Tag Archives: WKTV

Rescheduled spacewalk featured this month on WKTV Government 26

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WTV Government 26 will be broadcasting two special live events next week, the launch of ISS Progress 69 Cargo Ship and a spacewalk from the International Space Station.

 

On Sunday, Feb. 11, NASA will cover the launch of the Russian ISS Progress 69 Cargo Ship. The unmanned Progress 69 cargo craft will launch to the International Space Station from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Coverage will be begin at about 3:30 a.m. with the launch scheduled at 3:58 p.m.

 

Coverage will continue with the docking of the ISS Progress 69 Cargo Ship at 6:30 a.m. with the docking scheduled for 7:24 a.m. The cargo ship will be delivering food, fuel, and supplies.

 

On Thursday, Feb. 15, NASA will be showcasing the ISS Expedition 54 U.S. Spacewalk #48. This was the spacewalk that was scheduled to take place in January. Astronauts Mark Vande Hei and Norishige Kanai will stow and reposition a pair of Latching End Effectors (LEEs). The LEEs are robotic hands attached to the tip of the Canadarm2 that grab and release cargo ships and external station hardware.

 

According to NASA, during the 6.5-hour excursion, the spacewalkers will first move an older LEE from a bracket on the Mobile Base System on the truss to the Quest airlock. It was removed from Camadarm 2 during a spacewalk last October. Next, a degraded LEE detached from Canadarm2 during the lat U.S. spacewalk on Jan. 23 will be moved from an external stowage platform to the Mobile Base System.

 

Coverage will being at 5:30 a.m. and the spacewalk will start at approximately 7:10am.

 

For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov. NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and on AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.

Sunday Night Funnies begins its 10th year at new location, Wyoming’s Woody’s Pressbox

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Starting Feb. 11, the Sunday Night Funnies begins its tenth year of stand-up comedy at a new location- Woody’s Pressbox inside Spectrum Lanes, 5656 Clyde Park SW.

 

 

“We are very excited to have the Sunday Night Funnies returning as a featured show in the Grand Rapids area and very honored that Brian B. has chosen Woody’s as the venue,” says Mike Eaton, Jr. Partner/Operations at Spectrum Lanes. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Brian and the Sunday Night Funnies!”

 

 

“I’m ecstatic to have the Sunday Night Funnies call Woody’s Pressbox our new home,” says Brian B. creator and host of the Sunday Night Funnies. “It took me almost a year to find the right location to continue the show. I had several offers, but none of the others seemed like a good fit. The Spectrum Lanes complex is a great entertainment venue. Having stand-up comedy there on Sunday nights is a win-win for both of us. The show’s regular customers will be introduced to the entertainment options Woody’s/Spectrum Lanes has to offer and they will bring a whole new audience to the Sunday Night Funnies.”

 

 

The adult comedy show also airs on WKTV twice a week: Thursdays at 1:30 a.m. and Sundays at 12:30 a.m.

 

 

The Sunday Night Funnies are the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The Sunday Night Funnies are a free weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country.

WKTV Government Channel features a number of NASA events

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The Soyuz MS-05 spacecraft is seen on the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch pad, Thursday, July 27, 2017. Expedition 52 flight engineer Sergei Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos, flight engineer Randy Bresnik of NASA, and flight engineer Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency) are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on July 28. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

There is lots of activity taking place next week as NASA launches a cargo craft  along with the changing of command on the International Space Station.

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, we will be featuring the launch  of the SpaceX/Dragon CRS-13 Mission. Coverage will begin at approximately 11:15am, with the launch scheduled at 11:46 a.m. A Post-Launch News Conference will be held at 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 13, we will be featuring the Change of Command Ceremony of the ISS Expedition 53/54 on the International Space Station. Coverage begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Ceremony scheduled for 7:40am.
Later in the day, we will cover the undocking of the ISS Expedition 53/Soyuz MS-05. Coverage starts at 11:30 p.m.,  with the undocking scheduled for 12:16 a.m.
Coverage continues on Thursday, Dec. 14, with the Deorbit Burn and Landing of the ISS Expedition 53/Soyuz MS-05. The deorbit burn is scheduled for 2:44am and the landing near Dzhezkazgan,  Kazakhstan is scheduled for 3:38am.
On Friday, Dec. 15, we will be featuring coverage of the Rendezvous and Capture of the SpaceX/Dragon CRS-13 Cargo Craft at the International Space Station. Coverage starts at 4:30am with the capture of the Cargo Craft scheduled for approximately 6:00am. Stay tuned for the installation of the Cargo Craft scheduled for 7:30am
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.
NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and on AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99

Environmental, weather satellite set to launch this month

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Joint Polar Satellite System

The first Joint Polar Satellite System will launch this month with WTKV featuring coverage of the launch on Friday, Nov. 10. The launch will be from the Vandenberg Air Force Base. Coverage will begin at approximately 4:15am.

The launch will air on NASA TV which can beset on WKTV 26 Government Channel on Comcast and on AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.

 

JPSS (short for Joint Polar Satellite System) is a series of high tech satellites that will keep an eye on the weather and environment. These satellites will circle the Earth from North Pole to South Pole 14 times each day as the planet spins below. This allows JPSS to see the whole Earth twice every day!

 

JPSS-1—the first satellite in the JPSS series—has a suite of advanced instruments to collect information about what’s happening in the atmosphere, on the land, and on the surface of the oceans. From its orbit 512 miles above Earth, JPSS-1 will help:

 

  • Create more accurate weather forecasts up to 7 days in advance.
  • Track how the weather affects plants, including forests and the crops that grow our food.
  • Monitor ocean health by taking detailed measurements of water temperature and color.
  • Keep tabs on the atmosphere to create earlier warnings of severe weather.
  • Watch for volcanoes and forest fires around the world to monitor air quality and enhance public safety.
Also on Saturday, Nov. 11, WKTV will be featuring the launch of the Orbital ATK Antares/Cygnus on the CRS-8 Mission to the International Space Station. Coverage begins at 7 a.m. with the launch scheduled for 7:37 a.m. Cygnus will deliver vital equipment, supplies and scientific equipment to the space station.
On Monday, Nov. 13, WKTV will be featuring coverage of the Rendezvous and Capture of the Orbital ATK Cygnus CRS-8 Cargo Craft at the International Space Station. Coverage starts at 4:15 a.m. with the grapple scheduled for 5:40am. Installation of the Cargo Craft starts at 7 a.m.
For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov.

Ribbon cutting celebrates redevelopment of former Wyoming Village Mall to 28 West Place

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https://youtu.be/zBSdq_5454o

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Just a month short of the four-year mark when the City of Wyoming first introduced the concept of 28 West, city officials will gather with city leaders and business representatives to celebrate the the project that lead to the completion of the first half of the road.

 

This Saturday, Oct. 21, there will be a ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening celebration of the 28 West Place, formerly Wyoming Village Mall, at 1:30 p.m. with additional events to follow. The ribbon cutting ceremony is hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce.

 

“This is a hallmark change in the corridor here that we have been hoping for a number of years…” said Mayor Jack Poll.

