Tag Archives: WKTV

U.S. Navy sailor from Wyoming pictured in action on USS Theodore Roosevelt

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Conner D. Blake)

(Do you have a photo of a Kentwood or Wyoming native serving in the military? WKTV journal would love to get the photo and a brief description. Send it to ken@WKTV.org)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

In this photo supplied by the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Zachary Coleman, originally from Wyoming, Mich., signals to the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) from the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during a replenishment-at-sea on Jan. 22.

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in the Pacific Ocean.

As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed fleet, with its approximate 50-70 ships and submarines, 140 aircraft, and 20,000 Sailors in the area of operations at any given time, 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific area of operations to foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict alongside 35 other maritime nations and partners, according to the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy, according to the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach.

St. Cecilia announces 2021 Helen DeVos Legacy Award but delays gala until ’22

Karen Henry Stokes (SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center has announced its 2021 recipient of the now annual Helen DeVos Legacy Award, with Karen Henry Stokes the third person so honored. However, the annual gala event to honor Stokes, originally scheduled for March, has been postponed until March 5, 2022, due to the pandemic.

“We are thrilled to honor Karen Henry Stokes with the next Helen DeVos Legacy Award, but sad that we have to wait to do so until 2022,” Cathy Holbrook, executive and artistic director of St. Cecilia Music Center, said in an email announcement. “We felt it was the best option to ensure that people felt safe attending a gala ceremony and dinner event. We wanted as many people to attend and pay tribute to her as possible and March of 2022 felt like the best choice.”
 

St. Cecilia started the Helen DeVos Legacy Award in 2019 to pay tribute to the late Helen DeVos for her support of and involvement in the arts.

Last year’s recipient, the late Stella Royce, “embodied the same spirit of giving and love of the arts,” according to the announcement. “Karen Henry Stokes is the perfect person to receive the next Helen DeVos Legacy Award as she has demonstrated exemplary service within the arts community and her efforts have helped expand the cultural landscape of West Michigan.”
 

Stokes has been involved with many arts organizations in the region, as a board member, trustee and committee member, including the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, St. Cecilia Music Center, as well as other organizations such as Grand Valley State University, Hospice of Grand Rapids, Gilda’s Club and Hope Network.
 

Stokes, also a pianist, was a member of the piano faculty of Grand Rapids Baptist College (now Cornerstone) from 1974 to 1981, as well as a member of the piano faculty of Calvin College from 1981 to 1989. She holds performance degrees from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and the University of Manitoba.
 

She has lived in Grand Rapids since 1970, was married for 28 years to the late Paul B. Henry and has three grown children and four grandchildren. Additionally, she was married for 20 years to the late James L. Stokes. gaining five more children and eight more grandchildren through that marriage.

“Karen’s true connection to SCMC is our partnership with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center,” according to the announcement. “She is a dedicated subscriber, and when we launched the series in 2012, Karen helped us spread to the word to other classical music lovers in the community.”

The un-x-plained files with the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters

Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters host Wayne Thomas with co-host Brandon Hoezee

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters


On our WKTV podcast we asked viewers and listeners to keep an open mind about things they might not easily believe as we explore the mysterious. Some of the areas that we have examined include astronomy, cryptozoology, demonology, numerology, ufology, reiki, tarot reading, witches, psychic mediums, seers, coptic healers, and ghost hunters. Many of our podcast guests are multifaceted with complicated layers and simple labels can’t adequately describe them. Mama Mary Bassett falls into this category of spookiness.

For Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters episode no. 2,  we welcomed Mary Bassett and step daughter Sara Bassett. This unique duo works together ghost hunting and podcasting as Paranormal XL with their alias names Mama Mary and GG. During this episode of our podcast, we examined some crystals and discussed the seven Chakras or energy zones with Reiki Master Bassett. Mama Mary offers meditation for spiritual awakening and a monthly astrological forecast. Bassett’s mission is to bring love, light, and healing to those who need it most.

