The Tree Amigos – City of Wyoming Tree Commission will host an Arbor Day event at Prairie Park on Thursday, April 24 at 4 p.m. The event will include music and the reading of the Arbor Day Proclamation. In collaboration with the City of Wyoming Parks Dept., The Tree Amigos will plant a Brandywine Red Maple at Prairie Park after the ceremony.
Following the event, The Tree Amigos and volunteers will plant approximately 20 trees in the nearby neighborhood on Sharon Street SW, south of 28th Street. Volunteers are welcome!
Consulting arborist Lauren Davis, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Director of Programs, recently surveyed the street for potential planting spaces. Tree Amigos Matt Ferris and Matt Jemilo followed up with door-to-door visits to see if residents at the selected addresses wanted a tree – and received an overwhelmingly positive response.
The City of Wyoming Tree Commission, The Tree Amigos, is a volunteer board that seeks to improve the City’s tree canopy with the goal of creating a healthier, more vibrant community.
TREASURE, a lovable Golden Retriever, joined the Casula family as Nolan’s SDA companion last year. The service dog quickly became Nolan’s new best friend, helping him navigate the world and offering comfort and support.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Week (March 24-28) and Autism Awareness Day (April 2), PAWS shined a spotlight on the impact of SDAs like TREASURE and the ongoing efforts to meet the rapidly increasing demand for these dogs.
PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives (Courtesy, PAWS)
The impact of SDAs
PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. One category of assistance dogs is SDAs.
These dogs play a crucial role for children on the spectrum by enhancing social interactions, expanding verbal and nonverbal communication, teaching life skills, increasing interest in activities, and reducing stress within the family – something the Casula family can attest to.
Nolan’s parents, Vanessa and Derek Casula, shared, “The impact that TREASURE has had on our family has been nothing but positive. What once were challenges are no longer the case.
“We no longer have to dread bedtime, we no longer have to dread simplistic things such as showering or brushing teeth. I don’t have to try to convince him to read a story because now he willingly does so to his best friend TREASURE.”
An increasing demand
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
However, the demand for these life-changing dogs continues to grow. PAWS currently receives four applications for every one spot available for SDAs. In 2025, PAWS did not offer applications for this category of assistance dog due to the already extensive waiting list.
For PAWS, meeting this increasing demand requires strategic growth and additional support from the community.
Renovating PAWS’ national headquarters based in Wayland, MI, is one of vital changes being made to expand the mission work and ability to reach more people like the Casula family. The updated facilities will enable PAWS to continue delivering world-class service, increase the number of dogs in training, and therefore, the number applicants the organization can serve.
A need for foster puppy raising volunteers
With a goal to double the placements of assistance dogs by 2030, PAWS also needs to increase the number of volunteers in the Foster Puppy Raising program.
Volunteer Foster Puppy Raisers provide a loving home and basic obedience training for future assistance dogs before they are ready to begin formal training. Before TREASURE met her forever person, Nolan, she lived with Bonnie Sposato, a volunteer Foster Puppy Raiser for PAWS.
There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It honestly gives me goosebumps in the best way to think about the changes and the impact that miss TREASURE is going to have on a child’s life,” said Sposato. “Her new person loves her, and she loves him so much. It is the best feeling ever.”
There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow over the next year to help serve more people with disabilities. To reach more people like Nolan and his family, PAWS is asking the community to consider becoming a raiser, co-raiser, or a starter/finisher home.
“Providing assistance dogs for the people who need them begins with our volunteers,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of PAWS. “By providing the dog with a loving home in the early stages of life, our volunteers are helping us make an incredible impact for people like the Casula family.
“TREASURE helps Nolan feel safe, understood, and supported. She is providing peace of mind to Vanessa and Derek, helping them navigate the challenges of autism with greater ease.”
An encouraging word
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Nolan provided his thoughts on the importance of helping more children like him receive their SDA, encouraging people to donate to PAWS and volunteer: “Because of donations from people like you, I have my best friend TREASURE. Your donation will also allow for other kids like me to have a best friend too!”
More information about PAWS, ways to donate, and how to join the volunteer program can be found at: pawswithacause.org.