 

The 28 West sign located in front of the former Studio 28 property. Construction for the 28 West project will actually start just east on the Wyoming Mall property.

In 2013, the City of Wyoming adopted a plan for the reimagine of the south side of 28th Street between Clyde Park and Burlingame avenues in to a mixed-use town center utilizing form-based code, which provides flexibility to developers. A key element to the 28 West concept was the construction of a curving slip street which would become the center’s new “main street.” The street was designed to run from the south side of 28th Street across from Hook Avenue to Jenkins Avenue, which runs next to the former Klingman/Rogers Department Store building. Because the plan involved demolition of buildings on privately held property, city officials knew it would take some time to get all parties on board with the plan.

 

Jumping forward to 2016 when Meyer C. Weiner Company, which owns 28 West Place, approached the city about renovation plans for the mall property which was originally developed in 1962 and known as Southland Mall. Those plans included 20,000 square feet of new entry efficient building space and two out-lot buildings of approximately 11,000 square feet, long with significant property improvements to upgrade the existing retail center and its surface parking lot.

 

Seeing the opportunity to move forward with the 28 West Street plan, the City of Wyoming officials entered into a $1.6 million agreement with Meyer C. Weiner Company so as to move forward with the first phase of the 28 West Street project from Hook Avenue to Michael Avenue. This past week, the City Council finalized some of the details by placing an all-the-way stop sign at the 28 West Place service drive along the west side of the mall.

 

“We are excited to commemorate this first stage of redevelopment,” said Megan Sall, assistant city manager and Downtown Development Authority director. “There are so many opportunities inherent in this area and we’re pleased to have a partner in Meyer C. Weiner Company as we set the stage for future growth.”

 

Overview of the new 2 West Place with the 28 West Street.

Matthew McDade, chief operating officer for the Meyer C. Weiner Company, also points to partnerships as being key to this project’s success. “The Meyer C. Weiner Company would like to thank all the staff and officials at the City of Wyoming who worked extremely hard to make this redevelopment possible, along with the stakeholders for the successful completion of this project.”

 

As the renovation project got underway, Mr. Alan’s, a clothing store, leased a 5,400-square-foot out-lot building and opened in June. Other new tenants include CSL Plasma which opened in April, and Simply 10, a clothing store, is expected to opening late October. The current tenants of 28 West Place also include a Save-A-Lot, DollarTree, Payless Shoes, and the children’s consignment store Once Upon a Child.

 

28 West Place retailers will be hosting a series of events from 2 – 4 p.m. which include the Grand Rapids Drive’s mascot Buckets, signed Red Wings photos, face-painting for kids, a live remote with 95.7 WLHT and WKTV also will be there as well.

‘VOICES: a community history project’ taking reservations for Wyoming Public Library appearance Oct. 23-26

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By Victoria Mullen, WKTV

 

Wyoming-Kentwood Community Media’s VOICES: a community history project powered by WKTV is taking reservations for its appearance at Wyoming Public Library (3350 Michael Ave SW, Wyoming, MI) Monday-Thursday, Oct. 23-Oct. 26, from 10am-8pm*.

 

VOICES collects, preserves, and shares the stories of West Michigan people from all backgrounds and beliefs, with a focus on Wyoming, Kentwood and the greater Grand Rapids area. It’s a free public service, offering a comfortable video recording studio with a relaxed atmosphere.

 

High-tech video and audio equipment records the stories of our neighbors, friends and family — any story from anyone — that make up the fabric of our lives and our community. Participants tell their stories of hardships and successes, of what shaped them and their families into the kind of people they are today. Our lives, experiences, joys, sorrows, triumphs and tragedies are what make us all human.

 

Interviews usually take place between two people who know and care about each other. They can be friends, family or mere acquaintances. At the end of each 40-minute recording session, participants receive a complimentary DVD of their interview. Each recording is also archived with the Library of Congress.

 

VOICES sign at the Wyoming Public Library

Interviews can be “life reviews,” conducted with people at the end of their careers. Or they can focus on a specific period or a specific event in people’s lives, as with war veterans or survivors of an earthquake, flood or hurricane.

 

The project launched at ArtPrize Nine, welcoming scores of visitors to tour our renovated 1958 Airstream® mobile studio and learn more about the oral history project.

 

To reserve a time to tell your story, go here.

 

Upcoming dates at other locations:

 

Monday-Thursday, Nov. 13-16 — Kentwood Public Library (4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI), from 10am-8pm*.

 

*Last appointment of the day is 7pm.

WKTV Government 26 to feature spacewalk on Thursday

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The six-member Expedition 53 crew poses for an official crew portrait at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Seated in the front (from left) are Flight Engineer Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos and Commander Randy Bresnik of NASA. Standing in the back (from left) are NASA astronauts Joe Acaba and Mark Vande Hei, Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos and Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency. (NASA photo)
Be sure to tune in to WKTV Government 26 for our upcoming Special Programming Event from NASA TV.
On Thursday, Oct. 5, the WKTV Government 26 channel will be featuring the ISS Expedition 53 U.S. Spacewalk. Coverage begins at  approximately 6:30 a.m. with the Spacewalk scheduled to start at 8:05 a.m. The Spacewalk is expected to last six and half hours.
For more information on the spacewalk, log on to www.nasa.gov. NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channel and on AT&T U-verse Government Channel 99.

Farmworkers activist Dolores Huerta featured in upcoming WKTV program

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Dolores Huerta at the 2012 Induction of the Farm Worker Movement into the Labor Hall of Honor in the Great Hall (Official Department of Labor Photograph)

For most people, say farmworkers rights and they immediate think of Ceasar Chavez. It is only expected since he has been honored with a stamp, roads have been named after him and even buildings such as the Grand Rapids’ Cesar E. Chavez Elementary.

 

Say the name Dolores Huerta and most of those same people would go “who?” She is not a household name such as Chavez but her importance to the success of the United Farm Workers union – which she and Chavez co-founded – is no less than Chavez.

 

And Latino activist and rock ‘n’ roll icon Carlos Santana hoped to right that wrong by making the documentary “Dolores.”

 

Dolores Huerta

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, which goes through Oct. 15, WKTV will air “The Kamla Show” featuring Dolores Huerta and filmmaker Peter Bratt, who will discuss the documentary that was premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, recently released to theaters and set to air on PBS in 2018. “The Kamla Show” will air on WKTV 25 Monday, Oct. 2, at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 11 30 a.m. and Friday, Oct. 6, at noon and 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Huerta, now 87, is still not messing around with her mission of empowerment. She moved on from the UFW after Chavez’s death in 1993 to found the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which provides leadership training in the grassroots style of activism she helped to pioneer. Huerta travels throughout the country spreading her message, but continues to focus most of her efforts in the Latino agricultural communities of the California’s Central Valley.

 

 

 

WKTV’s ‘VOICES: A Community history Project’ launches at ArtPrize Nine

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

 

Announcing the rollout of VOICES: A community history project powered by WKTV at ArtPrize Nine! ‘VOICES’ is the local and regional oral history project powered by WKTV Community Media.

