Tag Archives: Mike DeWitt

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian crowned as Regional Champions, Boys ready for District Finals

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian kept their seasons alive with Regional Championship victories. For Tri-Unity Christian, it’s the first time in program history.

 

On the boy’s side, three area teams have an opportunity at a District Championship.

Girls Recap

Class B

South Christian Girls Basketball

South Christian – 62
Portland – 49

 

Last season, South Christian found themselves in a precarious position. The team struggled relative to program expectations when they struggled to even make it out of districts. Fast forward a year later and things are back to normal as the Sailors wrapped up another Regional Championship with a win over Portland.

 

Markayla Vander scored 18 points and Jennifer DeBoer added another 17 in the win.

 

South Christian will play Dearborn Heights Robichaud in the State Quarterfinals on Tuesday.

 

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 58
Climax-Scotts – 46

 

For the first time in school history, Tri-Unity Christian can call themselves Regional Champions! The Defenders were led all season by Sarah Buffum, and this game was no different. Buffum scored 29 points, with most of her damage coming from the free throw line where she went 15 for 23, in the biggest win in program history.

 

After falling short last season, Tri-Unity Christian came in to 2016 with eyes dead-set on the next round. They now have that chance. The Defenders will play Pittsford on Tuesday.

Boys Preview

Class B

Godwin Heights (19-3) vs Kelloggsville (6-14) – 7:00pm at South Christian

 

Godwin Heights is looking for their 5th straight district championship. In two games this season, the Wolverines have outscored Kelloggsville by a score of 189-105.

 

Winner will face either Lansing Catholic or Williamston in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.

 

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian (16-5)  vs. Holland Calvary (11-10) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary

 

The Defenders are looking to repeat as district champions. Tri-Unity Christian and Holland Calvary have played twice this season, with Tri-Unity coming out on top in both contests. The combined score of those two games? 133-73.

 

Winner will face either Mendon or Marcellus Howardsville in the Regional Semifinal on Monday.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – W (62-49) Portland
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Dearborn Heights Robichaud

Class D

Potter’s House
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – W (58-46) Climax-Scotts
March 15
State Quarterfinals – Pittsford

 

West Michigan Lutheran
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

District Finals are set for the boys as the girls look for a Regional title

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Three boys teams took the next step forward in achieving a district crown, while five area teams had their season hopes dashed in the semifinals.

 

South Christian and Tri-Unity Christian are looking to keep their season churning along in the Regional Finals tonight in Class B and D, respectively.

Boys Recap

Class A

 

Hudsonville – 55
Wyoming – 52

 

Wyoming found themselves down 15 points and needed to dig deep to try to save their season. The Wolves did just that in the fourth-quarter by forcing overtime behind a 20 point performance from sophomore guard Grant Nabors. Wyoming had an opportunity to win the game at the end of regulation, but a three-point attempt by Chase Vander Klay couldn’t find the bottom of the basket.

 

In overtime, Hudsonville’s Riley Costen and Adam VanLaar were too much for the Wolves to handle.

 

For the third straight season, Hudsonville put an end to Wyoming’s season. The Eagle’s are seeking their sixth-straight District Championship.

 

Class B

 

Godwin Heights – 64
South Christian – 43

 

The Wolverines continue to go about their business as usual, beating South Christian by 21 in the District Semifinal. After getting passed Wayland Union on Monday night, the district looked to be Godwin’s to lose. That’s the way it’s shaping up as well.

 

Godwin Heights will play Kelloggsville in the District Finals on Friday night.

 

Kelloggsville – 65
Grand River Prep – 60

 

Grand River Prep received another inspired performance by Shahadah Camp to the tune of 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep Kelloggsville from taking the win and a spot in the District Final. Camp made 8 three-pointers but only converted 5-13 from the free throw line. Those missed opportunities ended up being costly down the stretch.

 

It was a tightly contested game that went back-and-forth for all four quarters. In the end, the Rockets have their season extend a couple more days.

 

Kelloggsville will play Godwin Heights in the District Finals on Friday night.

 

Grand Rapids Catholic Central – 70
Wyoming Lee – 24

 

The Rebels season comes to a close with a blow-out loss at the hands of Grand Rapids Catholic Central. A tough end to a long season.

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 65
Potter’s House – 60

 

Tri-Unity Christian beat Potter’s House by two early in the season and defended their crown when the two schools met a second time. Potter’s House found themselves down 17 in the second half but cut that deficit to 3. However, it was too little, too late as Tri-Unity Christian held on for the win.

 

The Defenders will play Holland Calvary in the District Final on Friday night.

Girls Preview

Class B

 

South Christian (22-2) vs Portland (15-9) – 6:00pm at Wayland Union

 

After taking consecutive trips to the State Semifinals and Finals in 2013 and 2014, South Christian dealt with a rare let down last season when they didn’t even make it out of the first round of districts. Oh, what a difference a year makes! The Sailors are cruising through the season with a 22-2 record and find themselves in the Regional Final once again. Senior sensation Jennifer DeBoer is looking to lead her team to the State Quarterfinals.

 

Portland is coming off of a close win over Eaton Rapids in the Regional Semifinal. It’s never efficient to use the transitive property when comparing teams, but Portland lost to Williamston twice this season, and both times by over 20 points. South Christian bested Williamston in their last playoff game by six.

 

Winner will face either Dearborn Heights Robichaud or Flat Rock in the State Quarterfinal.

 

This game will be filmed live by WKTV and aired on Comcast channel 24

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian (20-4) vs. Climax-Scotts (20-2) – 6:30pm at Climax-Scotts

 

Last season, Tri-Unity Christian made it all the way to the Regional Final before bowing out of the tournament. The Defenders are looking to take that next step this season, but it won’t be easy. Climax-Scotts comes into the game with only two losses on the season and they get to host the Regional Final game.

 

It’ll be a tough one from start to finish.

 

Winner will face either Pittsford or Hillsdale Academy in the State Quarterfinal.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semifinal – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semifinal – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semifinal – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland

Class D

 

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semifinal – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semifinal – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semifinal – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semifinal – L (52-55 OT) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semifinal – W (64-43) South Christian
March 11
District Final – Kelloggsville

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Grand River Prep
March 11
District Final – Godwin Heights

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semifinal – L (43-64) Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – L (44-65) Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semifinal – L (24-70) Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semifinal – L (60-65) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semifinal – W (65-60) Potter’s House
March 11
District Final – Holland Calvary

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

Regional Finals set for the Girls, Boys looking to fill out the District Finals

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

Two area girls teams have advanced to the Regional Finals with close victories. Seven boys teams from Wyoming and Kentwood are looking to set a date to the District Final.

Girls Recap

Class B

South Christian – 59
Williamston – 53

With the game knotted up at 49 with two minutes to play, South Christian dialed up a play for their leader Jennifer DeBoer. The senior struggled with her shooting touch throughout the game but she found it when it mattered most. Coming off a quick screen behind the arc, DeBoer sank a deep three to put South Christian ahead for good.

The Sailors finished out the rest of the game a perfect 6-of-6 from the line to ice the victory. South Christian never trailed.

With the win, the Sailors head to the Regional Finals on Thursday to play Portland. A date in the State Quarter-finals is on the line.

Class D

Tri-Unity Christian – 46
Athens – 44

The Defenders find themselves in the same position they were last year, one win away from a Regional Championship. With the win over Athens, Tri-Unity extends their win streak to 12 games, and 17 of their last 18.

Tri-Unity Christian will face Climax-Scotts in the Regional Final on Thursday.

Boys Preview

Basketball in HoopClass A

Wyoming (15-6) vs Hudsonville (15-5) – 7:30pm at Grandville High School

Wyoming has had Hudsonville dash their district title chances in each of the past two seasons. The Wolves are hoping the third time’s a charm. After upsetting West Ottawa 60-58 in the first round of districts, Wyoming is playing solid basketball with a lot of confidence. They’re playing as hot as anyone right now.

Hudsonville is looking for their sixth straight district crown. The Eagles hold wins over Godwin Heights, Grand Rapids Christian, East Kentwood and West Ottawa. This team is no slouch. Expect a tightly contested battle for all 32 minutes.

Winner will face either Jenison or Zeeland East in the District Finals on Friday night.

Class B

Godwin Heights (18-3) vs. South Christian (7-13) – 7:30pm at South Christian

As the Wolverines keep on rising with the tide, the Sailors are hoping to stay afloat. Godwin enters as one of the best teams in the state and looking to defend their State Championship from a year ago.

South Christian has struggled all year against teams at the top of the totem pole with loses to Wyoming, Wayland Union (twice), Ottawa Hills (twice), and East Kentwood. The Sailors will need to put together their best game all season if they want to upset the Wolverines.

Winner will face either Kelloggsville or Grand River Prep in the District Final on Friday night.

Grand River Prep (14-5) vs. Kelloggsville (5-14) – 6:00pm at South Christian

Shahadah Camp scored 34 points – 32 in the first three-quarters – against West Michigan Aviation Academy in the first round of districts. Grand River Prep is hoping that hot hand stays in the semi-final.

Kelloggsville has struggled mightily this season and will need an inspired performance to overtake Grand River Prep.

Winner will face either Godwin Heights or South Christian in the District Final on Friday night.

Class D

Potter’s House (16-4) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (15-5) – 7:00pm at Holland Calvary

Potter’s House put a thumping on West Michigan Lutheran in the first round by a score of 81-6. The semi-final should be much more competitive for the Pumas.

These two teams met way back at the beginning of the season where Tri-Unity Christian won a close game 41-39. The Defenders are looking to defend their district crown.

The last time these two met in districts was back in 2014. Potter’s House walked away with a win and the District Championship.

Winner will face either Holland Calvary or Byron Center Zion Christian in the District Final on Friday night.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (59-53) Williamston
March 10
Regional Final – Portland

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – W (46-44) Athens
March 10
Regional Final – Climax-Scotts

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

District games offer heart stopping finishes

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MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

The boys tipped off the postseason with fireworks in the first round of districts. Heart stopping plays, incredible performances, and down-to-the-wire finishes were the standard.

 

Two area girls teams prepare for their upcoming regional tilt.

Boys Recap

Class A

 

Ottawa Hills – 58
East Kentwood – 56

 

East Kentwood and Ottawa Hills battled all night, and then some, in a tight game from start to finish. With the score knotted up at 50 at the end of regulation, both schools needed an extra period to battle it out.

 

With the score tied at 56, East Kentwood missed a pair of free throws that would’ve given the Falcons the lead. Following the missed free throws, Bengals guard Ojani Echevarria took the ball the length of the court and made a shot as the buzzer sounded.

 

It was a tough way for East Kentwood to end the season.

Thom Vander Klay - Wyoming Basketball

 

Wyoming – 60
West Ottawa – 58

 

In a game as tightly contested as this one was, making the freebies at the charity stripe can decide a winner and a loser. Wyoming ended up a perfect 9-9 from the line. Contrast that with West Ottawa who struggled, 3-for-8, from the free throw line in the final 2 minutes.

 

The game was back and forth all night with both teams making plays and answering back. Wyoming senior Edwin Martinez made a three-point play in the final 15 second to put the Wolves up two. West Ottawa had a chance to tie things up but couldn’t get a bucket to fall as the clock wound down.

 

With the win, Wyoming will play Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night. Hudsonville has won six-straight district championships.

 

Class B

Godwin Heights – 65
Wayland Union – 52

 

Up 34-29 with the final second waning down in the third quarter, sophomore Markeese Hastings picked up a ball underneath his own basket and fired it towards the other end. The ball looked pure from the moment it left it left his fingers and hit nothing but net with the buzzer sounding. The gym erupted and the shot gave Godwin Heights three points to add to their lead entering the final stanza.

 

Behind the play of their strong first half defense, Wayland Union entered halftime with a three-point lead, stifling a potent Wolverines offense and holding them to only 16 points. Then came the third quarter where Godwin Heights put things together and outscored Wayland Union 21-10.

 

With the win, Godwin Heights is one step closer to defending their Class B State Championship. They play South Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday night.

 

A replay of this game will be aired on WKTV on Wednesday, March 9 at 5:00pm

 

Grand River Prep – 65
West Michigan Aviation Academy – 44

 

Shahadah Camp scored a game-high 34 points as Grand River Prep defeated West Michigan Aviation Academy. Camp drained six 3-pointers and scored 32 points before the 4th quarter.

 

Grand River Prep will play Kelloggsville on Wednesday night in the District Semi-finals.

 

Class D

 

Potter’s House Christian – 81
West Michigan Lutheran – 6

 

The game was close when it was tied 0-0 at the opening tip. Potter’s House plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday.

Girls Preview

Class B

 

South Christian (21-2) vs Williamston (19-3)

 

After scoring 31 points in the District Final, Jennifer DeBoer looks to keep the wind in South Christian’s sails. They play Williamston, winners of 11 of their last 12, in the Regional Semi-final.

