The City of Kentwood’s 62-B District Court announced this week that it has implemented an Alternative Dispute Resolution plan that “will allow community members to resolve certain disputes outside the courtroom through mediation and other facilitated processes.”
The court implemented its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) plan to reduce client costs, produce more timely resolutions and increase satisfaction with the justice system, according to the announcement. The plan lays out a process for determining which cases are appropriate for mediation and how mediators are appointed.
Mediation was previously available for the 62-B District Court’s small claims cases in partnership with the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan. With the ADR plan now in place, mediation is even more accessible, “so disputes can be resolved in the most efficient way and with the most satisfaction,” according to the announcement.
Mediation involves a trained third-party individual who works with litigants to resolve disagreements outside the courtroom and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is often scheduled and completed quicker than court cases and does not require litigants to pay attorney fees, according to the announcement.
62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg. (Supplied)
“Court cases involve a significant financial and emotional investment,” 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “I am proud the 62-B District Court is offering this plan as a way to save time and money for those seeking resolution, preserve relationships and help each party walk away more satisfied.
“Another beneficial aspect of ADR is each party gets the opportunity to have their voice heard in a safe and neutral environment. Being able to express themselves empowers the parties to work past the conflict and seek resolution.”
In collaboration with the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, mediation is a routine part of the 62-B District Court pre-trial process.
If a case is referred for mediation, the court’s ADR clerk will send a letter to the parties to let them know they can use the Dispute Resolution Center or select a private mediator by agreement.
According to the court announcement, mediation also helps “minimize disparities in power, where one party may be represented by counsel, but the other party is not. Mediators are specifically trained in these nuances to make sure the balance of power is fair when parties are negotiating and bargaining. Mediation can preserve or restore relationships by overcoming misunderstandings and improving communication between parties.”
The ADR plan was designed to be used in conjunction with facilitators who understand how diversity may affect a dispute and use processes that are designed to overcome barriers to find common ground.
“The best ADR outcomes are reached when varying perspectives are taken into consideration,” Sterkenburg said. “The 62-B District Court remains committed to acknowledging diverse cultures, values and socioeconomic statuses within disputes. We see each perspective in the room as equally valid and we use well-trained mediators and interpreters to reach optimal resolutions.”
Parties are encouraged to pursue any form of ADR if they believe it will assist them in resolving the dispute. The court intends to refer appropriate summary proceedings and civil cases such as breach of contract, property disputes and debt collection to mediation. Sterkenburg will oversee the implementation of the new plan and the mediator selection process.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport broke ground June 30 on a new $7.7 million operations center that will “streamline and improve efficiencies for day-to-day management,” according to an announcement from the airport management. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of June 2022.
The new facility will consolidate teams such as operations and communications, including dispatch, as well as the new emergency operations center (EOC), which is activated during an emergency at the Ford Airport and can also support public safety agencies throughout Kent County.
A rendering of the runway side of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s planned operations center. (Supplied/Ford Airport)
The 11,600 square-foot facility, located on the east side of the airfield, will be accessible air-side and public-side, “making it ideal to provide daily operations support and reachable during an emergency,” according to the announcement. In a second phase, the Ford Airport plans to expand the center to include its fire department at the site.
“This project represents the culmination of years of efforts to realign and streamline our operations and public safety functions,” Dan Koorndyk, board chair of the Gerald R. Ford Airport Authority, said in supplied material. “By bringing our teams under one roof, we’ll be able to ensure we are providing the best possible service to our guests, tenants and the greater West Michigan community.”
The building will be staffed 24/7, and will be built to withstand extreme weather conditions, including winds up to 250 miles-per-hour. “It will have purposeful redundancies in technologies and communication channels to ensure services continue during an emergency,” according to the announcement.
“The teams who will occupy this space are critical for our daily operations,” Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford Airport Authority, said in supplied material. “This new operations center will enhance communication, collaboration and efficiencies for our teams. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the high-quality service and exceptional safety track record the Ford Airport is known for.”
DLZ of Michigan is serving as the project architect with Pioneer Construction of Grand Rapids serving as the general contractor.
The Ford Airport is working with U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer’s office to pursue community project funding for a portion of the project. The Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Rapids Police Department have all voiced their support for the project, highlighting that it will be a critical backup base in case of a county-wide emergency, according to the announcement.
The City of Kentwood has received the Redevelopment Ready Community certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). (City of Kentwood)
The City of Kentwood has received the Redevelopment Ready Community certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for its “commitment to attracting new investors, businesses and residents through targeted and strategic planning and creating a vibrant community in partnership with residents,” according to a city statement.
The designation, recently announced by the MEDC and announced by the city June 29, recognizes the city’s efforts to establish a “solid planning and economic development foundation” to attract private investment and facilitate community-driven economic development projects in the community.
Certification also means Kentwood will receive support from the MEDC’s Redevelopment Services Team, which will partner with the City to evaluate development sites and produce customized marketing that will promote investment in key areas.
These key areas will include those identified in Kentwood’s 2020 master plan in need of redevelopment, such as Division Avenue, Eastern and 52nd Street, Kalamazoo Avenue corridor, and 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor.
“We look forward to working with the MEDC to carry out the master plan’s community-driven vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation in Kentwood,” Terry Schweitzer, city community development director, said in supplied material. “As a Redevelopment Ready Community, we can leverage critical tools and resources as we continue to work to attract and support investment and businesses and engage community members along the way.”
Kentwood’s certification qualifies it for state community development incentives that encourage developers to invest in the city, according to supplied material. This includes small business programs such as Match on Main that provides reimbursable grant funds for new or expanding place-based businesses.
The certification also means Kentwood is “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to removing traditional planning and zoning traditional barriers and transitioning into a streamlined process to promote opportunities for prospective investors, according to the statement.
During the RRC assessment process, the City received a baseline evaluation of the existing planning and economic development processes compared to RRC “best practices.” These best practices including community plans and engagement, zoning, development review, boards and commissions, and economic development and marketing.
“We are proud to have aligned our policies and processes with Redevelopment Ready Community best practices and to have completed the program’s rigorous assessment,” City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park today, June 28, announced a major gift from The Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids in order to establish the first Holocaust memorial in Grand Rapids, anchored by Ariel Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’.
The gift, according to the announcement, “is made possible by a donation from the Pestka family in memory of their father, Henry, all the Holocaust survivors who settled in Western Michigan, and the millions of Jews who perished in the Holocaust.”
Ariel Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’. (Photo credit to DIVR Gallery)
Meijer Gardens and the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids envision ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’ as a gathering place for the Jewish community of Grand Rapids, as well as serving as a teaching tool for educators both locally and nationally to address the Holocaust and its legacy, according to the statement.
“As time goes on and memories of the Holocaust fade, it is important to remember the barbarity human beings are capable of,” Steve Pestka, said in supplied material. “It is equally important to contemplate the strength of the survivors and their ability to continue and rebuild their lives. It is our hope that this work of art will promote an appreciation of our shared humanity and a reminder that hatred and intolerance continue to this day and the consequences of the ultimate dehumanization of human beings.”
‘Ways to Say Goodbye’ is a 20-foot-tall aluminum cast of a fig tree that has shards of glass inserted among the branches. It has been described as “an exceptional work of contemporary sculpture dealing with themes of profound loss and grief” and will serve to memorialize those who perished in the Holocaust as well as those who survived.
“The memorial has important significance to my family because our father was a survivor,” Linda Pestka said in supplied material. “The numbers 73847 are numbers that we will never forget. They were tattooed to my father’s forearm, as though he were an animal, as identification for his potential death. It is our duty to educate, respect and honor the victims and their families of the unthinkable acts against life and morality. The Holocaust did happen. … May we never forget.”
Ariel Schlesinger’s ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’. (Photo credit to DIVR Gallery)
The sculpture is expected to be installed in 2022.
“Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is highly honored and very pleased to receive this significant and meaningful gift to acquire Ariel Schlesinger’s monumental sculpture ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’,” David Hooker, President & CEO of Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. “We are deeply grateful for this gift adding such an important work of art to our permanent collection.”
Schlesinger work, according to the statement. “takes an organic form that is a metaphor of both the Jewish people and their history.” The aluminum cast sculpture is of a living fig tree that he found on a farm while traveling in northern Italy. This tree was specifically chosen by Schlesinger for its character and as a symbol of the Jewish struggle for survival both during and after the Holocaust. The tree appears fragile and clinging to life, however it is also representative of great endurance.
Schlesinger has commented that in conceptualizing the sculpture, he held pieces of broken glass in his hands that pressed into his fingers. This recalled the Kristallnacht, or “Night of Broken Glass,” the symbolic beginning of the Holocaust, during which Nazi mobs murdered Jews and destroyed Jewish property and synagogues throughout Germany.
Schlesinger (born 1980 in Jerusalem) has lived and worked in many parts of the world, including the United States, Great Britain, Mexico and Germany. He grew up in Israel and received his undergraduate degree at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, Israel’s oldest and most prestigious art school. He graduated from Columbia University in New York with a Master’s in Fine Arts degree.
Schlesinger has had many notable exhibitions in Austria, Cuba, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Slovenia and Switzerland. In 2019 he received a prestigious commission for a public sculpture outside of the Jewish Museum in Frankfurt, Germany.
The pandemic shut down Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up and other small music venues in Michigan. The slow rollout of federal assistance is not helping them come back and fill the seats. (Seven Steps Up)
Three West Michigan “small stage” music venues — Listening Room and Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids and Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake — are moving ahead with scheduling a few nights of music in the coming weeks.