 

Our portable recording studio travels throughout Wyoming, Kentwood—the entire Grand Rapids metro area—gathering the true-life stories—any story from anyone—that make up the fabric of our lives and our community. Our mission is “to collect, share and preserve the stories of people in our community”—the stories of our lives; the stories of people from all walks of life.

 

Our 28-foot, vintage Airstream® Overlander trailer will be parked across from Rosa Parks Circle on Monroe Center Ave. NW Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23; and at the intersec- tion of Monroe NW and Lyon NW, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

 

VOICES invites ArtPrize attendees to stop on by, have a look at this beautifully restored Airstream, get to know us and, if they’d like, to tell us their story. You can talk about any- thing — your love for art, your favorite family memory, an event in your family’s life — whatever it is, as long as it’s you or your family’s personal oral history, it’s worth it.

 

After ArtPrize, VOICES will roll on! The VOICES Airstream will make regular appearances at various locations throughout Kent County, beginning with the KDL Wyoming Branch Oct. 16-20 and 23-26. Then it’s on to the Kentwood Public Library Nov. 6-9 and 13-16. More dates are currently being negotiated.

 

To reserve a time to tell your story, go to www.wktvvoices.org. Registration is always FREE— bring a friend or family member to talk about your memories, your history, your life!

 

There are only a limited number of time slots available, so be sure to register TODAY!

 

Your memories. Your history. Your life.

What’s a Friesian, and what’s a Keuring?

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By Bill Rinderknecht

WKTV Community Journalist

 

A Dutch runner leads a Friesian at a Keuring Credit: Cally Matherly

Charlotte and I attended our first Michigan area Keuring event in Ionia in September 2016 based on our desire to “meet” Friesians in person and learn more about those who own them. Like most show horse owners and breeders, the people we met were enthusiastic about their prized animals and were very friendly as they patiently educated us on the breed and the Keuring.

 

A little Friesian History

The Friesian horse originated in the province of Frieslan in the Netherlands centuries ago, as war horses used by knights and cavalrymen across Europe, even to Rome. Several movies have used Friesians when a big, majestic, proud horse was desired. More recently they were used extensively on European—especially Dutch—farms until tractors effectively took over. The breed went nearly extinct in the 1970s, but due to a concerted effort the breed has made a comeback. Friesians are an exclusive breed, numbering only 45,000 worldwide and 8,000 in North America.

 

What is a Keuring?

Keuring is a Dutch word meaning inspection. Friesians are inspected annually to determine which ones are worthy of the only certified database of pure bred Friesians in the world. This record is called the KFPS, or Royal Friesian Studbook. Judges are almost always Dutch, certified in the Netherlands to judge the horses against a single standard, a single Friesian ideal. Dutch “Runners” will put the horses through their paces so the judges can evaluate them.

 

Evaluation Criteria

According to the very thorough Keuring program for the September 2016 event, there are three major areas of Friesian evaluation. They are 1.) Exterior and Movement, 2.) Use—i.e., judged in riding, on a lead, and under harness—and 3.) Vitality and Health (FHANA Royal Friesian, 2016). Today, I’ll address the Breed characteristics that are important to classic Friesians.

 

What is the Ideal Friesian?

The best Friesians make a luxurious and proud impression. A good-sized stallion will stand 15.5-17.5 hands tall. Evident qualities include a “characteristic front; abundance of hair; black color; and roomy, elevated gaits (knee action)” (FHANA Royal Friesian, 2016, p. 57). The Friesian’s head is “small, noble, expressive” with eyes “placed far apart” (FHANA Royal Friesian, 2016, p. 57). There are several other detailed descriptive traits of the head, which only an experienced Keuring official might notice. The neck is long and elevated and muscular. This combination presents a very distinct appearance. Their hair (mane, tail, feathers) is ABUNDANT! Owners I’ve consulted say they must regularly trim the tail so it won’t drag the ground. Feathers refer to hair that grows on each leg around the fetlock (just below the canon bone), reaching down to the hoof. This hair adds to the regal appearance of Friesians as they prance. And oh, how they prance! Some breeds must be taught how to do it; it comes naturally for Friesians.

WKTV features 9/11 documentary by Kentwood resident

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James Kristan also owns a truck that he has dedicated in remembrance to the those who died in 9/11.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Kentwood resident James Kristan remembers the moment the world stopped for him. He was getting ready to paint the small garage door to his home when an WYCE host announced that a plane had hit the twin towers.

 

“I’m originally from Connecticut, but New York was my stomping grounds,” Kristan said. “It was the place that I hung out with my bros.”

 

Kristan, an Army veteran, spent the next eight years  immersed in the day’s events and its effects. The result being the documentary “Moving on From 9/11: One Man’s Story,” which will air on WKTV’s Channel 25 at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, and again at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12.

 

“I interviewed firefighters from Battalion 1, some of the very first to respond,” Kristan said. It was actually the battalion chief of Battalion 1 who witnessed the American Airlines Flight 11 crash into the North Tower of the World Trader Center on Sept, 11 and immediately radioed a multiple alarm incident. Of the 412 emergency works who died during the World Trade Center attacks, 343 were New Your City Fire Department firefighters.

 

The events for the Sept. 11 attacks started when two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were crashed into the North and South Towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within an hour and 42 minutes, both 110-story towers collapsed. A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was crashed into the Pentagon leading to a partial collapse of the building’s western side. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, initially was steered toward Washington D.C., but crashed into a field in Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Penn. after its passengers tried to overcome the hijackers.

 

For several years, Kristan attended the memorial ceremonies for the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 and the documentary includes some of those memorial tributes. Kristan also spent several months gaining access to the chapel in the Pentagon where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed and is one of a few allowed to film in the chapel.

 

“For me this was about healing,” said Kristan who said the attacks brought on his post traumatic stress disorder or PSTD. In fact, Kristan said every Sept. 11, he spends the day reflecting and remembering those who perished during the attacks and those who risked their lives to help others.

 

An artist, Kristan has moved forward. He has participated in ArtPrize in 2009 and 2013 and is planning to return in 2018. He has the largest 9/11 memorabilia collection that includes pieces of the World Trade Towers. He also is the president of the West Michigan 9/11 Memorial.

 

However Kristan said he will never forget what happened and will continue to educate others about the 9/11 attacks and how it changed the United States.

WKTV 26 to feature launch of ISS Expedition 53-54 on Tuesday

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Expedition 53 crew members: Joe Acaba of NASA, Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos, and Mark Vande Hei of NASA pose for a photograph for the press outside the Soyuz simulator ahead of their Soyuz qualification exams, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. The three are scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 5:17 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 (3:17 a.m. on Sept. 13, Baikonur time) aboard the Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft. Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Be sure to tune in to WKTV 26 for our upcoming Special Programming Event from NASA TV!
On Tuesday, Sept. 12, WKTV 26 will be featuring the launch the ISS Expedition 53-54/Soyuz MS-06. Coverage begins at approximately 4:15 p.m. with the launch scheduled t 5:17 p.m. Coverage of the Hatch Opening and Welcoming Ceremony at the ISS starts at approximately 12:40 a.m. NASA TV can be seen on WKTV 26 Government Channel.