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian (19-4) vs Athens (16-7)

 

The Crusaders look to keep their season alive in the Regional Semi-final against Athens. They ended 2015 in the Regional Final, they’re looking to take the next step in 2016.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Williamston

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Athens

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – L (56-58) Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – W (60-58) West Ottawa
March 9
District Semi-Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-52) Wayland Union
March 9
District Semi-Final – South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – W (65-44) West Michigan Aviation Academy
March 9
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – W (81-6) West Michigan Lutheran
March 9
District Semi-Final – Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – L (6-81) Potter’s House

After 31 years, Thom Vander Klay and the Wyoming Wolves are still making history

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WyomingBBall4
Coach Vander Klay giving his team direction

By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Ten minutes before practice starts and not a voice is heard. The only sounds coming from the Wyoming High School gym are the hard dribbles of basketballs and the sweet sound of the ball touching nylon. Eventually, a word is spoken to put an end to the verbal silence, “Ball!”

 

It’s all about efficiency. Not a second is wasted.

 

When you close your eyes and focus solely on the sounds coming from a team’s practice, an accurate picture on the team’s identity begins to take form. After 31 years, Wyoming Head Coach Thom Vander Klay has a keen sense on how his team operates.

 

“This team is quiet and constantly thinking,” described Vander Klay. “While they may be quiet, they’re extremely aggressive and confident. It’s a quiet confidence, but it’s definitely there. It’s a healthy confidence that doesn’t spill over into being cocky.”

WyomingBBall2

 

That quiet confidence is taken directly from their head coach. Throughout practice, Vander Klay takes a backseat as players organize themselves into drills for the day. He trusts his system and his players to waste no time getting as many reps in as possible. When a teaching moment is available, the coach steps in with the knowledge and passion that easily commands a room.

 

“He instilled a very good work ethic, not only in basketball, but in life,” said former player Bob Henning, who played JV ball for Vander Klay at Wyoming Park in 1992. “He never took it easy, not even during the off-season. He taught you that you have to work to get the things you want in life.”

 

There’s a reason Vander Klay was voted the best basketball coach in Grand Rapids.

 

Coach Vander Klay has pretty much seen it all in his time roaming the sidelines. He remembers a time when the three-point shot was considered a wasted possession. He coached the JV basketball team at Wyoming Park for 10 years before taking over as the Varsity coach. When Wyoming Park and Rogers merged into what is now Wyoming High School, Vander Klay took the reins of the basketball program and the new challenge of merging red and blue.

 

“When we merged, we had to rid of everything red and blue. It had to be purple everything,” remembered Vander Klay. The merge has been successful and the student section even hosts “throwback” games where students wear the old uniforms from Park and Rogers. “There’s no more animosity. We’re all wolves.”

WyomingBBall1

 

For the seniors, the first four-year class to go through Wyoming High School, being a “wolf” is all they know and it’s not something they take lightly.

 

“It has been pretty special to see how the sports evolved from when everyone was a rival,” explained senior Edwin Martinez looking back on his four years. “It feels great to be a part of the history of the school.”

 

“We became more of a family,” added senior Brendan Berg.

 

While the class of 2016 has a lot of history to their name just for entering Wyoming High School at the right time, they have also earned some special history on the court as well. Wyoming has had some extremely talented teams in the past – twice finishing second in the conference – but this season the Wolves were finally able to bring home the O-K Bronze Conference crown.

 

“Winning that first conference championship for Wyoming [boys basketball] is something we’ve talked about,” Coach Vander Klay said. “It was unfinished business after taking home two second-place finishes [2015 and 2014] and one third-place finish [2013].”

 

The importance of adding a historical first to a coach with such a prestigious record isn’t lost on the players either. After winning seven conference championships at Wyoming Park, Coach Vander Klay has kept the winning tradition alive at Wyoming.

WyomingBBall3

 

“It’s very cool to be the first team at Wyoming to win a championship under Coach Vander Klay,” exclaimed senior Zach Mann.

 

While some coaches may experience burnout after 31 years, Vander Klay, a graduate and former player at Wyoming Park, continues to live his dream, “I just love it. It’s my hobby and something that I personally like to do. I enjoy the kids.”

 

Update – In the District Semi-Final on Wednesday night, Wyoming fell to Hudsonville 55-52 in overtime. The Wolves came back from down 15-points in the final quarter to force OT.

Girls Wrap Up Districts as Boys Prepare for Postseason

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Five Wyoming-Kentwood area girls basketball teams entered the District Finals looking for a championship, two went home with a trophy intact.

 

Tonight marks the first round of districts for the boys as they begin their march to glory.

Girls Recap

Class A

 

Grand Rapids Christian – 54
East Kentwood – 39

 

East Kentwood struggled shooting all night, especially from the free throw line where the Falcons only converted 11-27 free throws. The game was close at halftime with the score at 25-20, but a lackluster third quarter saw East Kentwood get outscored 22-6.

 

After a successful 2016 campaign, the Falcons lose three seniors and look to reload heading into next season. Grand Rapids Christian heads into Regionals on an 11-game winning streak.

 

Hudsonville – 50
Wyoming – 28

 

Wyoming has dealt with a lot of adversity this season and still made it to the District Finals. However, for the second straight year, the Wolves fell to Hudsonville in the finals. The Eagles were never threatened.

 

With a healthy Claire Hendrickson next season, look for Wyoming to be a solid contender.

 

Class B

South Christian Girls Basketball

 

South Christian – 63
Wayland Union – 42

 

South Christian move onto Regionals thanks to a huge performance by Jennifer DeBoer. DeBoer poured in 31-points and also rewrote the record book at South Christian for most points scored in a season.

 

The Sailors improved to 21-2 on the season and will face Williamston in the Regional Semi-finals on March 8.

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 54
Potter’s House Christian – 38

 

Tri-Unity Christian defeated Potter’s House for their 11th straight victory and is eyeing that elusive Regional Championship. After finding themselves down three at halftime, the Defenders exploded into the second half with a 25-point third quarter. Potter’s House couldn’t mount a comeback.

 

Tri-Unity will play Athens in the Regional Semi-final on March 8.

Boys Preview

Class A

 

East Kentwood (15-5) v Ottawa Hills (11-9)

 

East Kentwood comes into the playoffs having won 8 of their last 9 since the start of February. Can they keep the good vibrations going into the postseason?

 

Don’t let the 11-9 record fool you, Ottawa Hills can play with anyone. Their regular season consists of close loses to two of the better teams in the area – Wayland Union and Hudsonville.

 

Winner is set to take on the winner of East Grand Rapids/Middleville Thornapple Kellogg in the District Semi-Finals on March 9.

 

Wyoming (14-6) vs. West Ottawa (17-3)

 

Wyoming is coming off their first ever conference championship in the OK Bronze. As winners of 7 of their last 8, Coach Vander Klay has the Wolves playing well. They’re in a tough district with West Ottawa in the first round and Hudsonville in the semis.

 

After winning their first 15 games, West Ottawa hit a slight dry spell to close out the season. One loss quickly turned into three as the Wildcats looked to rebound heading into the playoffs. After righting the ship by winning their last two regular season games, and taking a share of the OK Red for the first time since 2004, West Ottawa looks to keep their special season cruising along.

 

Winner will face Hudsonville in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

 

Class B

 

Godwin Heights (17-3) vs. Wayland Union (18-1)

 

Two of the best teams in the area are set to face up in round 1. Godwin Heights is on their usual tear through the regular season. The Wolverines high-flying and athletic offense is too relentless for most teams to handle. Their three losses – Hudsonville, Grand Rapids Christian, and Portage Northern – are nothing to be ashamed of.

 

Wayland Union dropped a game way back before the start of 2016. Since the New Year, it’s been all Wildcats as the team has rattled off 15 straight victories.

 

Whichever team escapes this dogfight will have a date with South Christian on March 9 in the District Semi-finals.

 

Grand River Prep (13-5) vs. West Michigan Aviation Academy (9-8)

 

Grand River Prep has won 9 of their last 10 games. The lone loss in that span? A one point defeat to Kalamazoo Heritage Christian Academy.

 

It’s been an up and down year for the Aviation Academy with the largest win and loss streak extending to 4 games. They’ve struggled to find consistency as a team.

 

Winner plays Kelloggsville on March 9 in the District Semi-Finals

 

Class D

 

Potter’s House Christian (15-4) vs. West Michigan Lutheran (2-16)

 

The last time these two teams faced off, Potter’s House Christian won by a convincing score of 84-7. Could be a long game.

 

Winner plays Tri-Unity Christian in the District Semi-finals on March 9.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – L (39-54) Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – L (28-50) Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – W (63-42) Wayland Union
Regional 11
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Williamston

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – L (38-54) Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – W (54-38) Potter’s House
Regional 25
March 8
Regional Semi-Final – Athens

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Five area teams, Four District Finals

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

It’s a dogfight to get through districts. The bracket is littered with teams familiar with one another; A team’s strengths, weaknesses, game plans, and counters. Tonight, five Wyoming-Kentwood area teams have the opportunity to bring home a District Championship.

 

One championship game will be filmed an aired on WKTV.

Class A

 

East Kentwood (14-8) vs. Grand Rapids Christian (16-5) – District 5

 

Things weren’t looking pretty for East Kentwood at the beginning of February. The Falcons stumbled through the first month of the new year with a 4-4 record, but the girls were able to dig deep and find a second gear that has propelled them to the District Finals.Basketball in Hoop

 

Since the start of February, the Falcons have won 8 of their last 9, including a revenge win over East Grand Rapids – the teams only loss in February – in the District Semi-finals on Wednesday. This team is rolling right now, but they’ll have their hands full in the finals.

 

On the other bench sits a team that has traveled a very similar path. Grand Rapids Christian is currently riding a 10 game win streak after dropping 4 of their first 5 games in January. Their last loss? The same Caledonia team they beat in a rematch in the District Semi-Finals.

 

East Kentwood beat Grand Rapids Christian in the first game of the season. With the way both teams have stormed into the playoffs, it’d be silly to look at that first game for any indication about how this one will go. A champion will be crowned tonight.

 

Wyoming (7-14) vs. Hudsonville (19-3)

 

The teams haven’t changed, but what was a clash of two titans in last year’s District Final has morphed into an uphill battle for Wyoming.

 

At the turn of the new year, the Wolves suffered a potentially fatal blow with the loss of MSU-commit Claire Hendrickson to a knee injury. In the aftermath after the injury, it looked to be the end to a once promising season. The Wolves lost 12 straight games to limp into the postseason. The playoffs are a new season, a slate wiped clean, and Wyoming sits at 1-0.

 

Hudsonville has been going full throttle since the season started. The team sits at 19-3 with win streaks littered throughout. Those three losses include two early in the season by a combined 7 points and a loss late in the season to East Kentwood, another District Final participant.

 

It’s going to be a tough game for Wyoming, but hey, they call it March Madness for a reason.

 

Class B

 

South Christian (20-2) vs. Wayland Union (9-11)

 

Both squads laid down the hammer in the District Semi-finals, winning by a combined point total of 124. Now they’re matched up with a team of equal caliber.

 

This District Final is also a rematch from last season. Last year, Wayland Union came in as the favorite and won handily, 59-39. This year, the roles are reversed.

 

South Christian is sitting on two losses by a combined 9 points. The Sailors are not only looking for revenge, but further down the line as well. This team has potential and very little weakness. Wayland Union will have to relish the underdog role.

 

Don’t let the under-.500 record fool you, the Wildcats have some pretty impressive games on their resumè. They currently own wins over District Final participants Wyoming (before the Hendrickson injury) and Hudsonville, and they’ve played Caledonia and Grand Rapids Christian to close losses. This is a dangerous team.

 

South Christian has already beaten Wayland Union twice this season, but it’s hard to beat a team three times. The game will be filmed live and aired tonight on WKTV.

 

Class D

 

Potter’s House Christian (7-13) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (18-4)

 

The theme of districts so far has been a rematch in the finals, this one is no different. Last season Tri-Unity beat Potter’s House handily to a tune of 21-points.

 

The Crusaders are currently on a 15-1 run in the last 16 games and don’t show any signs of slowing down. They won their last playoff game by 72(!) points and this one might play out similarly. Tri-Unity won the first meeting between these two 61-19.

 

Potter’s House will need to play some flawless basketball and force Tri-Unity into an uncharacteristic amount of turnovers. Regionals await.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – Wayland Union

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – Potter’s House

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Tickets Punched to District Finals

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

District Semi-Finals are officially in the books. Five Wyoming-Kentwood teams have yet to reach the expiration date on their season, and they have a big opportunity to add a District Championship to 2016’s resumé.

 

Class A

 

East Kentwood – 53
East Grand Rapids – 51

 

The first time these two teams met, East Grand Rapids left with a narrow four-point victory. Fast forward to the District Semi-Finals, and it was the Falcons from East Kentwood leaving the gym with smiles.