Mama Mary Bassett

During episode no. 25, Bassett offered predictions of a New World Awakening, demonstrated her Hang Drum, and did a Tarot reading for co-host Kim Kolean. On episode no. 36 we revealed how Bassett became “a light to my path” after cancelling six consecutive WKTV podcasts due to COVID pandemic restrictions.

Reaching a point where everything seemed trivial to surviving the virus, questions of whether we should shut down the show emerged. Mama Mary sensed my despair and wasn’t having any of it. She suggested we move forward and start a Blog Talk Radio show. She would set it up, produce it, and co-host. My job was to find spooky people to interview and host the show that became known as Cryptic Frequencies, which currently has 13 episodes into it now. Bassett produces other podcasts on her page Spiritual Voices Across the Golden Veil.

Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters podcast featured Bassett as our special guest on episodes no. 21 & 25, and recently on episode no. 36; she also joined us as a guest co-host on episodes no. 28 and 37. Bassett describes herself as a psychic channeler that she achieves through meditation, automatic writing, and messages from Spirit Guides, angels, and loved ones. If that’s not spooky enough, she is a Reiki Master, energy healer, and has been doing Tarot readings for more than 20 years. Her wish is to help people feed their soul so they can grow spiritually.

 

On episode no. 36, Bassett introduced us to her Singing Chakra bowls that she uses to help clear certain energy centers so people might integrate with their true self. Bassett has made some bold predictions on imminent alien encounters. If you’re looking for help with your path to enlightenment, visit Bassett’s shop in Hastings. 

As state rolls out school COVID-19 testing effort, local schools using proven Kent County program

The Kent County Health Department’s saliva-based COVID-19 testing program is being used by most county K-12 schools and school districts. (KCHD)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced early this month that the state plans to offer a voluntary COVID-19 school-based testing program to provide weekly tests to educators with the “goal of having all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students by March 1.”

But many local school districts, including Wyoming Public Schools, either are already using or plan to use a Kent County Health Department testing program which initially proved successful during a December 2020 pilot testing program at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools — one of may local district also already providing in-school education to any student household requesting it.

The county program “is not part of the MDHHS testing program that is available to schools,” Joann Hoganson, Director of Community Wellness for the Kent County Health Department (KCHD), said to WKTV. “Our pilot predated that program, and since it is up and running smoothly, most schools in Kent County have not chosen to take advantage of the state’s offer for testing.

“In fact, I am not aware of any schools that are using the testing supplies (and) program offered by the State,” said Hoganson, who serves as liaison between the KCHD and the schools . “They are using the saliva tests offered by Arctic Lab and organized by the Kent County Health Department.”

Wyoming Public Schools is one of the school districts taking advantage of the county system.

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra. (Supplied)

“Our testing clinic will be located at the Cherry Health Wyoming Community Health Center (in Wyoming) and will be up and running on Tuesday, Feb. 16,” Craig Hoekstra, superintendent of Wyoming Public Schools, said to WKTV. “In this partnership, we will be working with Arctic Labs and the KCHD.

“The credit for making this happen goes to Sarah Earnest, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. She did an excellent job working through the logistics, and we are excited about getting this going for our students, staff, and the greater community.”

The saliva COVID tests to be used, provided by KCHD in a partnership with Arctic Labs, are the same one used by the students, staff, and families of students and staff at Godfrey-Lee schools, Hoganson said. “This was a pilot, which went very well. We now provide similar testing for all of the schools in Kent County at several regional sites.”

Hoganson also provided WKTV with some KCHD numbers associated with the school-based program.

The first school testing site opened on Dec. 1, was available for full access on Jan. 18, and there are now four different sites available in Kent County. According to Hoganson, 20 schools and school districts have participated in testing at the regional sites, with 303 test “records” since the beginning of this year, resulting in 42 COVID-19 positive tests, 255 negative and six inconclusive.

“It is not a ‘rapid’ test … (but) it allows teachers and other staff who wake up with symptoms to get tested quickly,” she said. “They miss that day of school, but they get their results back within 24 to 36 hours.  If they are positive, we have kept them out of school and prevented exposure to others. If they are negative, they can return to school much more quickly, thus reducing absenteeism by both students and staff. It is convenient and costs nothing to the person being tested.”