Two NASA astronauts are among the three crew members poised to launch for a five-month stay aboard the International Space Station, and NASA Television will provide extensive coverage of their prelaunch activities, launch and their arrival on their orbital outpost.

 

Expedition 53-54 Flight Engineers Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba of NASA and Alexander Misurkin of Roscosmos are scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 5:17 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 12 aboard the Soyuz MS-06 spacecraft. A full complement of video of the crew’s prelaunch activities in Baikonur will air on NASA TV in the days preceding launch.

 

After their launch, the trio will travel on a fast-track, six-hour path to the space station, where they are expected to dock at 10:57 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. NASA TV coverage of docking will begin at 10:15 p.m.

 

Hatches between the Soyuz and the space station will open at about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. The arriving crew will be welcomed on board by Expedition 53 Commander Randy Bresnik of NASA and Flight Engineers Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos and Paolo Nespoli of the ESA (European Space Agency). NASA TV coverage of the hatch opening and welcoming ceremonies will begin at 12 a.m. Sept. 13.

For information on the launch, log on to www.nasa.gov.

WKTV thanks its volunteers with a special picnic featuring local food trucks

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On a beautiful day in August, almost 100 people gathered at Palmer Park in Wyoming for the WKTV’s annual volunteer party.

 

This year, WKTV hosted a picnic featuring food from Movable Feast and ice cream sundaes from Pinkie’s Ice Cream. The three-hour event included a time to recognize the many accomplishments of all of WKTV volunteers.

 

Receiving the Citizen Journalism of the Year Award was Mike Moll who has helped to lead WKTV’s sports coverage. Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award was Brice Miller.

 

Recognized for their years of service were Mike Bacon, a Board Member and producer of Whittlin’ Time, and Bob Serulla, the voice of the Golden Gloves/Metro Cruise for 15years. For being a 20-year volunteer, Girbe Eefsting, Voices; Hung Nguyen, VMTV, and Larry Swanson, You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America, were honored. Chis Rush, from Senior Exercise, one of the longest shows on WKTV, was recognized for 25 years.

 

The following people also were honored:

 

Those who volunteered 25 hours or less:

Jane Dixson – WKTV Journal anchor

Colton Ferrier – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America

Dominique Johnson – former WKTV Journal intern

Heather Kanig – former WKTV Journal intern

Kasey Knako – former WKTV Journal intern

Phyllis Koslow – voice of the Grand Rapids Symphonette

Pat Moll – WKTV Journalism

Roger Munyon – Yestervision

Charlotte Rinderknecht – Fresian Horse Program

Chris Rush – Senior Exercise

Don Schumaker – WKTV Sports

Bob Serulla – voice of Golden Gloves/Metro Cruise

Abby Stricker – former WKTV Journal intern

Dick Visser – Board Member who last year had 20 years with WKTV

 

Those who had volunteered 26 – 50 hours

Britteny Berens – No Limits TV

Maggie Boorsma – WKTV Journal/Metro Cruise

Cynthia Johnson – Sports/Parades

Kateln Kohane – WKTV Journalism/Plus

Hung Nguyen – Board Member/VMTV

Bill Rinderknecht – WKTV Sprts/Fresian Horse Program

Matt Small – No Limits TV

 

Those who have volunteered 51 – 75 hours

Ron Schultz – WKTV Sports Announcer

Larry Swanson – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America

Chris Williams – WKTV Journalism/Sports

 

Those who have volunteered 76 – 99 hours

Carrie Bradstreet – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America

Robert Gonzalez – WKTV Sports

Sophia Maslowski – You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me America

Becchi Schumaker – WKTV Sports/Plus

 

The 100-Hour Club

Mike Bacon

Mark Bergsma

Tomas Calvo

 

Alan Dunst

Candice Floszar-Smith

Doug Hansen

Alan Headbloom

Tom Hegewald

Paul Kabelman

Mike Moll

Brice Miller

Athina Morehouse

Doug Remtema

Doug Rowland

Tom Sibley

Gary Vande Velde

 

 

WKTV brings NASA coverage of today’s solar eclipse

Citizen Journalism, ,

Today all of North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun, and NASA Television will carry it live from coast to coast from unique vantage points on the ground and from aircraft and spacecraft.

 

Programming begins at noon EDT with a preview show hosted from Charleston, South Carolina. That program is followed by the main show which begins at 1 p.m. EDT.

 

The main program will cover of path of the eclipse from Oregon to South Carolina. The program will feature views from jet aircraft, high-altitude balloons, satellites and specially modified telescopes. It will also include live reports from Salem, Oregon, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Beatrice, Nebraska, Jefferson City, Missouri, Carbondale, Illinois, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Clarksville, Tennessee and at our home base at the College of Charleston (SC).

 

NASA TV may be seen on WKTV 26 and AT&T 99 Government. Please note: All content is subject to change in real time and without notice.

As solar eclipse approaches, WKTV talks to local expert on tips to experience it

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By Joanne Baiely-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

For the first time in 40 years, the North American continent will experience a total solar eclipse, where the moon is between the sun and earth casting its shadow on the earth.

 

And depending where you are on Aug. 21 will determine how much of the solar eclipse you will see, according to David DeBryun, the president of the Grand Rapids Amateur Astrological Association.

 

“Bad news is we are not going to see a total eclipse in Grand Rapids,” DeBryun said during a special interview with WKTV’s Bre Wilson. During that interview, DeBryun said that the Grand Rapids area will experience about an 85 percent of the eclipse.

 

Bre Wilson with David DeBryun

He also noted that the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. SW, will be hosting a special Eclipse Day Party on Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will include hands-on solar related activity booths, multiple shows on the half hour of “Eclipses and Phases of the Moon” in the Chaffee Planetarium, and a live stream of the total eclipse will be shown int he Meijer Theater. All Eclipse Party activities will be included with general admission to the Museum. For more, visit grpm.org.

 

While several members of the GRAAA will be on hand at the Eclipse Day Party, DeBryun will not be one of them. He plans to be part of a group heading to Nebraska to see the eclipse. In fact, he has travelled the world to experience solar eclipses, which are a rare occurrence. The next total solar eclipse is July 2, 2019 and will across southern Africa.

 

DeBryun’s first solar eclipse was in 1963, when he was a young boy. “Boy do I remember that because that was the most dramatic thing I had seen in nature at that point,” he said. “It was just overwhelming. And it was the impetus for me to travel the far corners of the earth in the time since then to witness five of these total eclipses of the sun.”

 

With the total solar eclipse happening only about 70 miles away from the Grand Rapids area and going through such major cities as St. Louis and Nashville, DeBryun encourages residents to make the trip to experience the phenomenon especially since the next time a total solar eclipse will travel across West Michigan will be in the year 2099.

 

“I know I won’t make that,” he said with a a laugh.