 

Kentwood lead by 10 with under four minutes left, but the Pioneers weren’t going to let their season end without a fight. East Grand Rapids stormed back and had an opportunity to tie the game with 10 second left on the clock. It would all be for naught as they couldn’t convert the ensuing inbound pass into points.

 

With the win, the Falcons improve to 14-8 overall and find themselves in the District Final. The game will be played against a very strong Grand Rapids Christian team. The Eagles pulled off a big 48-40 win over 18-4 Caledonia in their semi-final matchup.

 

The District Final game will be played at Byron Center on Friday night.

The Wolves are headed to the District Finals once again.
The Wolves are headed to the District Finals once again.

 

Wyoming – 53
Jenison – 47

 

Even though the season has taken a different journey with the injury to Claire Hendrickson, the Wyoming Wolves find themselves in a familiar spot: a date with Hudsonville in the District Finals.

 

Wyoming took home a hard-fought victory, their 7th of the season, against Jenison behind the scoring hand of Kayla Hinton and her 24 points. The Wolves will need another big game from Hinton against Hudsonville this Friday.

 

The District Final game will be played at Holland on Friday night.

 

Class B

 

South Christian – 79
Kelloggsville – 7

 

While the victor wasn’t necessarily a surprise, the final score is a little eye-popping. South Christian came out strong from the opening tip. The rest was just a formality.

 

The Sailors will play Wayland Union in the District Final on Friday night at Godwin Heights.

 

Wayland Union – 67
Grand River Prep – 15

 

Different teams, same story. The District 48 Semi-Finals were lopsided on both sides. Wayland Union handled Grand River Prep and finds themselves in the District Final for the second straight year.

 

The Wildcats will play South Christian in the District Final on Friday night at Godwin Heights.

 

Class D

 

Potter’s House Christian – 62
West Michigan Lutheran – 55

 

West Michigan Lutheran entered the District Semis sporting a 17-3 record. One of those three regular season losses came in a 5-point game against Potter’s House Christian. At halftime, it looked like West Michigan Lutheran was too much for Potter’s House. The Mustangs were in control and up 11.

 

However, the Pumas turned things on in the second half.

 

Behind 23 points a piece from Cassie Wielhouwer and Anika Huizenga, Potter’s House clawed their way back on the offensive end. The Pumas also shut down the Mustang’s offense, holding them to only 20 second half points.

 

With the win, Potter’s House advances for a rematch of last years District Final against Tri-Unity Christian. The game will be played at Byron Center Zion Christian on Friday night.

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 72
Holland Calvary – 36

 

For Tri-Unity Christian, it was a night of career highs. Sarah Buffum tied a career-high with 28 points and Cierra Smith added her own career-high with 27.

 

The game was never in doubt for the Crusaders as they continue to storm through the season. They will play Potter’s House on Friday night at Byron Center Zion Christian

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-51) East Grand Rapids
March 4
District Final – Grand Rapids Christian

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (53-47) Jenison
March 4
District Final – Hudsonville

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (38-60) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (15-67) Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (7-79) South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (79-7) Kelloggsville
March 4
District Final – Wayland Union

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (62-55) West Michigan Lutheran
March 4
District Final – Tri-Unity Christian

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – W (72-36) Holland Calvary
March 4
District Final – Potter’s House

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – L (55-62) Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Girls District Semi-Finals set to square off with Eight Wyoming-Kentwood teams in action

Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

MHSAA
By: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

The girls play their District Semi-Final games tonight, and the Wyoming-Kentwood area has a number of teams looking to be one step closer to a district championship.

Class A

East Kentwood (13-8) vs. East Grand Rapids (16-5) – District 5

The last time these two teams met, East Kentwood found themselves down 11 at half, but they wouldn’t fold that easily. An 18-point third quarter gave the Falcons a one-point lead entering the final stanza. However, the furious comeback was too little too late as East Grand Rapids came out with a hard-fought 49-45 victory. Round 2 between these two squads looks to be just as exciting.

East Kentwood is coming off of a 19-point victory over Middleville Thornapple Kellogg. As winners of 11 of their last 14, the Falcons are looking to keep the positive vibes going for at least another couple of days.

East Grand Rapids defeated a very strong Byron Center team in the first round and is currently riding a 5-game winning streak.

Winner plays Caledonia or Grand Rapids Christian in the District Finals this Friday.

Wyoming (6-14) vs Jenison (5-16) – District 6

Wyoming came into this season ready for big things after having an extremely successful 2015 campaign that saw the season end in the District Finals. Behind junior star player – and Michigan State commit – Claire Hendrickson, the Wolves were primed for a special season.

Early on, everything was going according to plan. The Wolves were 5-1 and playing very well when they traveled to Calvin Christian on January 5. It was then that adversity struck, Hendrickson went down with a torn ACL and meniscus and a sprained MCL. After the injury, the Wolves slogged to a 1-13 finish. They enter the postseason on a 12 game losing streak.

Jenison hasn’t fared much better than Wyoming. The Wildcats handled Holland in the first round of districts to break a five game losing streak. Jenison hasn’t struggled scoring points this season, it’s on the defensive end where they’ve lost games. In their 16 losses, the Wildcats have surrendered over 54 points a game.

Winner plays Grandville or Hudsonville in the District Finals this Friday.

Class B

South Christian (19-2) vs. Kelloggsville (2-12) – District 48

After suffering only their second loss of the year in the season finale, South Christian got things back on track in a big way in the first round of Districts. The Sailors were able to quickly get the wind back in their sails and Godwin never stood a chance. South Christian won their 19th game of the season handily, 60-38.

Things haven’t been easy for the Rockets this season. Kelloggsville currently sits at 2-12 and has lost nine straight. They’ll have their hands full against the Sailors.

Winner plays Wayland Union or Kentwood Grand River Prep in the District Finals this Friday

Grand River Prep (5-13) vs. Wayland Union (8-11) – District 48

Grand River Prep and Wayland Union each look to end a long string of losing to reach the district finals. Grand River enters the postseason having lost 10 of their last 11, while Wayland Union has lost 5 of their last 6.

No matter how you look at it, Grand River Prep is facing an uphill battle. Wayland Union may be under .500 on the season, but the Wildcats have nabbed a few impressive pelts this season. The Wildcats have wins over Wyoming – before the Claire Hendrickson injury – and Hudsonville.

Winner plays South Christian or Kelloggsville in the District Finals this Friday.

Class D

Potter’s House (6-14) vs. West Michigan Lutheran (17-3) – District 110

Although Potter’s House comes in with a much less impressive record than West Michigan Lutheran, the Pumas hold the all important ‘W’ in the only head-to-head meeting between the two squads. The first time these two teams met, things were very close. Potter’s House had a strong second quarter and was able to hold on to the lead until the end, resulting in a 5-point victory.

West Michigan Lutheran has rebounded quite nicely from that last game. Since the loss, the Mustangs have rallied off 9 wins in their last 11 games. Expect another back and forth battle between the two squads.

Winner plays Tri-Unity Christian or Holland Calvary in the District Finals this Friday.

Tri-Unity Christian (17-4) vs. Holland Calvary (8-7) – District 110

Tri-Unity Christian made it all the way to the Regional Finals last season before falling to St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran. This season, they have their eyes set even further, they just need to make sure they don’t stumble looking ahead.

The Crusaders have already played, and defeated, Holland Calvary twice this season by a combined 62 points. Holland Calvary is hoping third times a charm!

Winner plays Potter’s House or West Michigan Luther in the District Finals this Friday.

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – East Grand Rapids

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Jenison

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (60-38) South Christian

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – South Christian

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland Calvary

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

Three Area Teams Advance to District Semi-Finals

Sports, Upcoming Events, , ,

MHSAABy: Mike DeWitt
Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

Girls basketball tipped off the post-season last night with the first round of districts. Three Wyoming-Kentwood area teams advanced to the semi-final round while one had their season come to an end. District semi-finals will be played on Wednesday.

 

Class A

 

East Kentwood – 58
Thornapple Kellogg – 39

East Kentwood extended their winning streak to four games and 11 of their last 15. The Falcons look to get revenge against East Grand Rapids in the District Semi-Finals on Wednesday. When they met in the regular season, the Pioneers took home a close four-point, 49-45 win.

 

Class B

The Sailors will face Kelloggsville on Wednesday
The Sailors will face Kelloggsville on Wednesday

 

South Christian – 60
Godwin Heights – 38

 

South Christian kept a stellar season rolling right along with a big win over Godwin Heights in the opening round of districts. The Sailors’ experience, depth, and height was too much for the young senior-less Wolverine squad to handle.

 

Jennifer Deboer led all scorers with 17 points and also chipped in seven rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Isabella Scott helped South Christian with her first ever double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

 

Ravinear Koppenhofer led the Wolverines in scoring with 11 of her own.

 

South Christian looks to keep the ship sailing against Kelloggsville in the district semifinals on Wednesday night at Godwin Heights.

 

Class D

 

Tri-Unity Christian – 50
Byron Center Zion Christian – 40

 

Tri-Unity Christian kept the season moving forward on Monday night. Led by Sarah Buffum and her 20 points, the Crusaders extended their winning streak to nine with a ten-point victory over Byron Center Zion Christian.

 

Tri-Unity Christian will take on Holland Calvary, a team they’ve already beat twice this season by a combined 62 points, in the district semi-final on Wednesday night.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – W (58-39) Middleville Thornapple Kellogg
March 2
District Semi-Final – East Grand Rapids

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland/Jenison

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – L (60-38) South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – W (60-38) Godwin Heights
March 2
District Semi-Final – Kelloggsville

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – W (50-40) Zion Christian
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland Calvary

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

With the regular season over, Girl’s Basketball is readying for Districts

Sports, Upcoming Events, , ,

Basketball in HoopBy: Mike DeWitt

 

While Leap Day may be able to push March back 24 hours, it can’t stop playoff basketball from starting. March Madness is here, and the girls are getting ready to kick off Districts in a big way. Below are all the District First Round games for Wyoming-Kentwood Area teams:

 

Class A

 

East Kentwood (12-8) vs. Middleville Thornapple Kellogg (5-14) – District 5

 

East Kentwood stumbled into the season, losing 4 of their first 6 games. However, after the New Year, the Falcons went on a terror. East Kentwood Girls Varsity BasketballEast Kentwood finished the season strong by winning 10 of their last 14 games. The team’s four losses during that stretch came by a combined 10 points.

 

Thornapple Kellogg started the season slow, losing 7 of their first 8, and never seemed to find a grove. The Trojans have struggled to score the ball, only topping 40 points in 5 of their games.

 

Winner plays on Wednesday, March 2 against the winner of East Grand Rapids and Byron Center.

 

Class B

 

Godwin Heights (12-7) vs. South Christian (18-2) – District 48

South Christian has been on a rampage all season. How far will they go?
South Christian has been on a rampage all season. How far will they go?

 

Godwin Heights is hosting District 48 and finds themselves in a tough draw in the opening round. The Wolverines have been extremely resilient when coming off a loss. Their longest losing streak only lasted two games back at the very beginning of December. Something to watch, Godwin Heights is coming off of a loss in their last game.

 

South Christian is firing on all cylinders in 2016. The Sailors started the season on a 14 game winning streak before losing their first game of the season to Caledonia by 2 points. South Christian then proceeded to win their next four before falling in the season finale against Catholic Central.

 

With both teams coming off of a loss, which one will get off the mat? This game will be televised on WKTV. Winner plays Kelloggsville on Wednesday, March 2.

 

Class D

 

Byron Center Zion Christian (12-8) vs. Tri-Unity Christian (16-4) – District 110

 

After hitting a dry spell and dropping their first three games at the beginning of February, Byron Center Zion Christian brushed things off and proceeded to win their next four straight. Having only broken 40-points six times this season, the Mountaineers win with defense while doing just enough on the offensive end.

 

Tri-Unity Christian currently sits at 16-4 but could easily be 18-2. Early in the season, the Crusaders dropped two one-point games by the same margin, 42-43. Last season, Tri-Unity made it to the Regional Finals before falling to St Joseph Michigan Lutheran. The Crusaders are looking to take it one step further this year.

 

Winner faces Holland Calvary on Wednesday, March 2.