The MI Safe Schools Testing Program, announced Feb. 2, by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides no-cost COVID-19 rapid antigen testing for Michigan educators from both public and private schools.

Approximately 300 schools and 9,000 staff have signed up for testing so far, according to the state.

The rapid antigen testing program is modeled after Michigan’s successful pilot project that tested student-athletes and coaches who were participating in playoffs for high school fall sports such as football, according to the MDHHS. In that program more than 8,300 people were tested, including the Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team.

WKTV volunteer producer receives recognition during Black History Month

Producer of “In Between the Trees,” Rose Hammond stands outside her display at Woodland Mall. “In between the Trees” will screen just kitty corner from the central Starbucks court until Sunday evening. (WKTV)

By Tom Norton

Like any story about anyone who faces adversity and struggles, slowly at first, to overcome it; Rose Hammond seems to know that slow and steady wins the race.

If anything could be said about her latest documentary, “In Between the Trees,” a story of the African American community in Idlewild, Michigan and the nearby Woodland Park  is that her motto fits this pattern perfectly.

Hammond went from standing on her mother’s front step “with six bags of dirty laundry and a baby” to becoming an author and documentary filmmaker through a slow and steady process that in the course of it, brings to life another story (this time not her own) of a community also with no where else to go.

While America’s story of race is certainly long and complicated, one thread through that story is constant; for more than a century the black community was identified as “the other.” Consequently denied many fundamental rights in American society, the black community also very rarely enjoyed something so many took for granted;  the concept of a “vacation” or a “getaway” and the ease with which so many of us plan a vacation.

Like a sprinkling of other recreational communities across the country, Idlewild became a place where black people could go to relax and escape not only the Jim Crow south, but also the segregated and outright racist attitudes that existed in many parts of the country.

Hammond originally grew up in the area around White Cloud with its small lakes and simpler life. This allowed her to hear the stories of black Americans traveling to Idlewild as a safe place for a vacation. Eventually that place called Idlewild had grown to become the largest African American resort in the United States. Like a sprinkling of other recreational communities across the country, Idlewild became a place where black people could go to relax and escape not only the Jim Crow south, but also the segregated and outright racist attitudes that existed in many parts of the country, including Michigan. Starting in the 1920s and continuing all the way through the mid 1960s, African Americans from the far away big cities would navigate their way to the small resort and from those decades, Hammond’s book and eventually documentary film would be born.

“Well, blacks couldn’t attend white night clubs then and 

we also couldn’t go to any resorts.  We had to have our own         

resort because it (Idlewild) was the only place you could go 

and not be insulted.”                         

-Rita Collins from “In Between the Trees”

While no one could characterize this time for black Americans as the best of times, the adversity the black community faced also brought out the tight bond that helped so many communities of color endure the racial discrimination of the era. In Idlewild, music from the best musicians in Chicago and Detroit would drift out from the summer nightclubs over the small lake nearby. Residents and visitors of Idlewild spoke of a time of being able to relax without the constant fear that you might be stepping out of some invisible boundary that was a part of daily life once they returned to the cities. It was the recipe that let Idlewild thrive for decades.

For Hammond, her generation grew up after the effects of the civil rights acts and Supreme Court rulings were beginning to be felt in daily life. This meant that education, housing and voting; elements of daily life most people naturally take for granted were no longer just things that black Americans wished for. They were things Hammond’s generation was now doing without a second thought.

But it didn’t change the fact that Hammond was starting over in life and living back in White Cloud. Once back she realized  she couldn’t escape the history of the area and her own memories. Other family members would talk of originally traveling to the north from the southern states; of taking back roads all the way to avoid any “trouble.”

African Americans from the far away big cities would navigate their way to the small resort called Idlewild and from those decades, Hammond’s book and eventually documentary film would be born.

“They came here with the hopes that life would be easier, if not better,” Hammond said. “I do remember that my mother wanted that better life for us. She didn’t want us to pick onions or cherries or clean houses every day for a living.”