 

If you plan to check out the solar eclipse, DeBryun encourages people to use the safe viewing glasses available at the Public Museum or to make an eclipse box. For other tips and more discussion about the solar eclipse, check out the interview with DeBryun airing on WKTV channel 25 at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 14; 7 and 11 p.m. Aug. 15; 11:30 a.m. Aug. 16; and noon and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18.

10-year-old keyboard player helps wrap up the 2017 Sounds of Summer concert series

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The Sounds of Summer wrapped up with the Max Colley jazz group, who treated the crowd to a special 10-year-old sensation.

 

Max Colley surprised everyone when he presented Justin-Lee Schultz, 10, a keyboard player from Kalamazoo, to the Sounds of Summer audience during the series grand finale concert. Schultz was Colley’s special guest jazz keyboard player and part of the group’s quartet. He smiled as he received thunderous applause throughout the evening from the crowd.

 

The night was a perfect end to the series with an evening of live music, ice cream, and a playground for the little ones. The Debo sisters, Claire, 4, and Joelle, 2, from Jamestown, along with Trey Ewing, 3, from Dorr, were just some of the children who enjoyed all the activities.

 

Sounds of Summer is produced by P. Williams Productions. The program is rebroadcast on WKTV Channel 26. Check wktv.org for showtimes.

WKTV hosts annual volunteer picnic

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As a thanks to its volunteers, WKTV will be hosting a picnic Saturday, aug. 5 at Palmer Park, 1275 52nd St. SW. The event starts at noon.

 

The event will feature a selection of food from a Moveable Feast food truck. Items include the Grand Rapids Cheesesteak that has grass-fed beef with grilled peppers and onions, Founders beer cheese sauce all on a pretzel bun; the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap with grilled chicken, romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing in a flour tortilla; the Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwich with braised pork shoulder, Hula BBQ Sauce, bread and butter pickles on a Hawaiian sandwich bun; and the truck’s newest offering Grilled Citrus Chicken Taco with grilled chicken wrapped in a flour tortilla.

 

Pinkie’s Ice Cream will be serving up dessert in its vintage ice cream truck. An assortment of flavors from Sherman’s Ice Cream, based out of South Haven, will be part of the sundae bar that will include a variety of toppings.

 

There will be games, prizes, and volunteer recognition awards.

 

The cost is $10 per person, which includes the cost of food, and $5 for children 10 & under. To attend, all you need to do is RSVP to wktv.org by Friday, July 28.

On the road again: Wyoming City Council hosts meeting at Southlawn Park

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The Wyoming City Council at Lamar Park

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

This Monday, July 17, the Wyoming City Council again takes its meeting on the road, this time heading to Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE.

 

“Taking our meetings outside of council chambers provides us with a great opportunity to meet residents and educate them about our decision-making process,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “Their input is critical to our success as a community.”

 

Poll, Mayor Pro Ten Sam Bolt, and Council Members William VerHulst, Marissa Postler, Robert Postema, Dan Burrill, and Kent Vanderwood and city officials are scheduled to be at the park around 6 p.m. Ice cream also will be served at that time. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. with it being broadcast live on WKTV Channel 26.

 

In June, the council hosting a meeting at Lamar Park with city leaders pleased at the overall turn out. More than half a dozen residents made comments at the end of the meeting from thanking the city for help with such projects as the new light at 44th Street and Burlingame Avenue and working with the Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission on the Concerts in the Parks programs to discussing such items as the Paris Accord, a concern over a home being rented out and the condition of West Lake and West Pond.

 

“This is like a dream come true for me,” said Councilor Dan Burrill at the June 19 meeting, who added he has enjoyed looking out from the stage, to the sights and sounds of the park.

 

Pastor Wayne Ondersma from The Pier Church is scheduled to give the invocation. The council will follow its normal meeting procedures with Poll explaining each segment, like he does at the regular council meetings. To see the July 17 agenda, click here.

 

The council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at its chambers in Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. The meetings are broadcast live on WKTV Channel 26 and rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

WKTV airs special on Muskegon Bike Time as event revs up in downtown Muskegon

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In honor of this year’s Muskegon Bike Time, which is July 13 – 16 in downtown Muskegon, WKTV will be airing the highlight reel of the Muskegon Bike Time 2016.

 

The half-hour show, produced by WKTV volunteer producer Gary Vande Velde
aka GV Wheels, will air on WKTV 25 this Thursday, July 13, at 1 a.m. and will repeat on Friday, July 14, at noon followed by by DMX Sports Blessing of the Bikes. It also will air on Saturday, July 15, at 12:30 p.m.

 

The 2016 event marked the 10th anniversary of the annual Muskegon Bike Time, which attracts more than 100,000 people and 75,000 bikes from across the country. The goal of the event is to produce entertainment opportunities in Muskegon aimed at attracting a broad spectrum of motorcycle enthusiasts for a vacation experience on Michigan’s West Coast.

 

The event’s activities include the Relentless Stunts Show featuring a motorcycle stunt team performing an array of nonstop action acrobats. There also is the Harley-Davidson Rushmore Experience Demo Rides along with the Blessing of the Bikes and the Patriot Ride on Sunday. The four-day event also will have food and plenty of live entertainment.

 

For more information on the Muskegon Bike Time, visit www.muskegonbiketime.com.

 

Learn about rip currents before heading to Lake Michigan through WKTV program

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With Lake Michigan only being about an hour away, it is easy during a hot summer day to pack up the family and head to the beach to enjoy the sand and waves.

 

Those waves also contribute to Lake Michigan being the deadliest of the Great Lakes. In fact, Grand Haven has one of the highest current related incidents, 109 from 2002 to the present according to the National Weather Service. Of those incidents, eight have resulted in deaths.

 

The major cause of those incidents have been rip currents. To help increase awareness about riptides the National Weather Service has designated the first week in June as National Rip Current Awareness Week. In honor of that, WKTV will air “Respect the Power,” on Channel 25 June 5 at 9:30 a.m.; June 6 at 6:30 p.m.; June 7 at 11:30 a.m. and June 9 at 7:30 p.m.

 

The video was produced by the Great Lakes Beach & Pier Safety Task Force and was created in memory of Andrew Burton Fox and Daniel Reiss, both who were swept off the Grand Haven pier and drowned in Lake Michigan.

 

According to Grand Haven officials, rip currents and powerful breaking waves are common in the area of the pier. But education, including recognizing what a riptide looks like and what to do if you are caught in one, can increase the chances of a happy outcome.

 

From the “Respect the Power” website, it states that the Great Lakes are better understood as inland seas rather than lakes. Storms not he lakes can easily generate waves up to 30 feet in the most sever storms. However, even smaller waves can be dangerous.

 

When waves break, water is pushed up the slope of the shore. Gravity pulls this water back toward the lake. When the water converges in a narrow, river-like current moving away from the shore, it forms what is know as a rip current. Rip currents can be 50 feet to 50 yards or more wide. They can flow to a point just past the breaking waves or hundreds of yards offshore. You can sometimes identify a rip current by its foamy and choppy surface. The water in a rip current may be dirty from the sand being turned up by the current. The water may be colder than the surrounding water. Waves usually do not break as readily in a rip current as in adjacent water.