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams and Results

Girls

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
February 29
District First Round – Middleville Thornapple Kellogg

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 2
District Semi-Final – Holland/Jenison

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
February 29
District First Round – South Christian

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Wayland Union

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 2
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/South Christian

 

South Christian – District 48
February 29
District First Round – Godwin Heights

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
February 29
District First Round – Zion Christian

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 2
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House

Boys

Class A

East Kentwood – District 5
March 7
District First Round – Ottawa Hills

 

Wyoming – District 6
March 7
District First Round – West Ottawa

Class B

Godwin Heights – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Wayland Union

 

Grand River Prep – District 48
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

Kelloggsville – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand River Prep/West Michigan Aviation Academy

 

South Christian – District 48
March 9
District Semi-Final – Godwin Heights/Wayland Union

 

West Michigan Aviation Academy – District 48
March 7
District First Round – Grand River Prep

 

Wyoming Lee – District 51
March 9
District Semi-Final – Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Class D

Potter’s House – District 110
March 7
District First Round – West Michigan Lutheran

 

Tri-Unity Christian – District 110
March 9
District Semi-Final – Potter’s House/West Michigan Lutheran

 

West Michigan Lutheran – District 110
March 7
District First Round – Potter’s House

A Daughter’s Night to Shine: Wyoming and Kentwood Daddy-Daughter Dance in pictures

Kids Activities, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , ,

The Wyoming and Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department each hosted a Daddy-Daughter Dance this past Saturday, February 20. Below are some pictures from the magical evenings.

Wyoming

The Wyoming Daddy-Daughter Dance was a smashing hit with 171 participants and 12 volunteers making sure the event ran smoothly. While dancing was the staple of the event, crafts and games were also held in adjoining rooms.

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Kentwood

Those at the Kentwood Daddy Daughter-Dance had the opportunity to experience A Night In Hollywood by walking the red carpet and having their picture taken. 20 couples – 46 participants in all – got to bask in the movie star experience.

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The dances were a hit and a job well done by the Parks and Recreation Departments.

The Tree Amigos and a quest for a healthier Wyoming

Area Education, Community Health, Health, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, Volunteers, , , , , , , ,
Trees
Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community

By: Mike DeWitt

 

What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.

 

“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”

Oriole Park

 

That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.

 

Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.

Wyoming's former tree planting program
Wyoming’s former tree planting program

 

A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.

 

“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.

 

Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.

 

On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.

 

While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.

 

According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.

 

With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.

 

That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.

Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council
Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council

 

“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”

 

Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.

 

Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”

Tying the knot in Kent County and breaking ties with the myths of divorce

Area Education, Our Cities, , , , , ,


By: Mike DeWitt

In a 15-year stretch from 2000-2014, according to Michigan’s Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Kent Country recorded 66,692 marriages and 31,580 divorces. When weighted per 1,000 country residents and compared with Michigan’s other 83 counties, Kent County residents have handled the new millennium well, ranking high in marriage rate and low in divorce rate.

•    9th-highest marriage rate in 2000 (17.3 per 1,000 residents)
•    20th-lowest divorce rate in 2000 (7.2 per 1,000 residents)
•    16th-highest marriage rate in 2014 (14.3 per 1,000 residents)
•    35th-lowest divorce rate in 2014 (6.4 per 1,000 residents)

While some will look at those numbers and smile, thinking of their own special day, others will take them in with a healthy dose of cynicism. After all, half of all marriages end in divorce, right? At least, that seems to be the shared belief in our culture when it comes to marriage and whether they actually last until “death do us part.”

But what if the 50 percent “fact” that has been perpetuated for all these years is nothing more than a myth? As it turns out, the divorce rate is no longer rising, it hasn’t been for some time, and half of all marriages actually do not end in divorce.

There was a time when the divorce rate was steadily climbing and 50 percent looked to be more than reasonable. However, that was back in the ’70s and ’80s, a peak in the divorce rate that looks to be the exception rather than the rule. In the three decades since then, the divorce rate has only creeped lower and lower. If trends continue, two-thirds of marriages will never involve a divorce.

Marriage and Divorce Rates over time in Michigan (blue) and the United States (red) Source: Michigan Division of Vital Records & Health Statistics
Marriage and Divorce Rates over time in Michigan (blue) and the United States (red) [Source: Michigan Division of Vital Records & Health Statistics]

So, what happened? Well, the 70’s and 80’s also coincide with the rise in a new feminist movement. With women gaining more societal confidence and power—add in the fact that women initiate two-thirds of all divorces— and you can start to connect the dots on why the divorce rate spiked. With both men and women adjusting to the newly refined roles and expectations, it makes sense that the divorce rate has been making its way down the mountain.

There are other reasons for a declining divorce rate that stem from people getting married later in life or not getting married at all. In Kent County, the marriage rate fell from 2000 to 2014. In fact, 73 of Michigan’s 83 counties experienced a drop in their marriage rate. An increase in societal acceptance for single family homes and living together before marriage, thus experiencing a breakup instead of a divorce, has had an impact on the reduction of marriages.

A big proponent to a falling marriage rate is economical. Now more than ever, people feel the need to be financially established and stable before they decide to take the plunge into marriage. With changing societal norms and expectations leading to more women in the workplace, it’s led to higher unemployment amongst men and fewer suitable bachelors for women to marry. Claire Cain Miller of the New York Times explains:

“Men are more likely than women to remain unmarried, 23 percent to 17 percent. Part of that is linked to the fact that the share of men aged 25 to 54 who are not working has been increasing for 50 years. At the same time, 78 percent of never-married women say that a mate with a steady job would be very important to them, more than any other quality in choosing a spouse. Pew analyzed the pool of employed, unmarried men, compared with all unmarried women. There are 65 employed men for every 100 women.

Blacks place more importance than whites on finding a partner with a steady job before marriage, according to Pew, and among unmarried young blacks, there are 51 employed men for every 100 women.”

A man without a degree is less likely to hold a stable job and less likely to be married. Marriage is no longer about survival, but has become a luxury.

While a lot of different factors contribute to a couple’s staying power, the amount of education is a strong indicator on whether a couple will last the test of time. Chances of divorce among people with colleges degrees is significantly less likely than those with a lower education, whose divorce rates hover closer to the numbers seen during the peak divorce years of the 70’s and 80’s.

The institution of marriage gets a bad rap when the “50 percent” myth is flung around recklessly. When you dive into the numbers, it’s crystal clear that there’s no rush! Get educated and take your time; the statistics say you’ll have a much better chance of making it until “death do us part.”

For those in need of a plan, here’s your Valentine’s Day cheat sheet

Beer, Food, Holidays, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , ,


With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to prepare a weekend with your significant other because, and let’s be honest here, we know you haven’t planned anything yet.

If you’re one of those rare breeds who plans out Valentine’s Day months in advance, then you can use this for ideas for how to put a cherry on top of your picture perfect day. For the rest of us who just realized it’s already February 10, there’s still time, and here’s a cheat sheet.

For the sake of this list, we’ll skip dinner and go right to the good stuff. There are a lot of unique restaurants in Wyoming, Kentwood, Grand Rapids, and the surrounding areas to sit down and have a nice dinner. If your partner doesn’t have a favorite spot, try something new! There are a lot of great options not too far away.

Here are some couple’s events sure to make for a delightful Valentine’s weekend.

The DeVos Performance Hall will be hosting two concert events this weekend. The Bad Boy Reunion Tour features Faith Evans, Mase, Carl Thomas, and Case on February 13 at 7:30 p.m. The following evening, Tommy Emmanuel will perform his upcoming album It’s Never Too Late.

Searching for a date idea that’s a little more “hands on”? Well, the Downtown Market has three events for you and your valentine. The Couples: Valentine’s Day cooking class is offered February 11, 12 and 13 and is a great way to relax with your partner and enjoy small plate demonstrations, an effervescent cocktail, and a little bit of hands-on cooking. Before the meal, enjoy a drink at the Ice Bar Lounge and their heated outdoor happy hour featuring specialty cocktails, craft beer, and select wine.

Robinette’s is hosting their Love, Wine & Chocolate event on February 13 from 1pm to 5pm. The cost is $12 per couple and includes wine tasting, a souvenir wine glass, and a chocolate snack bar. On top of the items to tickle your taste buds, you can also customize a pair of five-minute earrings with Sara Neal. Sara provides supplies for earrings and you pick out what you want. The earrings are then made right there in front of you. No reservation required.

Be a kid again at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Be a kid again at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Want a unique date to bring out you and your valentine’s inner child? Look no further than the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum’s 2nd annual Grown Up Play Date on Friday night. Play laser tag, participate in a building wide scavenger hunt, enjoy local craft beers, wines, and ciders, and “grown up” pizza offerings from local restaurants. The best part? It all benefits the Children’s Museum’s programs and exhibits. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are just $30 per person.

Looking for a unique beer experience centered around Valentine’s Day? Make sure to stop in at Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery and Supply out in Ada. Gravel Bottom has two Valentine’s Day beers that can either compliment a desert or be enjoyed on their own. The first is a robust porter called the Lion Heart which can be paired with chocolates and raspberries. Also on tap is the Susie Q, a cream ale packing a bouquet of flavor with hibiscus and rose hips. Cheers to love!

When it comes to valentines, ice can be nice. Grand Rapids is hosting their 3rd annual Valent-ICE festival this weekend. The festival is to celebrate love and winter in Downtown Grand Rapids and features over 50 sculptures and more than 15 tons of ice! Much like ArtPrize, residents can walk around the city and enjoy the sculptures over the weekend. On Saturday, February 13, the largest sculpture will be revealed and Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield of Food Network’s “Ice Brigade” will carve the public sculpture from 6,000 pounds of ice. The final piece will stand 12 feet tall.

Valent-ICE is very nice
Valent-ICE is very nice

Single? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Lincoln Country Club on Lake Michigan Drive is hosting the Rivertown Singles ‘Lady in Red’ Party on Sunday from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Both girls and guys are invited to wear red, a little, a lot, or another color entirely if you prefer – whichever makes you feel most comfortable. For $8 you’re privy to a cash bar, a dance floor, drawings, and a lot of singles looking to mingle.

Who says only couples get to go out and have fun on Valentine’s Day?

Fat Tuesday: Indulgence before Lent

Food, Local Business, , ,
Paczkis are loaded with yummy goodness weighing in between 350 and 700 calories each.
Paczkis are loaded with yummy goodness weighing in between 350 and 700 calories each.

By: Mike DeWitt

 

If your coworkers, friends and family look a little fuller around the waist this morning, it’s not your eyes playing tricks on you. Today is Fat Tuesday, or Paczki Day, a time for people to indulge in sweets and fatty goodness before Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent.

 

A paczki (pronounced poonch-key) is a delectable polish treat with rich dough, sweet fillings, rolled in powdered sugar and covered in glaze.

 

However, don’t make the mistake of comparing a paczki to a jelly doughnut.

 

A jelly doughnut is a cheap knockoff to a paczki. Real Polish paczki are made with extremely rich dough because religious law forbade the consumption of lard, sugar and eggs during the Lenten fasting season. Everything rich in the pantry was used to create the glorious treat that is then filled with a fruit or cream filing. While the added sweet in the center makes your taste buds jump for joy, it’s all about the dough. It’s dense, not light and fluffy, so it doesn’t collapse when you bite in.

 

While paczki are a well-known treat on Fat Tuesday, it’s a Polish concoction and not the only fat-filled item on the menu around the world. In Ukraine, it’s a crepe-like pancake called nalysnyky, and doughnuts called spurgos and krofne are made in Lithuania and Serbia, respectively. The treats may be different, but the idea is the same, dump all your butter and eggs into a pastry and eat up! It’ll be forty days until you have the chance again.

Marge's Donut Den offers 12 varieties of Paczkis with powdered or glazed topping.
Marge’s Donut Den offers 12 varieties of Paczkis with powdered or glazed topping.

 

Looking for a paczki? Look no further than Marge’s Donut Den on 28th Street. Stop on in and indulge in the little calorie bomb’s carbo-loaded goodness!

Founder’s getting ready to set the Breakfast table

Beer, Local Business, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , ,

Founder's Kentucky Breakfast Stout Deep in the underlying caves beneath Grand Rapids sits an oak bourbon barrel waiting until the right time. Greatness isn’t achieved quickly. No, it takes time and preparation, age and experience, to grab the world’s attention. After a years time, the bourbon barrel will be ready to take on the world and re-establish its contents as one of the highest rated beers in the world.

 

The Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) is coming, and Founders Brewing Co. is preparing for their third annual KBS week.

 

“Mike and I look forward to this week every year,” said co-Founder and President Dave Engbers, “It is fantastic working with our wholesalers and retail partners to create a community-centric week centered around the release of KBS. We are so grateful to our West Michigan community for the support throughout the years and it makes sharing KBS with all of them that much more special.”

 

KBS is an imperial stout brewed with massive amounts of coffee and chocolate and then aged in oak bourbon barrels for a year. The beer will be available statewide on March 14 and across the nation on April 1. However, those here in Grand Rapids will be able to enjoy the beer a week earlier from March 7 – March 12.

Founder's Kentucky Breakfast Stout

 

KBS Week began in response to the overwhelming notoriety KBS has developed over the years and a desire to share that with the West Michigan beer-loving community on a broader scale. During KBS week, fifteen Founders-supporting bars and restaurants in the Grand Rapids area will each tap a keg of KBS on a day and time of their choosing between March 7 and 11. KBS Week will culminate on Saturday, March 12 with the Founders taproom release party, where KBS will be poured all day.