Growing Dreams: A New Community Garden for Families & Neighbors (Video courtesy of H.O.P.E. Gardens)
By AnchorPoint Christian School Youth Contributors
AnchorPoint students help plant garlic in the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
H.O.P.E. Gardens stands for Help Other People Eat. Located in Grand Rapids, H.O.P.E. Gardens is dedicated to making a positive change in local communities by helping families and individuals grow their own food.
Teaching community members how to cultivate fresh and sustainable food resources gives individuals and families better access to nutritious and affordable food.
Founded in 2015 by Rich and Julie Brunson, who each experienced food insecurity problems early in their lives, H.O.P.E. Gardens has expanded to educate local communities and organizations on the importance of sustainable food resources.
Family Network of Wyoming (FNW) has partnered with H.O.P.E. Gardens to provide that resource for local families.
“When we have gardens, and when we have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, it helps impact health,” said Javonte Tubbs, Executive Director at Family Network of Wyoming.
“If you eat healthy fruits and vegetables all day, you’re going to be in great health. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a lot of nutrients and vitamins and good things for your body.”
This garden came to fruition as a way to honor Theresa Drost, a valued employee of Express Pros who recently passed away.
“Theresa’s passion was having a garden and a beautification place around the garden,” said Tubbs. “Janis and Julie got together to find a location to have a garden in memory of Theresa. Family Network of Wyoming had the space and wanted to do a garden as well. It was a perfect partnership.”
That dream was realized as AnchorPoint students prepared the land to begin a new garden where local families will come together to grow food and community.
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
“The Kent County Needs Assessment states that one out of six adults experiences food insecurity,” said Tubbs. “That means we need more community gardens, we need more access to healthy fruits and vegetables. Pantries and gardens are places that provide that access.”
Tubbs says there will be people from the community who come to help plant the food, and who will also receive some of that food for their families. And Tubbs plans to join in the fun.
“I love to help,” Tubbs said. “What makes people want to help is a sense of community, a sense of togetherness.”
Butterfly gardens and toad houses – both excellent contributors to the environment – can also be found at H.O.P.E. Gardens.
A willingness to help
Tubbs joined FNW in October of 2023 and said he enjoys both the people and the work.
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
“I like Julie and H.O.P.E. Gardens because they have a passion to connect people with healthy fruit and vegetables,” said Tubbs.
“My favorite part of working at Family Network is the volunteers,” Tubbs continued. “Their passion to help, their willingness to be there, to be present, and to be there with smiles. There is a lot of great energy there; everybody is willing to help.”
Growing food…and passion!
H.O.P.E. Gardens is making a change that begins with our youth and fostering a passion for growing food through interactive, eco-friendly learning experiences.
That passion is evident in the students at AnchorPoint. These local students will continue helping with the FNW garden by planting seeds in the spring and participating in the harvest.
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Resource links
For more information about H.O.P.E. Gardens, visit hopegardensgr.org. To learn more about the Family Network of Wyoming, visit fntw.org.
*View the “Growing Dreams” garden photo gallery below, courtesy of Kim Omanchi, APCS:
AnchorPoint students are welcomed and receive instruction on how to begin the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students begin laying the foundation for the garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
(Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students receive instruction on how to plant garlic (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students plant garlic in the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students plant garlic in the new garden (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Students enjoyed donuts after their hard work (Courtesy, Kim Omanchi APCS)
Contributors
This article was written and produced by the 3rd-4th grade students of Wyoming’s AnchorPoint Christian School under the direction of Team 2 teacher Kim Omanchi.
Team 2: Henry Bloomer, Elijah Ducher, Henrik Gagnon, Leonard Gagnon, Jaxon Glas, Logan Henderson, Toby Lehnen, Alan Perez, Nathan Simeon, Joseph Vasquez and Kareen Zuiderveen
This event is free, but RSVPs are appreciated and can be completed here.
Helpful event details
Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing and bring a shovel, hard rake, and work gloves if they have them.
The group will meet at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center at 8:45 a.m. to sign in, enjoy refreshments, and watch a planting demonstration with ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts.
Families are welcome! The event occurs rain or shine. No planting experience is necessary.