 

According to both the “Respect the Power” and the National Weather Service websites, if caught in a rip current, try to relax. A rip current is not an “undertow” and will not pull you under. Do not try to swim against the current as this is very difficult, even for an experience swimmer. If you can, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim directly toward shore. If you are tired, tread water and float and call and wave for assistance. The current will carry you to the end or head of the current, where once rested you can swim back to shore.

 

Some other water safety tips:

 

1. Learn to swim.

 

2. Check with a lifeguard or with the park’s current conditions board before entering water.

 

3. Never swim alone.

 

4. Never dive headfirst into unknown waters or shallow breaking waves.

 

5. Piers are navigational structures and not designed as walkways, proceed at your own risk.

 

6. Do not jump or dive off pier structures.

 

7. Avoid piers when waves begin to spill over the pier surface.

 

8. To avoid rip currents, avoid swimming in areas that are discolored with sand and has a choppy or foamy surface.

 

9. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore (about 30-50 yards) to get out of the rip current before swimming to shore.

 

10. Protect yourself from the sun. Use sun screen.

All aboard as WKTV features a unique look at passenger trains

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Take a trip down memory lane as WKTV presents “All Aboard!: The Legends of the Rails” June 2 and 3.

 

The special will air on WKTV Channel 25 at noon on Friday, June 2, and 5 p.m., Saturday, June 3.

 

The production shows the story of passenger trains in America, taking the viewer on a coast-to-coast journey to re-live the history, color and fascinating story of some of America’s most popular passenger trains. From the earliest-steam locomotives to today’s streamlined Amtrak diesels, the viewer will be treated to spectacular cinematography as these legends of the rails glide through the mountains, valleys cityscapes and back country of America.

 

Featured locomotives include the Union Pacific 3985, 844, and E9’s, Nebraska Zephyr, Norfolk & Western 611, Frisco 1522, and Southern Pacific 4449. As a special treat, viewers will get to “sit” next to the engineer for ride on the Southwest Chief. Also part of the video includes exclusions, dinner trains, tourist lines, the Dever & Rio Grande Ski Train, and footage of Amtrak from coast to coast.

Kentwood’s Amvets Post to host annual Memorial Day Parade

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The City of Kentwood will mark Memorial Day with a parade on Monday, May 29, hosted this year by the Amvets Post 23.

 

For the past several years, the Amvets Post and the America Legion D.W. Cassard Post 208 have shared the responsibilities of hosting the annual parade and service with one group hosting it one year and the other hosting it the next. For 2017, it is the Amvets who have organized the event.

 

The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), near the corner of 48th Street and Eastern Avenue. From there, it will head west down 48th Street to Kentwood’s Veteran’s Memorial Park located in front of the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. At the park, there will be a ceremony including the laying of five wreaths, one for each of the branches of the military service: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The service will last about an hour.

 

The entire parade and service will be rebroadcast on WKTV 25, at 12:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. In fact, the entire program for that day will focus on Memorial Day activities and will include “Salute to Honor” at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.; a Memorial Day Tribute at 10 a.m.; “Lost Boat Ceremony” at the USS Silverside at 10:15 a.m. and 9 p.m.; City of Kentwood Memorial Day Parade at 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; “Lest We Forget” at 1 p.m.; the Vietnam Moving Wall at 6:30 p.m.; and the City of Wyoming Memorial Day Service at 8:30 p.m.

 

The WKTV Government 26 channel will feature “Salute to Honor” at 6:30 p.m. and the National Veteran’s Creative Arts Festival at 7 p.m.

Game on:WKTV’s featured games for March 20-25

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This week in WKTV’s featured high school sports games are:

 

Tuesday, March 21, the quest for a basketball state championship is underway as Tri-Unity Christian will face Buckley.

Tri-Unity Christian faces Burkley tonight.

 

Tri-Unity enters the contest with a 16-8 record while Buckley remains undefeated with a 24-0 record. The game will be at Tri-Unity Christian, 2100 44th St. SW.  where they will have the home court advantage and the winner of this game will advance to play at Michigan State in the semi-finals in hopes of winning a state championship.

 

Wednesday, March 22, both of Wyoming’s baseball and softball teams will be opening their season with an away game at Lowell. The boys will play at 4 tp.m. and the girls will play at 4:15 p.m.

 

Thursday, March 23, Wyoming will take on Grand Rapids Covenant Christian for a baseball game, while the softball team of Wyoming will play against Zeeland West. Both games will be at Wyoming and played 4:15 p.m.

 

Friday March 24, South Christian will have its season opener at Holland Christian in a boys lacrosse game at 6 p.m.

 

Saturday, March 25, Grand Rapids Christian will play against East Kentwood’s baseball team at Davenport University at 6 p.m.

 

WKTV videos and broadcasts several games each week during high school sports season.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

DVDs of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org

Deadline for 2017 Eclipse Award entries fast approaching 

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , , , ,

 

By WKTV Staff

 

Calling the best and brightest producers, directors, actors, writers, and filmmakers to submit their entries for the 2017 Eclipse Awards! Entries are accepted until March 27th, 2017.

 

The Eclipse Awards honor content creators for Excellence in Craft in the disciplines of film, television, video, acting, sound, music and writing. Created by WKTV Community Television and Media as a means of empowering the West Michigan “voice” of content creators, the Eclipse Awards has become the “big event” for the creative community.

 

“There really are a large number of content creators here who are either fully established and enjoy the recognition or who are just starting out and have that spark of genius with a great idea,” said Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV.

 

Tom Norton, General Manager of WKTV Community Television and Media

In the first round of voting beginning right after March 27th, voting members from Michigan select the nominees. Nominees are then announced at 7 pm EST on Monday, April 17th and streamed live on the WKTV Youtube Channels. A link will be available on The Eclipse Awards website, theeclipseaward.com. A second round of voting begins following the announcement and this time, voting members are joined by industry peers across the US and in Europe.

 

The tallies from those votes then decide from the list of nominees who will be the recipient of The 6th Annual Eclipse Award in each category and craft.

 

The Hyperion Award — a leadership award given to outstanding leaders in TV, Film and the Arts — is voted on by the Eclipse Awards Board of Governors. The name “hyperion” refers to the light that exists behind an eclipse and this is the leadership that The Hyperion Award honors; the individual in West Michigan who by example and leadership encourages others to excel and contribute to an already thriving community of content creators.

 

The 2017 Hyperion Award recipient will be announced on the day the Eclipse Nominations are announced and will be presented at the 6th Annual Eclipse Awards Ceremony televised live from City Flats Ballroom on Thursday, May 18th.

 

NEW to the Eclipse Awards this year, Los Angeles distributor FairwayFilm Alliance, through their Rogue Arts label, is offering a first look to the 6th Annual Eclipse Award winners in the feature film and documentary category. Following the night of the awards ceremony, when the winners are known, the connection between Fairway Film Alliance and the winner(s) in these categories will be arranged.