 

Below is the full list of bars and restaurants participating, and their tapping time, during KBS week:

 

Monday, March 7
5:00pm HopCat
7:00pm Rockwell’s/Republic
9:00pm Derby Station

 

Tuesday, March 8
5:00pm The Winchester
7:00pm Monelli’s
9:00pm Z’s Bar

 

Wednesday, March 9
5:00pm Gravity
7:00pm The Score
9:00pm Uccello’s: Caledonia

 

Thursday, March 10
5:00pm Vitale’s: Comstock Park
7:00pm Buffalo Wild Wings
9:00pm The Cottage Bar

 

Friday, March 11
5:00pm Village Inn
7:00pm The Meanwhile
9:00pm J. Gardella’s Tavern

 

Saturday, March 12
Founders Taproom Draft Release –  All Day

 

On top of the tap parties held around the city, bottles of KBS will be available for pickup in the Founder’s taproom. The bottles will be released using a pre-ticketed reservation process on Eventbrite. Bottles can be reserved beginning Saturday, February 13 at 11am. and they will be available for pickup March 8-12.

 

From out-of-town? A handful of area hotels will be offering KBS week packages. More information available at Experience Grand Rapids.

 

While the nation waits to get their hands on a delicious Kentucky Breakfast Stout, Grand Rapids will be ready for brunch.

Chick-Fil-A Unveils Plans for Location in Gaines Township

Local Business, Upcoming Events, , ,

chick-fil-aChick-Fil-A has had its eyes set on West Michigan for a little while. A potential Holland location brought elated joy to many, but no significant progress has been made bringing the fast food restaurant to a reality. However, Chick-Fil-A fans may soon have a reason to celebrate as developers unveiled plans to build a chain in Gaines Township.

 

The preliminary plan was presented at the township planning commission meeting on Thursday night. The plan calls for a 4,877 square-foot restaurant and drive-thru located at 1545 Edgeknoll Dr. just south of M-6.

 

While the unveiled plan for a Chick-Fil-A has been met with excitement, there are still some steps to take before the famous chicken sandwiches become a reality. Approval of the project centers around the planning commission rezoning a vacant 2.65-acre property from office to general commercial planned unit development.

 

The township planning commission intends to hold a public hearing sometime in February.

 

If the plans are approved, the hope is construction will start soon and be completed by early 2017. The Gaines Township location would mark the third Chick-Fil-A in Michigan. The others reside in Detroit and Rochester.

Chick-fil-a sandwich

 

Chick-Fil-A currently has more than 1,900 locations in 42 states.

 

When Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley unveiled his “Fun 5” list to Wyoming/Kentwood NOW back in October of 2014, it included a list of five business he was hoping to bring to the Kentwood area. After successfully bringing in Dave & Buster’s and Trader Joe’s to Kentwood city limits, Chick-Fil-A is looking to fill a need in Gaines Township.

 

Sure, it’s not in Kentwood, but it’s close enough! Now all that’s left is a Whole Foods and a Cheesecake Factory.

 

We’ll wait patiently while inhaling a delectable chicken sandwich.

Wyoming to Honor Alpha Wolves

Area Education, Education, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , ,

WyomingAn Alpha Wolf is someone who stands out from the pack in everything they do. Not only is the Alpha Wolf a power by themselves, but they’re at their strongest when they can impact others. An Alpha Wolf is always proactive in helping others and strives to set the standard for those around them. On a scale of 1 to 10, the Alpha Wolf is an 11 in everything they do.

 

This Thursday – January 28 – for the first time, Wyoming High School will be honoring six students in an assembly as ‘Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character’ for their exemplary character inside the school walls. Every student is eligible for the award.

 

The award recognizes students for character and treating others with kindness and compassion at Wyoming High School. Being an Alpha Wolf 11 has nothing to do with what a student does in extracurriculars after school, but instead focuses on what they do during school hours, as people, to make the school a better place.

 

Wyoming High School faculty, support staff and administration all have a say in selecting six students, two from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes, to honor with the award. During the ceremony, the six winners will be introduced with a personal description of why they were selected. A banner will then be revealed in the gymnasium recognizing the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character winners.

 

The Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character award will be presented in front of the entire student body, special guests from the Wyoming community, school administration, and the Wyoming Board of Education Members in a ceremony at the end of each school semester. A special guest speaker will be there to commemorate the event.

Alpha Wolf

 

Not only will the students be given recognition in front of their peers and school administrators, but each student will receive a framed Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character certificate, lanyard, and their name placed on two large banners that will be displayed in the gymnasium and near the main office entrance of the building.

 

It’s a way for students to be celebrated for the little things they do to make a school environment friendly and something fun to be a part of. When the world asks for a 10, step up and give an 11.

 

WKTV will carry full video coverage of the assembly.

Community Coalition Declares Fare Strike and Day of Action Against The Rapid

Area Education, Local Business, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

The Rapid - Central StationThe Rapid provides necessary public transportation for students and citizens in the Grand Rapids area. Recent developments with The Rapid, and proposed decisions from the board, are leading some community members, labor groups, and students to perform a day of action and fare strike on January 27.

 

The Rapid’s Board is proposing cuts that would strip transit workers of their pensions and also increase the fare price by 16 percent. These proposals, and the resulting angst and action from the community, comes after nearly a year of failed negotiations between The Rapid’s management and its workers.

Rapid Hybrid Busses

 

Currently, the pension plan is set up where The Rapid puts $1 per hour worked by an employee into the pension system without the employees contributing anything. The Rapid has proposed putting 5 percent of employee pay into a 401(k) style retirement account that shifts the risk and reward of investment returns to the employee. The union wants a guaranteed pension with less risk and is willing to contribute money into the system.

 

The issues are forcing community members to speak out and take action.

 

“I have been involved because I know that what The Rapid is doing to its workers is setting a precedent all across Grand Rapids, a city that already has a 26 percent poverty rate,” said Lindsey Disler, a student and USAS member at Grand Valley State University. “What the Rapid is doing continues to increase the already huge wealth inequality in our country.”

The Rapid - Flyer
Flyer handed out by bus drivers at Central Station

 

Union negotiators have said management is refusing to bargain in good faith. Back in 2015, some union bus drivers attempted to distribute flyers to the public in order to educate the masses on the dilemma the drivers faced. The Rapid quickly shut down the attempt and threatened drivers with discipline and arrest.

 

In September of that same year, U.S. District Judge Janet Neff found that The Rapid officials violated the bus drivers First Amendment rights by stopping the handouts of the publication.

 

The day of action and fare strike will focus on riders refusing to pay their fares for the day. Riders are encouraged to politely inform their driver that “The Rapid’s recent actions toward its workers and riders is a form of economic violence that I won’t condone. Because it is illegal for union bus drivers like you to go on strike in Michigan, I am doing the closest thing that I can as a rider by engaging in this one-day fare strike.”

 

While the fare strike is sure to ruffle some feathers, it’s final goal hinges on bringing together The Rapid and the union to meaningfully sit down and come to a compromise that works for both parties.

 

“We care deeply about the well-being of these workers, because they literally keep this city moving. Until they’re granted a fair contract, we won’t be silent and will not stop standing up for them,” explained Disler. “The Rapid can do better for its workers.”

Development, public services, and fiscal responsibility prominent at Wyoming State of the City

Area Education, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Our Cities, , ,
Mayor Poll address Wyoming during the annual State of the City
Mayor Poll address Wyoming during the annual State of the City

By: Mike DeWitt

 

While national news outlets are pumping out stories of local governments and authorities gone awry – think Flint water crisis and numerous police scandals – the City of Wyoming is a beacon of shining light in government balance and transparency.

 

On Monday, January 18th, Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll delivered the annual State of the City address in front of the Wyoming City Council and residence in attendance. Mayor Poll’s message shed light on Wyoming’s growing business and building development, productive and advancing city services, and the government’s consistent fiscal responsibility.

 

“We wish to keep our city financially strong while maintaining the valued services we provide,” said Mayor Poll during the address. “We must continue to build our foundation for the future.”

 

Back in 2010, Wyoming’s largest taxpayer, the JM Stamping Plant, left and taxable values of homes dropped. Now in 2016, the taxable home values have leveled off and improved. In fact, home tax values went up by 5 percent from the beginning to the end of the year. That trend is expected to continue in 2016 and keep improving until 2025 when tax dollars will reach the levels they were at back in 2008.

 

“Development in the city was strong in 2015,” added Mayor Poll. “Construction values totaled more than 44 million dollars. A 7% increase over the previous year.”

 

Part of that was due to three businesses – Zeeland Lumber and Supply, the Habitat for Humanity Restore, and the Well Mannered Dog Center – reopening their doors after taking damage from the tornado that hit Ideal Park in 2014.

 

Not only is Wyoming seeing development in the private sector, but the city is constantly looking to improve its services to better serve the residents of Wyoming.

 

Last year, all four of Wyoming’s fire stations were ready and open during peak time. This year, the city is expecting to reach their goal of 80 firefighters ready for emergency in the city. Wyoming is also equipped for a potential ice storm in the winter or a swift flood come spring.

Firetruck Wyoming
Quick Response Vehicle

 

The city utilized two Quick Response Vehicles (QRV) this past year to up the efficiency of city services. QRV’s led to an overall reduction in response time as three fires were quelled by QRV’s before the larger engines arrived. The city is strongly considering adding a third to the fleet in 2016.

 

Police officers consistently visit local businesses, business meetings, and perform off hour business checks to keep communication flowing throughout the community and to keep local business owners safe. Plans for program and high school advisory groups are being set to educate the community on police procedures, gather feedback, and to better understand the issues the Wyoming community faces.

 

On top of improved emergency services and communication, families and businesses in Wyoming continue to benefit from water and sewage rates that are the best in the state. The public works department provides safe drinking water, sanitation, roads and plowing all while operating in a financially responsible way.

 

“Our financial responsibility is perhaps most evident in our successful early payoff of capital debt in 2015,” said Mayor Poll.

 

That eliminated debt includes an early payoff of six physical buildings that are owned by the city. The buildings include the library, city hall, police station, motor pool, and two fire stations.

 

As the City of Wyoming continues to build and grow, the city council insists on staying transparent. Mayor Poll’s hope for 2016 is that more Wyoming citizens look to get involved with city government, Every city council meeting is open to the public, and if you can’t make the meeting, they’re broadcasted live on WKTV and can be reviewed online.

 

“As I have now started my seventh year, it is truly my honor and sincere privilege to serve as the Mayor of the City of Wyoming,” proclaimed Mayor Poll. “My hope and prayer is that this year we all continue to build on that tradition of success.”

Obesity Rates in Michigan Decline but Continue to Weigh Down the Country

Area Education, Health, Our Cities, , , , , , ,


By: Mike DeWitt

After watching the obesity rate rise over the past two decades, Michigan finally stepped on the scale and saw improvement. It’s a slight improvement, but a decrease in obesity nonetheless!

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Michigan saw almost a 1% decrease in adult obesity rate. On top of that, it’s Michigan’s best state ranking – 17th – since 1990.

While Michigan’s ranking has come a long way since being the fifth most obese state at the turn of the millennium, the ranking hasn’t improved due to the state getting its act together to be healthier. Instead, the improved ranking is a result of the rest of the nation regressing into an unhealthy state of mind.

In 2000, West Virginia had the highest adult obesity rate in the country at 23.9% (Michigan was 5th at 22.1%). Compare that to the most recent batch of numbers which has Arkansas leading the country with an obesity rate of 35.9%. West Virginia, the most obese state to kick off the millennium, would rank just under 47th ranked California today.

Not the right direction for the country to be heading.

Country Obesity
2014

Obesity is a major drain on health-care costs. A 2009 study estimated the U.S. spent about $150 billion a year on medical expenses associated with obesity. That number is almost double what the country spent on obesity related medical costs back in 1998.

According to the CDC, “Obesity reduces quality of life and is associated with the leading causes of death, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.”

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when diving into the data. First off, the CDC measures obesity using a BMI – or body mass index – of 30 or above. Since BMI is calculated using only your weight and height, it is possible for an individual with a large muscular composition to be labeled “obese” due to a high BMI reading. However, while there are exceptions, there is a strong correlation between BMI and more precise measures of obesity.

Another caveat with the data is how the CDC measures obesity rates, and how that affects comparing data over the years. Back in 2011, the CDC made some changed the way obesity rates were measured to better reflect minority populations. Because of the data gathering changes, the CDC cautions about comparing rates since 2011 with earlier number.

Because of that last point, it’s difficult to compare obesity rates in 2000 to now, but a stark rise in the country’s obesity can still be seen from 2011 onward. Back in 2011, 12 states had an obesity rate over 30% and none were over 35%. Compare that to the latest set of available data, and America has 22 states with an obesity rate over 30% and three states above the 35% threshold.