Listening Room is hosting concerts outside the “Room” on the Listening Lawn with its first inside stage concert currently set for Aug. 6 with Tobin Sprout, while Pyramid Scheme’s first live show will be Charles The Osprey + Cavalcade + Crooked Heart on July 10, and Seven Steps Up has scheduled Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None the Richer) for a July 22.
But as the venues begin to come back to life — and live shows return to their stages — after the pandemic shutdown, both had hoped to already have received promised federal financial support from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich. District 2), shown on the set of “WKTV Journal In Focus”. (WKTV)
That support has not shown up despite their being qualified and early applicants, WKTV has learned from both venues, and that delay has drawn the ire of local U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga. Last week, Rep. Huizenga, who represents both Wyoming and Kentwood, joined more than 200 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to SBA administrator Isabel Guzman “urging immediate action to stabilize and improve the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant” program.
According to a statement from Rep. Huizenga’s office, the rollout of the SVOG program has been plagued by technical challenges and persistent delays. Since launching the program in April, the SBA has approved roughly 400 grants as of June 14 — despite receiving more than 14,000 applications. In the letter signed by Rep. Huizenga the SBA was urged to “expedite the release of relief funding to struggling venues across the country.”
And that expediting of the relief funding will come none-too-soon for Seven Steps Up and the other venues.
“The portal opened officially on April 26 at noon and we submitted our application at 3:01p.m.,” Michelle Hanks, co-owner of Seven Steps Up, said to WKTV. “To date we have not had a response, although about a week ago it changed from Application Submitted to Pending Final Review. (On June 25, that status was upgraded to ‘Approved”) … But we have no timeline for funding.”
Quinn Mathews, general manager of Listening Room, also is still in the dark about its application — so the venue is moving forward while it waits.
Tami VandenBerg of Pyramid Scheme said they applied for the SVOG grant “in April. We have been in ‘under review’ status for several weeks now… . Hoping to hear of an approval soon.”
Michelle and Gary Hanks, owners and mangers of Seven Steps Up. (WKTV)
“Yes, we applied and we have yet to hear anything,” Mathews said to WKTV. “But we are producing concerts outside in our Studio Park Piazza all summer and we’ll be adding indoors as well here soon. We have a busy lineup for late summer and into the fall.”
The delay is of particular difficulty for Hanks and Seven Steps Up as it struggled to get back to business.
“We know we are eligible, and we are stuck without it. We can’t move forward,” she said. “We can’t, at this point, decide to quit because if we do we will owe tens of thousands of dollars for grants we have accepted under the condition that we certify we plan to reopen. We can’t hire employees. We can’t start up basic services or purchase basic supplies. Or fix our broken sign. Or deal with the hundreds of other decisions we have to make daily with absolutely no clue what to do.
“It’s a nightmare every day and the money is sitting there while venues go out of business. I don’t think it can be called emergency assistance now that it has been almost seven months since the legislation was passed.”
And for Rep. Huizenga, that delay is just unacceptable.
“It’s been six months since Congress created the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to help some of the hardest hit small businesses in the nation,” Rep. Huizenga said in supplied material. “The Small Business Administration’s inability to properly administer the funding in a timely manner is completely unacceptable. The more time that passes due to bureaucratic inaction, the more small concert venues will close their doors for good.”
The letter which Rep. Huizenga signed points out “These small businesses not only provide good jobs and contribute economically to our local communities, they contribute to the spirit and local culture as well.”
For an up-to-date schedule at Seven Steps Up concerts, visit sevenstepsup.com.
For an up-to-date schedule of Listening Room concerts, both on the lawn and, soon, inside, visit listeningroomgr.com.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, which operates seven branch locations in the Grand Rapids area including the SpartanNash YMCA in Wyoming, announced this week that it has been awarded $189,000 from the Michigan Department of Education to provide summer learning opportunities for children in summer programs.
The grant is part of a larger $2.3 million given to Michigan YMCAs to “deliver a coordinated program which supports children, families, and schools while they recover from the pandemic and prepare for a successful return to the school year,” according to the announcement.
“The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is excited to expand and enhance our existing day camp program,” Nicole Hansen, district executive director of community engagement and youth development, said in supplied material. “Through intentional math, science, literacy, and social-emotional curriculum, we will ensure the youth in our community have an engaging summer full of education and connection.”
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is still accepting registrations for day camp programs. To sign up visit grymca.org/summer-day-camps. (Camp leaders are also still needed to staff the day camps. Applicants can visit grymca.org/careers for more information.)
The YMCA’s summer programs will “focus on fun, keeping kids safe, active, fed, and engaged with other children and adults.” The funding from the Michigan Department of Education allows YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids to offer traditional camp programs that are “enhanced to address the unique academic needs created by the pandemic,” according to the statement.
“The Y is prepared to work with schools to overcome the challenges facing students, families and communities,” Fran Talsma, executive director for the Michigan Alliance of YMCAs, said in supplied material. “To effectively combat COVID learning loss, in- and out-of-school learning needs to be connected and seamless.
“We have the capacity and expertise to support schools and help achieve positive outcomes for students. The Y is ready to meet the academic, social-emotional, physical, and nutritional needs of children and is committed to strong collaborations to improve the academic success and overall well-being of children.”
In addition to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ branch locations, it also operates YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, community outreach programs, and childcare sites. For more information visit grymca.org.
The City of Kentwood has a full day of activities planned Saturday, July 3, for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, a 5K race, a parade, and a carnival and live music — all leading up to fireworks at dusk, according to an announcement from the city.
Complete information about Kentwood’s Independence Day activities can be found at kentwood.us/july4.
“We are excited about the return of Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration with a variety of activities community members of all ages can enjoy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “We welcome our residents to join us as we celebrate our nation’s independence.”
Mayor Kepley and City of Kentwood Commissioner Emily Bridson, both of whom are running to be elected mayor this fall, are expected to be part of the festivities, as will all members of the city commission.
The City is also seeking volunteers for its Fourth of July Celebration. Those interested are encouraged to sign up online or call 616-656-5270.
A full day of activities
The July 3 events will begin with a pancake breakfast at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The breakfast is $5 per person (free for age 5 and younger), served 7-9:30 a.m., and includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee.
Kentwood hosts several community 5k runs (this one fro the fall of 2019) and will do another on July 3. (WKTV)
At 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather next door at the Kentwood City Hall parking lot, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, for registration and packet pickup for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk.
The chip-timed race will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish in front of City Hall. Participants will loop through nearby neighborhoods before coming back on the paved East West Trail to finish. For the safety of all participants, no baby strollers, roller skates, dogs or bicycles will be allowed on the course. All participants will receive a finisher medal and shirt for this race. Shirts are not guaranteed unless registered before June 21.
Following the race will be a parade at 9:30 a.m.
Kentwood will celebrate July 4th a day early this year, on Saturday, July 3, with a parade, fireworks and more. (WKTV)
The parade route will start at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE, travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Avenue SE, then turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School, 2475 52nd St. SE.
New this year, Kentwood will honor essential workers by having them lead the parade. Spectators are encouraged to physically distance from other households along the route.
From 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., there will be a carnival at City Hall featuring a variety of rides that “will be cleaned between riders” and carnival games for all ages, according to the city statement. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. Tickets and wristbands will only be available at the event. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.
City Hall will also be the hub for the evening celebration, scheduled for 4-10 p.m., where there will be community booths, a beer tent and food trucks lining the lawn behind city hall. A variety of bands, including BareNaked 90’s, Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues, and The Adams Family, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from city hall and surrounding areas.
Some notes about traffic flow
A section of Walma Avenue near City Hall from Fire Station #1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, to the roundabout will be closed all day to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and take part in the activities.
Guests who are parked at Kentwood’s Kent District Library can take the roundabout out to Breton Avenue heading north or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on-site to help direct traffic.
Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Forshay, left, is from Granville. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Tarleton)
In this photo supplied by the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Forshay, left, from Granville, inventories supplies in the hangar bay of the U.S. Navy’s only forward deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
The action took place during a replenishment-at-sea evolution with the USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6), a dry cargo and ammunition ship.
The USS Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides “a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well as the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region,” according to supplied material.
(Do you have a photo of a Kentwood or Wyoming area native serving in the military? WKTV journal would love to get the photo and a brief description. Send it to ken@WKTV.org)
Classic soul, R&B and a little ‘funk” for your summer evening will be provided by The Soul Syndicate this week as the City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series’ free concerts return for a summer run beginning Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.
The summer series, which will run most Thursday nights through Aug. 5, will also include West Michigan favorites The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective, Dalmatian Stone and David Gerald.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home. (Click on the Live Streams link in the upper right of the page.)
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule as the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.
At the testing planned HIV testing site, certified test counselors will be onsite to answer questions and connect residents with additional services. (CDC)
In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and the Grand Rapids Red Project will hold a free HIV testing and education event on Thursday, June 24, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The event will take place in the parking lot across the street from the Kent County Sheldon Complex, 121 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids.
Certified test counselors will be onsite to provide testing, answer questions, and connect residents with additional services, according to a KCHDS announcement. There will also be music, food and free gifts.
HIV self-testing is also an option. Persons interested in self testing for HIV at home, visit here to find out how to order a free HIV testing kit.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the KCHD recommend everyone know their HIV status,” April Hight, KCHD public health program supervisor, said in supplied material. “This knowledge is essential for getting helpful therapy and for protecting others from the virus.”
More than 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and one in eight people are infected with HIV without realizing it, according to the CDC. Nearly 40 people are diagnosed with HIV in Kent County every year, according to the KCHD announcement, and “the only way for a person to know their status is to get tested.”
HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the cells that make up the body’s immune system. HIV can make it difficult for an infected individual to fight off diseases and, left untreated, it can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome — AIDS — which can be fatal.
Individuals who are at risk for HIV infection can take PrEP, a daily pill that is 99% effective at reducing the risk for HIV infection. PrEP is available at the KCHD Personal Health Services Clinic. For more information about PrEP or if you would like to be tested, call 616-632-7171.
Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, discusses why the city added an early season food truck rally this year, at the May 19, 20231 event at the Kentwood City Complex. (WKTV)
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks’s new early-season Food Truck Festival, the first of two this summer season, had some rain showers but plenty of family fun as well on Saturday, June 19.
On Juneteenth, June 19, the Kent County Black Caucus had a presence at the Kentwood food truck festival, attended here by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
The “kickoff” of the Summer Food Truck Festival’s two-event schedule took place in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 11, at the same location.
The free-to-attend community event had 16 food trucks — with even more planned for the September event, Lori Gresnick, recreation program coordinator, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV.
There was also live music, a beer tent and food available for just about every taste.
There was also several community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, as the day was also Juneteenth, attended early to by Kentwood City Commissioners Maurice Groce and Betsy Artz.
More information about the Summer Food Truck Festival is available at kentwood.us/SummerFoodTruckFestival. For a slideshow of photos from the event, see below (and click through).
The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is joining with the Kent Conservation District and Kent County Parks to promote a “BioBlitz” program, an effort to record as many species of flowering plants and pollinating insects as possible in Kent County within a two-week period.
Kentwood and Wyoming community members are invited to help in the effort as part of a “Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” program, running June 21 to July 6 in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, June 21-27.
To participate in the “Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” program, community members can download the iNaturalist app on their smartphones and join the “Parks for Pollinators – Kent County, Michigan” project to record and report plant and pollinator species they see. The app will help users identify their findings.
“Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz” seeks community participation to observe and record pollinators such as butterflies, bees and other insects, as well as flowering plants — “Together, the community will create a snapshot of the variety of plants and pollinator species found in Kent County,” according to promotional material for the program.
Kristina Colby, Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator hopes the program will “encourage residents to spend time outdoors visiting new parks” while looking for pollinators.
Kentwood will host an event associated with the program on Saturday, June 26, at 1 p.m., with a free guided naturalist hike with West Michigan Butterfly Association at Kentwood’s Northeast Park, 1900 Middleground Drive SE.
“We’re delighted to host the guided naturalist hike right here in Kentwood in partnership with the West Michigan Butterfly Association,” Colby said in supplied material. “Butterflies in particular are most active in the middle of the day when the sun is shining, so it is sure to be a successful outing for observing and recording these beautiful local pollinators, as well as other species.”
Several other events will occur during the program to help participants increase their knowledge of pollinators and their impact on the natural environment. At the BioBlitz’s conclusion, program organizers will present information about the recorded species and pollinators, as well as award several pollinator posters to participants including the youngest naturalist and the one who identifies the most species.
The program kicked off June 18 with an online meet and greet with Kent Conservation District and Kentwood Parks and Recreation staff to learn more about how the “BioBlitz” program and iNaturalist app work.
Other outdoor events planned as part of the program include:
Wednesday, June 30, at 6 p.m., a free prairie walk in a wildflower and pollinator habitat on a converted family farm at 4790 Peach Ridge Ave. NW in Sparta with local landowner Persephone Rana.
Monday, July 5, at 9 a.m., a butterfly count with the West Michigan Butterfly Association at Rogue River State Game Area, 13747 Krauskopf Road NE, Sparta, MI 49345. The cost is $3 per person.
“Through this program, we hope to help Kent County residents become more familiar with native bees and butterflies and the environments they prefer,”Jessie Schulte, Kent Conservation District Manager, said in supplied material. “The project also will help us answer the important question, ‘Do we need more habitat?’”
More about the project is available at iNaturalist.org. Interested participants can contact Kent Conservation District Manager Jessie Schulte with questions at jessie.schulte@macd.org or 616-222-5801.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools recently announced that it was one of 15 districts across the State of Michigan selected to participate in the continuation of a state STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, the MiSTEM Place, Project and Problem (3-P) Based Learning Playbook for the State of Michigan.
In return for participation in this program, the district will be awarded $10,000 for the enhancement of the districts current STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) programs.
“Innovating the student experience has been a focus of our district and this award is an affirmation to the hard work of our staff and students,” Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, said in supplied material. “We believe each child is brilliant and it is our mission to create conditions for student success. STEAM is one of many ways we accomplish this goal.”
The playbooks will be published for Michigan schools to utilize as examples of programs who exemplify outstanding implementation of 3-P Learning. Godfrey-Lee was recognized for K-12 STEAM, Senior Capstone Experience and recent project “Bilingualism is our Superpower!”
The MiSTEM award will go to support the further development of the K-12 STEAM program including vertical curriculum development, according to supplied material. It will also fund opportunities for student teams to share their STEAM experiences with surrounding communities such as representing Godfrey-Lee by speaking at the MACUL Student Showcase.
The MiSTEM organization is locally run through Grand Valley State University and is a longstanding partner with Godfrey-Lee schools.
It has been almost two years since Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series promoter Chris Mautz last arranged an act on tour to stop in Grand Rapids — if you guessed Calexico and Iron Wine, in September 2019, you were probably there.
But with the national touring band concert season awakening as the COVID-19 pandemic ebbs a little more with every vaccination shot, and concert venue attendance limits are expanded or removed, Meijer Gardens this morning announced the complete lineup for 2021’s late-arriving season.
And despite its late start and abbreviated lineup, the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens’ 28-show lineup, arranged as always by Mautz and his company, delivers a little something for everyone, from the opening night of Preservation Hall Jazz Band with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 18, to the closing night of Lettuce and Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph on Sept. 19.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will play with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 18 (Supplied/Patrick Melon)
In between are 26 other shows including returning favorites The Beach Boys on Aug. 20, Pink Martini (featuring China Forbes) with the Grand Rapids Symphony on July 29, and O.A.R. on Sept. 9.
The highlights of the season — from this deprived concertgoer — may well be a great two-night blast from the ‘90s past will be The Verve Pipe on July 24 and Collective Soul on July 25, the pairing of the great Emmylou Harris and Los Lobos on Aug. 8, and the return of the “bring-the-house-down” sounds of St. Paul & The Broken Bones on Aug. 27.
Nobody, though, is more glad to see the business of live concerts returning than Mautz — after all, it is his business.
“This 14-, 15-month pause is certainly not something any of us expected to happen, right? But it sure does feel good to be coming back,” Mautz said to WKTV. “There has been a desire from both sides (music venues and touring acts) to be engaged again.”
And things have been moving, cautiously, in the right direction for opening up the national touring scene for a few months.
“For so many of us, it has been the last three-ish months that we have been on a good positive trend — for the most part — case rates going down, vaccine rates going up, hospitalization rates going gown. … That consistency of heading in the right direction has given a little opportunity, for me personally, to get that engine cranking a little bit.”
Capacity restrictions no longer in place
According to the Meijer Gardens announcement, “Consistent with current COVID-19 guidance, as of July 1 there will be no capacity restrictions and 1,900 general admission tickets will be available for each concert.”
Emily Lou Harris. (Supplied/Kat Villacorta)
And that means there is likely to be full houses for many, if not all, of the aforementioned concerts and well as the rest of the lineup.
Among the other Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens are:
The Grand Rapids Symphony conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor on July 22; Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange), Aug. 5; Kansas, Aug. 6; Harry Connick, Jr. and His Band – Time to Play!, Aug. 9; America, Aug. 11; Umphrey’s McGee, Aug. 12; Mat Kearney, Aug. 13; Shakey Graves, Aug. 16; Blues Traveler + JJ Grey & Mofro, Aug. 18; 38 Special, Aug. 19; Squeeze, Aug. 22; Ani DiFranco, Aug. 23; Colin Hay of Men at Work, Aug. 26; Old Crow Medicine Show, Aug. 29; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Sept. 1; Indigo Girls, Sept. 2; Black Violin + Blind Boys of Alabama, Sept. 12; Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sept. 15; and Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo, Sept. 16.
Some bands back on the road, but not all
While the Meijer Gardens lineup is well represented with different musical genres and acts, and other local venues are beginning to schedule as well, there will be a time lag for the touring bus to get back to full throttle, Mautz believes.
The Verve Pipe (Supplied)
“A lot of people think there will be a flood of activity from the touring world, and the public will want to get back out there,” he said. “But I think, like many things with this pandemic, it will be different shades of grey. …
“Certainly a lot of bands are itching to get out there, but some are working and have been working throughout the pandemic, while others have been a little more patient and will stay that way. I would not be surprised to see that have a reflection on the business in general.”
Details of getting the tickets
Tickets for the concerts, via Meijer Gardens’s new new ticketing partner, Etix, will be available online at Etix.com (preferred method) with handling fee of $10 per order, or by phone at 1-800-514-etix (3849), also with a handling fee of $10 per order. There will be no on-site ticket sales at Meijer Gardens.
Gate and show start times vary. Check MeijerGardens.org/concerts for details. All information is subject to change. All shows will take place rain or shine, weather delays are possible. There are no ticket returns or refunds.
Kansas (Supplied/Emily Butler Photography)
Meijer Gardens has created an Insider’s Guide to Buying Tickets to help with ticket purchasing. The Insider’s Guide is available at MeijerGardens.org/concerts.
Members can buy tickets during the members-only presale beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 26, through midnight, July 9. Members save $5 per ticket during the presale. After July 10, members save $2 per ticket. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. To join or renew a membership before June 26, visit MeijerGardens.org/membership or call the membership department at 616-977-7689.
Sales to the public begin at 9 a.m., July 10. There is a limit of 8 tickets per show, per transaction. Again, there will be no on-site ticket sales at Meijer Gardens. Ticket can be purchased online at eTix.com with a handling fee of $5 per order (not per ticket) and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies to all sales, or by phone at 1-800-514-etix (3849), also with a handling fee of $5 per order and convenience fee of $5.25 per ticket applies to all sales.
Woodland Mall is celebrating fathers by giving back to the community through a virtual contest with a portion of proceeds going to support local families though the City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.
Currently running and through June 16, Woodland Mall is participating in partner company PREIT’s online giveaway, “Best Dad Ever,” where shoppers can nominate their dad on the mall’s website to win one of three giveaway packages best suited for their personality,” according to a supplied material.
Father’s Day is for the fathers, and the kids who love them. (Supplied)
To enter, nominators share “Why their dad is the best out there.” Three great fathers — “Gadget Dad”, “Grilling Expert”, and “Man of Style” — will be selected with the fathers winning $50 gift cards from Apple and On the Boarder, Macy’s and Red Robin, and J.Crew and Black Rock Bar & Grill, respectively.
Woodland Mall will then donate $1 dollar for every giveaway entry to Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry, up to $1,000.
According to Feeding America, food banks are serving 55 percent more people than before the pandemic, making the Little Free Pantry, which has helped feed thousands in the community since its opening in 2017, even more essential.
“We’re delighted to partner with Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry for this giveaway in honor of all the incredible fathers out there,” Mikia Ross, senior marketing director for PREIT, said in supplied material. “The hallmark of a great dad is his dedication to taking care of his family. We want to give an opportunity for loved ones to give some extra love back to fathers and father figures, while also helping take care of the community.”
Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow federal recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall and practicing physical distancing. Unvaccinated guests are required to wear a facial covering while visiting the mall.
In order to comply with Michigan requirements, occupancy numbers remain limited. Current mall hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks aren’t waiting until the end of summer to offer the annual Food Truck Festival this year – they’re kicking off the season later this month with the first to two planned food truck events.
The “kick-off” of the Summer Food Truck Festival will take place Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. To wrap up the summer season, another food truck festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 11.
A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
“We’re pleased to expand the Food Truck Festival to two dates and double the opportunity for community members to come together for fun, fellowship and fantastic local food and music,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We’re delighted to again partner with GR8 Food Trucks, vendors and musicians to provide this wonderful all-ages event for our community.”
The free-to-attend community event will feature 16 food trucks, live music and a beer tent, according to supplied material. The food trucks will offer everything from Filipino cuisine to Indian food, as well as barbeque options, hot dogs, fries and a variety of dessert options. While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
The event also will have community booths including the Kent County Black Caucus, which will honor the day and educate the public about Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the country. Workforce Employment Specialists, United Healthcare and others will be on-site as well.
Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Boogie Woogie Kid, followed by DJ Snax, Hazy Past and Asamu Johnson and The Associates of the Blues. A beer tent featuring local craft beer favorites will be open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Among the food trucks expected to participate are Beecher’s Pretzels, Curry in a Hurry, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Detroit’s Original Coney Island, Kona Ice of Lowell, Kool Breze, Little Mamma’s Ultimate Dessert & Snack Truck, Nick’s Gyros, Patty Matters, Pig Out on the Fly, Pressed in Time, SANSE Filipino Cuisine, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Street Frites, Touch O’ Dutch and UCC Dessert.
“Food trucks offer a great way to sample a variety of cuisine in a relaxed and outdoor setting,” Alan Stone, president of GR8 Food Trucks, said in supplied material. “Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival provides an opportunity for residents to have fun while supporting local businesses, which is especially important during the pandemic.”
The City of Kentwood community last week welcomed the return of the Kentwood Farmers Market, which began its seventh season of bringing food and fun to town, this year on Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.
Young and old found something they liked at the opening of the Kentwood Farmers Market last week. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
And market manager Kristina Colby, also a Kentwood recreation program coordinator, could not have been more happy.
“We at the City of Kentwood are so excited to get back around the community with our masks off and see smiling faces,” Colby said to WKTV. “It is great just to get together again and have a good time together.”
The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.
In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping — on June 10 there will be a meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.
The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)
In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.
“Six of the markets will actually occur on the same night as the Kentwood Summer Concert Series,” Colby said. “So you come here, get some food, get some snacks, and then stay for a free concert.”
There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
As with any high school graduation, including the dozens of local ceremonies this week and last, Lee High School and East Lee Alternative School seniors celebrated with fiends and families after of year of overcoming hardships including the pandemic.
But some of the stories of positive outlook despite hardships overcome relayed by members of the “Legendary” Class of 2021 were extraordinary — and none more so than that of Wilson ‘Rocky’ Lopez-Ramos.
Wilson ‘Rocky’ Lopez-Ramos. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“Rocky” may not have been one of the East Lee “Top Three Students” — those were Ashia Hernandez, Eliot Argueta-Rebolledo and Santiago Miguel-Garcia — but Lopez-Ramos was the most honored, chosen to be the Class of 2021 Representative/Speaker while also gaining the GLEA Scholarship and the Principal’s Award.
“This year was very difficult because most of it was online,” Lopez-Ramos said to WKTV on the night of the graduation, May 27. “I think the hardest part was to focus in (that) environment … for us this was our toughest year because we have to push ourselves to graduate. To graduate on time and graduate with our friends.”
The Godfrey-Lee Public School’s East Lee Campus is the district’s alternative school for students that are not on track for graduation. There are smaller class sizes and additional supports to help students find success and graduate on time.
College may or may not be in the future for Lopez-Ramos, he said, as he already works in automobile repair, loves doing so, and plans to open his own repair shop. He said studying at Grand Rapids Community College is possible.
And while he credited several of his teachers for helping him, pushing him to graduate, he gives special credit to his girlfriend — “She is graduating with me this year. She reminds me everyday to be proud, whether I do well or not. She says: ‘Please do your best. I’m always here for you if you need me’.”
And what advice would he give to others who are struggling to finish high school?
“Think about what it would mean to their family. … Do your best to focus. Find guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
Other top grads, other good advice
While the Lee graduation ceremony included more than 100 Lee high students, several were given special honors and several offered their advice to their fellow graduates.
Regan Mockerman was not only the Salutatory, and addressed the crowd, but also gained several other awards including the English Language Arts department award and the Si Jelte Award given to a female athlete. (The top male athlete honor, the Harold Sabin Award, was given to Gerardo Montañez.)
Maybe Mockerman’s highest hurdle to overcome, however, was the expectations of being the daughter of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board of Education president Eric Mockerman.
Then again, the senior Mockerman, in his address to the crowd, admitted that he “was not the smartest” member of his household.
The valedictorian of the class was Christian Loredo-Duran, who talked about not only the challenge of the classroom but of life.
“If you ever get knocked down, but are given a second chance, get back up quickly,” he said in his address. “Take advantage of the opportunity you are given. … To the class of 2021, our life is there in front of us.”
Class president Alfredo Medina-Ortega, in his address to the crowd, also touched on the support he gained both from home and his advice for the other graduates.
“I am beyond grateful to have siblings who love me for who I am …,” he said. ““The scariest part of this evening is knowing that it is actually just a beginning … Be the person who makes you happy.”
The City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series will return with free concerts at 7 p.m. on select Thursday nights beginning June 24, the city officially announced last week.
The Soul Syndicate will kick off the Kentwood concerts on June 24. (Soul Syndicate)
This year’s lineup West Michigan’s own The Accidentals, Bootstrap Boys, Benzing Graves Collective and The Soul Syndicate, as well as other Michigan bands.
“We’re pleased to be able offer another fantastic lineup of bands for community members to enjoy live music outdoors,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “We welcome concertgoers of all ages to celebrate summer in Kentwood with us on the lawn behind City Hall.”
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m., and conclude around 8:30 p.m., on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair. Each concert will feature food trucks, which will have food and beverages available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own food and beer or wine.
The schedule, with links to the band’s FaceBook page, is as follows:
New this year, Kentwood will offer essential workers and their guests special VIP seating near the stage. Essential workers who are interested can RSVP online prior to each concert.
Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who would prefer to enjoy the performances from home.
All are also invited to visit the Kentwood Farmers Market, which overlaps with the concert schedule. Starting June 3, the market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Local Boy and Girl scout troops and volunteers recently planted more than 5,000 flags at the “gravesites of fallen heroes” at the local veterans cemetery adjacent to the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)
Due to ongoing pandemic precautions at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, a planned Memorial Day tribute to America’s fallen heroes will be an invite-only event with a large turnout from the home’s members and their families.
The flags in front of the Michigan Veterans Homes at Grand Rapids. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
But the public can pay their respect with a walk around the veterans cemetery, now honoring veterans with small flags on the thousands of headstones, an effort made possible by the effort of local Boy and Girls scout organizations and well as other volunteers.
The Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR), previously known as the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, is located at 3000 Monroe Avenue, NE.The cemetery is adjacent to the veterans facility.
The state veterans cemetery was dedicated on May 31, 1886, 135 years ago this May, and hosts the graves of veterans dating back to the Civil War. according to supplied material. Formed in the shape of a Maltese cross, initially the cemetery was plotted for 262 graves with room for 1,048 but has grown to more than 5,000 gravesites today. The cemetery is open for visitation this weekend and visitors can access the cemetery through the main entrance on Lamberton Street NE.
Honoring veterans with flags of remembrance
The Michigan Veteran Homes, a branch of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, recently received assistance from local scout troops and volunteers to plant more than 5,000 flags at the “gravesites of fallen heroes” at the local veterans cemetery adjacent to the MVHGR.
Local Girls Scouts are also involved in the annual flag-planting effort. (Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)
While family, residents, staff and community members have been placing flags individually over the years, the massive volunteer effort to blanket the cemetery with flags began more than 30 years ago. Bob Porter, a former financial management supervisor for the local facility who helped formalize the effort in 1991, said it began with a promise of a soda, according to supplied material.
“Al Hulsapple and Bill Gerber, who were members of the Home and volunteer scouts, would enlist the help of 10-20 scouts to plant flags in the cemetery,” Porter, who himself was involved as a scout leader for Boy Scout Troop 230 in Grand Rapids, said in supplied material. “It would take the scouts a few hours to blanket the cemetery and Al and Bill would toss them a soda at the end of the day and say come back again next year.”
While the effort began with the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts have become involved in recent years as well.
“The Girl Scouts appreciate the opportunity to join the legacy flag-planting event at Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids,” Krystan Krucki, director of marketing and communications for The Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, said in supplied material. “It really does help inspire girls of all ages to honor veterans, honor our troops and find their own way to recognize the sacrifices that have been made by these individuals for our country.”
The placement of each flag includes a recognition of the veteran. (Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs)
Scouts are given instructions on how to properly honor the veterans buried at the cemetery. The process begins with a scout placing a flag to the left of the headstone, followed by reciting the veterans name and rendering a salute. Flags are delivered each year by the United Veterans Council of Kent County with special care taken to replace any flags that are torn or tattered.
“The City of Grand Rapids and its employees have been instrumental in raising funds to supply flags annually to make sure an American flag is placed at every veterans headstone within the city limits for Memorial Day,” Eric Nelson, a Navy veteran and commander of the United Veterans Council of Kent County, said in supplied material. “Each year we replace on average, 3,500 worn or tattered flags at the cemetery at Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids.”
While this year’s effort lacked elements of years past, the home hopes to return to celebrating the contributions by the scouts and local community in 2022.
“We’ve had anywhere from 500-800 scouts join us in the past,” Tiffany Carr, director of relations for the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, said in supplied material. “Even with restrictions and concerns related to COVID-19, all 5,000 plus flags were planted by the afternoon on May 20 as planned to honor our fallen veterans.”
Kentwood chaplain part of private ceremony
The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Michigan Veteran Homes, Memorial Day event will include remarks by U.S. Army Brigadier General Scott Hiipakka, assistant adjutant general of the Michigan Army National Guard; Theresa Robinson, past commander of the United Veterans Council of Kent County; Bruce Johnson, DAV representative; Bruce Kalish, chaplain of the MVHGR; and Father Peter Vu, chaplain of the MVHGR and pastor of Saint Mary Magdalen Parish in Kentwood.
The ceremony will include a posting of the colors led by the MVHGR Member Color Guard, a rifle salute and Taps led by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard and music by the Belmont Armory 126 Army Band and soloist Valerie Holstege.
The City of Kentwood announced this week that the Kentwood Farmers Market will return for its seventh season Thursdays, June 3 through Aug. 26, with 20 local vendors and a variety of special activities.
The market will take place 4:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
Vendors of all types will be active at the City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market. (WKTV)
The market will provide the community weekly opportunities to buy a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items, according to the statement.
“We are looking forward to welcoming community members back to the Farmers Market for another season with a great lineup of vendors and special activities,” Kristina Colby, Kentwood’s recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “Please join us this season for fun outdoors connecting with and supporting our local farmers and vendors.”
In addition to the range of “farmers market” items for purchase, the market will also offer free classes and special events before or after shopping.
(In addition, the just announced City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series will occur on several of the market’s Thursday evening nights.)
The schedule of free classes, special events and concerts includes:
The Accidentals in private concert. (Special for WKTV)
June 3: Yoga class at 6 p.m.
June 10: Meet and greet with animals from John Ball Zoo at 5 p.m.
June 17: Makers and Crafters Day 4:30-7:30 p.m.
June 24: Concert at 7 p.m. – The Soul Syndicate
July 1: Hip-hop fit class at 6 p.m.
July 8: Herb demonstration 4:30-7:30 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m. – The Bootstrap Boys
July 15: Concert at 7 p.m. – Benzing Graves Collective
There are also spots available for vendors. Those who are interested can reserve a spot for $10 per day or $50 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, is available at KentwoodFarmersMarket.com.
The City of Kentwood announced last week that it had created two advisory committees and an online survey for community members to share input on the development of the city’s Covenant Park and its 109 acres.
The community survey will help “inform” the committees’ planned work, according to the statement. To share input on the park’s future, community members are invited to take the online survey by Friday, June 4. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and includes questions about Kentwood’s other parks, trails, recreational programming and facilities.
Individuals who want to take the survey in a different language can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 616-656-5270 for assistance.
An aerial view of a portion of the City of Kentwood’s Covenant Park. (City of Kentwood)
The two advisory committees are tasked to gather, review and prioritize improvement ideas, concepts and plans for Covenant Park, and then to make recommendations to the City Commission on future development, according to the statement.
“This community engagement process will ultimately determine how the property will align with existing local parks and recreational needs identified in the Parks and Recreation Business Plan, Parks Master Plan and Non-Motorized Trail Plan,” according to the statement.
The two committees have held a joint kickoff meeting and the next meeting will be also held jointly to review the survey data.
One committee is focused on opportunities for passive and active recreation at the park, while the other is exploring the potential to incorporate regional competitive sports on the property as well, according to the city statement.
Covenant Park’s sign. (City of Kentwood)
Formerly known as the Christian Athletic Complex, Covenant Park is located at 3724 Shaffer Ave. SE. The city accepted a donation of the 109-acre parcel in May through a substantial gift to the Kentwood Community Foundation from an anonymous donor.
Covenant Park features open spaces, walking trails, softball fields and a clubhouse.
The committees include broad community representation with more than 20 members on each, including parks and recreation commissioners, city commissioners, planning commissioners, residents and business owners.
The Covenant Park Advisory Committee for Active and Passive Recreation is focused on opportunities for both active and passive recreation on the property. Active recreation refers to structured activities — either for individuals or teams — that require the use of special facilities, courses, fields or equipment. Examples include baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and rugby, according to the statement.
Passive recreation refers to activities that do not require prepared facilities such as sports fields or pavilions. Examples include bicycling, cross-country skiing, walking, hiking, picnicking, running and wildlife viewing.
In addition to serving as a public recreational amenity for local residents, the park also has the potential to accommodate a regional competitive sports component, according to the city’s statement. So, the Covenant Park Advisory Committee for Regional Competitive Sports is exploring the feasibility of and community interest in this possibility.
The committees are expected to make a final recommendation to the City Commission later this year. More information and updates about the committees, including a meeting schedule can be found on the City’s website at kentwood.us/CovenantParkPlanning. WKTV will continue to report on the work of the committees.
Landscape photographer and nature enthusiast Thomas Hegewald, hosts a series exploring what West Michigan has to offer in form of nature parks and preserves. The new series, called “Exploring, will air on WKTV Channel 25, at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 7:30 p.m. Fridays starting June 1.
“Exploring” features nature parks and preserves in Kent and Ottawa counties. Each exploration features simple photography tips and techniques for capturing different aspects of the locations. Hegewald’s landscape photographs have been featured in numerous regional art exhibits over the years. The series actually got its start in 2019 when Hegewald was creating pieces for “Preserved!,” a bi-annual show for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. As one of the featured artists, Hegewald traveled around West Michigan exploring and photographing some of the nature preserves that LCWM manages.
“I was so impressed with the work that the Land Conservancy of West Michigan was doing at Wege Natural Area, in the form of forest recovery, that I wanted to share that story,” Hegewald said.
With the introduction in 2020 of lockdowns and social distancing due to Covid-19, Hegewald turned to nature parks and preserves as a way of counter-acting the stress.
“Life slows down out in nature,” he said. “By sharing my appreciation for nature and vision as a photographer, I hope viewers seek out new nature parks or preserves to explore.”
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Georgetown Seniors, will host the 22nd annual Spotlight on Seniors Health and Fitness Expo on Tuesday, May 25 — this year as an outdoor event.
According to an announcement from the city, the free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. It will feature 40 vendors representing a variety of senior-oriented businesses, free health screenings for balance, blood pressure, stroke risk and more, as well as door prizes and free snacks and lunch.
“Our Spotlight on Seniors Expo offers a great opportunity for seniors and other community members to connect with one another, learn about local resources that can help them live healthy lives and celebrate successful aging,” Lorraine Beloncis, Kentwood Parks and Recreation assistant director, said in supplied material. “We are grateful for Georgetown Seniors and our sponsors in helping us provide this wonderful community event every year.”
Participating vendors include professionals in fields ranging from physical therapy and assisted living to home improvement and health care, according to the city’s statement.
“The challenges we have all faced over the past year during the pandemic make an event that promotes health, fitness and connections that much more important,” Pam Haverdink, director of the Georgetown Senior Center, said in supplied material. “We are pleased to partner with Kentwood Seniors on this expo and we are thankful to our vendors, who help make this fun and popular for residents in both communities.”
Among the sponsors of the Spotlight on Seniors Health & Fitness Expo are Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Health Bridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation, and Rivertown Ridge Senior Living. Other sponsors are Humana MarketPoint Inc., Laurels of Hudsonville, Sheldon Meadows, The Care Team, United Healthcare and We Care 4 U @ Home.
WKTV Community Media has teamed up with the City of Kentwood to produce a video inviting locals seeking outdoor summer work to join the city’s seasonal team.
“Do you enjoy a little fun and working outdoors? Kentwood has 15 parks, 13 miles of trails and more than 400 acres of grass to keep mowed,” Mayor Stephen Kepley says in the video. “We want you to work in Kentwood, for Kentwood. Join our team, where your work will be appreciated by thousands of residents who enjoy our parks, trails and events. And the best part, you get paid to do it.”
The city is recruiting seasonal maintenance workers to join its Public Works Department to help maintain City parks, buildings and other facilities. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is also looking to hire seasonal park attendants to help maintain Kentwood parks and trails throughout the summer. For more information and to apply, visit kentwood.us/employment.
Last year, the pandemic forced the City of Kentwood to replace its usual “open the garage door” National Public Works Week celebration at the city’s Department of Public Works with a citywide parade through various neighborhoods.
This year, as part of the Kent County-wide “Fleets Through the Streets’ event, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will again take its vehicles, accompanied by a Kent County vehicle, to the streets on Saturday, May 22.
The Kentwood Public Works Department hosted a parade of trucks in May 2020. (City of Kentwood)
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on the western border of the city near the intersection of Division Avenue and Maplelawn Street, and travel toward the eastern border of the city, ending around 11 a.m. near the intersection of Burton Street and Forest Meadows Court. For a complete map of the parade, visit the city website here.
“We invite residents to enjoy the parade from their porch, yard or driveway to allow for safe physical distancing outdoors,” the city states on its website. “Please feel free to give us a wave as we pass by!”
In addition to the parade, the city will be giving away tree seedlings from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 20, through Saturday, May 22, at the brush and leaf drop-off sites located at the DPW lot, 5068 Breton Ave. SE — while supplies last.
The parade is part of a larger “fleets through the streets” community celebration of National Public Works Week with other local public works and road agencies.
This year’s National Public Works Week theme is “Stronger Together,” challenging residents to think about the role public works plays in creating a great place to live, work and play.
“By working together, the impact residents and public works professionals can have on their communities is magnified and results in the ability to accomplish goals once thought unattainable,” according to supplied material.
Since 1960, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has sponsored National Public Works Week. Across North America, more than 29,000 members in the United States and Canada use this week to energize and educate the public on the importance of public works to their daily lives.
The Kentwood Place Department’s Traffic Services Bureau launched a safety campaign during the 2019-20 school year partially focused on Kentwood, Kelloggsville, and Forest Hills school buses when students were boarding and departing. (City of Kentwood)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood announced last week that the Kentwood Police Department has received the 2020 Outstanding Traffic Achievement Award from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission in recognition of its school safety campaign.
The GTSAC honors organizations, programs and individuals for outstanding contributions to traffic safety, according to supplied material. The virtual awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 27.
“We are grateful to the state for this high honor, which is a reflection of our department’s ongoing commitment to increasing traffic safety and our Traffic Services Bureau’s hard work to help make school zones safer for students and drivers,” Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts said in supplied material.
The Traffic Services Bureau includes one sergeant, three traffic specialists and one police cadet. The team’s primary responsibility is to enforce traffic laws. Other services include abandoned vehicle follow-ups, salvaged vehicle inspections, traffic engineering studies, speed monitoring and accident investigations.
The police department’s Traffic Services Bureau launched a safety campaign during the 2019-20 school year that provided dedicated personnel to monitor and enforce residential speed limits near schools on 60th Street SE and whether drivers stopped for Kentwood, Kelloggsville, and Forest Hills school buses when students were boarding and departing.
The police department had received complaints about drivers speeding in properly posted school zones and not stopping for buses when their red flashers were on, according to supplied material.
The initiative started in October 2019 and ended early in March 2020 due to school closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 184 personnel hours were dedicated to the five-month campaign, which yielded 428 school speed zone violations and 31 school bus violations.
This enforcement resulted in an 800 percent increase for school speed zone violations and a 300 percent jump in school bus violations from the previous school year. Fifty-one school speed zone violations and 10 school bus violations were issued in 2018-19.
During the first month of the campaign, 93 school speed zone violations were issued. That number peaked at 104 in February 2020 before dropping to 31 in the final month.
“This was a successful effort that changed behaviors and garnered positive feedback from our community, with many parents stopping to thank our officers,” Chief Roberts said.
The safety campaign encompassed Kentwood, Kelloggsville and Forest Hills schools. It resumed in October 2020 and went through December, resulting in four school speed violations and eight school bus violations.
More information about the Kentwood Police Department is available at kentwood.us/police.
The Kent County Health Department announced Thursday, May 13, that in the light of this week’s announcement that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the use of Pfizer/BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for 12-15 year olds, the county is moving to supply appointments.
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) will start vaccinating this age group this Saturday, with appointment availability at the KCHD facility at 700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, on Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and on Saturday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to the KCHD statement, currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for anyone 12 years and older. Anyone under 18 will need a parent/guardian present or a permission note from parent/guardian and a driver who is at least 18 years of age.
Registration is required, no walk-ins will be accepted. Those interested in attending these clinics can register online here or call 616-326-6992. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for assistance.
Additional vaccine clinic locations, times and dates can be found at vaccinatewestmi.com.
Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer. (Kent County)
Kent County announced last week that it has selected Teresa Branson as its first Chief Inclusion Officer — a position that will report to the Kent County Administrator and underscore “the organization’s commitment to fully embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in its strategic priorities,” according to the announcement.
Branson currently serves as the Deputy Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). Prior to that, she held numerous public health education positions within KCHD, Child & Family Services of West MI, Inc., and Arbor Circle Corporation. She will start her new position May 24.
“We are fortunate to have someone as qualified as Teresa serve as our first Chief Inclusion Officer,” Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt said in supplied material. “We elevated this role because we are committed to accelerating our efforts to be an inclusive workforce and to ensure we are being equitable in our service delivery. I am excited for Teresa to fulfill this role and help us expand our diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.”
According to the announcement, Branson brings to the job “extensive experience implementing strategic diversity and inclusion programs and processes.” During her tenure at KCHD, she provided direction for the department’s health equity initiatives and led several successful programs aimed at reducing health disparities. She has also facilitated health equity and social justice training sessions.
Branson serves on numerous community and statewide boards, including the Michigan Community Action Team of the Governor’s COVID-19 Racial Disparities Task Force.
“It is an honor to be selected as the first person filling this role at Kent County,” Branson said in supplied material. “I look forward to working with our leadership teams, employees and community partners to build on the work that has already been done and to implement meaningful change that will make county government more responsive in meeting diverse needs of our employees and community.”
“Inclusive Participation” was one of five strategic priorities identified in the county’s 2019 strategic plan. Over the past several years, the Kent County Board of Commissioners and administration have invested in programs to increase equity and inclusion in hiring, training and service delivery.
Branson will oversee all the county’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and identify ways to improve the county’s ability to serve its employees and residents.
“Teresa has a wealth of experience that will help us develop best practices and break through potential barriers,” Britt said. “Our goal is to build a more welcoming workforce and community.”
Branson holds a Master of Health Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education from Central Michigan University.
If contract negotiations conclude as anticipated, Kevin Polston will have the same title in local education cycles — Superintendent — it is just that his office will be at Kentwood Public Schools rather than at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools.
Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education announced today that Polston has been selected to become the district’s next superintendent and that it is “engaging in contract negotiations” to finalize the selection. Current KPS superintendent Michael Zoerhoff will be retiring at the completion of this current school year.
“Our candidate pool was exceptionally strong and our internal leadership team is outstanding,” KPS board president Mimi Madden said in supplied material. “The unanimous vote to offer the position to Superintendent Polston will continue the tradition of leadership excellence that our community has come to expect.”
Madden, in the KPS statement, said the board’s expectation is of a seamless transition.
Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, Kentwood Public schools. (Supplied/KPS)
“Superintendent Zoerhoff has nurtured and developed strong leaders on his administrative team,” Madden said. “These individuals have led their respective areas competently and capably before and during this global pandemic. We are confident that this commitment to the Kentwood mission will continue in the years to come.”
Prior to becoming a superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, in 2017, Polston spent 15 years in the Grand Haven Area Public Schools, first as a teacher and then moving into administrative leadership as an assistant principal, curriculum specialist and finally principal, according to his Linked In page.
As superintendent at Godfrey-Lee, Polston led the largely minority-student district though a difficult transition of educational technology and school community image — including the high school’s sports teams becoming known as “The Legends” — as well as handling a 2019 partial building collapse at a middle and high school complex with some portions nearly 100 years old.
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston speaks at State Board of Education meeting in 2017. (State Board of Education)
He also, last year, led a community and educational leadership effort to pass a $17.8 million school district bond measure that will modernize the district’s building and infrastructure in nearly every aspect.
He and his team have also worked to make Godfrey-Lee’s heavily Spanish-speaking population an asset to the district and its students.
In the KPS announcement, it as noted that “his experience as the son of a Palestinian immigrant, and first generation college student, is a story that mirrors many Kentwood families. Mr. Polston’s work in West Michigan reflects his passion for the power of education and the importance of strong partnerships between school systems and the communities they serve.”
“I am humbled and honored to serve as the next superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools,” Polston said in supplied material. “My personal vision of ‘changing the world through opportunities for students’ is one Kentwood has carried out through the vision of ‘Excellence and Equity in Education’.
“I look forward to building positive relationships with staff, students, families, and the community of Kentwood as we collaboratively continue the longstanding tradition of excellence.”
Polston holds degrees from Grand Valley State University and from Michigan State University. He was also named by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer early this year to the lead the COVID-19 Return to School Advisory Council, a statewide body of educators and others.
With few items on Kent County’s May 4 ballot, and the corresponding low voter turnout, local voters backed property tax funded financial requests from both Kentwood Public Schools and Kelloggsville Public Schools.
With unofficial final results from the Kent County Elections office, Kentwood district voters approved a bond measure, by a margin of 3,739 to 1,776, the will allow the Kentwood school district to be able to borrow up to about $192 million and issue general obligation tax bonds to repay it.
The turnout was about 11 percent of the almost 50,000 registered voters in the district, according to the county elections office.
Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff, Kentwood Public schools. (Supplied/KPS)
“The outcome of this election demonstrates the strong partnership between the Kentwood community and Kentwood Public Schools,” Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Michael Zoerhoff said to WKTV. “Together with our staff, parents, partners and volunteers, we remain committed to providing an education of equity and excellence to every student in a Kentwood school.”
In addition, “we are pleased that our facilities are utilized by all ages within our community. From the pools to the tracks, from seniors to toddlers, Kentwood Public Schools is a resource for the entire community. This vote demonstrates that our community recognizes the district as a center point of engagement for all ages and backgrounds.”
In the Kelloggsville school district, with unofficial final results from the Kent County Elections office, voters approved an extension of an existing non-residential, non ”homestead”, property millage, as well as an additional temporary 2-year 0.5 mill increase, by a margin of 486-240.
The turnout was about 8 percent of the about 9,200 registered voters in the district, according to the county elections office.
“Thank you (to the voters) for your continued support of Kelloggsville Public Schools,” Eric Alcorn, Kelloggsville Public Schools director of human resources, said to WKTV. “We are grateful for the trust you have in us to make sound educational decisions for the district and our students.”
Kentwood bond measure details
Nearly every building in the Kentwood Public Schools system will see improvements paid for by the bond proposal — yet the proposal will lower the net millage from the prior year of a school system already the lowest in Kent County, according to district information.
Kentwood Public Schools serves about 9,000 students. (Supplied/KPS)
Overall, the bond proposal would fund 10-plus years of improvements to district infrastructure and educational technology, that “would provide programs, technology, and facilities for current and future needs,” according to a district statement prior to the vote.
Kentwood Public Schools serves more than 9,000 students, includes about 1,200 staff, and is responsible for 22 buildings, including 17 schools, totaling over one million square feet of structures on over 450 acres of sites.
“This bond referendum will allow us to enhance health and safety features within our facilities,” Superintendent Zoerhoff said. “For instance, our child nutrition food service teams are excited about having full service kitchens in each of our schools. The fresh food that will be provided for our students, in every building, will empower them to learn and succeed.
“In addition, while we cannot predict the next pandemic or problem that our society will face, we can predict that technology will continue to play a critical role in the lives of our students.”
Kelloggsville millage extension details
The Kelloggsville Public Schools district received voter support of a millage two years ago, and the current and approved extension would allow that millage to “be renewed by 18.0181 mills ($18.0181 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 2 years, 2022 and 2023, and also be increased by 0.5 mill ($0.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 2 years, 2022 and 2023,” according to the official Kent County elections ballot proposal information.
According to information supplied by the district, the proposal “is a renewal to be levied against non-homestead property. Resident properties are exempt from being taxed by this proposal (no cost to the homeowner). This is a renewal on business properties and not homes. The renewal will notcost the homeowner any additional taxes.”
While community groups and entertainment venues tentatively plan for a fall with more relaxed COVID-19 related restrictions — with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in fact, laying out a plan for return to normal focused on a 70 percent vaccination total — most government and health officials agree that vaccination rates will be a key factor.
And as vaccination rates begin to slow, in West Michigan and across the United States, vaccination availability has become more easily available, to more people in more age groups, than ever before.
(WKTV)
“In order to support the state’s goal of herd immunity, we are doing everything possible to ensure Kent County residents have the information and access they need to get vaccinated,” Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department, said last week to WKTV. “We have overcome many barriers people have faced when trying to schedule an appointment, including scheduling assistance, providing transportation options and opening community clinics throughout hard to reach areas. As vaccine supply has increased, some of our clinics are able to accommodate walk-ins.”
London stressed that Kent County residents have a one-stop on-line location for vaccination information and scheduling — vaccinatewestmi.com.
State government goals, results and actions
While Michigan’s top governmental leadership and health officials recently established a detailed timeline and plan for easing of restrictions, based on levels of vaccinations, and this week touted progress toward the goal, there is some governmental and citizen opposition.
Gov. Whitmer’s office and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced that Michigan has administered 7 Million vaccinations and that 50 percent of eligible Michiganders have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
That 50 percent level is significant as last week the governor Whitmer and MDHHS outlined a “Michigan Vaccine to Normal Plan” providing a four-step plan for easing restrictions based on vaccine rates and starting at a then 48.8 percentage level.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, front, last week, discussing a plan for return to normal focused on a 70 percent vaccination total. (Office of the Governor)
“We’ve put shots in arms of 1 in 2 Michiganders 16 and up and over 1 in 3 are fully vaccinated, including 2 in 3 seniors. Our rollout continues to speed up,“ Gov. Whitmer said in an announcement from her office. “As we get closer to achieving our goal of equitably vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders 16 and up, we have to remember that we are still in this fight against the virus. … The way to put this pandemic behind us, however, is to get vaccinated.”
The announced back-to-normal plan steps are:
Step One: Two weeks after 4.5 million Michiganders, or 55 percent of those eligible, have received their first shot, MDHHS will lift the requirement for employers to require remote work when feasible.
Step Two: Two weeks after 4.9 million Michiganders, or 60 percent of those eligible, have received their first shot MDHHS will increase indoor capacity at sports stadiums and other crowd-focused locations to 25 percent; increase capacity limits at gyms to 50 percent; and lift the curfew on bars and restaurants.
Step Three: Two weeks after 5.3 million Michiganders, or 65 percent of those eligible, have received their first shot MDHHS will lift all indoor capacity limits, only requiring social distancing between parties; and relax the limits on residential social gatherings.
Step Four: Two weeks after 5.67 million Michiganders, or 70 percent of those eligible, have received their first shot MDHHS will lift the gatherings and face masks order and no longer impose mitigation measures of that kind “unless the virus threatens to overwhelm the medical system or some other unanticipated circumstance arises.”
But not all government leaders, including Republican legislative leaders, believe vaccine rates should be the only metric Gov. Whitmer’s administration considers.
In recent media reports, both Michigan House of Representatives Republican Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Republican Majority Leader MIke Shirkey expressed concern with the plan, saying they fear inoculation rates may soon “plateau” given growing vaccine hesitancy among some persons.
“What if we don’t ever get to 70” percent, Wentworth reportedly said last week in a virtual roundtable hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. “That’s a possibility.”
But the Governor’s plan has gained support from Michigan State Medical Society, and others.
Gov. Whitmer’s plan“lays out the path to returning our economy and much of our daily lives back to pre-pandemic norms, which is what we all want,” Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the Michigan State Medical Society, said in statement, while also noting that “COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and readily available to everyone 16 years and older in Michigan.”
Local actions by health department, medical providers
Last week, the Kent County Health Department announced a change to its quarantine guidelines for people exposed to coronavirus “to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Effective immediately, the new guidance shortens the quarantine period for exposed people from 14 days to 10 days under certain scenarios.
“The previous 14-day quarantine period was based on the full incubation period of the virus,” according to the announcement. “However, data confirms 90 to 99 percent of COVID-19 infections occur within 10 days of exposure.”
In addition, residents can be released from quarantine after 10-days, without testing, if they conduct daily symptom monitoring through day 10 after the last exposure, and they do not have any symptoms or clinical evidence of COVID-19.
If a potentially exposed individual develops symptoms during the 10-days, they should seek testing and self-isolate while awaiting results. Additionally, a 10-day quarantine period does not apply to persons residing in congregate living settings or who work with individuals in high-risk groups.
“This change will make it easier for individuals to complete their quarantine and still reduce the spread of the virus,” KCHD Medical Director Dr. Nirali Bora said in supplied material. “However, we encourage residents to remain vigilant against the virus and to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
And a big player in the vaccination program also announced changes. Metro Health — University of Michigan Health, which has vaccinated more than 38,000 people against COVID-19, announced this week that vaccine scheduling is now open to anyone 16 years of age or older.
The COVID-19 vaccination effort is continuing to expand. (U.S. Government).
For more information and to schedule an appointment visit metrohealth.vaccine.mychart.com. Persons can also call 616-252-6161 to schedule a vaccine appointment or with any questions. The telephone line is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday; but they note that “call volume is very heavy” and calls will be answered “as soon as we can.”
Also announced by Metro Health-UM Health is that “As recommended by local, state and federal health agencies,” they have resumed distribution of the single-dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
“After investigating reports of blood clots, an independent panel of scientists found the risk to be extremely low and concentrated among women younger than 50 years,” as stated in a Metro Health-UM Health announcement. “As an extra precaution, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health will not distribute this vaccine to women in this age group.”
Rite Aid pharmacies also announced last week that it is administering COVID-19 vaccines on a walk-in basis in all its Michigan stores, and anyone 16 or older is eligible. However, they still recommend scheduling appointments in advance to reduce wait time and guarantee availability of the vaccine.
All three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. — Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson – are being administered at Rite Aid. Individuals 18 and older can schedule appointments online. Those ages 16 and 17 can schedule an appointment with parent or guardian consent at any store administering the Pfizer vaccine by contacting the store’s pharmacy directly. For more information visit riteaid.com/covid-19.
While limitations on in-person group experiences continue due to the pandemic, The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies knows there has been no break in the need for supporting veterans recovering from the sometimes hidden wounds of war.
So Grand Valley State University’s Hauenstein Center and its partners, including the Kent County Veterans Services office, will go virtual this year as the Hidden Wounds of War Conference — this year with the conference theme of “Moral Injury” — will be held Thursday, May 6, and will be delivered online using Zoom.
“The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies hosts the Hidden Wounds of War Conference as a community service effort to build awareness and educate the community about treatments and resources available to our veterans,” Brent Holmes, acting director of the center, said to WKTV. “The Hidden Wounds of War Conference stems from a Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies event that has held in June 2008. Through the years, the Hauenstein Center has partnered with veteran organizations to be able to host this impactful conference.”
U.S. Marines with Task Force Southwest depart a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter prior to an advisory meeting with Afghan National Army soldiers at Camp Hanson, Afghanistan, June 13, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)
And one reason for a presidential studies center to be focused on support of war veterans? It is presidents who send them to war.
“We desire to be more effective in serving those who serve and have served our communities and nation,” Holmes said. “Veterans, first responders, families, and communities struggle with the aftereffects of this service. Too often suffered in silence, the psychological trauma experienced by our men and women in uniform brings the hardship home. By embracing honest discussion and strong networks of support, winning the battle against these challenges is possible.”
The schedule of events for the day begins with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m., then moves into general session at 9 a.m., with Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock discussing “Moral Injury.”
Dr. Rita Nakashima Brock is Senior Vice President for Moral Injury Programs at Volunteers of America and a Commissioned Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). (Courtesy/GVSU)
Moral injury refers to suffering due to moral emotions such as shame, guilt, remorse, outrage, despair, mistrust, and self-isolation, according to supplied material. It emerged as a concept among Veterans Affairs clinicians working with military combat veterans beginning in 1994.
This session will offer some of the factors in human beings that can lead to moral injury by examining how conscience is shaped; presenting several definitions of moral injury, both clinical and cultural/religious; identifying the range of morally injurious experiences that disrupt moral identity; and explaining the relationship of moral injury to other trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
After a short break, there will be morning break-out sessions between 10:30 a.m. and noon, including sessions titled “Military Sexual Trauma”; “Military Culture, Families, and Relationships”; and “Suicide Prevention” — where participants “will gain an understanding of the scope of suicide with the United States and within the Veteran population and will know how to better identify a veteran who may be at risk for suicide.”
After a lunch break from noon to 1 p.m., there will be another general session with Dr. Nakashima Brock. The lecture will, among other topics, explain what constitutes recovery from moral injury and discuss validated programs for supporting recovery from moral injury. In addition, it will discuss strategies as yet to be validated but that seem promising, including the role of congregations and community organizations.
After another short break, there will be more afternoon break-out sessions from 2:30-4 p.m., including sessions titled “Community Resources”; another session on “Suicide Prevention”; and one on the local “Kent County Veteran Treatment Courts”, which will discuss trends and policies of such courts, and the courts’ mission — “Participants will leave with an understanding of the methodologies used in program development and operations and how KCVTC enhances public safety and enhances the community’s return on investment.”
The Kentwood Public Schools Board of Education will hold second interviews for the now-two finalists — Nkenge Bergan of Kalamazoo Public Schools and Kevin Polston of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — on May 5, as the district moves to hire a new superintendent after Michael Zoerhoff leaves the position at the end of this school year.
The Board of Education, and the Michigan Association of School Boards, which is assisting the search, announced today, April 30, that after six first-round interviews this week the Board of Education has selected the two candidates for second-round interviews this coming week.
Scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday, May 5, are Bergan, director of student services, Kalamazoo Public Schools (6 p.m.), and Polston, Ed.S., superintendent, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools (7:15 p.m.).
According to the announcement, interviews will be held in person, with appropriate social distancing, at the Kentwood Administration Building, 5820 Eastern Ave., in Kentwood. Community members, staff and students are encouraged to watch the interviews online as they take place. The district website (kentwoodps.org) will have viewing instructions and more information.
There will also be an option for limited in-person seating and viewing opportunities at the administration building during the interviews. To accommodate proper social distancing, the Board of Education asks that interested persons RSVP to attend the interviews in person by emailing: interviews@kentwoodps.org.
A probably sold-out crowd at a pre-pandemic Meijer Gardens Summer Concert series evening. Crowd sizes may be limited this season. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announced today that the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts — including three special Grand Rapids Symphony dates — as well as its Tuesday Evening Music Club and the new Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings, also featuring musicians from the Grand Rapids Symphony, are tentatively planned to return this summer and into the fall.
All scheduled dates, performers and concert information are subject to changed based on COVID-19 restrictions, according to the announcement, and “under current restrictions, capacity will be restricted to 1,000 people. If rules allow, capacity will be increased.”
The Decemberists in concert in 2018. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
But the news that there might actually be musicians on stage and concertgoers on the grass of the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage is sweet sounds for West Michigan music lovers.
“We look forward to the return of music at Meijer Gardens and are pleased to be able to continue our support of Meijer Gardens and the popular summer concert series which now includes the Grand Rapids Symphony,” Tom Welch, Fifth Third Bank regional president, said in supplied material. “We are delighted that two Grand Rapids treasured cultural organizations are teaming up to further the arts in our community.”
While most local concertgoers will be looking forward to a complete lineup and ticket details of the featured Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series — including the great St. Paul & The Broken Bones returning to town — two free-with-admission concert series, one new and one well established, will also bring much need musical relief to local audiences.
Tuesday night and Sunday days
The Tuesday Evening Music Club, with local and regional musicians, will be on stage in July and August starting at 7 p.m.
Ralston Bowles in concert. (By Jamie Geysbeek/Supplied)
This year’s lineup includes Welcome Back Tuesday with Ralston Bowles & Very Special Guests on July 6 — with Bowles in encore as Ralston & Friends on Aug. 24 — as well as Franklin Park on July 13, Political Lizard with Molly on July 20, Via Mardot with Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish on July 27, Samuel Nalangira with The Moxie Strings on Aug. 3, Cameron Blake with Patty PerShayla on Aug. 10, Pajamas with Charlie Millard Band on Aug. 17), and the return of a special Grand Rapids Ballet show on Aug. 31.
The Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings series expands on an idea that was trialed during the summer of 2020, according to the announcement. “Led by violinist Haijin Choi, these chamber music performances happen throughout the Gardens & Sculpture Park and will feature combinations of violin, harp, marimba, mandolin, cello and more.”
Five planned Sunday performances will take place on June 6, June 20, July 18, Aug. 29 and September 12. The Sunday, July 18 performance will include a special opportunity for audience participation within the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden (with more information to be announced closer to the date).
“We love both Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Symphony and couldn’t think of a better way to help bring these wonderful assets of our community together for a formal series,” the Prestons said in supplied material. “We were thrilled at the diversity of the audience for last summer’s events and look forward to this series growing!”
Tuesday Evening Music Club and Jim & Marie Preston Sunday Strings performances are free for members and included in admission for other guests.
Headline concerts include symphony shows
As part of the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts, Meijer Gardens and the Grand Rapids Symphony will partner for three ticketed shows including a solo Grand Rapids Symphony performance conducted by Bob Bernhardt, Principal Pops Conductor, as well as the Grand Rapids Symphony playing with Pink Martini, and another show yet to be announced.
“We are very excited to bring the Grand Rapids Symphony back to Meijer Gardens for these special concerts,” Mary Tuuk Kuras, symphony president & CEO, said in supplied material. “Our shared mission of promoting the arts and bringing our community together makes this partnership a wonderful fit.”
The Grand Rapids Symphony will be in concert at Meijer Gardens later this year. (Supplied/Grand Rapids Symphony)
The three symphony shows are part of the officially titled 2021 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens concert series, scheduled to take place in July, August and September — “if regulations allow” — and featuring an initial lineup including The Verve Pipe, O.A.R., Kansas and Black Violin + Blind Boys of Alabama.
“The complete lineup of 30 shows and ticket on sale dates will be announced as soon as possible,” according to the announcement.
Members of Meijer Gardens will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2021 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series during a two-week members-only pre-sale, with dates to be announced. During the pre-sale, members also receive a $5 discount per ticket. To become a member or renew a membership, visit MeijerGardens.org/Membership.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public immediately following the members-only pre-sale, with information on prices and purchasing locations available following the release of the full lineup.
For more information on all concert plans for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, visit meijergardens.org.