That  lesson from her mother was that education was how you stayed out of the fields and soon Hammond found herself enrolled at Ferris University learning skills that would one day place her on course to tell the story of Idlewild and the tenacity she inherited from her mother would be just as valuable.

As Hammond heard the stories told in the area around White Cloud about the thriving community populated during the summer months by black Americans from cities like Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Indianapolis she recognized this was a story that needed to be told. Her first effort was the typical goal that most people would set to tell a story; to write a book.

“The ski club was up from Detroit to ski some of the local slopes 

and made reservations to stay in a motel.  On arrival they (the motel) 

discovered they were black and so told them they had no reservations.  

The group drove to Idewild where they found lodging at the Morten Motel.  

…there are some things that you will never forget.”  

– John Meeks from “In Between the Trees.”

“My mother was the one who encouraged me,” recalled Hammond. “I knew nothing about how to publish a book, but she told me to just learn how and start by doing research, so I did.I thought I needed an agent to get a book published and I tried that, but no one would help, so I followed my mother’s advice and just did it myself.”

 

It was her first time writing a book.  By this time she was living and working in Grand Rapids, but Hammond started making weekend trips up to Idlewild where she interviewed residents; drove home, hand-typed a transcription of the interview and then submitted it back to the subject for approval. It was a painstaking process, but she was doing it the only way she knew how and from that process, gradually a diary like book began taking shape.

                                    “…it was just so humiliating.  To think that I had my little children…  

we already had our bread buttered and now they said they couldn’t 

serve us. I just didn’t know what to say (to the children.)  We just left 

and they never did figure out why because I just didn’t want to tell them. 

 I guess I was just too close to tears.”      

– Rita Collins from “In Between the Trees.”

And it wasn’t long before another idea for telling the Idlewild story came to mind. After years of working on the book, Hammond was living in Wyoming and came across WKTV Community Media. She had an idea of creating a documentary and so with cameras and crew people in tow, Hammond began making the return trips to Idlewild. Like the book she was also working on, it was a slow and painstaking process. It would be several years before both the book and the documentary were completed,  but the dream of a book and documentary together pushed her on and a very important goal began to develop.

“In the process of writing the book, I visited several junior high schools and noticed that there are a lot of young black people who don’t know much of their own history,” Hammond said. “I wanted them to learn about black history that is right in their own backyard.”

 

And to get that word out, Hammond takes every opportunity so that not only young people, but people everywhere can learn that just north of Grand Rapids, there was a place called Idlewild that offered itself as a haven for the black community in times when places like it were too few and far between. Now complete, the documentary film was recently accepted at the Montreal Independent Film Festival and is also featured at multiple showings on WKTV and in the metro Grand Rapids region.

Because of the ups and downs of life, it took Hammond several years to finish both the documentary and the book, but now years after she started, she appears to have honored her late-mother’s original admonition to “just learn how.” From standing on her mother’s step with a baby and about to start over to finishing a project that tells the story of the community she originally grew up in, Rose Hammond appears to have won the race the only way she knew how.

The documentary, “In Between the Trees” is now available on WKTV On Demand by visiting wktv.org/programming/ondemand. More information on the companion book for “In Between the Trees” is now available at Barnes & Noble booksellers, Amazon or this weekend at the Woodland Mall Black History Month event.

In Idlewild, music from the best musicians in Chicago and Detroit would drift out from the summer nightclubs over the small lake nearby.

Gilmore Car Museum to host new Winter Motoring Meet on Feb. 20

By Emily Holmes, WKTV Intern

ken@wktv.org

The Gilmore Car Museum is offering families a day full of outdoor winter fun — with attractions ranging from vintage snowmobiles to ice carving — at its all-new Winter Motoring Meet, set for Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With the standard daily admission, guests will have full access to both outdoor activities and to the indoor car collection of over 400 vehicles. The Winter Motoring Meet will include “open-aired” scenic “sleigh” rides around the campus using several of the museum’s antique cars — including comfy seats in the bed of a Classic Ford Model AA pickup truck.

The event is “a fun way for us to get outside and enjoy the winter season, in an outdoor environment with plenty of room for everyone to remain socially distanced,” Josh Russell, executive director of the Gilmore Car Museum, said in supplied material.
 