One morning of tree planting will leave an environmental legacy that will add beauty to the community for generations (Courtesy, Wyoming Tree Commission)
An environmental legacy
Trees provide incredible benefits to the communities in which they are planted. Trees improve air and water quality, reduce stormwater runoff, improve mental wellness, reduce childhood asthma rates, cool our neighborhoods, and enhance commercial and economic vitality.
Join us for the morning and leave an environmental legacy that will add to the beauty of your community for generations!
Funding for this project has been provided by the USDA Forest Service and MDNR Urban and Community Forestry Programs through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Gilda’s LaughFest is in need of volunteers to support the 2024 festival set for March 6-10.
Volunteer Registration
Volunteers can help in numerous ways leading up to and during the festival. There is no minimum requirement regarding amount of time or number of events needed to volunteer.
General volunteers can help with ushering, ticket-taking collecting donations, and wayfinding. Specialized volunteers are needed to photograph events (Photo Team); run audio, video and lights (Production Team); move supplies and people (Transportation Team); and more.
Those interested in volunteering can register at laughfestgr.org/volunteer/. New and returning volunteers can register through Feb. 16. Orientation will be provided for all volunteers on Feb. 17.
LaughFest 2024 Details
Shows and entertainers announced for the 14th annual LaughFest include: Tammy Pescatelli, Josh Johnson, Piff the Magic Dragon, Demetri Martin, and returning festival favorite – the Clean Comedy Showcase.
LaughFest 2024 includes over 40 free and ticketed shows in Grand Rapids, Holland, Lowell and Wayland’s Gun Lake Casino.
LaughFest individual tickets are available for purchase at laughfestgr.org, and at Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids pop-up LaughFest stores from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Feb. 17 and March 2.
Proceeds from LaughFest and LaughFest’s High Five campaign support the free cancer and grief emotional health program offered through Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.
The high dose tutoring program is currently a pilot at the district’s Townline Elementary School. (Courtesy, Townline Elementary)
Following the proverb that “It takes a village to raise a child,” the Kentwood Public Schools has reached out to the community seeking volunteers for its new high dosage tutoring program.
Superintendent Kevin Polsten in a communication to families and the community stated the district has designed plans to support a comprehensive student recovery program due to the impacts of COVID and the school shutdowns. Through that, the district has sought out evidenced-based practices from research and best practices from the field.
“Our strategy for academic recovery has been multifaceted and in addition to sound core instruction has included a robust K-12 summer school, after school learning, instructional coaching and high quality professional learning for educators, parent engagement, and tiers of intervention for students,” Polston said in a statement.
As part of that plan, the district recently added high dosage tutoring to its approach in partnership with the Michigan Education Corps. High dosage tutoring is usual a one-to-one or one-to-two mentor-student ratio.
Expanding program
The program is a pilot at Townline Elementary School with district officials hoping to scale the strategy across the district.
“Partnerships are key to our success at Kentwood Public Schools and we have been fortunate to have so many long standing partners across sectors of our community,” Polsten stated, adding that the district is seeking assistance from business, non-profits and individuals interested in volunteering to help expand the tutoring program.
Tutor volunteers are asked to serve at least three hours a week at a consistent time. It could be three hours in one day or broken up across multiple days. Volunteers must attend training on academic strategies and pass a background check.
Volunteers could be college students, retirees, individuals from businesses or non-profits participating in a corporate social responsibility program.
Those who are interested in participating, or simply want to learn more, should contact Jason Lawson, executive director of elementary education at Jason.Lawson@kentwoodps.org.
Hoping to push yourself up in the line for the COVID vaccine? Well the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place maybe able to help.
The Clinic, which is operated by Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health in collaboration with Vaccinate West Michigan, is seeking community volunteers in non-clinical roles to support the vaccine clinic.
According to officials, when the vaccine is available for the clinic to open at full capacity, approximately 150 volunteers are needed per 4-hour shift. Volunteers may assist with greeting clinic attendees, providing directional assistance, escorting attendees who need help, sanitizing and organizing supplies, performing temperature checks and more. Volunteers need not have prior healthcare experience.