The numbers are staggering, and they hit even closer to home when you look a little closer.

Kent County ObesityKent County isn’t immune from the rise in obesity. Actually, far from it. Kent County has an obesity rate of 29%, good enough to park just between Illinois and Idaho in the national rankings at 28 and 29, respectively.

The obesity epidemic doesn’t show signs of slowing down, but it’s not something we as a society need to be held hostage to. While genetics can play a role, a lot comes down to a healthy diet and exercise! The typical American diet tends to be heavy on processed and high-calorie foods. Sub out unhealthy choices with fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure to stay active.

It’s not always an easy road, but it’s enlightening to know obesity doesn’t have to weigh us down forever.

#InTheRed Campaign Focuses on Combating Student Debt

Education, Hard News, Politics, , , , , ,

By: Mike DeWitt

Here’s an eye-popping number for you: 1.3 trillion dollars. That’s higher than America’s car loans and credit card debt combined. It’s also the amount of student debt in this country–student loans comprise the second-highest form of consumer debt in America. No wonder student debt is raising waves in the community and rising higher of politician’s priority lists.

Today, in a morning conference call, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow initiated the #InTheRed campaign with Michigan State University student Tina Reyes to raise awareness of the staggering burden of student loan debt for college graduates and the need to focus on college affordability.

“Too many people in Michigan are saddled with decades of debt just because they wanted a fair shot to go to college and get ahead,” said Senator Stabenow. “Making college affordable will improve the lives of millions of Americans and boost our economy by giving graduates the ability to spend their money on a home, a car, and the needs of their families.”

The #InTheRed campaign is focused not only raising awareness of college debt, but also addressing the problem. Senator Stabenow introduced the proposals intended to curb the problem of student debt and to lessen the burden of being #InTheRed.

•    Allow all federal student loan borrowers to refinance their high-interest loans down to the rates offered to new federal bowers in the 2013-2014 school year (3.86%)
•    Index Pell Grant awards to adjust for inflation
•    Create new partnerships among the federal government, states, and Indian tribes to help them waive resident tuition in two years of community and technical college programs for eligible students

The costs for these proposals, including the $120 billion needed over 10 years to cover the costs of community college and technical school, would be covered by closing corporate tax loopholes.

For students like Tina Reyes, a senior majoring in political science and public policy, the focus on the student debt problem is a long time coming and a beacon of hope for thousands of students burdened in debt.

“I am a first generation college student from Flint, Michigan, and without federal and private student loans I would not be able to attend Michigan State University,” explained Tina. “Even working multiple jobs, I am concerned about how I will be able to pay my student loan bills which will arrive within a year after my graduation.”

While shouldering a full class load at school, Tina has continually worked 30-40 hours a week to help cover her expenses. However, she will still graduate this upcoming spring with $100,000 in student loans, before interest.

“I support the #InTheRed campaign because it will shed light on how much student loan debt students like me will be struggling to pay,” Tina further added. “A lower interest rate on loans would mean thousands of dollars, and not only for me, but for other people as well.”

Currently, Michigan ranks ninth in the country on average student loan debt. 62 percent of students in Michigan graduate with student loan debt. A student who graduated from a 4-year Michigan college or university in 2014 owes almost $30,000 in loans on average.

The student debt bubble will continue to grow unless something is done. The #InTheRed campaign is striving for just that, “There’s been a fundamental lack of investment from both state and federal levels,” exclaimed Stabenow. “We haven’t seen a bipartisan support to address the problem and refocus on education. We hope there is bipartisan support for the #InTheRed campaign and that higher education sees the reinvestment it desperately needs.”

Kentwood Remembers Martin Luther King Jr.

Area Education, Local Business, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , , ,


The City of Kentwood will host “Kentwood Remembers MLK – Our Community Comes Together” to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18. The celebration will take place at the KDL Kentwood Branch Library at 4950 Breton Rd SE.

The first-time event, which runs from 10:00am – 11:00am, was only an idea two years ago and will kick off with a welcome from Jessica Ann Tyson, Event Visionary, and Kentwood Resident/Kentwood Business Owner.

“We wanted to focus on making the event authentic to our community, to Kentwood,” said Tyson in an interview with Wyoming/Kentwood NOW. “There are numerous other celebrations in other communities, but ours needed to be authentic. I love that our event is for everyone and not just people of color.”

Kentwood Library

The event will feature Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech as well as a number of essays and artwork from Kentwood ARCH students that highlight what MLK means to them.

Following Dr. King’s speech, Mayor Stephen Kepley will deliver a mission moment and proclamation. “It is said where there is no vision, the people perish,” explained Kepley. “Passionate and honorable visions, goals, and dreams empower people to live their lives that benefit all. The City of Kentwood is honoring one of those persons, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who passionately declared his vision with the inner-personal courage to defend his dreams that have forever influenced our values so all may live in peace and unity.”

“Kentwood Remembers MLK” is sponsored by a number of Kentwood businesses, with all proceeds raised to benefit the ARCH after school program. The ARCH program focuses on low-income families, families of color, special education students, and English language learners.

“Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that still lives on today. As the community of Kentwood comes together to remember his legacy, I can only pray that each citizen takes to heart what this day truly symbolizes; peace, hope, and a chance for everyone to live together in unity,” said Tyson. “It’s idealistic, but why not strive for it?”

Wyoming/Kentwood NOW and WKTV will provide coverage of the inaugural event!

Community Job Fair Looking to Double in 2016

Local Business, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

job fair 2By: Mike DeWitt

 

With the start of a New Year comes resolutions and a promise of a brighter tomorrow. For those who lost a job or are looking for a different career path, a job fair can be a beacon of hope in the dense fog of uncertainty. Thanks to Kentwood Community Church and West Michigan Works!, there’s a bright, shining beacon every month right here in Wyoming, Michigan.

 

The Community Job Fair is held monthly at the Wyoming Campus of Kentwood Community Church. The event brings in 40 businesses looking to fill over 1,000 immediate openings! 2015 marked the first full calendar year of the event, and the results were eye-popping.

The shakers behind the KCC Job Fair: From left, Kristina Herron, administrative assistant, Pastor Rich Avery and Jayne Lindblom with Michigan Works!
The shakers behind the KCC Job Fair: From left, Kristina Herron, Community Engagement Coordinator, Pastor Rich Avery and Jayne Lindblom with Michigan Works!

 

“Last year we hosted 161 local employers and over 1,800 job seekers,” explains Community Engagement Coordinator, Kristina Herron.

 

While those numbers are impressive in year one, there’s reason to believe they can go even higher… much higher.

 

“We’re hoping to double our number of job seekers,” adds Herron. “We just started advertising and putting out promos towards the end of last year. We ran our first ad in October and saw immediate feedback. We’re to the point where employers have to pay to attend and we have a wait list! I don’t think it’s a stretch to double our attendance.”

 

That type of growth is impressive, and it’s a testament to the work Kentwood Community Church and West Michigan Works! have put in.

 

The job fair is free for all job seekers regardless of age or experience level.

 

While no longer free for employers, it’s an inviting atmosphere that works in their best interest. Employers are offered coffee, a comfortable sized booth, and a bevy of potential employees all in one place. One employer was encouraged by their peers to join the Community Job Fair because “it’s the best in the area!”

 

There’s a reason a wait list exists.job fair

 

“Back in June, we accidentally overbooked and had 50 employers,” recounts Herron. “I think that was the moment I realized ’This is big time, it’s here to stay.’”

 

It’s important for any job fair to get both employers and potential employees into the door, but what makes a job fair have staying power is its ability to create jobs. At the Community Job Fair, job seekers must come prepared to find a new job. Several employers have interviewed and hired right on the spot!

 

With all the success in 2015, not only is the job fair here to stay, but it’s future is brighter than ever. Make sure to stop by.

 

Who: Kentwood Community Church & West Michigan Works!
What: Community Job Fair
When: January 13 from 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Wyoming Campus of Kentwood Community Church, 2950 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49509
Why: To find a job and build a new future!

 

Future Dates: February 10 and March 9

Community Job Fair

Local Soccer Star Lands a ‘Homegrown’ Dream Tryout

Local Faces, Recreation, Sports, , , , , , , ,

Life can have this fascinating way of coming full circle. A way of bringing us back to our roots on pathways that don’t become clear until a glance is taken in the rear-view mirror – which only happens once we’re at a place to truly call home. It is that sense of settlement that makes us feel secure enough to take a look back, and while the vision isn’t completely clear, it’s no longer a muddled mess; it’s an exciting and enthralling chance to see the events of the past lead to an optimistic future.

It’s a journey towards a new position in life to call home.

For Jesse Flores, 18, life is shaping a path to venture back to a home he’s never visited, it’s a dream scenario with love and passion at the core, and soccer as the catalyst.

Jesse Flores“I started playing soccer when I was 4, but I didn’t start to take it seriously until freshman year of high school,” describes Jesse with the tone and tenor of someone fondly remembering the moment they first fell in love.

For Jesse, soccer has always had that relationship. Sports are a bond that can bring generations, especially a father and son, together in ways that transcend the playing field.

“I remember growing up and watching Atlas games on TV with my dad. They’ve always been my favorite team.”

While Jesse is from Wyoming, MI, his parents Jose and Icela both hail from Guadalajara, Mexico, where Jose played soccer for the youth team Atlas Fútbol Club. That bond to Atlas, and Mexican soccer, was passed down to Jesse.

With a new focus on the game as a freshman at Wyoming High School, Jesse’s game started to flourish. As a three-year varsity goalie, Jesse became a leader on the team and utilized his 6’3″ frame and long wingspan to defend the cage. His size and leadership allowed Jesse to lead the state in saves his senior season and earned him post-season honors.

Even with all the success, it was hard to imagine playing soccer at the next level.

“I didn’t consider it a real possibility until my high school coach, Romer Carrasco, told me that he thought I could play at the next level. Once I realized an opportunity after high school was possible, more doors opened up.”

Jesse and high school coach Romer Carrasco
Jesse and high school coach Romer Carrasco

Jesse wound up earning a scholarship to play soccer at the University of Saint Francis in Indiana. While the team struggled this past season, Jesse played well and compiled a highlight film to send out to professional teams in Mexico.

A professional opportunity was still nothing more than a dream.

“I connected with an agent in California who works with young players. He gets your info and film in front of Mexican teams,” recounts Jesse as he racks his brain, still marveling at the details of his incredible journey and opportunities awaiting on the path before him. “I’ve always dreamed of playing professionally, but I didn’t know if I’d have a chance.”

Since that time, two teams have reached out to Jesse to schedule tryouts: Chiapas Fútbol Club and hometown favorite Atlas Fútbol Club of Guadalajara. The tryout with Chiapas is already in the books, and the Atlas tryout will happen this summer. Chiapas didn’t offer a contract, but Jesse took some positives from the experience to build on before the tryout with Atlas.

“I didn’t end up getting the contract with Chiapas, but I was able to get a feel for how a professional tryout works. I was nervous and didn’t play loose. That won’t happen next time.” The club also gave Jesse some feedback on his play. “They told me to work on my conditioning, but also that they saw my potential. That was great to hear because it gives me more confidence knowing that I have the tools and the skill. I can always work on my conditioning!”

In the meantime, before the tryout with Atlas, Jesse will continue his education and playing career at Davenport University after transferring from Saint Francis to be closer to home. The newfound possibilities of becoming a professional soccer player mean more to Jesse than just personal achievement; he sees it as an opportunity to inspire.

Jesse Flores“I want to inspire others as I go along. I was once that young kid who wanted to be professional, and now I have that opportunity. I want to do my best and achieve what I can so I can give back to the community of Wyoming and my high school. They’ve been so supportive of me up until this point. I want to give it back.”

This summer, Jesse will travel down to Guadalajara for an opportunity of a lifetime. Not only will he be trying out for his childhood team, but Jesse will visit his parents’ birthplace and meet family for the first time. He will see the city that his favorite soccer team calls home and immerse himself with the Club he hopes to call his own.

Jesse’s story is more than just an inspirational tale; it is a journey of family and sport coming full circle because of the bond created by a father, a son, their team, and a ball.

Santa Sends His ‘Elves and More’ to Donate 1,800 New Bikes to Kids

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , , ,

Elves and MoreOn Saturday, December 19, children near the Godfrey-Lee school district right here in Wyoming, MI received a surprise gift sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Thanks to the 11th annual Elves & More West Michigan project, 1,800 kids went home as brand-new bike owners.

Each year, organizers of Elves & More decide on an area of need in West Michigan, and bring Christmas joy to families by giving away bikes to kids age 3-16. The location is kept secret until the morning of the giveaway, and then the message is released in a hurry! Families in the Godfrey-Lee area were alerted by a last-minute text through the school district, and the Wyoming police and fire department rolled through neighborhoods announcing the giveaway from their loudspeakers.