Rides will be one guest/family/group per ride. Masks will be required and vehicle seating will be sanitized between each ride. All museum visitors ages 5 and over are required to wear face masks. All COVID-19 health procedures apply.

The Gilmore Car Museum is located at 6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners (north of Kalamazoo). For more information, visit GilmoreCarMuseum.org. Standard admission at the Gilmore Car Museum is $16 for adults and seniors, $11 for age 11-14, free for Children 10 and under — and free for active military.

County health department confirms ‘U.K.’ COVID-19 variant found in Kent County

Graphic illustration of COVID-19. (CDC)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) over the weekend that the COVID-19 variant known as SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 — originally identified in the United Kingdom (U.K.) — has been confirmed in an unidentified Kent County resident.

 According to a KCHD statement on Feb. 7,  the variant “is concerning because it is associated with increased transmissibility.”

Compared to the original virus, the B.1.1.7 variant is approximately 50 percent more transmissible, leading to faster spread of the virus and potentially increasing numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, according to the KCHD statement.

“Fundamentally this is a race for the coverage of our population; a race that pits vaccination efforts against the transmission of infections,” Dr. Adam London, KCHD director, said in supplied material. “While we work to minimize the impact of COVID-19 infections, the B.1.1.7 variant is giving the virus increased velocity.”

The presence of the quick spreading variant in Kent County illustrates the importance of preventing the spreading COVID-19, according to the county, with proper mask usage, social distancing and practicing good hand hygiene continuing to be the most effective measures in combating the spread of the disease.

The KCHD is also encouraging residents to limit their interactions with people who live outside of their own households.

The KCHD is encouraging testing of individuals who have traveled out of Michigan in last 14 days, especially to areas in which the new variants are widely circulating.

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant is thought to have emerged in the United Kingdom and has since been detected in many countries and states. The MDHHS has identified 30 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in Michigan.

While most of these cases have been found in the southeast portion of the state, the recent confirmation of a case in Kalamazoo and now in Kent counties illustrates the “fast-moving nature of the variant,” according to the KCHD statement.

Woodland Mall to host ‘LOVE.ART.HISTORY.’ exhibit, local documentary film during Valentine’s weekend

(Woodland Mall event poster)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In honor of Black History Month, Woodland Mall will host the first LOVE.ART.HISTORY. art exhibit as well as screenings of “In Between the Trees,” a documentary about African American history in the Michigan produced with the support of WKTV Community Media, over Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 12-14.

With themes of love, Black culture and Black history, the pop-up art exhibit by ArtXchangeGR, will “acknowledge and celebrate talented local artists of color, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day,” according to a statement from Woodland Mall.

Shoppers will be able to view original works of fine art and reproductions available for purchase during the three-day exhibit, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12-13, and noon-6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 14. The free show will be located in the mall’s center court.

“We are honored to host this timely pop-up art exhibit to lift up local artists of color,” Cecily McCabe, marketing manager for Woodland Mall, said in supplied material. “We appreciate the opportunity to showcase an amazing group of artists and their artwork, which will highlight Black culture and history.”

Artists who will be featured throughout the weekend include Olivia Thorns, Lowell Reynolds and Steven Reynolds. ArtXchangeGR will hold a reception for all participating artists at the mall from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13.

Rare Idlewild photos collected by Rose Hammond. (Supplied)

Across the hall from the exhibit, Rose Hammond will be showing her documentary, “In Between the Trees,” multiple times a day. The film, which has just been selected to be shown at the Montreal Independent Film Festival, is loosely based on Hammond’s book “Idlewild & Woodland Park, MI (An African American Remembers).”

Hammond, who has a long history as a community volunteer and producer at WKTV, edited much of the film at WKTV.

Inspired by her grandparents’ stories, Hammond’s film shares what life in Idlewild and Woodland Park, Mich., was like for people of color “with the intent to educate youth and individuals of the African American history in our country,” according to supplied material.

“After seeing the racial justice events that occurred throughout our nation last year, many of us made a promise to educate ourselves,” McCabe said. “Presenting this documentary allows Woodland Mall to provide the opportunity for our community to continue engaging in these important conversations.”

Woodland Mall asks all guests to follow CDC pandemic recommendations by using the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the mall, wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing.

In order to comply with Michigan health department requirements, occupancy numbers remain limited as the mall operates on reduced hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 a.m., Friday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Snapshots: WKTV local COVID-19 vaccination stories you might have missed

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Getting vaccinated does not say you have a free pass to travel. Nor does it say you have a free pass to put aside all the public health measures that we talk about all the time.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci

The COVID-19 vaccination effort is continuing to expand, including in West Michigan. (U.S. Government).

Local mass vaccine clinic seeks volunteers … who will get vaccinated

Hoping to push yourself up in the line for the COVID vaccine? Well the West Michigan Vaccine Clinic at DeVos Place maybe able to help. The clinic, which is operated by Kent County, Spectrum Health and Mercy Health in collaboration with Vaccinate West Michigan, is seeking community volunteers in non-clinical roles to support the vaccine clinic. Go here for the story.

Some ideas on how to get to mass clinic easily … and avoid parking fees

The new West Michigan Vaccine Clinic is up and running, but just how do you get here and, if you drive, where do you park? People can park below the facility with the first two hours of parking waived. But an even better idea is that The Rapid has several bus routes that provide service to or near DeVos Place. Go here for the story.

And more places and ways … including one-stop shopping

SpartanNash and other grocery stores with pharmacies have partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to offer the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the nationwide rollout plan. For SpartanNash, the vaccine will be administered at no cost to patients and will be available at each of SpartanNash’s 88 company-owned pharmacies. Go here for the story.

Fact … just a fact:

29 million

Since vaccine distribution began in the U.S. on Dec. 14, and through Jan. 28, more than 29 million doses have been administered, reaching 7.2 percent of the total U.S. population, according to federal data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source.

World Affairs Council’s virtual series continues with rescheduled Korea-focused discussion, two other events this month

President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, shake hands as they meet for the first time, June 12, 2018, at the Capella Hotel in Singapore. (state.gov)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The World Affairs Council of West Michigan (WACWM) continues its virtual series of special discussions and its Great Decisions Global Discussions 2021 series this week, starting with the rescheduling of a special program on the future of Korea and its alliance with the United States.

The program “The Korean — U.S. Alliance”, originally scheduled to take place in mid- January, was rescheduled to Feb. 4. The program will feature the U.S. Department of State’s Dr. Jennifer Brannon, Sung-hoon Park, of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the U.S., and Korea Economic Institute vice president Mark Tortola. A program of the World Affairs Councils of America in partnership with the Korea Economic Institute, this will focus on broadening and deepening public understanding of Korea and the U.S.-Korea relationship.

While the program was available live is is also viewable as an archive on YouTube here.

The WACWM’s Great Decisions Global Discussions series will be live-streamed to YouTube Mondays from 6-7:15 p.m., starting Feb. 8 and running through March 29. The public is invited and the webinars will be viewable live and as archived on-demand. The cost to the public is $10 per discussion, $60 for a series pass, with prior registration required.

The February series dates, topics and guest speaker are as follows:
 

Feb. 8, “North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back on Track” with Suzanne DiMaggio, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

After a historical summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un in 2018, hopes of a change in relations have faded. Now, with a new president in the White House, landslide legislative victories in South Korea, and rumors of an unwell Kim, do new dynamics have the potential to change a perennially thorny situation?

DiMaggio is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Board Chair of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a new think tank she co-founded in 2019, and is currently directing a U.S.-DPRK dialogue that has included several visits to North Korea. As part of that process, she facilitated the first official discussions between the Trump administration and North Korean government representatives in Oslo in May 2017.

Feb. 15, “Have We Learned Anything about this Pandemic?” with Andrew Natsios, director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University.

COVID-19 took the world by surprise, but it shouldn’t have been surprising. The question remains how our global health systems can be more responsive and resilient to pandemics. Professor Andrew Natsios will discuss the structural problems in the World Health Organization that have created dysfunctions laid bare by COVID-19; the need for a global pandemic early warning system and how it might be achieved; and next steps in vaccine distribution in the developing world in light of great power competition and larger global health challenges.

Professor Natsios is an executive professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and Director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs. He was previously a Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. He is also the author of three books: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1997), The Great North Korean Famine (2001), and Sudan, South Sudan, and Darfur: What Everyone Needs to Know.

Feb. 22, “The European Union: The New Agenda Post-Brexit” with Tomas Baert , Head of Trade and Agriculture, European Delegation to the U.S.

Containing 5.8 percent of the world population but accounting for 18 percent of world GDP, the European Union holds enormous influence in the world, driving economic growth, advancing sustainable development, and championing peace and security by promoting democratic norms. While Brexit has been the focus, other key priorities of the Union remain: stabilizing transatlantic relations, continuing response to the COVID crisis, leading in the climate fight, and transforming the digital economy.

Baert, Head of Trade and Agriculture for the European Delegation to the United States focuses on the future of the EU in this presentation. Prior to his work in the U.S., Baert was the Head of Unit for Trade Strategy at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade (DG Trade). From 2014 to 2016, he was an assistant to Director-General for Trade, advising on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and WTO negotiations.

For more information and to register, visit worldmichigan.org/greatdecisions2021.

Godfrey-Lee’s Superintendent Polston named leader of state Student Recovery Council

In-person education will look a little different than in this 2018 photo from Godfrey-Lee High School, but a new state education council led by the district’s superintendent will guide what it will look like. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced this week the creation of an Student Recovery Advisory Council of Michigan to “provide guidance and recommendations to ensure Michigan students have the tools and resources they need to get back on track,” a local education leader was named to lead the committee.

Kevin Polston, superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, will be the chairperson of the council, established via the governor’s Executive Order 2021-02 and set to include 29 members from diverse backgrounds who are appointed by the governor and will be “housed” within the Department of Technology Management and Budget.

“It’s an honor to serve our students, families, and educators as the chairperson for the Student Recovery Advisory Council and advise Governor Whitmer,” Polston said in supplied material. “I look forward to serving alongside the talented team of engaged citizens as Michigan strategically plans the recovery from the effects of COVID-19.”

  

The council will guide the work for our education system to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 including, among other issues, academic recovery, social-emotional and mental health, and physical health and wellbeing.
   

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Michigan hard, and our students, families, teachers, and school staff have all felt the strain,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “Still, our educators have worked tirelessly to teach our children during this pandemic under the most stressful conditions … (And) it is important to remember that schools also provide other services that students need to succeed including reliable access to the internet, nutritious meals, and mental health supports.”

The newly established committee follows others actions by the governor and state government to support Michigan’s education system.

In summer 2020, the governor launched the Return to School Advisory Council which “developed a framework to inform K-12 districts planning for the 2020-2021 school year,” according to a statement from the governor’s office. This past month, the state prioritized educators for vaccine distribution.

And this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced plans to offer a voluntary COVID-19 testing program that will provide weekly tests to educators. The MI Safe Schools Testing Program is part of he governor’s goal of having all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students by March 1.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated inequities in our education system, and we know more work is needed to address the significant impact this pandemic has had on our children,” Gov. Whitmer said. “This Council will be integral to ensuring our students and educators are equipped with everything they need to thrive.”
 

Polston was a member of the earlier Return to School Advisory Council as well.

“Last summer, this collaborative group of engaged citizens developed the MI Safe School Roadmap, which was vital to supporting in-person learning,” Polston said. “We look forward to ‘fixing the road ahead’ for the state of Michigan through a safe, equitable, and high-performance educational system that provides access and opportunity for each child to reach their full potential.”  

Tasks, makeup of the new council

Among the goals of the council are to:
 

Develop and submit recommendations to the governor, state superintendent, and state budget director regarding student recovery.
  

Recommend actions to develop and improve systems for academic support for students who experienced learning loss due to COVID-19; actions to develop and improve systems for mental and physical health for students impacted by COVID-19; recommend actions to develop and improve systems to support high school students transitioning into postsecondary education; and recommend actions to develop and improve out-of-school time supports, including, but not limited to, summer school, before and after school programs, and extended school years.