 

“We’re tremendously pleased to be working with all of our sponsors,” said Norton. “They really believe in the importance of West Michigan having regional awards recognition to help foster the creative spirit. The democratization of media over the last few decades has really given voice to a much wider array of creativity and WKTV wants to see it grow and expand.”

 

Here are the important dates:

  • Friday, March 27th at 5pm — Entry Window Closes
  • 1st Round of Voting Begins
  • Nominations Announcement 7pm on Monday, April 17th
  • Hyperion Award Recipient Announcement Monday, April 17th 7pm
  • 2nd Round of Voting Begins with National Judges
  • Nomination Certification Party, Monday May 15th
  • The 6th Annual Eclipse Awards Excellence in Craft Award Ceremony, Thursday, May 18th 7pm

 

More information can be found on the website www.theeclipseaward.com or by calling 616.261.5700. Entries are $35 for content creators and $20 for students, however there is no student criteria for voting by the judges.

 

The 6th Annual Eclipse Awards is sponsored by WKTV Digital Cinema, the West Michigan Film Video Alliance, West Michigan Film Office, Compass College of Cinematic Arts and Ferris State University.

 

Local Government Matters: Chamber to host informational meeting

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, , ,

WKTV Staff

 

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters Committee meeting will be Monday, Feb. 13, from 8-9 a.m. at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St SW, at the corner of 28th and Michael Avenue SW.

 

The meetings alternate between Wyoming City Hall and Kentwood City Hall.

 

The meeting, where chamber officials meet with local, county and state government officials, is free and open to the public. It will also be recorded by WKTV community television for viewing.

 

The Feb. 13 meeting will be delayed broadcast on WKTV community television Channel 26 on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. until the next Government Matters Committee meeting. It is also available on-demand at wktv.viebit.com

 

For more information on the chamber visit southkent.org.

 

Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes businesses, volunteers at annual event

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By Bob O’Callagahn

Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce

 

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 36th Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner Jan. 27 at Grand Rapids’ Crossroads Conference Center 6569 Clay Ave. SW.

 

Guests were welcomed by music from the East Kentwood High School Jazz Combo and a slide presentation with pictures from 2016 Chamber Events.

 

A strolling dinner and silent auction started the evening off. The nights program started with a welcome from President/CEO Bob O’Callaghan. O’Callaghan then introduced State Senators Tonya Schuitmaker, Peter MacGregor, and State Representative Tommy Brann. Mayor Stephen Kepley then updated the guests on activities in the City of Kentwood. City Councilmen Kent Vanderwood shared the accomplishments in the City of Wyoming in 2016.

 

The Awards portion of the Program started with Lacks Enterprises receiving the Manufacturer of the Year honors. Craig’s Cruisers was selected Retail Business of the Year. The final business award went to the Service Business of the Year Valorous Circle. Each award was preceded by a video of the winning business, prepared by WKTV.

 

The Daniel McLaren Committee of the Year Award went to the Annual Meeting Committee.

 

The Daniel Vandyke Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Keith Morgan from All Clean Again.

 

The Chamber’s final award, The Gerald E. Fessell Distinguished Service Award went to Terry Merriman, owner of PCO Associates, and the 2015 and 2016 Chairman of the Board. The 2017 Board of Directors were introduced and the meeting adjourned.

Locally-produced sewing craft show back for 2nd season on WKTV

3-bottom, Area Education, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, How-To's, WKTV Projects, , , ,
OnPoint focuses on host Nancy M. Roelfsema’s “Learning to Quilt” lessons. (Supplied)

By Thomas Hegewald

 

 

When OnPoint Tutorials, Tips & Tours debuted in 2015, the production team had no idea what the audience reaction would be to the show. While the team pledged to focus on all things creative, they didn’t know they would create a following which would look forward to a new tutorial, tip or tour every week.

 

From the start they have endeavored to demonstrate host lessons to a broader audience. By showcasing these lessons, the show has created a large “classroom” for viewers and novice quilters alike. OnPoint will complete these lessons in the course of the second season along with showcasing other crafts.

 

The OnPoint production team includes team Bill Roelfsema, Gina Greenlee, Karen Giles, Nancy Roelfsema, Athina Morehouse, Michelle Sheler, Eric Sheler, and Thomas Hegewald.

 

The OnPoint production team includes team, from left to right, Bill Roelfsema, Gina Greenlee, Karen Giles, Nancy Roelfsema, Athina Morehouse, Michelle Sheler, Eric Sheler and Thomas Hegewald. (Supplied)

Each month the production team records a number of segments for a half hour program. In addition to providing viewers with step-by-step tutorials on a particular technique, they also feature helpful tips and an insider’s view of local trade shows, quilt stores, quilt guilds and artist’s studios.

 

For this, the second season, they’ve produced additional episodes featuring demonstrations that were recorded in October at the 2016 Quilts on the Grand Show held at the DeltaPlex.

 

Season 2 of OnPoint Tutorials, Tips & Tours debuted last week on WKTV and will continue weekly with initial broadcasts on Monday at 6 p.m., with an encore broadcast on Friday at 10:30 a.m.

 

For more information on OnPoint, visit onpoint-tv.com or on FaceBook at OnPoint.

 

Winners for the Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition to air on WKTV

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Seth Yergin was the adult winner for his film “Summer.”

The winners of the Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition will be aired on WKTV Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 14, at 10 p.m.

 

The theme for the 2016 competition was “Michigan Flavor.” Each filmmaker was to make a film, no longer than five minutes that show their interpretation of Michigan Flavor.

 

There were two different groups for the competition, one for students under the age of 18 and one for adults over the age of 18. Three prizes were awarded at the screening: $500 judges’ award for best student film, $1,000 judges award for best adult film, and $1,000 for “Fan Favorite.” Audience members had the opportunity to vote for their favorite after all the films were screened.

 

Brennan Huizinga took home the student award and Fan Favorite.

The winner for the student category of this year’s competition was Brennan Huizinga for his film A Lake Michigan Sunset. Not only did Huizinga win the student category but his film also won the award for “Fan Favorite.” This is Huizinga’s second time submitting his films for the competition, his second time being in the top ten finalists, and his first time winning both of these awards.

 

The winner for the adult category of this year’s competition was Seth Yergin for his film Summer. This is Yergin’s first time entering the competition and he said he couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.

 

Interact with policymakers at ‘Government Matters’ Nov. 14

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Our Cities, Politics, Upcoming Events, , , ,
wkacc-logoLocal government matters most. Many people don’t realize how decisions at the local level affect members of the community. Here’s your chance to get engaged!
Monday, Nov. 14, Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Matters Forum with elected officials, will take place at the Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood from 8-9:15 am.
One of the topics of discussion will be the new Overtime Law that goes into effect Dec. 1, 2016. If you would like to comment or have figured out how much this will cost your company, please come to the Forum and share with us your input.
This meeting is an opportunity for business owners and the community to face our appointed officials and bring to light any issues or concerns they would like to address. You are welcome to be recognized by the moderator — and present your questions at the allotted time.