Elves and MoreThis year, 300 volunteers unloaded a bevy of bikes from semi-trucks and set up at Lee Middle and High school off of Havana Avenue.

Elves & More is a non-profit organization devoted to bringing hope to children. They do this by raising funds to purchase, assemble and deliver high-quality bikes and treasure boxes to 1,000 children each holiday season.

In the past 11 years, Elves & More West Michigan has provided 11,800 new bikes and helmets to children in need around Grand Rapids.

Last year, 1,500 bikes were donated in Southeast Grand Rapids.

If you’re looking to get involved for next holiday season, visit Elves & More West Michigan! A donation of $65 buys one lucky child a bike and a helmet. This past year, 13 corporate donors helped provide the 1,800 bikes now tearing up the black top in Godfrey-Lee!

Switch Getting Ready to Build as Bills Await Gov. Snyder’s Signature

Hard News, Local Business, Tech Trends, , , , , ,

Switch Pyramid campusAfter news broke that data storage giant Switch was looking to buy the old Steelcase pyramid building, and bring with it 1,000 jobs to the area within 10 years, the excitement permeated throughout not only West Michigan, but the entire state! One of the giants in the data storage industry, the Google of data storage if you will, was looking to make a home right here in West Michigan. A whole new industry looking to establish roots in the Great Lakes State.

However, things never go as smoothly as planned. Switch had one holdup before they were willing to make a home in Gaines Township, a tax break for data storage centers. After breaking a stalemate in the House late on Tuesday, the Senate signed off on the bills exempting data centers from sales and use taxes through 2035 if the industry meets job creation goals.

The bills are now waiting for Governor Rick Snyder’s signature to be put into effect.

Pyramid 1While the tax breaks were requested by Switch, they apply to all data centers in the state. The tax exemptions end if the collective data center industry doesn’t create at least 400 new jobs by 2022 and 1,000 new jobs by 2026.

Switch will move into the pyramid building at 4100 60th St. SE, a building that has been vacant since 2010. The building was purchased back in May by Norman Properties LLC. The company plans to use the site to build a 2 million-square-foot “SuperNap” data center.

It’s not just the tech industry that will see an influx in West Michigan, but also local businesses buoyed by Switch’s capital and economic impact. The company has a planned an initial $400 million construction budget and anticipates spending over $2 billion over the next decade. That money and business will be used primarily on local subcontractors.

The jobs created, and pay-rolled by Switch, are sure to bring a jolt to the local economy as well. Minimum wage for SuperNap jobs start at $15 per hour, plus benefits. Salary for a majority of the data center jobs pays between $60,000 and $200,000.

For a company with clients that include eBay, Sony, Boeing, Google, and Amazon to choose West Michigan as a major host site is an exciting opportunity to some, but for Gaines Township Supervisor Don Hilton Sr. it’s business as usual.

Steelcase Pyramid Interior“We’ve worked with many businesses before, and this one will be handled no differently. As of now, we haven’t received any requests from Switch,” stated Hilton who isn’t being caught up in the hoopla surrounding a new business coming into the area. When you’ve been on the job for 23 years like Hilton has, it’s all about the next step in the process.

With a new company also comes new employees who need a place to live. Gaines Township has vacant land available for real estate expansion and Hilton wouldn’t be surprised to see land developed as time goes forward.

“There are a lot of variables, but common sense says yes. With more people comes more demand for homes and real estate.”

Santa Comes to You at the Drive-Thru

Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , , ,
Santa waiting to spread Christmas cheer to all the Children ready to hear!
Santa waiting to spread Christmas cheer to all the Children ready to hear!

Cars full of kids made their way to the Kentwood Activities Center this past Friday night. It was chilly, but the weather was clear of any wet particles falling from the sky, and everyone was bundled up as needed for a brand new event held by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. Instead of the children and their families hustling out of the vehicles and darting towards the activity center, they stayed in the car as the event was brought to them.

How often does Santa take the time to meet with you from the warmth of your own car on a cool December evening? Since we know all about his vehicle of choice (a sleigh) and the horse…er… deer power that pulls it from chimney to chimney, Santa decided to take an interest in the cars of the citizens of Kentwood. The big man greeted all those willing to see him with a HO HO HO!

However, Santa wasn’t the only one eager to meet new people, everyone’s favorite snowman Olaf was there as well. Yes, I would like to build a snowman!

In the end, over 100 kids experienced a new way to interact with Santa. It was one more time for the children to share their Christmas wishes with Santa and also make mention of their yearlong good behavior. No coal for anybody this Christmas![huge_it_slider id=”23″]

What’s in a name? More than you know…

Area Education, Community Health, Our Cities, , , , ,

Baby 1 It happens every December and January, we take a look back at the year that was and focus our eyes towards what the New Year could bring.

One of the things ready to come out in mass production is the compilation of lists. The top-10 whatever of 2015. While most of these are frivolous and used for click-bait on the internet sometimes the can be fun, funny, and informative. It’s a formula so routine a New Year without them would be a shock to the system.

I find myself skipping over most of these lists to dive deeper into the vast abyss of the internet. A top-10 list only stands to slow me down. However, there is one exception that I always make sure to take a gander at, baby names.

Ever since I read Freakanomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, my mind has a different way of processing a name. While it might seem names can set you up for a future of success, in fact, it’s the opposite, your name says more about where you came from. A name offers a deeper insight into where the parents and their life situation than it says about where the child is going to end up.

If you want more details and specifics, make sure to read Freakanomics, but the basic pattern is this: When a name becomes popular amongst high-income, highly-educated parents, it trickles down the socioeconomic ladder. For example, in 1990 the names Lauren and Madison started out as names used by the upper end of the socioeconomic spectrum. By the new Millennium it was one of the top-10 names overall. Names like Heather and Amber started as a high-end name in 1980 and twenty years later found themselves among the low-end names.

Once a name becomes popular on a national scale, those on the high-end start looking for something new. Eventually it becomes so common that low-end parents start to abandon it as well and go looking for names already broken in by those at the top of the socioeconomic ladder. That’s how names are cycled.

It all revolves around the idea of parents wanting to set their children up for long-term success. If a name is associated with success, it’s more likely to be duplicated.

About those baby lists mentioned at the beginning, on December 10, Spectrum Heath released their annual top-10 baby name list. To date, the Family Birthplace at Butterworth Hospital as delivered over 8,550 babies – more than any other hospital in Michigan.baby2

Where will these names be in 10 years? We’ll have to wait and see.

Some quick observations from 2014 to 2015:

Girls
•    Olivia holds onto the top spot for girls
•    Elizabeth, Evelyn, and Natalie came in at sixth, seventh, and eighth after not making the list in 2014
•    Abigail, Avery, Ella and Nora rounded out the top-10 in 2014 but failed to make the list in 2014

Boys
•    Liam bumped up from fourth to first for guys
•    Levi surged up to second after not appearing on the list in 2014
•    Noah took a tumble from first to seventh while William went from third to unranked

Spectrum’s top 10 names for girls in 2015

  1. Olivia
  2. Ava
  3. Emma
  4. Charlotte
  5. Sophia
  6. Elizabeth
  7. Evelyn
  8. Natalie
  9. Harper
  10. Isabella

Top 10 names for boys in 2015

  1. Liam
  2. Levi
  3. Oliver
  4. Carter
  5. Jackson
  6. Mason
  7. Noah
  8. Owen
  9. Henry
  10. Grayson

Spectrum’s list from last year:

Top 10 girls in 2014

  1. Olivia
  2. Emma
  3. Ava
  4. Charlotte
  5. Harper
  6. Sophia
  7. Abigail
  8. Avery
  9. Ella
  10. Nora

Top 10 boys in 2014

  1. Noah
  2. Mason
  3. William
  4. Liam
  5. Caleb
  6. Oliver
  7. Carter
  8. Henry
  9. Benjamin
  10. Jackson

Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt

Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , , ,

Candy Cane HuntThis Saturday, December 12, a multitude of children will find themselves waiting patiently at Pinery Park in hopes that Santa will arrive. However, instead of appearing on his sleigh pulled by reindeer, Santa will be coming in hot thanks to the Wyoming Fire Department!

After the spirited arrival, the real fun can begin with Santa leading the children on a Great Candy Cane Hunt throughout the park. Immediately following the hunt, the adventure continues as the group scampers across the street to the Wyoming Senior Center to play board games, color, eat lunch, and sit down with Santa to share their holiday wish list.

Candy CaneThis year, the Wyoming Senior Center will have some new “life-size” games for the everyone to enjoy. Enlarged Jenga pieces and giant Connect Four boards are sure to bring some extra magic to an event already beaming with it.

The Great Candy Cane Hunt is a timeless Wyoming tradition and a kick-off to the ensuing Christmas and Holiday seasons.

“I plan a lot of events, but this event is special,” exclaimed City of Wyoming Recreation Programmer Kenny Westrate. Westrate has planned the Great Candy Cane Hunt for the past eleven years. “You get to see the smiling faces of the kids during the hunt and when they see Santa. You get to see families playing board games and enjoying each other. You don’t always see that with other events, but it’s guaranteed every December.”

Come on out to Pinery Park this Saturday for a fun-filled day of laughs, smiles, family, and Santa!

Pre-registration is required. You can download a registration form here or you can register online.

Event details are below:

Date: Saturday, December 12
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pinery Park for the hunt followed by lunch at the Wyoming Senior Center
Age: All ages
Cost: Ages 3-14 – $4 Resident, $6 Non-Resident (All others – $2)

Remember, the Great Candy Cane Hunt is outdoors, so dress accordingly!

Drive-Thru Santa from the Comfort of your Car

Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

Drive-Thru SantaTechnology makes everyday life go faster. Automobiles and airplanes allow us to travel much quicker than horses and boats, the internet keeps us up to date on daily events at the drop of a hat, and cell phones allow communication to flow quickly and effortlessly. The need for speed creeps into all aspects of everyday life, including visiting Santa.

Wait a minute, visiting Santa?

Here comes Drive-Thru Santa Claus, an event put on by the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. Visitors have the opportunity to drive to the “North Pole” and get a picture taken with Santa from the comfort of their own car! From there you can talk to Santa, take a selfie, and then drive safely out of the lot and on your merry way.

A new tradition bound to make a quick, effortless, and unique Christmas experience.

If the idea of a Drive-Thru Santa piques your interest, make sure to stop by the Kentwood Activities Center from 6-8pm on Friday, December 11. The cost is $3 per car, cash only, and the last car will be admitted at 7:45pm.

Santa takes time out of his busy day to fly his sleigh to your house on Christmas, the least you can do is drive your car to see him. Make sure to bring your selfie stick!

Seize the Day During Ugly Sweater Season!

Editorial, Holidays, How-To's, Upcoming Events, , ,

Ugly SweaterBy: Mike DeWitt

December is finally here and soon we will be swept into a swirling snow globe of love, laughter, family, and magic. This is the month where all of those traits culminate in the greatest get-together that planet Earth offers us: ugly sweater parties. ’Tis the season indeed!

Ugly sweaters are a paradox: the uglier they are, the more beautiful they become. There is really no such thing as an “ugly” sweater this time of year. The more neutral and seemingly normal your sweater is, the less attention you will receive. Not receiving attention at an ugly sweater party is just un-American.

If you want to be the beautiful swan at the party, make sure you’re willing to go all in. Fortune favors the bold.

If you’re worried about where your sweater currently resides in relation to what else the world has to offer, let me introduce you to the Ugly Sweater Spectrum (USS). The USS is on an easy-to-follow 10-point scale ranging from -5 to 5. A score that approaches the fringe on either end of the spectrum is more desired. Remember, with an ugly sweater party you need something that stands out and says “look at me!” That can be acquired through something truly awful or ingeniously crafted. On both ends of the spectrum, it’s a perfectly crafted cocktail of both.

Let’s take a dive into the collage and barrage of color and Christmas:

5-USSUSS Scale: 5

Who needs a sweater when you can have a suit?

This is cool. You are cool, and don’t you dare let anyone else tell you otherwise. When it comes to ugly sweaters, you’re all in. A trip to Goodwill wasn’t enough. No, you needed a full suit and a matching tie to boot.

Yes, the suit is ugly, but yet it emanates cool from its very core. Like that guy in college who you KNOW spent hours perfectly crafting his messy hair. Is it perfect, or is it a mess? It’s perfectly messed up, and it’s the style of greatness all of us mortals wish we could achieve.

This suit makes you the focus of every person at the party. Instagram was made specifically for you in this suit. Enjoy the moment, it’s all downhill from here.