To begin the volunteer process, community members ages 18 and older are asked to complete this survey with Kent County Emergency Management, which is partnering to assist with volunteer management at the clinic. Additionally, volunteers must not have any felonies or misdemeanors within the last ten years, have a valid driver’s license with no suspensions in the past five years, and not had a fever or symptoms of the COVID-19 virus for at least 14 days prior to volunteering. The survey will include authorization for a routine background check. Upon completion, eligible volunteers will receive a confirmation email and instructions for signing up for available shifts.
“Vaccinating our community is a huge undertaking. Just as our organizations are working together, we believe that the West Michigan spirit in so many of our community members will draw people to this volunteer opportunity,” said Dr. Adam London, administrative health officer at the Kent County Health Department. “We are all in this together, and we believe the COVID-19 vaccine provides great hope for us to be able to return to normal and enjoy being with our families and friends again.”
Volunteers who sign a commitment promising at least 20 hours of service at the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic will become eligible for vaccination as a health care volunteer and part of critical infrastructure. These vaccinations will be made as soon as reasonably possible given the limitations of available vaccine supply and clinic schedule.
Volunteers will not receive pay for their time or travel; however, they will receive free parking in designated nearby parking structures and light refreshments will be provided.
Volunteers will receive training for their role immediately prior to their shift. Also, all volunteers will be required to wear a mask for their entire shift and must complete the CDC Facilities COVID-19 screening survey within four hours prior to the start of their shift.
Clinicians who are interested in volunteering are invited to complete the survey and may serve as general support volunteers. At this time, clinical roles are being staffed through partnering healthcare organizations and healthcare education partners. Should clinical volunteer shifts become available, clinical volunteers may be contacted with opportunities to fulfill such assignments.
As vaccine clinics expand and open within all west Michigan counties and with a focus on historically underserved communities, additional volunteer opportunities will arise here and with other vaccine providers.
Volunteer WKTV Sports Director Mike Moll, right, loves talking sports. But these days his life is much more than sports. (WKTV)
WKTV’s Kelly Taylor and Davin Harsila with some of the volunteers.
Food was provided by Movable Feast
One of newest volunteers Jane Dixson talking to General Manager Tom Norton (far right).
WKTV’s Nate Diedrich serving up the watermelon.
Managing Editor Ken Norris and his wife TJ talk to a volunteer at the picnic.
Tom Hegewald from “On Pointe” and Bev Bacon
It was all about mixing and mingling at this year’s volunteer party.
WKTV Board Member Mike Bacon
Sophia Maslowski and guest along with Lucy Sanchez
Larry Swanson and Carrie Bradstreet from “You’ve Got to be Kidding Me America.”
Volunteer Jane Dixson talks to other volunteers
Volunteer Bob Serulla at the picnic.
Volunteers mix and mingle
Volunteers, such as Becci Schumaker (far right), enjoyed ice cream from Pinkie’s Ice Cream
Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma talking to some of this year’s interns
Volunteer Dominique Johnson with Kara Boorsma
WKTV’s Bill Jung
Board Member Hung Nguyen visits with volunteers
Board members Less Rueben and Dick Visser and volunteer Roger Munyon
Volunteer Bob Serulla talks to volunteer Doug Remtema
Nate Diedrich with the true star of the show, his son.
General Manager Tom Norton
Volunteers who have volunteer 25 or less hours
Volunteers who have volunteered 26 to 50 hours
Volunteers who has between 51 – 75 hours
Volunteers who had 76 to 99 hours
WKTV’s 100 Hour Club
Brittney Berens and Matt Small
WKTVs Davin Harsila
Bob Serulla and Mike Bacon have been with WKTV for 15 years
WKTV Board Member Hung Nguyen receives a hung for his 20 years at WKTV
Both Larry Swanson and hung Nguyen have 20 years at WKTV
Chris Rush has been with WKTV for 25 years
Mike Mull receives the CJ of the Year Award from managing editors Joanne Bailey-Boorsma and Ken Norris
Mike Mull is this year’s Citizen Journalist of the Year
Volunteer of the Year was Brice Miller
The gang’s all here!
On a beautiful day in August, almost 100 people gathered at Palmer Park in Wyoming for the WKTV’s annual volunteer party.
This year, WKTV hosted a picnic featuring food from Movable Feast and ice cream sundaes from Pinkie’s Ice Cream. The three-hour event included a time to recognize the many accomplishments of all of WKTV volunteers.