Bring your top issues and interact with policymakers from

  • City of Kentwood
  • City of Wyoming
  • County of Kent
  • Michigan House of Representatives
  • Michigan Senate

This monthly meeting will be televised by Cable Channel 25 WKTV.

WKTV to feature Democracy Now! live election coverage

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Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez from Democracy Now! Photo courtesy of Democracy Now! by Steve J. Sherman
Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez from Democracy Now! Photo courtesy of Democracy Now! by Steve J. Sherman

For its election coverage, WKTV will host a live broadcast of the independent news program Democracy Now! Tuesday Nov. 8, on WKTV Government Channel 26.

 

The five-hour broadcast will start at 5 p.m. and will feature Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez who will be co-hosts for the special election night coverage.

 

The program will include real-time results from presidential, gubernatorial and congressional races as well as state and ballot initiatives from around the country.

 

The co-hosts will look at what the election results mean for war and peace, climate change, income inequality, racial and economic justice, LGBTQ rights and the global issues.

 

Democracy Now!’s election night special will feature unique interviews and perspectives. The program will include the voices of activists, analysts and grassroots leaders discussing how the movements on ground will go forward following this historic election.

 

For more information, visit democracynow.org.

Meow! The Amazing AcroCats came to Grand Rapids!

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Education, Entertainment, Pets/Animals, ,

 

By Victoria Mullen

WKTV

 

More cowbell, Tuna. Oh, c’mon.

tuna-on-cowbell
Tuna on cowbell

“Tuna, more cowbell,” coaxed Samantha Martin as the proud, white cat raised her paw, looked Martin straight in the eye and then put her paw back down. “No cowbell for you,” the feline’s face seemed to convey.

 

At least not right at this moment.*

 

Tuna and her cohorts, the Amazing AcroCats were in Grand Rapids Oct. 16 and 17 for three performances at the Wealthy Theatre in Eastown. The troupe comprises regular, down-to-earth house cats rescued by Martin and trained to perform tricks of their choosing.

 

As Chief Executive Human, on any given day Martin oversees the well being of about 14 performing cats — and sometimes an abundance of kittens. On Martin’s cue, the cats perform tricks with skateboards, roll balls over parallel ropes, play the piano, strum the guitar and even read signs.

 

With a background in animal training, Martin has a natural affinity for animals, especially felines. She uses clicker training techniques to build better relationships and solve behavioral problems. Her career as animal circus master began in the ’80s with an act called the Amazing AcroRats. After a few years, she realized she wanted to do something more challenging when she decided, why not cats?

 

Kittens in the studio!!!!
Kittens in the studio!!!!

“Cats have a reputation for being notoriously difficult to train,” said Martin. “But I love a challenge.”

 

To Martin’s delight, she discovered that cats are highly trainable. The training method differs from that of dogs — cats prefer real treats (chicken, salmon) versus a paltry “good kitty!” after performing a trick.

 

There’s much more to the show than music and acrobatics, and each cat has an amazing rescue story. One was found behind a dumpster. Others were abandoned as tiny kittens. All are well cared for and loved by Martin and her colleagues.

 

“We’re devoted to promoting cat-training awareness,” Martin said. “We support feline adoption and rescue across the country. We usually travel with foster kittens and cats. Right now, we don’t have any as we’ve adopted the last group out.”

 

Martin brought some of her AcroCats came to WKTV’s studio on Saturday to share some tricks and tips on why it’s important to train your cat.

 

Samantha Martin and WKTV's Bill Jung
Samantha Martin and WKTV’s Bill Jung. Love the ears, Bill.

In the studio with Martin was Smudge, a kitten who came on board with a sibling just yesterday. Already he is in training to become an AcroCat.

 

“I start training them as soon as they can eat solid food,” said Martin. “I observe to see what each cat likes to do and then build upon that using clicker training.”

 

Already Smudge is exhibiting some great paw action. Surely he has a promising future.

 

*Seconds later, Tuna did more cowbell. What a tease.

 

Ho, ho, ho. Santa’s arrival is only two months away

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

kids at santa paradeIt’s October and believe it or not, the 9th Annual Santa Parade is less than two months away.

 

This year’s parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and will head down S. Division Avenue from 33rd Street southbound to Murray Street. After the event, residents are invited to stop by Brann’s Sizzlin’ Steaks & Sports Grille, 4132 S. Division, for pictures with Santa immediately after the parade.

 

And there is still a lot to do in Wyoming and Kentwood in preparation for the arrival of the Big Guy. The Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce is looking for chamber members interested in helping with this year’s parade. The Chamber is looking for people who want to help in making this year’s event even bigger and better. If you are interested, contact the Chamber office at 616-531-5990.

 

santaIt is never too early to book your spot in the parade. It is $25 for corporate/business participants for a float or fleet car and marchers in the parade. Company information must be included for the WKTV broadcast of the parade. It is $10 for any non-profit for a float or fleet car and marchers. It is also $10 for public participants.

 

For questions or more information including sign up forms for parade or Chamber membership, contact the Chamber office at 616-531-5990. The Santa Parade is sponsored by the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts puts the call out for submissions to its annual film competition

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shorts-logo-largeFilmmakers have until Oct. 14 to submit entries to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ fourth annual Saugatuck Shorts Film Competition.

 

This year marks the fourth year of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ (SCA) film competition, which is Nov. 5. Professional and student filmmakers will compete for $2,500 worth of cash prizes for their short films — five minutes or less — that feature some sort of Michigan flavor. Student submissions (age 18 and under) are free, and adults (age 19 and up) are $20 per entry. Video projects by schools, clubs, and religious organizations are encouraged to enter. Registration for Saugatuck Shorts is open now until Oct 14, and can be completed at sc4a.org.

 

“Over the past four years, the SCA’s Saugatuck Shorts competition has brought in filmmakers from across the state for a wonderful night of engaging entertainment on the big screen,” said SCA Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “The competition is a great way for students and professionals alike to get their work in front of the community. We are very excited to bring this special competition back!”

 

Saugatuck Shorts is the only film competition in West Michigan that offers a cash prize for film submissions in a juried category and an audience favorite. Similar to ArtPrize, a panel of judges will choose the top tens shorts to be shown on screening night. Of those top ten, a winner from the student and from the adult category will be chosen. The Student Winner will be awarded $500 and the Adult Winner, $1,000. On screening night, after the audience has viewed all ten shorts, they will cast their votes for the “Audience Favorite” which will be awarded another $1,000.

 

This year’s competition also marks the second year that the SCA will partner with Wyoming- Kentwood Television (WKTV) to promote Saugatuck Shorts. In addition to the station coming to the event to broadcast it live on Nov. 5, WKTV will also feature the top ten juried films on the station.

 

WKTV is a community television station located at 5261 Clyde Park Avenue in Wyoming, Michigan. WKTV is one of the oldest community television stations in the country that is still in operation, celebrating 40 years in 2014. More information about WKTV can be found at www.wktv.org.

 

For more information and registration details for Saugatuck Shorts can be found at sc4a.org or by calling 269-857-2399. Saugatuck Center for the Arts is located at 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck.