Tag Archives: WKTV

Consumers Energy offers safety advice, savings tips for the winter season

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A little tweaking of the home thermostat knob to set temperature on energy saving mode will lower energy costs. (Consumer Energy)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With another Great Lakes winter already upon West Michigan, and the official beginning of the season coming next week on Dec. 21, cold temperatures are already impacting local households.

So, Consumers Energy recently announced 10 safety and savings tips to help Michiganders conquer winter weather.

“Following these simple yet important tips can help ensure Michigan residents remain safe during the heating season and save money on energy bills,” according to the statement.

First, and maybe foremost in some households, help is available for those finding it difficult to pay energy bills. Consumers Energy this fall gave $12 million to help households and small businesses with their energy bills, according to the statement. Contact 2-1-1 to find out what resources within your community are available to help with energy, housing, transportation and other needs.

Energy savings opportunities

Consumers Energy is offering free smart thermostats to households and small businesses to help them reduce costs. Smart thermostats can help customers save 10 percent or more on energy bills, reduce energy waste and help the electric grid by reducing energy use during times when demand for energy is highest, according to the statement.

The free thermostats are available to businesses that Consumers Energy serves. Businesses can see if they qualify at ConsumersEnergy.com/marketplace, where they can also purchase other energy-saving products. Residential customers can see if they qualify by visiting ConsumersEnergyStore.com.

Other cost-saving tips include: change your furnace filter monthly during winter months, especially with pets in the home; seal air leaks around windows and doors coming into your home with weather stripping and caulk; let drapes hang loose but make sure they don’t block heat registers and air-return ducts, and close registers/ducts in unused rooms.

Also, if working/learning from home due to COVID-19, regularly unplug electronic devices when not in use, or use a smart power strip. Devices that continue to draw power when they appear to be turned off can cost up to $200 annually in wasted energy, according to Consumers Energy.

Heating safety advice

Consumers Energy recommends households install an audible UL listed carbon monoxide alarm. Poisonings from this colorless, odorless toxic gas are most prevalent in the winter when furnaces are operational, and doors and windows are shut, according to the statement.

In addition, make sure furnaces are operating efficiently and safely by having them inspected and tuned by a qualified professional annually; keep flammable materials such as clothing and boxes well away from the furnace; keep space heaters away from curtains, furniture, clothing and other flammable materials; and unplug space heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Also, in the category if “strongly recommends,” never use a stovetop or oven or charcoal grill to heat your home; and never use a generator inside a home, basement or garage — keep them outdoors at least 25 feet from the home.

In words and video, county health leaders urge COVID-19 community caution over holidays

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Video Pubic Service Announcement supplied by Kent County Health Department

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department and area hospitals, in a joint statement released today, Dec. 14, continue to urge residents to stay home for the upcoming December holidays. As of Dec. 14, Kent County has surpassed 35,800 total cases with a 14.7 percent positivity rate in the last seven days.

“We are making progress, but need to work together to continue to reduce the positivity rate and to reduce the spread and the strain on our hospitals and health care workers,” Darryl Elmouchi, MD, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan, said in supplied material. “We will continue to move this in the right direction by not traveling or gathering with people outside our immediate family.”

While it may be difficult to miss traditional holiday celebrations, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) statement stressed “the importance of staying home and avoiding any kind of travel and group gatherings in order to avoid an even more devastating spike after the new year.”

The local “I love you so” holiday advertising campaign, which the health department and hospital partners launched in November, will extend to encompass all holidays through the end of the year.

The message builds on the sentiment, “I love you SO I’m staying home,” acknowledging the desire to be with loved ones over the holidays but also to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus.

Kent County is seeing more than 500 new coronavirus cases each day, according to the statement, and “the volume of cases has put a significant strain on local hospitals and frontline healthcare providers, and it has made it impossible for public health investigators and contact tracers to effectively do their jobs.”

With the contract tracing system under strain, the risk of community spread is increased because some people may not know they need to quarantine.

“Residents helped a lot by celebrating Thanksgiving with only people inside of their immediate households,” Hyung Kim, MD, president of Mercy Health Saint Mary’s said in supplied material. “Since infection rates, hospitalizations and mortality are still high, I hope people will stay strong in the upcoming holidays and avoid gathering with people outside their immediate households. We are far from being in the clear from COVID.”

Exploring Michigan’s spooky side in the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunter’s podcast

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In the Halloween episode of the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast, guests and hosts dressed up for the season. (WKTV)

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

Hosting Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast and Cryptic Frequencies Blog Talk Radio show has introduced me to the spooky, weird, and strange world that surrounds us here in our Great Lake State.  Michigan measures very high on the mysterious meter with Bigfoot, Dogman, and lake monster sightings, significant UFO sightings, haunted ships and lighthouses, roads, cemeteries, libraries, and museums.  We profile mysterious people and places, authors and investigating teams and it’s my pleasure to share some supernatural insights, starting with one of our all-time favorite guests, Shetan Noir.

Noir recently joined us for a special WKTV, The Whole Picture Podcast Halloween episode #34 where we discussed urban legends and superstitions.  We opened with the poem “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by A.H. Schacknofsky and co-host Brandon Hoezee offered insights into the half-truths and his own family connections to the legend of the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

Guest Shetan Noir dresses as a green mermaid during the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast special Halloween edition. (WKTV)

Co-host Kim Kolean presented evidence of the Allegan County “Melon Heads” with a disturbing photo image of what they might have looked like.  The show also featured two of Noir’s books, “Lake Monsters and Odd Creatures of the Great Lakes” and “Mothman and Other Flying Creatures of the Midwest.” She shared an incredibly fascinating story of the Lake Superior Mermaid while dressed in costume as a shimmering green dragon lady.

My first encounter with Noir was during the 2018 Michigan’s Ghost Coast Paranormal Convention in Grand Haven. Noir was one of the featured speakers and during the day she asked to interview our team for her podcast Into the Liminal Abyss. Noir is an author and a journalist who has spent 25 years researching the paranormal in the field of cryptozoology, the search for or study of animals whose existence is disputed or unsubstantiated.

Currently Noir is the lead investigator for the Michigan Chapter of the North American Dogman Project as well as research into Lake Monsters, Mothman, Bigfoot, Nain Rouge. While ghost hunting might have been enough to keep most people busy, Noir found time to author several books.  Noir’s amazing research chronicles actual eye witness accounts, historical testimony, real world explanations, hoaxes, fossil evidence, and artistic renditions of what these monsters might have looked like with detailed descriptions. Noir’s extensive research documents evidence of hundreds of people experiencing strange creatures at the same time with very similar descriptions by reputable well respected citizens, police, sea captains and crews, and collectively challenges the true definition of cryptozoology.

For more about Noir and her work, listen to the Grand Rapids Ghost hunters Paranormal Podcast at the WKTV Journal or on Facebook at The Whole Picture Podcasts.

Changing of the judgeship in Kentwood coming, with public invited to attend virtually

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City of Kentwood 62-B District Court’s long-time Judge William G. Kelly is retiring at the end of the year. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There will be a changing of the guard at the leadership of the City of Kentwood’s 62-B District Court this month as Amanda Sterkenburg will be sworn into the post and will take over for retiring long-time Judge William G. Kelly on Jan. 1, 2021.

And the public is invited to witness the changeover with two virtual ceremonies.

Judge-elect Sterkenburg’s investiture is set for Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., with the swearing-in ceremony to be fittingly conducted by Judge Kelly. Members of the community are invited to attend via Zoom (Meeting ID 4280940961) or on the 62-B District Court’s YouTube channel.

Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, also at 3 p.m., the public is invited to attend Judge Kelly’s virtual retirement celebration via Zoom (Meeting ID 4280940961) or also on the court’s YouTube channel. The event will include remarks by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and other distinguished speakers.

Judge Kelly, In Focus, from August 2020. (WKTV)

Kelly has served the Kentwood community as the city’s first and only district court judge since 1979. He was elected in November 1978, following his father, Joseph Kelly, who served as Kentwood’s municipal judge from 1971-79. In 2014, he was re-elected for his seventh and final six-year term. The district court judge leads a team of nearly 25 court personnel.

In August, WKTV Journal In Focus talked with Judge Kelly about his years on the bench and his retirement. See the video here.

“Judge Kelly has been an invaluable asset to Kentwood and the West Michigan area,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “His dedication to our community has been demonstrated by his service on the bench along with his many accomplishments for our court system. We wish Judge Kelly the best as he moves into retirement and we sincerely thank him for his leadership in directing Kentwood’s 62-B District Court for these past 42 years.”

During his tenure, Judge Kelly instituted several programs, including the Sobriety Court and meditation of small claims cases. Kelly also conducted more than 4,000 weddings throughout his time as district court judge.

Additionally, Kelly explored ways technology could better serve the justice system and Kentwood community. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 62-B District Court quickly adapted and created a virtual court on Zoom with a livestream on its YouTube Channel. Kelly also has worked with the Supreme Court to implement a paperless system throughout the state to begin in the near future.

“I have been fortunate to have had a great law career,” Judge Kelly said in supplied material. “I have loved serving this community for so many years and I am grateful for all the opportunities that have helped me become a better judge. We have a great team at 62-B District Court, and I look forward to seeing the court’s future accomplishments and growth.”

Handing the gavel to the next judge

With the new year, Sterkenburg will lead preside over the 62-B District Court for a six-year term after being elected to the post in November. (To see her WKTV We The People candidate video, visit here.)

The 62-B District Court settles disputes, processes criminal charges and manages legal appeals. Common offenses heard by a district court judge include operating while intoxicated, domestic violence and retail fraud less than $1,000. The court also conducts weddings, maintains legal records and provides resources for community members.

Judge-elect Amanda Sterkenburg (City of Kentwood)

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity,” Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “As 62-B District Court judge, I will remain committed to ensuring well-reasoned sentences, proportionate punishment and fair rulings that reflect the unique circumstances of every matter that comes before me.”

Sterkenburg has represented criminal and civil defendants, landlords, tenants and litigants with many different types of claims throughout her career as an attorney, according to supplied material. Her experience includes successful jury trials on assault, theft and retail fraud offenses. She has more than 90 hours of mediation training and has handled matters in many local circuit and district courts, including the 62-B District Court.

Sterkenburg is active in many local organizations, including the Kentwood Aquatics Club, Glenwood Elementary Parent-Teacher Council, Kentwood Baseball League and Mediation Services of Ottawa and Allegan counties. She and her family attend Kentwood Community Church.

The 62-B District Court judgeship must go to a Kentwood resident.

“We are delighted to welcome Judge-elect Sterkenburg to the 62-B District Court,” Mayor Kepley said. “I have confidence she will follow in Judge Kelly’s footsteps in demonstrating outstanding dedication to justice and service to the Kentwood community.”