4-USSUSS Scale: 4

Remember, an ugly sweater party isn’t solely about being ugly, it’s about standing out. This sweater is inherently unique in its take on Christmas. First off, cats aren’t the first thing that comes to your mind when you think “Santa” and “North Pole”, yet here we have a cat as the main character on a gorgeous light blue backdrop we call a sweater.

Not only is it a cat, but it’s an evil cat SHOOTING LASER BEAMS OUT OF ITS EYES AND DESTROYING THE NORTH POLE! The elf running away in horror is just icing on the cake as the North Pole goes up in flames behind him. This isn’t ugly. This is genius. This is a sweater you’d wear at least a handful of times during the Christmas season. The colors  are simple and work together seamlessly to make it easy on the eyes. It’s a work of art, and showing up to a party wearing this sweater instantly makes you a hit no matter the audience.

 

2-USSUSS Scale: 3

Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and has been around for what seems like an eternity. While Will Smith in his current state is a credible and immensely successful actor, nothing quite touches on cool like young Will Smith.

The ’90s Will Smith was royalty. The man was a Prince for goodness sake! Bel-Air became a monarchy simply because he decided to show up. Throw in retro phones and cassettes littering the background, and this sweater is a winner no matter what the time of year. The only thing making this a Christmas-themed sweater and not everyday attire is the Santa hat.

3-USSUSS Scale: 2

A 2 on the scale is right at that threshold of standing out and falling back into the abyss. Five years ago this sweater wouldn’t even be in the conversation. Five years from now it might fall back to the wayside because that’s the way pop culture goes. But right now, this sweater has power because Game of Thrones has a stronger touch than Midas.

Is the sweater ugly? No. Is it particularly cool? No, but Game of Thrones goes a long way. Trust me.

There is irony in wearing this sweater as winter is already here. Because of that, those who don’t know Game of Thrones might get a slight chuckle. However, those who are in the loop will be filled with instant envy that they didn’t find the sweater first. You will be asked no fewer than 15 times where you bought said sweater. Honestly, just purchase a handful of them and bring them to the party with you. They’ll sell and you’ll walk home with some extra cash.

2-USSUSS Scale: 1

College apparel can never be ugly. A college campus is the one place you can dress as crazy as you like, and as long as it’s school colors it will be deemed “school spirit.” Both of these sweaters could be worn to football games. Now that I think about it, I’ve seen both of these worn at football games!

The sweaters are unique enough because they are more of a novelty than anything. They sway towards the cool side because school spirit is always cool on game day. However, don’t expect to turn any heads or make many waves at your ugly sweater party wearing one of these. The best you can hope for is a “Go Blue” or “Go Green, Go White”, and that’s not a bad consolation prize.

1-USSUSS Scale: 0

This is not an ugly sweater, nor is it particularly cool or interesting. This sweater screams, “I bought this for one reason, and it was solely to have a sweater to wear to this party.” You thought, maybe this sweater is ugly enough, but you toed too close to the line of normality to make any true statement with your attire.

This sweater can be worn once a year, yet it is not memorable. You and your attempt to be ugly and cute will be easily forgotten. Better luck next year.

2-USSUSS Scale: -1

Diving into the negative numbers, especially towards the end of the spectrum, signals a dive for the worst. These sweaters don’t fit the typical definition of cool or hip. These sweaters are going to make you the Belle of the Ball the crazier they become, but if you swing for the fences and miss, prepare for a long evening. Creativity is appreciated.

Scoring a 1 or a -1 is weak. It shows a lack of risk and confidence in yourself. Standing out isn’t important, you’d rather slink into the shadows. This sweater is ugly because there is too much going on, it’s really that simple. What makes this choice even worse is it’s a sweater that was probably purchased for $40 simply to wear to an ugly sweater party. Buying an ugly sweater because it’s aware that its ugly is bad form. Don’t show up giving 50 percent.

-2-USSUSS Scale: -2

This is why ugly sweater parties were created! This right here is a work of art. It is a sweater with no attempt at being ugly. In fact, it was probably purchased as a nice, thoughtful gift. It’s not as crazy as some of the sweaters coming up next, but it’s an original. It’s like watching grainy videos of the first Super Bowl. Was the product as good as it is now? Of course not, but without it there is no foundation to build on. Sweaters like this set the stage for our annual ugly sweater parties. It’s a classic.

-3-USSUSS Scale: -3

We have finally reached the section where truly being ugly can only be captured with imagination and creativity. You can’t buy this kind of awful in a store, it can only be created with hard work and desire.

One second you notice the tinsel and ornaments hanging off a forest green sweater, and then the sweater magically transforms into a Christmas tree with a star on top! Sheer genius! A sweater like this, while beautiful in its own right, cannot be placed on the positive end of the spectrum because it can only be used once. A perfectly good forest green sweater was sacrificed in order to create this tinsel tree of holiday perfection.

Bonus points for creating an ugly piece of clothing while staying within the spectrum of cute. That is flawless execution. Bravo!

-4-USSUSS Scale: -4

Welcome to the deep end. Make sure to dive in headfirst.

This young lady decided a sweater wasn’t enough to satisfy her style. No, a full dress was needed to truly incorporate all of the awful she could get her hands on.

Where do you even start? The long sleeves throw off the feel of a dress that is already riding above the knee. That sweater-dress is odd enough without the add-ons that it could probably win some awards as a standalone. Throw in Psy from Gangnam Style sporting a Santa outfit and the design takes a turn for the worst. The Santa and snowflakes are so distracting that it takes a minute to register that there is no hint of pattern used to spell “Gangnam Style.” Four colors were chosen (red, white, blue, and green) and placed onto the sweater-dress with no rhyme or reason. For all the work put into this, it comes across as a serious oversight.

This sweater-dress is mission accomplished at an ugly sweater party. You will never be forgotten.

-5-USSUSS Scale: -5

We have reached the opposite end of the spectrum to find the greatest holiday sweater of all time. This is USS Hall-of-Fame worthy. You may look at this and think, “He didn’t have a good idea so he just cut a sweater and things fell into place”, but you would be dead wrong. More planning went into the making of this piece of art than went into the Sistine Chapel.

The face of Rudolph had to be perfectly groomed so it was on scale with the nose, eyes, and antlers. But before the grooming could begin, the entire plan had to be mapped out around the nose. Something like that doesn’t fall into place. Extensive man hours were needed to pull off that feat.

While your eyes are naturally drawn to the beautiful red-nosed Rudolph–don’t be ashamed, beautiful works of art are meant to be enjoyed–the perfect cut in the sweater is equally impressive. The sweater has been modified to reveal enough skin to show off Rudolph while also keeping every unnecessary inch of the body kept under wraps. Take a quick glance at the arm sleeve on the right arm. Like men lost at sea eating every part of the fish they catch, this man has wasted no part of the sweater that didn’t need to be.

You, sir, are an American hero and will never be forgotten. Merry Christmas to you!

Thanksgiving, we are thankful for you. No, seriously! Stop laughing…

Citizen Journalism, Holidays, , , , ,

turkeySmushed in-between Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving sometimes feels like a lost holiday. The constant Christmas creep paired with shopping extravaganzas can give Thanksgiving the feeling of “meh.” Coupled with a forced inclusion of family and conversation topics that are sure to touch on sure-fire small talk such as religion and politics, Thanksgiving can seem like a hassle.

Seriously, Thanksgiving has been pushed so far down the list of holidays that it has become a placeholder, a pre-game if you will, for football, America’s favorite holiday no matter which day it’s on!

That’s why I’m here, to fight for Thanksgiving and its rightful place at the table next to Christmas instead of banished to the children’s table and forgotten about.

Thanksgiving, you are a beautiful and under appreciated holiday, and I am thankful for you! Here are some things to think about next time your mind flutters towards Christmas with Thanksgiving still on the horizon. Seriously, Christmas music BEFORE Thanksgiving!? Have you no shame…

Food

ThanksgivingLet’s address the elephant in the room right away. I don’t have the true numbers right in front of me, but I took a completely unscientific poll this morning on my walk into work and came away with the indisputable proof that food is the best part of Thanksgiving for 98.8 percent of people. The other 1.2 percent laughed at me and walked away. That’s basically an answer for food, moving the results to 100 percent. Don’t even try to prove me wrong, you cannot win.

So, about the food! Thanksgiving is the one day a year where it is completely acceptable to eat as much as you want, and if anyone even thinks about judging you, tell them to stuff it – with stuffing of course. Stuffing is amazing and should be enjoyed by all. They were just judging you because they wanted your stuffing anyway.

But what about the guilt? Oh, yes, the guilt. I have met some people in my day who feel guilty that they’re eating so much. They’re on a diet and trying to lose weight, maybe they’re in the presence of a new significant other and her family and don’t want to look like a pig, or possibly the wife keeps nagging her poor husband about the tire around his stomach that continues to expand.

I have one phrase for everyone even feeling slightly guilty or judged… “Cheat Day.”

A cheat day is the greatest phrase in the world. You see, the world’s best athletes and body builders have them in their schedule, so you can too, right? The concept of a cheat day is simple, you stick to a strict diet for a week and you get one cheat day to eat whatever the heck you want. One day doesn’t kill you, whereas eating poorly over a long period of time will.

Thanksgiving is the ultimate cheat day! Start your diet tomorrow or just tell people you started a week ago. Whatever, it doesn’t really matter. All you have to say is “cheat day” and everyone will immediately dismount from your back. This is your day. Enjoy it. If it’s good enough for the most in-shape people on planet earth, it’s good enough for you.

Family

thanksgiving rehearsal dinnerThis one can be a big holdup for a lot of people. Your family can be great and awful for the same reason: There is absolutely no filter. Aunt Sally is going to talk politics no matter what and she doesn’t care which side of the aisle you’re on. Someone is definitely bringing up religion, positively or negatively. On top of those big two, you’re going to be asked about your lack of a significant other, if you’d be interested in so-in-so’s friend, why you don’t have a better job, when you’re moving closer to home, and on and on it goes.

Instead of stressing about the impending questions of doom, switch gears in that dome of yours and revel in the fact that you have the opportunity to show off the best of your creative skills! These aren’t necessarily lies, they’re a part of being a thespian on Thanksgiving. How outrageous can an answer be while also keeping it believable?

“What happened to Taylor? I thought you two were so great together!”

“You see Grandma, within the past year I learned to fly. That’s not a metaphor either, I can actually, literally, fly. The fact that she couldn’t fly held me back. Why should I be with someone who can’t fly? I used to be at the bottom with the other lobsters, now I’m in the sky like birds and helicopters.”

Creative? Maybe. Use of song lyrics to confuse Grandma? Check. Believable? Depends on how much wine she’s enjoyed. Did it end the immediate conversation and any future questions pertaining to the situation? Absolutely. Mission accomplished? MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Work

black fridayThanksgiving always lands on a Thursday, and since most jobs give Thanksgiving off, it makes for a long weekend. Not having to work is always a net positive. Also, since it’s a National Holiday, if you do have to work you’re (hopefully) being paid time and a half. That’s never a bad thing!

However, if you have to work on Black Friday or at a location that runs one of those “Black Friday” sales that actually start in the evening on Thanksgiving, then bless your soul. I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m also thankful I don’t have to work and attempt to corral the madness.

Everyone avoiding working on Black Friday, extend your thankfulness to someone in need, and then shove them over on your way to that new big screen marked over 50-percent off!

Football

This is a lost cause for all us Lions fans. There is no hope. There is never hope. It’s impossible to be thankful for the pit of doom and despair that is the Detroit Lions.

If you aren’t a Lions fan, be thankful… be very thankful.

Friends

With the new phenomenon called “Friends-giving” you have all the actual joys of Thanksgiving but with the added benefit of being around people you actually want to see. An old soul once gave me great words of wisdom, “Choose your wife wisely, she’s the only member of your family you have that luxury with.”

A friends-giving is an excuse to celebrate the holiday with those that you choose to be around! No excessive travel, no stressful questions, and no real commitment if something comes up. Be thankful for Thanksgiving because it brought us the notion of a friends-giving.

From the Citizen Journalism Team here at WKTV, everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kentwood’s New Dog Park Enjoyed by All

Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Faces, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, , ,

After holding off until deep in November, planet Earth decided it was finally time to switch over to winter and bring down the snow from above. While the temperature drop necessary to bring on a nice snowfall usually keeps people indoors, it didn’t stop dog owners and the City of Kentwood from opening the city’s first dog park!

On Saturday, November 21, Mayor Stephen Kepley lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new dog park located in Kelloggwoods Park at 275 Kellogg Woods Drive. What ensued was doggy heaven as the pups quickly began socializing with their new furry friends in the winter wonderland.

The park has designated off-leash areas for dogs both big and small, dog-waste bins, water spigots and benches.

Dog owners, and citizens of Kentwood, look forward to having a dog park so close to home. Pets are family members too, and watching them play is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Mayor Kepley said it best, “Our dogs can now have just as much fun in the City of Kentwood as the adults do.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself Mayor!