families are also encouraged to learn more about Kroc Center membership, along with Kroc Church and other programs open to the public. Easy transportation is available via the Rapid’s Silver Line, which stops directly in front of the Kroc Center.

The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit the Kroc Center’s Facebook page or call 616-588-7200 for more information and updates.

Free swim lesson kicks off summer at Kroc Center

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The Kroc Center will be offering a free water safety class on June 20. (Pixabay)

By Jon Shaner
Salvation Army


On June 20 at 11 a.m., the Kroc Center’s aquatics team will be offering a free water safety class as part of the “World’s Largest Swim Lesson,” joining organizations around the globe in teaching kids and adults alike to be more comfortable in the water. 

Registration for the event is free for everyone, but space is limited — visit GrKrocCenter.org and click the banner on the home page to sign up, or find the event on the GR Kroc Center Facebook page. All kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; participants will also receive a discount on a future six-week session of swim lessons at the Kroc Center. 

“Especially in West Michigan, the ability to enjoy the water safely is a skill that can truly transform a child’s life,” said Senior Kroc officer, Captain Bill Brutto. “We are glad to be able to offer this free event on top of the dozens of swim lesson options the Kroc has throughout the year.” 

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Do not put all your eggs in one basket.”

― Warren Buffet

Hop to it!

Make them funny bunny photos
(and why not?)

Sheesh. Was that a long winter or what? Time to get out and celebrate — and here are some fun ideas. The Mad Hatter Tea Party, an Enchanted Spring Party with Mermaids and Unicorns and family pet photos with the bunny are all in store at Woodland Mall — and the fun starts this weekend. Shoppers will also find the latest spring fashion trends to freshen their wardrobes. Read more here.



Expande tus horizontes

Mark your calendar for April 4-5 — and get down to Wealthy Theatre for Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival (GRLAFF). This year, GRLAFF will showcase eight feature-length films from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic, plus​ Una mujer fantástica (​A Fantastic Woman), a 2018 Oscar-winning film from Chile. More info here. En español aqui.



Give the kids a break

Rock climbing, art, bounce houses, swimming, and fitness are just a few of the family–friendly activity options available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center during Spring Break 2019. More here.


Fun fact:

1904

The first year scientific literature described fainting goats.





Wyoming hosts annual ‘give back’ event on Thursday, Dec. 6

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

City staff help to fill a truck with donated toys from residents at the 2017 Wyoming Gives Back.

By Joann Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The City of Wyoming will be encouraging everyone to get into the holiday spirit by hosting its 8th annual Wyoming Gives Back event Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m. 

 

“We look forward to a great night as we celebrate the Christmas season with this Christmas kick off here in the City of Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll.

 

“It’s exciting for The Salvation Army Kroc Center to be part of great collaborative efforts like Wyoming Gives Back,” said Senior Krox Officer Captain Bill Brutto. “It’s one of the reasons we were also proud to help launch the Wyoming Winterfest event a couple of years ago. I think that, as a community, we understand that no one person or group can create positive change on their own — but that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Seeing local government, businesses, school districts, and other organizations all working together to fight for good says so much about the city of Wyoming.”

 

The annual event encourages residents to bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Tree. Every person who donates receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses. 

 

“We have a city truck here where local people from our community can fill that truck up,” Wyoming City Council member Dan Burrill said. “It is a great time to support our community.”

 

The City of Wyoming partners with a number of local businesses who provide the prizes. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected for donation with nearly $5,000 in prizes raffled.

 

“I think it is important for businesses to say thank you to all the people who have supported us all year long,” said Marge Wilson, of Marge’s Donut Den, a longtime sponsor of the event.

 

With Lillian VanderVeen from Lenger Travel Center, Inc, stating that “It’s a nice start to the holiday season.”

 

More than 20 businesses are hosting tables this year. WKTV will be there again this year to record Christmas greetings for the community to air on channels 25 and 26 and on WKTV’s YouTube channel, WKTVVideos.

 

 

The Salvation Army will be providing cookies and hot chocolate to event attendees. Residents are encouraged to bring their children to meet and visit with the Wyoming Police Department, the Wyoming Fire Department and, of course, Santa Claus!

 

A lineup of local choirs and bands is scheduled to share the sounds of the season. The lineup includes the Salvation Army Band, Godwin Heights High School Choir, San Juan Diego Choir and the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band.

 

For more information on the event, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call  616-530-7272 or check out the Wyoming Gives Back event page on Facebook.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , , , ,

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer."
          - Abraham Lincoln

 

A Side of Facts with that Beer

 

Harmony House might not be that harmonious this Wednesday, Oct. 24, as the Westside brewery will be hosting a segment of Michigan Radio’s “Issues & Ale.”

 

According to supplied material, “Issues & Ale” is an ongoing event series designed to get the public talking about issues in Michigan in an informal environment. The events take place throughout Michigan Radio’s listening area and are always free to attend.

 

Michigan Radio’s “It’s Just Politics” co-host Zoe Clark will host the panel of Grand Rapids political experts. The program is from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the brewery located at 401 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.

 

 

And the Wolverines win!

 

It wasn’t just the University of Michigan Wolverines who scored big this weekend but also the Wolverines of Godwin Heights, which defeated Wyoming Lee to secure a spot in the MHSSA’s playoffs for the fourth time.

 

“Hearing the kids scream right now is just a good feeling, especially in my first season as head coach,” said Coach Brandan Kimble after Friday’s game.

 

Godwin Heights is set to play their first playoff game against South Christian at East Kentwood High School at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, which will be the WKTV featured game of the week.

 

This week’s WKTV Featured Game (which on Oct. 19 was East Kentwood’s home win against Rockford) and other sports events are cable broadcast either live, immediately after the event and/or in rebroadcast, on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T U-Verse Community 99.

 

 

 

It’s a Monster Mash

 

And it has been such a graveyard smash that The Salvation Army Kroc Center will once again be hosting its annual “Monster Mash” Friday, Oct. 26.

 

The event, which is from 5 – 7 p.m., is free and will feature “trunk-or-treating” in the Kroc’s east parking lot, among other activities. More than 2,000 people attended last year’s event with organizers expecting at least that many this year.

 

Since little monsters are not that fond of the rain, the event will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or lightening.

 

 

Fun Fact:

Name that Sound 

In Hollywood movies, it is often the shrill cry of a red-tail hawk that is used as a stand in for an eagle's high-pitched whistle. Fortunately in Blandfold Nature Center's Birds of Prey Photography class, you will not have to worry about the sound as you snap photos of these beautiful animals. The event takes place on Friday, Oct. 27, and there is a registration fee.

Fine arts in focus at the Salvation Army Kroc Center this August

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

Members of The Salvation Army Kroc Center are encouraged to take advantage of a new offer this fall. All six-week programs in the fine arts will be discounted to only $5 for Kroc members when signing up before the early-bird deadline.

 

The new campaign is featured in the Kroc’s fall program guide, which is now available at GrKrocCenter.org. Interested non-members can sign up for a new membership for as little as $20 for a family of five (based on household income). Among the qualifying programs are classes in painting, clay sculpting, youth theater, and beginning ballet.

 

Non-members can enjoy discounts during the month of August as well. The Kroc Center will hold “Fine Art Fridays”on August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, where guests can receive 50% off each day pass by donating new, unopened art supplies like scissors, colored pencils, and watercolor paints.

 

“We are so excited to be expanding our fine arts programming this fall,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We know that our schools face many challenges that have reduced fine arts opportunities for kids, so we hope people will take advantage of these programs as we kick off the school year.”

 

Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information.

Free Family Fun and Fitness Nights at the Salvation Army Kroc Center

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

The Salvation Army Kroc Center is holding a series of “Family Fun & Fitness Nights” during the month of July, on Wednesdays (July 11, 18, 25). All events are free to both members and non-members.

 

This event will feature an all-ages fitness class in the Kroc’s outdoor amphitheater at 5:45 p.m. Classes will include elements of Zumba, Family Fit, and Family Boot Camp.

 

Once the class is over, kids and parents alike can cool off on the Kroc Center’s giant slip & slide from roughly 6:30to 8:30pm.

 

Kroc staff and volunteers will also offer face painting and concessions; local organizations will also have tables with information and activities for families.

 

“We are excited to bring back Family Fun & Fitness Nights this summer,” said Captain Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We love giving families the opportunity to get active and enjoy time together in a fun and safe environment.”

 

Family Fun & Fitness Nights are made possible through financial support from Molina Healthcare of Michigan.

 

The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information.

Free swim lesson, outdoor fitness classes kick off summer at the Salvation Army Kroc Center

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By Jon Shaner

Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

 

June is a great month to get active at The Salvation Army Kroc Center. The Kroc is proud to take part in the “World’s Largest Swim Lesson” on Thursday, June 21, as well as offering free outdoor fitness classes each Saturday throughout the month.

 

Free Outdoor Fitness Series

 

The outdoor fitness classes are free for both members and non-members ages 12 and up (ages 12-15 need the Kroc’s “Teen Fit Permit”); non-members will also need to complete a waiver form upon arrival.

 

The schedule of classes in the Kroc amphitheater include: June 9 – Total Body; June 16 – Yoga; June 23 – Yoga; June 30 – Zumba. All classes start at 9 a.m.

 

World’s Largest Swim Lesson

 

On June 21 at 10 a.m., the Kroc Center’s aquatics team will be offering a free water safety class as part of the“World’s Largest Swim Lesson,” joining organizations around the globe in teaching kids and adults alike to be more comfortable in the water.

 

This event is made possible through financial support from United HealthCare Community Plan. “UnitedHealthcareCommunity Plan is proud to team up with The Salvation Kroc Community Center for the World’s Largest Swim Lesson,” said Community Outreach Specialist Benicia Kyle. “It is always a pleasure and a privilege to support the fun family activities that take place in our members’ communities.”

 

Registration for the event is free for everyone, but space is limited — visit GrKrocCenter.org and click the banner on the home page to sign up. All kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; participants will also receive a discount on a future six-week session of swim lessons at the Kroc Center.

Salvation Army to hold energy assistance events at Kroc Center

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

Customers of DTE Energy who are having difficulty making their utility payments can apply for relief in two events at The Salvation Army Kroc Center April 17and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Staff from The Salvation Army will be on hand to meet with customers and help them enroll in an affordable payment plan, which will reduce monthly energy bills and forgive overdue balances over the program year.

 

In order to qualify, applicants must:

 

  •  Have household income under 150% of the Federal Poverty Level ($36,450 for a family of 4)

 

  •   Documentation of each source of income from the last 45 days is required.

 

  • If there is a source of income that is meant to remain the same (usually child support, unemployment, etc.), documentation is needed to show how much is supposed to be paid during the 30 days after the interview.

 

  •   Show a current utility bill in the name of the applicant with connected service
  •   Provide identification such as a driver’s license, state ID, or birth certificate
  •   Show a Social Security card for the applicant and provide Social Security numbers for all other household members. 

     

     

    No registration is required; applicants may simply come to the Kroc Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the event dates.

     

    Anyone with questions about the event may call The Salvation Army Call Center at 855-929-1640.

Get to know your neighbor at the first-ever Wyoming Winterfest

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

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The group behind Wyoming’s one-on-one mentoring program is branching out with the first ever Wyoming Winterfest this Saturday, which is designed to get people out and talking to their neighbors.

 

Put together by the One Wyoming Community Collaborative – made up of a collaboration of schools, businesses, government, churches, nonprofits and residents to improve the quality of life in the community – the Wyoming Winterfest is the next step in working to bring residents, community leaders and business owners together to start the dialog of what they can do to improve their neighborhood, said Jon Shaner, the marketing director for the Salvation Army Kroc Center, one of the sponsors for the event.

 

“With the success of the one-on-one mentoring program, we began to look at what would be the next best thing we could do to help unite people together who might be interested in working within their own neighborhood to improve the quality of life,” Shaner said.

 

February was selected because “in the spring, people tend to be out and about and that is when the festivals start,” Shaner said. “But in January and February, this is a time when we tend to holed up with Netflix and hang out at home. We thought this would be a good way to get people out and talking to each other.”

 

The Wyoming Winterfest is similar to National Night Out, which takes place in August. This Saturday’s event will have seven different locations in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Each location has activities that have been planned by churches, residents and businesses of that neighborhood. Shaner said for example, the Kroc Center, which is located in the north end of the city, has partnered with groups in the Godwin Heights area such as the North Godwin Heights Business Association and Community Church. Each site will have its own slate of events, but all will feature free food, family-friendly activities and giveaways from businesses and other local organizations.