Sterkenburg graduated cum laude from Franklin College and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Drawn to the “diversity and opportunity in Kentwood,” Sterkenburg moved to the city with her two children almost 10 years ago, according to supplied material.

Missing your folk fix? Virtual concert brings out the stars to benefit NYC autism school

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Steve Earle and the Dukes (2018 photo supplied/Artist)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Those of us who suffered acoustic folk/rock withdrawal this year due to venues such as St. Cecilia Music Center and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park having canceled their seasons — with the likes of Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and Jason Isbell set to tour last summer — there is good news steaming.

While only time, and us putting on our masks, taking a shot or two, and a little pandemic good luck, will tell if and when music tours return to West Michigan, local fans can get a free online concert this weekend featuring Earle, Williams and Isbell, as well as a ton of other performers.

Steve Earle, Luck Productions, and City Winery are set to host the 6th annual John Henry’s Friends Benefit Concert For Autism Sunday, Dec. 13, beginning at 7:30p eastern, with a free live on-line feed available via luck.stream/johnhenrysfriends. (You do have to set up an account at Luck Stream, but it was fairly painless. And any on-line donations will be appreciated.)

The annual benefit concert is the passion play of musician/author/playwright/activist — and diehard folk singer — Steve Earl, who for five years has been gathering a group of “world-class friends and performers for a one-night-only concert which raises money for The Keswell School, an educational program for children and young adults with autism,” according to supplied material.

And with 100 percent of donations going to The Keswell School — an institution, near to Earle’s heart at which his son and the event’s namesake, John Henry, is a student— it is not only a night of music but also a night of giving to a great cause.

Lucinda Williams. (Supplied/Artist)

“Well, 2020 has pretty much sucked so far,” Earle said in supplied material. “It’s been tough on everybody, including those of us in the performing arts, who, after all, depend on the patronage of live audiences for our very livelihood. Therefore, I’m especially grateful that some of my favorite people have come together against all odds to support a cause that is near and dear to my heart, the Keswell School.”

In addition to scheduled performances from Steve Earle & The Dukes, Lucinda Williams, and Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires, other names scheduled include Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, Graham Nash, Josh Ritter, Matt Savage, Shawn Colvin, The Mastersons and Warren Haynes.

Jason Isbell. (Supplied/Alysse Gafkjen)

“Since we’ve been doing these shows, they are always my favorite day of the year … good music, good friends, and a good cause,” Earle said. “This year’s performers are alumni, one and all, and I’m eternally grateful to each and every one for suiting up and showing up in the hour of our school’s greatest need.”

Founded in 2002, the Keswell School, according to supplied material, is based “on the belief that children diagnosed with ASD can live full and productive lives as integrated members of their communities, The Keswell School provides educational, therapeutic, and supportive services for children diagnosed with ASD and their families. The Keswell School challenges students to accomplish in aspects of school life and prepares them for the fullest possible engagement in the world.”

For more information on the Keswell School visit keswellschool.org.

A full list of artists and more information, including how to donate, can be found at luck.stream/johnhenrysfriends.

A tough year for Earle, in addition to pandemic

While one of Steve Earle’s sons will be on his mind at the benefit concert another may well be in his heart.

Steve Earle & The Dukes “J.T.” album cover.

On the forthcoming album, “J.T.”, Steve Earle & The Dukes pay tribute to Steve’s late son, Justin Townes Earle (J.T.), who passed away on Aug. 20, 2020, in Nashville. The album will be released digitally on what would have been Justin’s 39th birthday, Jan. 4, 2021 (via New West Records).

(Justin Townes Earle, incidentally, was the first show of St. Cecilia Music Centers’ Acoustic Cafe series in 2014.)

According to Steve Earle’s website, “J.T.” finds he and The Dukes covering 10 of Justin’s songs — from “I Don’t Care,” which appeared on his 2007 debut EP, “Yuma”, and a trio of selections from his full-length debut album, “The Good Life”, to later compositions like 2017’s “Champagne Corolla” and 2019’s “The Saint Of Lost Causes,” which was the title track of Justin’s eighth and final studio album.

“J.T.” closes with “Last Words,” a song Steve wrote for Justin.

According to supplied material, 100 percent of the artist advances and royalties from “J.T.” will be donated to a trust for Etta St. James Earle, the three-year-old daughter of Justin and Jenn Earle.

County, aiding parents as well as children, allocates latest round of Ready by Five early childhood millage grants

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Ready by Five early childhood support programs are funded by a countywide milage passed in 2018 and provides programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five. (First Steps Kent)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The goal of the ongoing Ready by Five early childhood support programs, funded by a countywide milage passed in 2018, is to provide “dedicated and sustainable funding for programs that improve the health, school readiness, and well-being of children under age five.”

And a key element of achieving that goal — to “increase their likelihood of success in school and beyond” — is to get parental involvement for the various Ready by Five programs, especially within at-risk families.

So, acting last week on the recommendation of First Steps Kent, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved allocation of nearly $6 million in Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funds with the largest among them going to a group working to gain engagement of the parents involved with the Child Welfare System.
 

The West Michigan Partnership for Children’s Parent Engagement Program — which includes efforts at “engaging, involving and equipping parents involved with the Child Welfare System” — was awarded just over $600,000 for a two-year funding cycle.

In all, $5,775,015 in Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage funds were allocated for 2021. The millage is funded by a .25 mil property tax increase passed in 2018 that was expected to generate about $5.7 million a year from 2019 to 2024.

A Ready by Five kid, preparing for the future. (First Steps Kent)

“Our Board is committed to assuring these funds are distributed equitably throughout the county,” Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt said to WKTV. “The Ready by Five millage was voted on by Kent County residents who confirmed that it is imperative we embrace the diverse needs of our community.”

The review process included action by the Ready by Five Resident Proposal Review Board, which included members of the Board of Commissioners, Phil Skaggs and Monica Sparks, as well as Dr. Juan Olivarez, of First Steps Kent Commission; Sandra Ghoston-Jones, of the Kent County Administrator’s Office; and early childhood expert  Joanne Kelty.

Another example of seeking to gain parental involvement in all levels of the Ready by Five effort is that the proposal review board includes four diverse “Parent Representatives” from different parts of Kent County.

“I am honored to serve on the Ready by Five Review Board,” Kent County Commissioner Sparks said to WKTV. “This is a very serious commitment as it will have a measurable and lasting impact on our children and families. We are working very hard to provide equitable resources to ensure the future success of our entire community.”

In total, the Ready by Five Resident Proposal Review Committee reviewed 18 proposals submitted to First Steps Kent for this funding cycle, and recommended funding 12. The latest recommended amounts are in addition to the 27 contracts currently in place with service providers.

In addition to the West Michigan Partnership for Children’s funding of $600,900 ($294,924 in fiscal year 2021 and $305,976 in 2022), another notable allocation was a Fetal Infant Mortality Review project by the Kent County Health Department ($264,005 over two years), and interpretation and translation services contracts with Bethany Christian Services, Hispanic Center of West Michigan and Liaison Linguistics ($210,000, with $70,000 each over two years).

First Steps Kent will receive $396,399.95 for administration of Ready by Five programs in 2021. First Steps Kent is, according to its website, “an independent nonprofit organization that works with parents, service providers, funders, advocates, and other stakeholders to build a comprehensive early childhood system in Kent County.”

For more information on First Steps Kent and Ready by Five, visit firststepskent.org.

Time of giving: Woodland Mall, retailer Vera Bradley, community giving to Feeding America

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Feeding America West Michigan’s mobile food bank operation worked with Woodland Mall (and the Michigan National Guard) early this year to help feed families, including those of mall employees. This holiday season Woodland Mall is supporting Feeding America . (Feeding America WM)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Even in this usually busy holiday season now made difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic, Woodland Mall and Vera Bradley — and the local community — are working to help families which are struggling to put food on the table.

Through Dec. 13, Vera Bradley’s Woodland Mall location is collecting nonperishable food items for local nonprofit Feeding American West Michigan, according to a Dec. 7 announcement. Woodland Mall will additionally “give back” to a group that supported mall employees in their time of need by matching each food item with a $1 donation to Feeding America.

Woodland Mall retailer Vera Bradley is collecting non-perishable food through Dec. 13. (WKTV)

“Feeding America West Michigan fed our staff laid off during the shutdown this spring,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said in supplied material. “To show our deep appreciation to this incredible organization and to help those struggling with the pandemic’s harsh consequences, we are honored to return the favor.”

Every dollar donated by the mall will provide four meals to people experiencing food insecurity in our region, according to the announcement.

Nonperishable items may be dropped off at Vera Bradley, which is located in the JCPenney wing of Woodland Mall, 3195 28th St. SE, during store hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.
 

Suggested items include peanut butter, whole-grain pasta, macaroni and cheese, rice, dried grains, canned vegetables, fruits, beans, canned chicken and fish, canned soup or soup mix, and canned or dried beans.

McCabe also said that Woodland Mall and its realtors are simply doing what they can to  support a community that has supported them with their shopping in good times.

“It’s clear that supporting one another through this pandemic has been the most essential role each of us can take on,” she said. “As our industry enters what traditionally has been our busiest time of year, we are so happy to share what we do have.”

More information on this drive can be found on the Woodland Mall website and on Facebook.

Jazz pianist Bob James’ St. Cecilia virtual concert brings his holiday home into yours

Entertainment, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,
Bob James, jamming’. (SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan holiday home of Bob James, pianist and composer of jazz and much more, is always filled with music and filled with family. It will be the same this year, in this age of pandemic and self-seclusion.

But later this month, James will be inviting St. Cecilia Music Center’s virtual concert audience into his house for what St. Cecilia calls a “holiday performance from his Traverse City home including surprise guests” on Thursday, Dec. 17.

The virtual concert is free and available via the internet on a computer or smart television. For more information about the St. Cecilia virtual concerts see scmc-online.org/virtual/.

Bob James’ family will gather again for Christmas In Michigan this year. (Undated photo supplied by Mr. James)

“Since all the members of my family are musicians, the Christmas season always involves lots of music, both live around the fireplace and permeating through the house,” James said recently to WKTV. So, the concert “will be a family affair.”

And what kind of music might be performed at the Dec. 17 concert?
 

“I tend to prefer the traditional over the novelty,” James said. “I have released two Christmas albums, ‘Christmas Eyes’ with my daughter Hilary, and ‘Snowbound’ with Fourplay. I have performed music from those, and something from each will most likely be on the new set list.”

And, along with many musicians forced to record and perform in isolation these days, James’ Michigan home is no stranger to performance and recording.

Bob James (BobJames.com)

“In recent years I’ve had a home studio where I do most of my composing, and have even produced some final mixes here,” James said. But “my time in this studio has escalated dramatically during this year’s forced isolation.”