Receiving the Citizen Journalism of the Year Award was Mike Moll who has helped to lead WKTV’s sports coverage. Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award was Brice Miller.
Recognized for their years of service were Mike Bacon, a Board Member and producer of Whittlin’ Time, and Bob Serulla, the voice of the Golden Gloves/Metro Cruise for 15years. For being a 20-year volunteer, Girbe Eefsting, Voices; Hung Nguyen, VMTV, and Larry Swanson, You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America, were honored. Chis Rush, from Senior Exercise, one of the longest shows on WKTV, was recognized for 25 years.
The following people also were honored:
Those who volunteered 25 hours or less:
Jane Dixson – WKTV Journal anchor
Colton Ferrier – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America
Dominique Johnson – former WKTV Journal intern
Heather Kanig – former WKTV Journal intern
Kasey Knako – former WKTV Journal intern
Phyllis Koslow – voice of the Grand Rapids Symphonette
Pat Moll – WKTV Journalism
Roger Munyon – Yestervision
Charlotte Rinderknecht – Fresian Horse Program
Chris Rush – Senior Exercise
Don Schumaker – WKTV Sports
Bob Serulla – voice of Golden Gloves/Metro Cruise
Abby Stricker – former WKTV Journal intern
Dick Visser – Board Member who last year had 20 years with WKTV
Those who had volunteered 26 – 50 hours
Britteny Berens – No Limits TV
Maggie Boorsma – WKTV Journal/Metro Cruise
Cynthia Johnson – Sports/Parades
Kateln Kohane – WKTV Journalism/Plus
Hung Nguyen – Board Member/VMTV
Bill Rinderknecht – WKTV Sprts/Fresian Horse Program
Matt Small – No Limits TV
Those who have volunteered 51 – 75 hours
Ron Schultz – WKTV Sports Announcer
Larry Swanson – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America
Chris Williams – WKTV Journalism/Sports
Those who have volunteered 76 – 99 hours
Carrie Bradstreet – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America
Robert Gonzalez – WKTV Sports
Sophia Maslowski – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America
Some of the volunteers from the 2015 Appreciation Dinner who were recognized for their contributions.
For more than 40 years WKTV has been providing quality programming for the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood thanks in large part to the many residents who volunteer their time at the station.
On April 1, the station will honor those volunteers at WKTV’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Stonewater Country Club, 7177 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia.
“It’s an opportunity for us to express our appreciation for all the hours put in by the volunteers in all the various aspects to the station,” said WKTV Community Media Coordinator Nate Diedrich.
In 2015, about 319 volunteers logged almost 9,000 volunteer hours. Through the effort of those volunteers, WKTV has been able to provide a variety of programs including the very popular Senior Exercise program, which was started in 1993, and High School Sports, which has been a part of the station’s line up for more than 30 years. A few years ago, seeing the need for hyperlocal news, WKTV added a citizens reporter section, now.wktv.org.
At the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, volunteers will be recognized and honored for programs and projects done at the station in 2015.
Some of the awards that will be resented at the dinner include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Community Service Programming Award and Volunteer of the Year. Years of service are recognized and there is a 100-Hour Club awarded to those who have volunteered more than 100 hours within the year at the station.
The April 1 event starts with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the award presentation at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Reservations must be made by March 24. To RSVP, visit www.wktv.org or mail to or visit in person, WKTV, 5261 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, Michigan, 49509.
When members of Wyoming-based Christ Lutheran Church approached Gladiola Elementary School Principal David Lyon about “adopting” the school, Lyon filled out a wish list of possible ways the church could support them. Instead of choosing one community service project, they wanted to fill all the requests, which were as diverse as helping out at Math Night to providing emergency buckets for classrooms in case of a long-term lockdown event.
“It really gives us a sense of community and of someone understanding needs that are not necessarily apparent,” Lyon said. “They asked, ‘What do you need done?’ and said, ‘Let’s make that happen for you.'”
Church member Nancy Heidrich, a retired Grandville High School teacher, helps second-grader Zoey Winship with math
Now church members regularly volunteer to help students in reading and math; they shelve books in the library. Their presence is felt throughout the Wyoming Public Schools building.