 

The DOCK/The PIER, located near Kelloggsville High School at 4669 S. Division Ave., will kick things off with free breakfast from 9 – 11:30 a.m. The morning program will include games and prizes and high school students reading various speeches from African American leaders from past and present. There also will be a reading corner for children.

 

Also taking place from 9 a.m. to noon, will be a variety of activities including a bounce house, basketball contests, games, blood pressure checks, snow sculpture contest (weather permitting) and more at the Wyoming Jr. High School, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. Food will be available as well as vendor and informational booths. Activities will be accessible from the main parking lot on the east side of the building off of Wrenwood.

 

Activities at Vanguard Charter Academy, 1620 52nd St. SW, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include outdoor ice skating (weather permiting) and inflatables indoors. There also will be a coffee bar, hot chocolate and pizza as well as a snow dough snowman making contest.

 

Starting at noon, Calvary Church, 3500 Byron Center Ave., will be offering lunch, kids games, bingo, and tax consultation. The Calvary Church program runs from noon to 3 p.m.

 

Also starting at noon will be outdoor and indoor games including Zumba and a bounce house at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center, 961 Joosten St. SW. There will be raffle prizes as well. The program at Godfrey-Lee runs until 4 p.m.

 

Community Church (Godwin Heights), 150 Burt Ave. SE, – the program the Kroc Center has partnered with – will be offering indoor games, Zumba classes and art from 1 to 4 p.m. Food also will be available.

 

Grace Bible College, 1011 Aldon St. SW, will have activities from 1 to 4 p.m. as well. Those activities include sledding and snow scupting (weather permitting) broom ball, ice skating, games, races and crafts.

 

The entire event is supported by several community organizations including The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Family Fare, Metro Health: University of Michigan Health, Wyoming Community Foundation, Roosevelt Park Ministries, and UCOM.

 

For more information about the event or about One Wyoming, visit onewyoming.com.

Wyoming business hosts leadership seminar that is open to all

3-bottom, Local Business, , , ,

Between 150 to 200 business professional have attended the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast in the past.
Between 150 to 200 business professional have attended the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast in the past.

One thing David Robb would like to make clear is that the upcoming Refresh Leadership Simulcast on April 13 hosted by his company Express Employment is not a “pitch” or money-making event for the company, but rather an opportunity to focus on leadership development and training.

 

“We put it on as a way to give back to the business community,” said Robb, a senior digital marketing specialist with Express Employment Professionals now located in the Chateau Centre Plaza at 1760 44th St. SW. In fact, the $25 admission fee goes straight to the Salvation Army, which will be hosting this year’s event at the Salvation Army KROC Center, 2500 S. Division Ave.

 

“This is a great partnership, because the event helps to build awareness in the community for the KROC Center and then the funds also support their mission,” said Robb who noted that other past partnering charities have been the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber Foundation, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Women’s Resource Center. “[The KROC Center has] a full fitness facility geared towards families and they offer extensive scholarships for those who can’t afford membership. They also have many different local outreach programs, and other efforts to impact their local neighborhood.”

 

Express Employment Professionals, an international franchise, launched the annual Refresh Leadership Simulcast event seven years ago. The goal being to bring nationally recognized speakers together to talk about the power of great leadership and how to refresh, energize and motivate a workforce. This year’s speakers are author and executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, television sports analysts and 15-time NBA all-star Shaquille O’Neal, and author, motivational speaker, and career consultant Kaplan Mobray.

 

The locally-owned and operated office of Express Employment Professionals also features three local experts, who before the simulcast, discuss the best practices in engaging, developing and retaining your workforce. The local program features Laura Elsner, a workforce development manager at DeWys Manufacturing, Inc., Bonnie J. Mroczek, chief talent officer at Butterball Farms, Inc., and John Keuning, director of manufacturing at Tiara Yachts.

 

“We hope that everyone who leaves this event walks away with some practical knowledge on how they can be a leader and they walk away feeling inspired and they are empowered to go back to their business and inspire their team,” Robb said. “We also hope they can take away some very practical local knowledge and best practices that they can implement at their company from our local experts that our starting off the morning.”

 

The program runs from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Robb recommends attendees plan to stay the entire morning. Between 150 – 200 local business professionals and leaders have attended the event annually, Robb said, so getting tickets early is advisable. The event does include breakfast for attendees.

 

For tickets or for more information about the April 13 Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast, click here.