A Grammy-award winner, James has long, varied career in music. Discovered by Quincy Jones at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival in 1963, James recorded his first solo album, “Bold Conceptions”, that year. Dozens of albums followed through five decades. His composition, “Angela,” the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is possibly James’ best known work. But that is only only the beginning.

James set the standard for the smooth jazz sound in the late 1970s. “One On One”, the first in three collaborations with Earl Klugh, was awarded a Grammy in 1980 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. Also about that time, “Double Vision”, a collaboration with David Sanborn, was another Grammy winner. His long-standing group Fourplay, with Lee Ritenour and Nathan East and later Larry Carlton, has also produced numerous albums.

Make a (private) party night of it

While the concert is free, Martha’s Vineyard concert packages, including a wine and cheese “goodie bag” of treats, can be purchased — and those purchases support St. Cecilia.

The special Martha’s Vineyard concert packages are available by pre-order and will be delivered on the concert date. All proceeds from these purchases benefit SCMC. Priced at $65, each package includes one bottle of wine — a red, white or bubbly — and a block of aged Gouda cheese, nuts, fig spread, crackers, veggie chips and gourmet chocolate. For more information visit here.

Grand Rapids Ballet invites public to put on dancing shoes, become part of virtual Nutcracker Experience

Entertainment, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, ,
Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Maya Olthouse, shooting scene from The Nutcracker Experience. (GR Ballet/Scott Rasmussen)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The upcoming local holiday highlight, the Grand Rapids Ballet’s annual presentation of “The Nutcracker”, was already planned to be unique in this year of pandemic as Ballet will be presenting a ticketed online presentation of “The Nutcracker Experience”, Dec. 18-27, as part of its 2020-21 season.

But in an announcement this week the Ballet added another unique audience “experience” — short dance videos produced by the public incorporated into the program.

Do not try this at home … Grand Rapids Ballet’s Matthew Wenckowski, from The Nutcracker Experience. (GR Ballet/Scott Rasmussen)

“Put on your dancing shoes and submit a video of no longer than 30 seconds of you, your family, your friends — whoever in your pod wants to join in — dancing to the music of The Nutcracker,” a Dec. 2 announcement from the Ballet stated, “and there’s a chance you’ll see it at the end of the performance.”

The Ballet is even making available online music from the production to dance to and “to get you in the holiday spirit.”

In addition to a moment of dance stardom, five submissions will be given a free Patron Plus subscription for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.

Videos can be submitted by email to videos@grballet.com no later than Thursday, Dec. 10.

And if you just want to watch …

Ballet artistic director James Sofranko, his dancers and video production team are putting the finishing touches on “The Nutcracker Experience”, with special choreography by Val Caniparoli, and music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and performed by Grand Rapids Symphony.

“We know your family’s holidays wouldn’t be the same without The Nutcracker in 2020,” Sofranko states on the Ballet’s website. “That’s why (we are) … so proud to bring you a reimagined version this year — The Nutcracker Experience.”

Grand Rapids Ballet’s Yuka Oba-Muschiana, from The Nutcracker Experience. (GR Ballet/Scott Rasmussen)

According to the Ballet, the Experience will include “many of your favorite characters and dances including Drosselmeier, Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and of course the Nutcracker Prince; as well as many of your favorite scenes including the Waltz of the Snowflakes, Waltz of the Flowers, The Russian Trepak, The Chinese Dragon, and more.”

The Grand Rapids Symphony, long-time Nutcracker partners with the Grand Rapids Ballet, will provide the musical score as conducted by John Varineau.

The production, approximately 60 minutes in length, was filmed explicitly for The Nutcracker Experience by SALT Creative Production Studios, and also includes a behind the scenes look at the artists and their art creation.

Choreographer Caniparoli, according to the Ballet’s website, is “one of the most sought after American choreographers internationally.”

He has contributed to the repertoires of more than 50 dance companies, including Finnish National Ballet, BalletMet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, State Theatre Ballet of South Africa, and Tulsa Ballet, (resident choreographer 2001-06).

Caniparoli is most closely associated with San Francisco Ballet, his artistic home for more than 43 years. (Sofranko came to Grand Rapids Ballet from the San Francisco Ballet.)

Tickets to “The Nutcracker Experience” make the production available online via Vimeo, and are $15. (The Ballet “kindly asks you purchase as many ‘tickets’ as you will have friends and family viewing.”) Once your purchase is complete, ticket holders will receive emails with more details on how to access the online content.

For more information and tickets, visit grballet.com.

Kent County commissioners issue social media ‘Takeout Challenge’ to support local restaurants

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Hankerin’ for a take out dinner? Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewery’s Tom Payne shows off a take-home option (with a side of beer!). (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Live everybody else in Kent County, the Kent County Board of Commissioners like to eat and like to support local businesses when they can. So the commissioners have issued the “Kent County Takeout Challenge” urging residents to support locally-owned Kent County restaurants hit hard by the pandemic.

The social media campaign encourages people to order takeout and publicly challenge three friends to do the same by tagging them on social media, according to a Dec. 4 statement from the county.

The campaign will run through the end of the year and is using the hashtag #KCTakeoutChallenge.

Board Chair Mandy Bolter kicked off the campaign this week at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining where she “nominated” — publicly challenged — fellow Board of Commission members and residents to take up the challenge.

“This campaign supports local businesses, workers and families,” Bolter said in supplied material. “Local restaurants are part of the fabric of communities all across Kent County, and thousands of our neighbors rely on them for their livelihoods. But they have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. We want our local restaurants and their employees to emerge strong when this crisis is over.”

Restaurants, which were operating at 50 percent capacity since the spring 2020 ban on indoor dining was lifted, were again forced to move to takeout and delivery only when new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders took effect on Nov. 16.
 

According to the county statement, some local establishments fear the latest restrictions could force them to close permanently.

The campaign aims to help retain these businesses and the jobs they create. According to Local First, nearly 70 percent of every dollar spent at local businesses stays in the local economy through wages, local taxes, the local supply chain and more.

For more information on the challenge, including locally owned Kentwood and Wyoming restaurants, visit this page on accesskent.com.

Fado and folk: St. Cecilia, again, to take virtual audience to New York for music

Entertainment, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,
Judy Collins, shown in an undated press photo, made her St. Cecilia Music Center debut in early 2018 and will return via a virtual concert from New York in February 2021. (Supplied/SCMC/Judy Collins)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center has already taken audiences to New York City this virtual concert season with its Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center series, and this week came the announcement of two streaming concerts presented in collaboration with New York City’s The Town Hall.

Scheduled to be available for St. Cecilia ticketed evenings of music are Portuguese Fado vocalist Mariza in January, 2021, and American folk legend Judy Collins in February, according to a Dec. 2 announcement.

On Jan. 29, 2021, Mariza will be featured in a concert paying tribute to the legendary Fado singer Amália Rodrigues. The concert will be taped in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of The Town Hall series, and will also coincide with the release of Mariza’s new album Mariza sings Amalia.

On Feb. 12, Collins, a folk singing legend familiar to St. Cecilia audiences, will be featured in a virtual concert onstage at The Town Hall in New York City where, according to the announcement, “in 1964 she made her debut that launched her illustrious musical career.” The concert will recreate her 1964 concert at The Town Hall which was her very first solo appearance on one of the great concert stages in New York City.

“We are delighted to feature two outstanding performers in these two concerts aired through The Town Hall in New York City,” Cathy Holbrook, SCMC executive and artistic director, said in supplied material. “We remain committed to keeping music alive in West Michigan with virtual concerts over the next several months until we can host live performances again … We truly appreciate the public’s support as we strive to keep these wonderful events available for all to experience”

St. Cecilia Music Center is one of only five U.S. venues showcasing these concerts, according to the announcement, and “the cost of each ticket reflects the desire to keep the performers’ band, crew and technical support teams employed during this global crisis. A portion of the ticket sales will also help benefit SCMC during this unprecedented time.”

Tickets for each of the virtual concerts are $40 now on sale through St. Cecilia Music Center at this ticket link.

More on Mariza, Amália and Fado

Mariza’s tribute to Amália Rodrigues will highlight the unique, yet echoing relationship of one to the other. The late “Amália”, as she was known, sang her last concert at The Town Hall in New York City in 1994. Now, Mariza has now become the ambassador of Portugal’s Fado music in the 21st century, just as Amália had been in the 20th century.

Mariza. (SCMC)

Mariza has also now recorded an entire album of Amália classics to commemorate her own 20th year of her musical career, as well as celebrate the 100th anniversary of Amália’s birth. The album will be released a few days before the January concert.

Fado music, according to supplied material, is a form of Portuguese singing that is often associated with pubs, cafés, and restaurants. It originated in Portugal around the 1820s, although it is thought to have much earlier origins. Fado is renowned for its expressive and profoundly melancholic character. The singer in Fado music often is accompanied by one or two 12-string guitars, one or two violas, and sometimes a small 8-string bass.

And speaking with singing with guitar …

Judy Collins, often performing with simply an acoustic guitar in her hands, is scheduled to film a show onstage at The Town Hall to be broadcast Feb. 12. For this show, according to supplied material, Collins will recreate her legendary 1964 New York City concert hall debut at The Town Hall.

Judy Collins (SCMC)

“What a time that was 1964,” Collins said in supplied material. “I was very nervous since my record company decided to record this concert and put it out as an album. I had just been to a Bob Dylan concert, heard the Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol, and knew I had to record it.

“Making (the 1964 album) album and concert at The Town Hall … was a relief and joyous event. It feels right to go back to the material and time period now with the knowledge and life lessons learned in 2020.”

The concert that Collins is performing at The Town Hall will be recorded for a new vinyl album.

For  more information on St. Cecilia Music Center visit scmc-online.org.

State COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force interim report shows progress in protecting communities of color

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Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer behind him, addresses a virtual press conference Dec. 3. (State of MIchigan)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In an afternoon virtual press conference today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities, chaired by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, released an interim report detailing the “significant progress Michigan has made in protecting communities of color from the spread of COVID-19,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.

“From the beginning, our administration has listened to medical experts and taken a fact-based approach to eliminating COVID-19 in our most vulnerable communities, and we have seen significant progress,” Gov. Whitmer said at the Dec. 3 press conference and in supplied material.

“Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and the leaders on the Task Force have been crucial in helping us dramatically reduce the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in communities of color by expanding testing and providing crucial support to community organizations.”

The statement points out that while cases and hospitalizations are still rising statewide, the percentages of cases among persons of color has declined as the year has progressed.

“Today’s report shows that significant progress has been made toward our goal to reduce these disparities over the past six months,” Lt. Gov. Gilchrist said. “But as cases continue to rise, we need to recognize that our work is not done because each of us have a role to play to make sure that we defeat this virus.”

The Task Force’s interim report details a number of actions the state has taken to protect communities of color — as well as frontline workers, small businesses and the general population — from the spread of COVID-19.

As of Nov. 16, more than 24,000 tests have been administered in previously underserved communities across 21 Neighborhood Testing sites, according to the statement. From March and April, to September and October, the average cases per million per day for African American Michiganders dropped from 176 to 59. In the same period, the number of probable deaths per million per day among African American Michiganders dropped “significantly,” from 21.7 to 1.

“It’s clear that the work of this task force … has made significant progress in protecting families, frontline workers, and small businesses in communities of color,” Celeste Sanchez Lloyd, Task Force member and community program manager for Strong Beginnings at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, said in supplied material.


For more information about the Task Force, visit here.

Local chamber urges small businesses to apply for just announced state relief grants

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Members of the local business community visited the Family Network of Wyoming this summer as part of a Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Team Up Tuesday community event. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After an announcement this week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer that the Michigan Strategic Fund had approved a $10 million grant program to provide up to $15,000 grants to small businesses “disproportionately” impacted the COVID-19 virus, a local business leader urged applications.

In an email today, Dec. 2, the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and its president/CEO Bob O’Callaghan urged small businesses to apply for the grants. And the WKACC detailed the types of businesses who can apply and what the grants can be used for.

“Grant funds will assist eligible small businesses directly impacted by COVID-19 meet urgent working capital needs including payroll expenses, rent or mortgage payments, and utility expenses,” according to the WKACC statement, which went on to detail “eligible” businesses.

The grants are meant for restaurants, bars and other food and beverage service providers; travel and tourism destinations including lodging providers; live event venues and movie theaters; conference and meeting facilities; ice skating rinks, indoor water parks and bowling centers; and gyms and fitness centers.

In the state’s earlier announcement, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation said the Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative will utilize federal CARES Act funding to award the grants.

“As we continue to take necessary precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19, many of Michigan’s small businesses are experiencing additional strain, particularly now during the holiday season and heading into winter,” Gov. Whitmer said at the time of the state announcement. “We are fully committed to supporting our small businesses and their employees across the state as they navigate and persevere through this pandemic. By putting this federal funding to work, we can provide immediate assistance to those businesses hardest-hit by the pandemic.”

Businesses can apply for the grants starting Dec. 15, and grants will be awarded in amounts of up to $15,000 per eligible business on a “first-in” bases.

In addition to being one of the qualifying businesses, applicants must meet other eligibility criteria including being a for-profit entity (i.e., a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC), having a physical establishment in the state but not being a home-based business, and providing goods or services to multiple clients or customers.

Businesses must also have had annual gross revenues in 2019 greater than $25,000, have at least two employees, including the owner(s) but less than 50 employees, including full-time and part-time.

In addition, according to the state, “applicants will be required to self-certify that they are following all state and local orders related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, those issued by DHHS and county health departments.”

For more information and, starting Dec. 15, businesses can apply for the grants at michiganbusiness.org/relief.

 

Head down memory lane with a look at West Michigan’s premiere car event, Metro Cruise

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,
A big event at the Metro Cruise has been WKTV’s DreamWheels red carpet event. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Sometimes it’s a pleasure to leave something in the rear view mirror — such as the entire year of 2020 — and at other times, it’s fun to peek back in that mirror to remember just how the good times roll.

This week, WKTV will be taking a look back at the iconic Metro Cruise, traditionally hosted in late August. Like many events, the Metro Cruise had to be cancelled this year as the community — as well as the nation and the world — battled COVID-19. Disappointing is it was, the decision was made to keep residents and visitors safe, according to Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Bob O’Callaghan, whose organization hosts the annual event that centers around Rogers Plaza.

So for 2020, WKTV put together a special celebration of the annual event in its DreamWheels production set to air Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Residents can also see the broadcast on the WKTV.org website.

Getting an unclose look at classic cars has been a key part of the annual Metro Cruise. (Courtesy Bruce Carlson)

The program takes a tour of the Gilmore Car Museum as hosts Kim Carson and Greg Yoder reminisce about some of the major events that have taken place at the cruise. Started in 2005 to help drive business to the 28th Street corridor when the M-6 highway system opened, the Metro Cruise has become a well-known and well-loved West Michigan premiere car event. The event typically draws more than 275,000 people annually from across the United States and includes approximately 15,000 vehicles such as hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, classics, antiques and motorcycles, in addition to numerous live events.

Many of these cars were featured on the DreamWheels red carpet event, hosted by WKTV. Some of the cars will be featured in the special such as the Lingenfelter, Auburn Boattail, and Chrysler Woody. Also included is a trip down the 2007 Metro Million and a look at the 2006 Lowrider competition.

 

The backdrop is the Gilmore Car Museum, a 90-acre historic campus located at 6865 Hickory Road, Hickory Corners (just north of Kalamazoo). Open year-round (except for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day), the Museum has one the largest collections of classic cars providing visitors the opportunity to stroll through automotive history. Many of the buildings have been specifically design for a collection such as the art deco Cadillac dealership that features an array of classic Cadillacs. Residing at the Gilmore is one of the largest collections of Dusenbergs in the United States and during the summer months, there are many local car clubs hosting events for owners to showcase their vehicles. For more about the Gilmore Car Museum. visit gilmorecarmuseum.org.

Also, keep Aug. 20 and 21 open as Callaghan confirmed those will be the dates for the 2021 Metro Cruise, which planning already is underway. For more information on the 2021 Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

The Gilmore Car Museum served as the backdrop to the 2020 DreamWheels production. (Supplied)

Virtual health forum on ‘Health Disparities and COVID-19’ public registration still available

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While COVID-19 testing is available to a wide range of the public in Kent County there are still many disparities in community care. (Public Domain)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Health Forum of West Michigan’s Friday, Dec. 4, forum on Health Disparities and COVID-19, a virtual presentation via Zoom webinar, is still accepting reservations for the general public in additional to health care professionals.

 

Registration deadline is noon on Thursday, Dec. 3, and information and registration is available at gvsu.edu/miperc/healthforum.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Participants will receive a link for this virtual presentation the day before the event.

The Dec. 4 event will run 8-9:30 a.m., with both presentations by guests speakers and a question and answer opportunity.

The event is part of the Health Forum of West Michigan’s  2020-21 series on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts.

Panelists include Robert Orellana, PhD, COVID-19 Corps and senior epidemiologist with the Michigan Health and Human Services Department; Khan Nedd, MD, founder and Chief Medical Officer of Infusion Associates; and Leslie Pelkey, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Cherry Health.

The event’s welcoming remarks will be presented by Jean Nagelkerk, PhD, Vice Provost for Health at Grand Valley State University; and it will be moderated by Jesse M. Bernal, PhD, Vice President for Inclusion and Equity at GVSU.

Wyoming Gives Back still collecting toys for this year’s event

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With all the holiday specials taking place this weekend, it is the perfect time to snatch up a couple of toys for the Wyoming Gives Back event.

Last year, there was one full truck at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)

For the past 10 years, the City of Wyoming has hosted the Wyoming Gives Back event. This year, due to COVID, the event will be broadcast live on WKTV Comcast Chanel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Mayor Jack Poll and Michele DeSelms from WOOD TV8 will emcee the program. The WKTV’s Facebook page and wktv.org will be live streaming the event as well.

Area residents have until Nov. 30 to drop off a toy to one of five collection sites in the city. When they drop off an unwrapped, new toy, residents will receive one raffle ticket per new toy just like in past events. On Dec. 3, the raffle drawing will take place with winning raffle numbers being announced. Winners will pick up their items form Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW.

Make sure to drop off a toy to one of the five collection sites by Nov. 30 to receive a raffle ticket. (WKTV Journal/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Wyoming Gives Back drop-off locations are:

Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, small toys, puzzle box-size or smaller, will be accepted at the drive-thru, all others will be by appointment only

Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 4 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pizza Hut, 132 28th St. SW., Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, 3703 S. Division Ave., Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Russo’s Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 3 – 10 p.m.

“We decided to participate last year and did it again this year because we love to help and support our community,” said Katie DeBoer with Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, one of this year’s collection sites.

Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for donation, and it appears that this year’s event is on its way to meet last year’s goal with Marge’s Donut Den reporting it had already collected more than 200 toys.

Last year, the event raffled more than $4,000 in prizes and city staff have said they have some great prizes for this year’s event as well. But to be entered into the raffle, a resident must drop off a toy by Nov. 30.

Also as part of the fun, Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pages or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be downloaded from the event webpage. Santa will be attending the live Dec. 3 broadcast, answering phone calls from area children and will be announcing the winners of the coloring contest.

For more about Wyoming Gives Back, visit the event page. 

Wyoming, Kentwood nonprofits among first to receive county violence prevention grants

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Going Local, Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, , ,
The Spartan Nash Branch of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, in Wyoming. (YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County announced this week the first round of grants to non-profits as part of the new Community Violence Prevention Grant Program, with seven nonprofits awarded grants ranging from $15,000 to $150,000.

Two groups, Bethany Christian Services and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, have local operations in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

The Kent County Board of Commissioners previously allocated $500,000 of CARES Act funding to the Community Violence Prevention program “to help stem the increasing rate of violence occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a Nov. 18 statement from Kent County.

The grants support local 501(c)(3) organizations “that work to prevent violent behaviors from occurring, stop the progression of violence and rehabilitate individuals with established violent behavior,” according to the statement.

“Keeping our residents and communities safe is a top priority for the Kent County Board of Commissioners,” Commission chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “We are proud to make these resources available to community organizations who are working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions that make our neighborhoods safer.”

As listed in the grant application, some of the strategies possibly used by the groups receiving grants include:

Reducing the availability and misuse of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances;

Reducing access to lethal weapons like guns and knives;

Changing cultural norms that support violence;

Rehabilitating individuals with a history of violent behavior;

Providing mentors, counselors, or other similar support for youth;

Providing alternative activities during the day and at night for youth that keep them engaged and involved, thus combatting idleness and lack of direction;

And, education and support of anti-gang measures.

Local group initial plans

Bethany Christian Services of Michigan has locations in both Wyoming and Kentwood, and, according to their application, will use the grant for a wide range of initiatives, including its “Silence the Violence Project”, which “using virtual reality, local youth partner with software developers to create simulated experiences designed to show youth ages 10-17 how to combat violence in their lives and communities.”

Bethany Christian Services’ project is an existing initiative of NAACP, it is estimated that 125-150 youth will engage in these simulations, and while the grant funds will be used this year, the program will continue throughout 2020 and 2021.
 

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’s Spartan Nash YMCA is located in Wyoming. According to its grant application, it will use the grant to engage in teen violence prevention by “providing alternative choices and activities” during out-of-school time.

“The goal for our programs is to keep teens engaged and involved in community, thus combatting lack of direction or idleness. The Y has staff who are trained in trauma-informed care who can confidently facilitate conversations about gun violence issues as well as strong partnerships with mental health providers like Arbor Circle and Mental Health Foundation to provide group-based mental health support. This work is becoming increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Local United Way partners with county on grants 

Kent County contracted with Heart of West Michigan United Way — which already has extensive relationships with local non-profits — to review funding applications and administer the grants.

Other non-profits to receive grants as part of the first round of awards include the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Inc.; Edge Urban Fellowship; Grand Rapids Urban League; New City Kids, Inc.; and Muse Ed (Mus(ed)).

“The agencies receiving funds have established track records in transforming our community,” Michelle Van Dyke, president & CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way, said in supplies material. “They serve as leaders in preventing violence, facilitators of diversion efforts and mentors for local youth. Together, we will educate and support Kent County residents to ensure the place we call home becomes safer and stronger than ever before.”

For more information on the grants and application process, visit hwmuw.org.

Despite pandemic limitations, Meijer Gardens holiday traditions exhibitions still glowing strong

Community Health, Entertainment, Holidays, ,
Video supplied by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Things were already going to be a little different this year with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, but the latest round of pandemic-related large-group and inside-building capacity restrictions will not dim the lights at the event.

Part of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s annual Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens by Dean Van Dis)

The Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition will be on display from Nov. 24 through Jan. 3, 2021, during which guests will experience 46 trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe, the always enchanting Railway Garden and its “holiday wonderland” surroundings, including the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse.

And, as always, just a stroll around the sculpture gardens, even in winter, can be an enchanting experience — especially with the nearly 300,000 lights on display throughout the grounds.

“We were planning on being able to have 50 percent of our normal capacity for the upcoming Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition, now we are allowed 30 percent.” a Meijer Gardens spokesperson said to WKTV this week. “We have already adjusted the layout of the trees and displays to allow for maximum physical distancing, and moved our Santa visits to be virtual.”

This year, as every year, Meijer Gardens “celebrates handcrafted traditions and explores the care that goes into creating these treasured traditions by hand,” according to supplied material.

Inside there will be fresh poinsettias, orchids and amaryllis, the smell of evergreens in the decorated trees and displays, and the unique horticultural artistry of the Railway Garden complements the trolleys, trains and handcrafted buildings replicating 37 Grand Rapids landmarks.

Entrance to the Japanese garden area. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens by Johnny Quirin)

“For this year’s exhibition, Meijer Gardens is showcasing handmade elements of traditions from all over the world,” Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture at Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. “Guests will encounter the work of hundreds of skilled and caring hands and experience the details and attention that goes into creating these traditions.”

As usual, there will be extended holiday hours, with the gardens open until 9 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 14–19, 21–23, 26, 28–30. (The gardens will be closed on Nov. 26, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, 2021.
 

Some other traditions remain but have changed, however.

Virtual Santa visits will be offered on the Tuesday nights starting Nov. 24 until Christmas Day from 5-8 p.m. The interactive visits with Santa will occur in the Hauenstein and Pfeiffer event rooms. “While your children will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap this year, we have a virtual connection with Santa and he will interact with guests live from the North Pole,” it states in supplied material.

The Original Dickens Carolers will be also be performing virtually on Tuesday evenings until Christmas Day, from 6-8 p.m., with guests able to enjoy these live performances on monitors located throughout the facility.

And what about those “Rooftop Reindeer” photos? The Rooftop Reindeer will be present from 1-4 p.m. on the Saturdays leading until Christmas Day. Visitors will be able to get close to the reindeer for photos, they will not be able to pet or touch the reindeer this year.

For complete information on what is, and is not, happening at Meijer Gardens this holiday — and most traditional things are happening — visit the Meijer Gardens webpage here.

Local state legislator, restaurant owner reacts to latest public health order’s impact

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Local Food, Restaurants, , ,

Brann’s Steakhouse & Grill on Division in Wyoming, from previous winter. (Supplied/Bann’)s

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Tommy Brann, state legislator and casual restaurant owner, admits he is in a unique position when it comes to reacting to the latest public heath order, announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over the weekend and set to close restaurants to inside dining, among other impacts.

On one hand, Rep. Brann said to WKTV today, Nov. 16, he knows there is need to act to curb the recent negative public health trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan — and he knows restrictions on restaurants may be part of that effort. But he also wishes the Governor would have worked with the the rest of state government, and worked more with restaurant owners such as himself, before the new reductions were ordered.

“She takes (the current COVID-19 numbers) seriously, I understand that, but we do too,” Rep. Brann said. “I would really prefer to work together with the Governor.”

State Rep. Tommy Brann (R-77th District)

Rep. Brann, a Republican who recently won re-election to the House of Representatives from District 77, which includes Wyoming, said what is not being taken into account is the impact the currently planned 3-week shutdown will have on restaurant employees.

“I am worried about my employees … we are going to have employees without paychecks” Brann said, adding that the usual 3-week time lag in filing and collecting state unemployment benefits means that some employees “will not have money to buy groceries. … We should have had some relief for businesses that are closing.”

Rep. Brann owns Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille at 4157 Division Ave. S., in Wyoming.

Gov. Whitmer on Nov. 15, announced three weeks of new COVID-19 restrictions due to spiking numbers of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations in Michigan.

The restrictions came as part of a new public health order, also announced Nov. 15, that will temporarily restrict colleges and high schools to virtual instruction, will urge work from home for employees who can do so, and will close down a number of activities previously limited but allowed, including bowling alleys, movie theaters and in-person dining at bars and restaurants.

The public health order — set to run from Wednesday, Nov. 18, and last through the Thanksgiving holiday and until Dec. 8 —  was announced by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun and MDHHS Director Robert Gordon.

Gordon, in remarks, said public health orders are derived from legislative action taken in Michigan in 1918 after the Spanish Flu. And the Public Health Code Act, passed by the legislature in 1978, further allowed for public health emergency orders to be made.

(See a MDHHS graphic at the end of the story on what the new health order does and does not do.)

Not impacted by the new order are indoor gatherings limited to 10 people and no more than two households meeting in the same place. But outdoor gathering limits have shrunk to 25 people, which includes funerals.

Retail businesses, salons, barber shops, public transit, child-care centers, parks and healthcare facilities are some examples of establishments that may remain open under the new restrictions.

But restaurants, at least for three weeks, will be limited to take-out food sales and outside seating dining sales. But with winter weather impacts, outside dining is not an option for many restaurants, and Rep. Brann points out that limiting restaurants to take-out food sales is particularly unfair to casual dining restaurants such as his.

“For some restaurants, this is not about profit, this is about survival,” Rep. Brann said. “Take-out is important, but it is more important for chain restaurants than causal dining restaurants like mine. … take-out was only about six percent of my sales, that means about a 90 percent loss.”

COVID-19 drives Lee middle and high schools to go virtual until late January

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Going Local, Health, ,
Lee Middle and High School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Godfrey-Lee Public Schools announced today that due to confirmed COVID-19 cases among the Lee middle and high schools populations, and in consultation with the Kent County Health Department and the district nurse from Spectrum Health, the two schools would move to virtual learning and continue that way until at least Jan. 22, 2021.

In a Nov. 13 letter to middle and high school families signed by superintendent Kevin Polston and posted on the district website, it was stated that “today, we learned of additional students with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at Lee Middle and High School. This past week, we have had 4 staff/students with confirmed cases, 125 students in quarantine, 7 staff in quarantine.

“In addition, the rise in cases and positivity rate, as well as decreasing hospital capacity are causes for concern for the safety of all community members.”

In response to the situation, the letter continues, the district will shift to virtual learning at Lee Middle and High School (both schools share a building) starting Monday, Nov. 16 through Friday, Jan. 22, 2021.

At this time, the district will keep Godfrey-Lee ECC and Godfrey Elementary School open for in-person instruction. In addition, student meals will be available for curbside pick-up at Lee Middle and High School on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the building’s gym entrance off of Havana Avenue.

Also, according to the letter, “any student that has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, headache, or fatigue, or has been identified as a close contact should quarantine and is eligible for a COVID-19 test kit at school. There is no cost to the family and results have been returned in 24 hours or less.”
 

Students that need a test can schedule an appointment by calling the district at 616-452-3296.

As far as athletics are concerned, high school athletics will continue practices as scheduled. But middle school Winter I athletic competitions are paused, while practices will continue.

“Please do not hesitate to contact Lee Middle and High School with any questions or concerns at 616-452-3296,” the letter concludes.

For more information visit Godfrey-Lee.org. To read a Spanish language version of the letter, fro the website click on Lee Update 11/13/20.



Woodland Mall to offer ‘Holiday Your Way’ options for shoppers, families this season

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Health, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Business, Pets/Animals, Restaurants, Woodland Mall,
It is that time of the year again at Woodland Mall. (USA.Gov)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Woodland Mall announced this week that “to keep West Michigan safe without sacrificing the holiday spirit,” the Kentwood area shopping mall will offer a variety of options for a “Holiday Your Way” experience that allows the community to partake in the season’s traditions however they feel most comfortable.

Accommodating preferences for visiting the mall in person, virtually, or a combination, Woodland Mall will continue hosting annual events such as photos with Santa and Black Friday shopping. But in-person shopping will come with enhanced safety options to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as limited-contact shopping options have been extended and expanded throughout the season.

“There’s no doubt holiday traditions and shopping will look different this year, but we are working to create safe and fun options for our community,” Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director, said supplied material. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on the magical experience this season, so Woodland Mall is providing opportunities for everyone to partake in person, virtually or with greater physical distance from others.”

Photos with Santa, other holiday options available

Santa has returned to Woodland Mall’s Arctic Forest and will be present through Dec. 24 “to listen to every child’s Christmas wish and/or, new this year, read them a book,” according to the announcement. And while Santa will not be giving hugs or high-fives this year, children of all ages are invited to sit on a bench next to him to ensure everyone can stay healthy “and Santa can safely deliver presents on Christmas Eve.”

While photos with Santa will be available, Children, families and all Santa’s helpers will be required to wear face coverings that can be removed briefly for photos.

Also, families choosing to stay home can also video conference with Santa this year.

“Fur babies” — family pets — are again welcome to visit with Santa this year on Mondays through Dec. 15. All sorts of pets are able to meet Santa, as in the past he has met West Michigan cats, chickens and even goats. All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.

Tuesday nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 8 will feature a special character meet-and-greet with superheroes, princesses and other surprise friends. The themed photo opportunities will be offered from 5-7 p.m. and include a gift with every photo purchase.

To eliminate crowds and lines, appointments must be made prior to meeting with Santa for all those visiting whether in person or virtually. Appointments can be made online at shopwoodlandmall.com.

Shopping Black Friday and more

Woodland will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, to allow retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their family. But the mall will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, with increased safety protocols, including enhanced cleaning with products recommended by the CDC.

To complement Black Friday shopping, the mall will host 12 Days of Deals Dec. 1-12 via Facebook events. The events will showcase exclusive and limited offerings from retailers throughout the mall. Those following the virtual events will be notified of these deals each day.

Woodland Mall will additionally continue offering limited-contact options and services throughout the season. For those who prefer shopping in person but are wary of the holiday crowds, several stores, including Von Maur, J. Crew and the newly opened White House Black Market, will offer times with personal stylists after hours. TempurPedic will also offer individual appointments after hours.

Retailers participating in the mall’s Mall2Go: Contact-Free Pickup program will provide pickup and delivery options for those choosing not to enter the mall.

Gifts wrapped for a good cause

The mall will also offer gift wrapping in the Von Maur wing, as Woodland Mall has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to provide this free service for gifts large and small in exchange for a cash donation. (Charities wishing to participate may register online.)

“Supporting our local economy has become particularly important throughout the pandemic,” McCabe said in supplied material. “Holiday Your Way has made it easy for people to choose how they shop at Woodland Mall and we are doing everything we can to make it easy for people to stay safe.”

The mall will also offer extended hours this holiday season, but also urge shoppers to  “skip the crowds, shop Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.”

 For more informant on Woodland Mall, visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

Kentwood Public Schools superintendent Zoerhoff to retire at end of school year

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Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff has announced that at the end of this school year he will retire after 33 years as a teacher, coach, principal and district administrator — working with students all along. (Supplied/Kentwood Pubic Schools)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kentwood Public Schools announced this week that after 33 years of service in the district Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff plans to retire on June 30, 2021, at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year.

In the Nov. 12 announcement, Zoerhoff offered appreciation to the KPS Board of Education, the Kentwood community, district staff, and, of course, all the students he has worked with and for over the years.

Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, Kentwood Public schools. (Supplied/KPS)

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the past thirty three years,” Superintendent Zoerhoff said in supplied material. “It is with a sense of sadness but also deep gratitude that I retire from this wonderful profession.”

In an industry where leaders frequently change school districts, Zoerhoff spent his entire 33-year career in Kentwood Public Schools, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and finally as superintendent, according to the announcement.

“When I began my career in 1988, I was proud to be a Kentwood Public Schools teacher,” he said. “Even at the end of my career, that pride of teaching still remains. I am proud to be a Kentwood educator and I am proud to work with such a talented and dedicated staff.”

Board, community support has been consistent 

“In an uncertain time, Mr. Zoerhoff has brought stable leadership to our community and our school system,” Mimi Madden, president of the Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education, said in supplied material. “His consistent drive over the years to help all students receive an education of excellence has been a guiding light for students, parents, teachers and staff members.”

Zoerhoff, however, credited district success to students, staff and parents “working together for excellence,”  especially in community support to pass bonds and millages, which improved the facilities and increased safety.
 

“Our community understands the link between quality schools and safe and stable neighborhoods,” Zoerhoff said. “This community values both quality facilities and the hard work of our teachers and staff members.”

In addition to accepting Zoerhoff’s retirement announcement, the Board of Education will establish a superintendent search process.
 

“Listening and being responsive to our Kentwood community, both internal and external, has always been important,” Madden said. “This will continue during the Superintendent search process. In the coming month, we will establish a direction that maintains this tradition and identifies our next steps.”

Although Zoerhoff will be retiring as superintendent, his two children will continue to attend Kentwood Public Schools and his family plans to remain within the Kentwood community.

“I am confident that Kentwood Public Schools will continue to excel,” he said. “We are a thriving global community, a vibrant example of different perspectives and traditions growing and excelling together. Kentwood Public Schools has a very bright future.”

Responding to COVID-19 numbers, Wyoming Public Schools move to remote learning through end of month

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Wyoming Public Schools’ Gladiola Elementary School. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra announced today, Nov. 12, that due to COVID-19 impacts all district in-person students will shift to remote learning immediately and the district will continue in that educational mode through the end of the month.

According to the district announcement, all Wyoming Public School buildings will close for in-person instruction at the end of the day on Thursday, Nov. 12, and plan to reopen on Monday, Nov. 30. All students attending school in-person will move to remote instruction with their teachers.

“Over the past week, we have been notified of over 20 new COVID-19 cases, and significantly increasing large numbers of individuals who are in self-quarantine across our school district,” the announcement states. “While many factors are considered when making this decision, the KCHD (Kent County Health Department) has recommended the District move to a remote learning environment … In addition to our concern for the health and safety of our students and staff, the high numbers of individuals affected has also impacted the availability of teaching staff, bus drivers, food service workers, and students coming to school.”

“Grab & Go” meals to be provided; safety urged

The school district’s food service program will provide “Grab & Go” meals for all students, on Tuesdays at two locations, Wyoming Junior High (2125 Wrenwood SW) and West Elementary (1840 38th Street SW). The Wyoming Junior High distribution will take place from 10:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m., and the West Elementary food distribution will run from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Seven days of student meals (breakfast and lunch) will be provided at that time.

“The decision to move to remote teaching and learning is not an easy one to make,” Hoekstra said in supplied material. “Our goal as a district, and community, is to have students remain engaged in in-person learning. While this temporary shift to remote learning may present challenges to students, staff, and families, my hope is that we are able to return to safe, in-person learning as soon as possible. It is important for us to work together, whether in school or in the community, to protect ourselves and others from becoming ill.”

WPS families are reminded to check their email and ParentVue accounts for additional updates.

Working with Kent County Health Department

The District announcement also urged all district families, students, and staff who experience symptoms, or who may have been exposed to COVID-19, to get tested and self-quarantine. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children for the onset of any symptoms related to COVID-19. If there is any change in your child’s health, please contact your medical provider.

The Kent County Health Department offers free COVID-19 screenings at multiple sites via appointment or walk-in. For more information visit KCHD’s website here.

The KCHD will continue its process for contact tracing and may contact at-risk individuals for further follow-up if it is determined that you are a “close contact”.

“The welfare of our staff, students and community is at the center of every decision we make,” the district announcement states. “Thank you for your continued understanding, support, and trust in Wyoming Public Schools to keep our students, staff and community as safe as possible.”
 

For more information on Wyoming Public Schools, visit wyomingps.org.

Gilmore museum to offer active military, veterans free admission through Nov. 15

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1941 Bantam BRC-40 Reconnaissance Car. (Supplied/Gilmore Car Museum)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In recognition of Veterans Day this week and in honor of all veterans, the Gilmore Car Museum is offering free admission to the museum this week through Sunday, Nov. 15.
 

The Gilmore, located at Hickory Corners just outside of Kalamazoo, will allow all active, inactive and veteran U.S. military personnel to take advantage of their free admission to the the museum, its car collection, and its 90-acre historic campus.

The Gilmore Car Museum is North America’s largest auto museum with more than 400 vehicles on display, according to supplied material. Its mission is to tell the history of America through the automobile.

“At the Gilmore Car Museum, we take great pride in honoring our country’s servicemen and women, who for generations have sacrificed to protect our freedoms, and protect the American way of life,” Josh Russell, executive director of the Gilmore Car Museum, said in supplied material. “Welcoming these veterans and active duty service people into our museum is just a small way to thank them for their service and dedication to our great country.”
 

The Gilmore points out that attending veterans and military personnel should be sure to take special notice of the 1941 Bantam BRC-40 Reconnaissance Car, which is currently on feature display in the museum’s Campania barn.

According to supplied material, prior to Ford and Willys production of “General Purpose” vehicles that would become known worldwide as the “Jeep,” these early BRC-40s were prototypes produced for the U.S. Army by American Bantam Car Company, in Butler, PA. Two additional prototypes were produced through a partnership between Bantam and Checker Car Company in Kalamazoo.
 

During Veterans Week at the museum, veterans and service-people are also entitled to a 10 percent discount on purchases from the Gilmore Car Museum store.

There will also be special hours for Veterans Week, 10 a.m., to 5 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 12-15.

Upon arrival, service-people and veterans can present their Military ID, VA cards, veteran organization membership cards, or discharge papers at the entrance for free admission. For other attending family members or friends, tickets can be purchased either upon entry at the museum, or in advance at GilmoreCarMuseum.org.

For more information, visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call 269-671-5089.

Kentwood inviting community review of, input on update to park and recreation plan

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City of Kentwood Veterans Park, at 331 48th St. SE. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced Nov. 11 that it is inviting community members to share their feedback on a proposed update to its 5-year Community Park and Recreation Plan online or in person at an open house Monday, Nov. 16.

Residents may review and provide their thoughts on the Community Park and Recreation Plan between 5:15 and 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The start of a City of Kentwood disc golf event, from 2019. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

According to the city announcement, a community park and recreation plan is required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to be grant eligible. The update builds on previous parks master planning and engagement efforts to align with the community’s needs. It creates an inventory of existing facilities and resources, identifies community recreation and open space needs and sets an action plan for the next five years.

“An approved plan will allow us to seek state and federal grant funding that will help us make improvements we have identified and prioritized in partnership with our community over the past few years,” Val Romeo, Kentwood parks and recreation director, said in supplied material. “Additional public input on this plan brings us a step closer to accessing funding to make necessary enhancements to our parks, trails, recreational programming and facilities as our community grows.”

Community members who attend the open house are asked to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures, including wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing.

The draft plan and a form to submit feedback online is available on the City’s website at kentwood.us/5-year-park-plan.

 

A most unusual season, and a glimpse of the future, dawns for Grand Rapids Ballet

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Choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie, on remote video, works with Grand Rapids Ballet dancer Adriana Wagenveld. (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2020-21 virtual season begins this week with the all-too-appropriately titled program Business as (un)usual — which includes a world premiere by Princess Grace Award winner and Beyoncé choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie.

Moultrie, in fact, offered a telling observation of dance in the time of COVID-19  via a Nov. 2 commentary on an Instagram photo posted by the Ballet, one it which you see the choreographer leading a Zoom rehearsal with he remote and company dancer Adriana Wagenveld on stage.

“I love and hate this photo by Scott Rasmussen,” Moultrie writes. “I love the shot because it is beautiful but the empty seats hit me with the reality of the present state. This is hard. Hold on and hold each other tight. Keep laughing. Keep hope. Keep dreaming.”

Certainly the Grand Rapids Ballet is keeping hope and dreaming — and exploring new means of artistic expression — with its new season.

A scene from a work by Grand Rapids Ballet dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

Starting this weekend, Nov. 13-15, with Business as (un)usual, available virtually either as part of a season subscription or, now, a single virtual program ticket, the Ballet will offer four programs including “a reimagined version of The Nutcracker,” produced in partnership with Grand Rapids own SALT Creative Production Studio.

The Nutcracker Experience will be available Dec. 18-27. In March 2021, Collective Force will be offered, and in April the program will be Jumpstart: on Film.

“I am proud to present a season unlike any other in our 49-year history,” James Sofranko, artistic director of the Grand Rapids Ballet, said in supplied material. “While we will miss the exhilaration of performing in a theater for a live audience, we are excited to present our art in a new way, delivered virtually to you in the comfort of your own home.”

While season subscriptions are no longer available, individual “tickets” are available for $15 for each show — and the ballet says they “kindly suggest you purchase one per person viewing.”

Each program is available to view as many times as desired for 72 hours from the time of online premiere. The Nutcracker Experience is the exception; it will be available to view as many times as desired Dec. 18-27.

The 2020-21 ballet season in brief

Violinist Gene Hahn (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)

Business as (un)usual is a mix of new and existing works featuring the world premiere by Moultrie, a world premiere by Sofranko featuring a collaboration with violinist Gene Hahn, a world premiere by company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Christopher Stowell’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream pas de deux from the postponed 2019-20 season featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn, works by resident choreographer Penny Saunders, and works by company dancers Gretchen Steimle and Matthew Wenckowski.

The Nutcracker Experience, a new version of the beloved holiday classic, has choreography by Val Caniparoli, with many of the “favorite on-stage moments, behind-the-scenes interviews and rehearsals” and musical accompaniment of Grand Rapids Symphony.

Collective Force will feature “the world’s most celebrated and in-demand choreographers” — Penny Saunders, Danielle Rowe, Adam Hougland, Jennifer Archibald, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and Trey McIntyre — “contributing to a performance that will truly be an immersive tour de force.” In addition, Sofranko will present a new work featuring the music of Michigan-based cellist Jordan Hamilton.

Jumpstart: on Film will be choreographed by the dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet and offers an “innovative program (that) will also provide them the unique opportunity to explore a completely new layer of creativity and expression: filmmaking.

For more information on 2020-21 season at the Grand Rapids Ballet, visit grballet.com/2020-21-season/.

Trotin’ with turkeys: A quick look at 5k runs in Grand Rapids this month

City of Kentwood, Community Health, Health, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,
This year’s Turkey Trot opportunities will be fewer and will look a little different due to COVID-19 safety. But there are still some to be run. (WKTV)

By Zachary Cantalice, WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org

November is known for not only Thanksgiving but also for its Turkey Trot 5k runs. In a normal year, millions of Americans would participate in a seasonal 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run. But this is the year of COVID-19 pandemic, public runs are few, some planned ones were cancelled, and there now is such a thing as a virtual run.

A quick cruise of the web found that the greater Grand Rapids area found this news.

On Nov. 14, Grand Rapids will host the Dirty Duel Trail Race. The Dirty Duel will take place on trails surrounding Robinette’s Apple House and Winery, 3142 4 Mile Road NE, with two tough trail courses to choose from. One trail is described as “a short and brutal 5k” and the other a “long and difficult 6k.” Pick your pain. One running magazine describes Dirty Duel as a “Top 15 fall race under 15 miles.”
 

For more information on the Dirty Duel Trail Race, visit dirtyduel.com/.

Nov. 15 was supposed to be day of the Grand Rapids Comic Con 5k. Unfortunately the comic con and its race had to be cancelled this year due to safety concerns surrounding the pandemic. This would have been the annual event’s first ever race.

For more information on the future Grand Rapids Comic Con 5k, visit here.
 

The 28th annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot will be virtual this year! The race will take place between Nov. 19 and Nov. 26. Instead of running a set course, this year participants will make their own course for the run. Proceeds from the race still help to offset the cost of Grand Rapids Public Schools athletics “so that all students have the opportunity to participate,” we are told.

For more information on the virtual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot, visit here.

The final race in Grand Rapids this November will be the Twisted Turkey runs on Friday, Nov. 27. The race will offer 5k, 10k and 15k distances (with a 5k loop run either once, twice or three times). Each event will be limited top 90 people per run. Each event group will start 15 minutes apart as well to keep in line with social distancing restrictions. The race will take place at Ken-O-Sha Park in Kentwood, 1353 Van Auken St. SE, “across the beautiful hidden trails of the Plaster Creek” area.

For more information on the Twisted Turkey runs, visit here.

After 110 years, local Santa Claus Girls effort stymied by COVID-19, need for new space

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(Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After more than a century of providing holiday season gift bundles to thousands of western Michigan kids, the Santa Claus Girls will be still this holiday season as the double hit of both COVID-10 and the need for a new home facility has forced the program into hiatus for 2020.
 

The Santa Claus Girls’s history in Kent County dates from 1909 and from their most recent home in Kentwood at the Knoll Inc. building on 36th Avenue, the all-volunteer group delivered more than 13,500 gift packages in 2018 and topped that number last year.

“Santa Claus Girls has taken a pause for the 2020 season,” Maggie Moerdyke, Interim President of Santa Claus Girls, said to WKTV. “Knoll was sold and the charity inventory is packed in 4 trailers awaiting a new home. It was a tough decision for the board to pass for the holiday season yet the pandemic had made it impossible to carry forward for 2020.”

Undated historic photo of Santa Claus Girls. (Supplied/Santa Claus Girls)

Usually, the Santa Claus Girls packages and delivers gift bags through which in-need kids get a new toy and candy but also get hand-made, knitted winter hats and mittens. Depending on the age of the kids, families can also receive infant receiving blankets, crocheted or knitted or out of flannel, infant toys, and age-appropriate 1-year-old and 2-year-old stuffed animals.

To accomplish such an effort, there is a small army providing gift wrapping and package-assembly, as well volunteers to join another small army of drivers to deliver the packages in mid-December.

But the army will be at home this season.

“The volunteers, the space, the production, are all side by side and the ability to maintain 6 foot of space between was not an option,” Moerdyke said. “The 350 drivers were also on the mind of the board and to send them into the neighborhoods to deliver was not an option either with COVID spreading so rapidly. Safety and health was foremost on the mind of each of us through the cancellation process.”

She said the non-profit’s governing board had to make the decision that “with heavy heart (we) cannot reach the 13,000 children that are serviced during the giving season. The goal is to return in 2021, bigger and better.”

The board is also working a new model for the non-profit but, she said, they “truly need a workshop to make it happen.”

A new home needed for program

Knoll Inc. housed Santa Claus Girls for six years, including all utilities and the company’s maintenance staff.

Knoll had “a heart of gold to support the families in the community, the volunteers, and the charity,” she said. “Just maybe (we) will be fortunate to find another similar blessing.”

According to Moerdyke, Santa Claus Girls needs a facility between 25,000-75,000 square feet. The ideal, she said, would be 75,000 square feet which comes into use during the six weeks of assembling and delivery. The lower square footage figure would be for storage during the other 10 months of the year.

Moerdyke also said “the master plan is to have a facility to accommodate Santa Claus Girls, Y-Service Club (White Elephant Sale) and Toys For Tots.  All three charities have worked together for several years yet in separate facilities and moved from one place to another as needed incorporating the use of trailers for storage whenever necessary.”

As with every year, the Santa Claus Girls are also seeking community support both in volunteerism and financial donations.
   

For more information visit santaclausgirls.org or visit their Facebook page.

Missing local jazz? Aquinas College offers virtual night of duo piano jazz with Connell, Talaga

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Local jazz pianists Robin Connell and Steve Talaga recorded a duo jazz piano concert this week, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, sponsored by Aquinas College. And those needing a little “post-election” diversion can catch it tonight on Facebook.

The concert is set to be available for free at the college’s Facebook page, see here, on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. The concert may also be available later on YouTube.

“It was so fun to play duo piano with Steve,” Connell said to WKTV.

Both Connell and Talaga are no strangers to the local jazz scene.

Robin Connell (Supplied)

Originally from Detroit, according to her website, Connell is equally at home as a jazz pianist or jazz pianist/vocalist, performing  regularly in clubs, concerts, and private parties as solo pianist, leader of her own trio/jazz quartet, or side woman with other musicians.

Pianist, composer and arranger, Talaga has been performing professionally for more than 40 years, according to his website. He was chosen as the West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2008 Jazz Musician of the Year, and has released eight compact discs under his own name. His most recent project is the band, Lifeline, featuring himself on keyboards, his son Stephen Talaga on guitar, Caleb Elzinga on sax, and Larry Ochiltree on drums. Their debut CD, “No Worries”, dropped in October 2019.

Fall Fling: Kentwood to host annual disc golf tournament, food pantry collection

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A disc golf player in action from the 2019 Fall Fling event. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood announced this week that the city and Great Lakes Disc will again partner to offer the annual Fall Fling, a doubles disc golf tournament and food drive on Saturday, Nov. 14. Canned food donations at Fall Fling will restock Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

Community disc golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate in the event at Old Farm Park, 2350 Embro Drive SE. Participants will be required to wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing throughout the event as part of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

On-site registration will begin at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is available online at kentwood.us/fallflingdiscgolf. The cost is $40 per team, plus one canned food donation for the Little Free Pantry. Players will meet at 9:45 a.m. to begin the first round of the “best shot” doubles tournament. Patty Matters food truck will be on-site with food available for purchase.

“Fall Fling is a wonderful event for our community to come together to play disc golf for a great cause,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “This tournament has restocked our community pantry with dozens of canned goods each year. We are grateful to local disc golfers for their ongoing generosity and participation.”

The City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)

The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open year-round and designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items to anyone in need.

Great Lakes Disc is a big supporter of the pantry.

“When I first heard about the Little Free Pantry, I knew I wanted to find a way Great Lakes Disc could support it,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “The Old Farm Fall Fling was what we came up with to connect the disc golf community with the Pantry.”

The demand for the Little Free Pantry has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the city announcement.

“Long before COVID-19, the demand for our pantry goods was growing steadily and the shelves were becoming empty on a weekly basis,” Romeo said. “We continue to need year-round support from individuals and organizations who are able to give financially or provide tangible donations, such as prepackaged non-perishable food and personal hygiene items.”

Located at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.

Those who want to donate food items to the pantry are reminded to check the expiration date on them.

For more information about the pantry, including a suggested list of donations, visit kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.

St. Cecilia’s virtual concert with jazz man Bob James now planned as holiday special

Entertainment, Holidays, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Bob James in concert. (Courtesy/BobJames.com)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center’s scheduled virtual concert with Bob James will move from Nov. 4 to Dec. 17, according to an announcement from St. Cecilia. But the concert is now planned as a “holiday performance from his Traverse City home including surprise guests.”

St. Cecilia’s fall 2020 virtual concert series is free and available via the internet on a computer or smart television. For more information about the St. Cecilia virtual concerts see scmc-online.org/virtual/.

In addition to the rescheduled Bob James concert on Dec. 17, there will be a special concert by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on Dec. 3 featuring Anne-Marie McDermott and other CMS artists.

Martha’s Vineyard concert packages will be available both concerts. The Martha’s Vineyard packages are a wine and cheese “goodie bag” package which can be purchased and supports St. Cecilia.

These special Martha’s Vineyard concert packages are available by pre-order and will be delivered on the concert date. All proceeds from these purchases benefit SCMC. Priced at $65, each package includes one bottle of wine — a red, white or bubbly — and a block of aged Gouda cheese, nuts, fig spread, crackers, veggie chips and gourmet chocolate. For more information visit here.

After three years of work, Kentwood City Commission approves update of city’s land-use master plan

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The City of Kentwood held numerous community information gathering events over the three years of the Master Plan update. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After more than three years of planning and community engagement, the City of Kentwood announced this week that it has adopted an updated Master Plan which will serve as the City’s long-range vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation.

The Master Plan, according to the announcement, “features goals, policies and recommended actions to guide land-use decisions over the next 20 years. The forward-looking development plan considers the long-range goals and desires of residents and property owners as well as local, regional and market trends.”

The plan was adopted by the Planning Commission in September and then accepted by the City Commission on Oct. 20.

“The Master Plan update process is key to ensuring the detailed visionary planning for Kentwood’s future development in all sectors as our community grows,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Many people have spent countless hours to ensure Kentwood’s Master Plan is a comprehensive guide for growth and conservation decisions while preserving and improving Kentwood’s excellent quality of life.”

The Master Plan is reviewed at least every five years, and can be modified after review by the Planning Commission. The City’s efforts for the latest Master Plan update began in October 2017. Prior to that, the last update was in 2012.

In general, the update’s goal was to “plan for new population growth and redevelopment while protecting key environmental features, creating sustainable economic opportunities and providing public services,” according to the city statement.

Among the major updates was the  implementation of the Form-Based Code land development regulatory tool, specifically along Division Avenue and incorporation of the Silver Line bus rapid transit service along Division Avenue.

The current Master Plan update also focused on “changes related to a few areas that required particular attention,” including Section 13, 263 acres of open land between 28th and 36th streets, Patterson Avenue and East Paris Avenue; Section 34, a 480-acre area between 52nd and 60th streets, the Princeton Estates plat and Wing Avenue; the 28th and 29th Street commercial corridor; and the Division Avenue corridor.

The update process also included plans for the Eastern Avenue and 52nd Street, the city campus, and Kalamazoo Avenue corridor subareas.

“Significant time and valuable engagement with residents, businesses and property owners has led to this plan’s adoption,” Terry Schweitzer, Kentwood community development director, said in supplied material. “We are grateful to all those who shared input and contributed to this critical review process.”

The updated plan and its associated documents are available on the City’s website at kentwood.us/PlanKentwood.

With pandemic still impacting Kentwood small businesses, city extends temporary zoning allowances

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Kentwood’s Broad Leaf Local Beer may have to change the way it uses outdoor space for customers as fall turns to winter, but the city is keeping some small business allowances in place to expedite such use. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kentwood City Commission has extended changes to local small business zoning requirements and procedures — including temporary use of outdoor space and the suspension of some sign restrictions — as part of the city’s continued efforts to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

According to a statement from the City of Kentwood, the City Commission approved a resolution that extends the changes through October 2021, as recommended by the Kentwood Economic Development Corporation. The changes were set to expire Nov. 1.
 

The resolution allows for an expedited site plan review process for temporary outdoor retail, food, beverage and personal service uses. The extension also means time limits on temporary sign display and certain business licensing fees remain suspended.

“The resolution we passed in June was intended to ease and expedite businesses’ abilities to serve customers in a manner that’s consistent with evolving public health recommendations,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “As COVID-19 continues to impact our community, the City remains committed to these measures to assist businesses still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.”

Retailers, restaurants and personal service businesses, such as athletic training facilities, wanting to add expanded outdoor spaces for customers may apply for such allowances through a streamlined administrative review process that was put into place earlier this summer to “jump-start the local economy,” according to the city’s statement.

The review and approval of site plans for general retail sales, food, beverage and personal service establishments in the city seeking to utilize outdoor areas, such as exterior building aprons or use of parking areas, are conducted through the Planning Department. (Interested businesses are asked to complete the online application at kentwood.us/businessrestart for consideration.)

Additionally, according to the city’s statement, under the temporary sign moratorium, one temporary sign of up to 32 square feet in area is allowed per business. Other restrictions in the zoning ordinance related to temporary signs, such as sign placement and similar matters, remain in effect.

Also announced was that for the fiscal licensing year 2020-21, City of Kentwood business license fees for all establishments located in Kentwood will be waived with the exception of hazardous material fees and fees for transient, waste hauler, door-to-door and snowplowing licenses.

Kent County board prepares for administration leadership without Wayman Britt in mid-2021

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Kent County Administrator/Controller Wayman P. Britt — who has held leadership roles in county administration for nearly two decades — will retire in 2021, (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Following an announcement early this month from Kent County that current Administrator/Controller Wayman P. Britt — who has held leadership roles in county administration for nearly two decades — will retire in 2021, the county wasted no time in setting out plans for future leadership.

The county expected to extend Britt’s current contract, due to expire in January 2021, to July 2021. It has hired a new Deputy County Administrator who brings more than 15 years of local government leadership experience to Kent County. And it has formed a seven-person Administrator/Controller Search Committee comprised of county commissioners and community leaders to “coordinate a national search to identify a replacement for Britt” as top administrator.

“After 17 years serving Kent County, it will be hard to walk away from this job,” Britt said in his letter of resignation, according to supplied material. “But I remind myself that I’m not walking away from this tremendous community. So many people have made an indelible mark on me — from our County team to those leading and making a difference out in our community. I’ll carry that with me well beyond my tenure here.”

Britt joined the county as its assistant county administrator in March 2004. In July 2017, he assumed the interim county administrator/controller position and was hired to fill the position in January 2018.

At the time of his resignation, announced Oct. 8, county Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter confirmed that, “working under the authority granted to her by the board,” she and Britt negotiated the six-month extension to his current employment agreement. The Board voted on the extension Oct. 22 to push the contract expiration to July 24, 2021.
 

“On behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners, I want to thank Wayman for his commitment, dedication, leadership and true public service to the people of Kent County over the past 17 years,” Bolter said in supplied material. “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to partner with him in service of our County and wish him the best on his well-deserved retirement.”

Under Britt’s leadership, according to supplied material, Kent County significantly modernized its IT infrastructure, worked with First Steps Kent to create a funding source for early childhood services, and helped launch the Kent County Population Consortium to address the need for a mental health crisis center in our community.

Also under his leadership, the county funded a new Kent County Parks Office, a northern county service hub and a new fleet service facility, as well as developed and launched a comprehensive strategic plan, and hosted the first-ever State of the County Address “as part of their commitment to heighten transparency through enhanced County communications programs.”

Most recently, of course, Britt has led the county’s ongoing public health and economic relief response to the COVID-19 crisis — including planning and distribution of more than a $100 million in federal CARES Act pandemic relief funding.

Administrator/controller search committee formed

The county announced on Oct. 12 that the board formed a committee to replace Britt, headed by Commission chair Bolter, as well as fellow commissioners Stan Stek and Carol Hennessy.

Also on the committee are Birgit Klohs, President & CEO of The Right Place, Inc.; Mike Verhulst, Vice President of Rockford Construction; Dante Villarreal, Vice President, Business & Talent Development, at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce; and Sam Moore, executive director of the Kent County Parks Foundation.

 
“I am thankful to the community leaders who have agreed to serve on the search committee,” Bolter said in supplied material. “Together, I am confident we will find a highly qualified individual who is dedicated to maintaining not only what we have achieved, but who possesses the drive and ability to push us toward continued innovation and excellence in service to our community.”

Jennifer Kimball James named Deputy County Administrator

The county announced on Oct.15 that it had hired Jennifer Kimball James as deputy county administrator. She was expected to start the new position on Oct. 19.

 

Kent County deputy county administrator Jenny Kimball James. (Supplied)

“Jennifer’s passion for public service and more than two decades of experience in local government — including 16 years in leadership positions — are what set her apart from an excellent field of candidates,” Britt said in supplied material. “We are confident her background, skills and enthusiasm for serving her community will help us further the County’s mission and execute our strategic plan.”
 

Most recently, James was the deputy city manager for the City of Rockville, Maryland, and previously served as the assistant city manager. She worked for the City of Rockville since 2004. Prior to that, she held research and analyst positions with Montgomery County, Maryland‘s Office of Legislative Oversight.

“I am honored to have spent the past twenty-three years collaborating with elected officials, city and county leaders and employees, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to implement the vision of the community where I lived,” Kimball James said in supplied material. “I look forward to partnering with the people of Kent County in the same way as, together, we work to strengthen West Michigan.”
 

According to supplied material, James will “plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee operations activities of the County, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet current and future needs of the County all under the direction of the County Administrator.”

Kentwood Public Schools’ East Kentwood 9th grade, high school students to go virtual for a week due to COVID-19 outbreak

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East Kentwood High School. (Supplied/KPS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kentwood Public Schools has joined several local public schools districts by closing school buildings and beginning temporary virtual education for all students after a series of positive COVID-19 test results.

In an Oct. 24 letter from district Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff to parent and students, and posted on the district website, the district explained its decision to cease in-person education at its East Kentwood Freshman Campus and the East Kentwood High School buildings from Saturday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 30.

“On Friday, October 23, 2020, we learned of another COVID-19 positive case at East Kentwood High School and/or the East Kentwood Freshman Campus,” the district letter stated. “In the past week on the East Kentwood Campuses, we have now had seven positive cases and currently have 123 individuals who are in quarantine. We worked late into the night Friday with the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and they have made the recommendation that we close both the East Kentwood Freshman Campus and the East Kentwood 10-12 Building next week to allow for contact tracing and deep cleaning.”

Students will receive further detailed information from their teachers and principals regarding next week’s class schedule and how learning will continue, according to the letter.

“This decision is very difficult and not made without a great deal of discussion and advice from the Kent County Health Department,” according to the letter. “We apologize for the hardship this puts on our students, staff and families. The recommendation from the KCHD is intended to break and eliminate cycles of transmission and keep our EK Community safe. It is important that we all take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 so we can stay safe and continue to offer in person school for our students, staff and families.”

The Kent County Health Department will conduct contact tracing and may contact members of the East Kentwood schools community for further follow up if it is determined that they were in “close contact” with an person who has tested positive.

“We are moving forward under the guidance of the Kent County Health Department and all measures have been taken to protect the wellbeing of our staff and students,” the letter states. And both buildings will be “thoroughly” cleaned and disinfected following district protocols.

If persons in the district community have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, the district recommends contacting the Executive Director of Human Resources, Jamie Gordon, in the KPS Administration Offices at 616-455-4400.