“We wanted to reach out to our neighbors and be of assistance,” said church member Kathy Reister, a retired pastor.
Church members of all ages have contributed. Middle school members assembled “Germ-free Buckets” for classrooms so students can easily access hand sanitizer and tissues. A Boy Scout troop made up of church members plans to spruce up the school courtyard. Members made homemade bags filled with school supplies and donated them.
On a recent Tuesday in the school hallway, church member Nancy Heidrich, a retired Grandville High School teacher, showed second-grader Zoey Winship cool addition tricks. She often reads to the students and offers a listening ear when they want to talk. “I enjoy it. I enjoy coming. I enjoy the kids,” she said.
Zoey likes it too. “She helps me with my work,” she said.
Being Prepared in Case of Emergency
Emergency buckets are stocked with items for classrooms to use in the events of a long-term shutdown
The emergency buckets were recommended during a training offered by the Wyoming Police Department on emergency preparedness. They are something the school probably wouldn’t have purchased on its own, Lyons said, but they add a safety measure he’s thankful for.
In response to national school shootings, Gladiola, like schools nationwide, have lockdown drills, during which students practice what to do in case of an emergency.
The buckets, stocked with first-aid equipment, a flashlight, toilet paper, snacks, bandages, drinking cups, water and a fire extinguisher, will be stationed in all 24 classrooms for use in case of a real lockdown.
“It’s not a critical need until it’s a critical need,” Lyon said. “Hopefully we will never need to use them,” he said.
Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!
I am about to take a very special journey into the past thanks to the new WKTV Digital Cinema Guild that launches at the WKTV Community Media Center on September 29, 2015 and continues every second Tuesday thereafter at 7:00 pm at the station on 5261 Clyde Park Avenue SW in Wyoming. This will be a very personal journey despite the fact that I have worked as a Citizen Journalist Editor for the station, and have shared a number of articles on this website. But the Digital Cinema Guild is an all-new experience.
I’ve always known that WKTV offered everyone in the community access to a vast array of equipment. However, the key word there is “vast,” and it seemed way too complicated to me to get the hang of all that gear. Ironically, for someone in the media business, I actually dreaded to even try making my own film – and by the way, when I use the word “film” I’m really talking digital media in various storytelling formats from long form narratives or shorts, and/or documentaries.
But that was then.
Lyman Adelbert “Del” Havens, age 16, Eighth Grade Graduation, White Creek School, Cedar Springs, MI
A secret about my grandfather came to light a few years ago, several years after his death, and suddenly the WKTV Digital Media Guild was right here, as though the Universe was saying to me, “Do this!” I have the perfect opportunity to actually create a documentary film project exploring this secret and it’s impact on our family with my sister Lynette. We’re going to work/play on this together, but the cool thing is we are not on our own!
For just $20 apiece, we are going to be guided through the film making process under the direction of successful digital film experts and industry leaders using WKTV’s state-of-the-art digital cinema equipment with coaches standing by! Even better, there are three different programs that deal with various aspects of film making:
1) Pre-production & Script writing (developing the story and figuring out how to tell it)
2) Production (using the WKTV gear to shoot the project)
3) Post-production (editing!)
At the end, WKTV will broadcast our finished project to the area communities. WOW!
Helping us along the way are two of the area’s most experienced filmmakers:
Barbara Roos, founder of Grand Valley State University’s Film & Video Program, brings more than 40 years’ experience as a scriptwriter, film maker and professor of film. She joined academia from an award-winning career in public broadcasting, both television and radio.
Girbe Eefsting, film producer for advertising agencies, corporations, governmental agencies, NGOs and NPOs, including ten years with Grand Rapids Community Media Center. In 1996, Girbe founded the Grand Valley Summer Film Program. In 2010, he founded Film Farm, specializing in media production, education and preservation.
Barbara, Girbe and WKTV will also engage established local and national filmmakers to bring their expertise to the program. I can’t wait!
I’ll be sharing my experience with the Digital Cinema Guild as Lynette and I go through the film making experience. But why not join us? We need all the brainstorming buddies we can find as we start imagining how to tell this story…and I’ll let you in on the secret as we go along.