Other goals are to assemble “critical voices from the education and public health communities to assist in identifying key challenges students face due to the pandemic,” providing other information or advice or take other actions as requested by the governor and report regularly to the governor on its activities and make recommendations on an ongoing basis.

The members of the council reflect “the diverse geographic and demographic composition of this state and representing parents, students, school leaders, educators, individuals with expertise in public health, pediatrics, mental health, and community members,” according to the statement from the governor’s office.

In addition to Polston, other West Michgian members of the group include: Nicholas J. Paradiso, III, of Grand Rapids, vice president of government relations for National Heritage Academies; Lisa M. Peacock, of Traverse City, health officer for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan; Bill Pink, Ph.D., of Ada, president of Grand Rapids Community College.

The council will also include four participating members of the Michigan Legislature: Sen. Wayne Schmidt and Sen. Dayna Polehanki and Rep. Lori Stone and Rep. Brad Paquette.
  

The council will serve until Dec. 31, 2021.

Kentwood’s Freeze Fest disc golf tournament, pantry food drive coming Feb. 20

Action from 2020’s City of Kentwood Freeze Fest disc golf tournament, and pantry food drive, coming Feb. 20. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood and Great Lakes Disc will again partner to host the 6th annual Freeze Fest doubles disc golf tournament — a best-shot doubles competition open to all levels of golfers — on Saturday, Feb. 20. The event is also a food drive with all proceeds supporting Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

The tournament will be at Jaycee Park, 1088 Gentian Drive SE, with on-site registration beginning at 9 a.m. and the first round of the tournament at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged online at kentwood.us/freezefest. The cost is $40 and one canned food donation per team.

Whatever the weather, disc golf is in season; and donating to the Kentwood food bank is also always in season. (Wikimedia Commons)

“It’s always incredible to watch community members come together in support of Kentwood initiatives,” Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “The disc golf community is no exception. We are grateful so many disc golfers join us at our annual tournaments for some friendly competition and to generously restock the Little Free Pantry.”

The Freeze fest has become an annual winter tradition in Kentwood but for all West Michigan disc golfers.

“Great Lakes Disc is happy to host the Freeze Fest with the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department for our sixth consecutive year,” Shea Abbgy, owner of Great Lakes Disc, said in supplied material. “We’re excited about this event’s continued growth, which allows us to give back to the community in a very tangible way.”

A City of Kentwood Little Free Pantry, now one of two, is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)

The Kentwood Little Free Pantry initiative began in 2017 as a community service project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. The small food pantry is open to all community members year-round and is designed to fill an immediate and local need. It offers non-perishable food and personal care items. Anyone can utilize or donate to the pantry. No application is required and no questions are asked.

The demand for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, has steadily increased since it opened, and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the City of Kentwood.

To help meet the growing need, the City of Kentwood recently launched another Little Free Pantry at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. More information is available at kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.

State’s COVID-19 response includes 15 percent increase in food assistance benefits by end of January

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced last week that “to help families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic” more than 1.2 million people in Michigan who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional 15 percent payment to their monthly amount by the end of January.

The temporary increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is for six months, ending in June.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the MDHHS advocated for the increase in the federal benefit and it was recently passed as part of a recent congressional relief bill with the effort led by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich), according the MDHHS statement.

“No Michigander should worry about how they’ll put food on the table for themselves and their family, especially during a pandemic,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our state, and we must continue providing crucial support to families that need it most.”

Michigan food assistance recipients will see the increase added to their Bridge Cards by the end of January that are in addition to benefits they received earlier in the month. Food assistance increases by $102 per month for a household of four, which will now receive $782 per month.

Whitmer and MDHHS also are announcing continuation of an initiative that provides additional food assistance to 350,000 Michigan families as a response to the pandemic.

Through the initiative, anyone receiving food assistance who doesn’t already qualify for the maximum monthly benefits will see their payment raised to the maximum monthly amount for their household size. Eligible clients will see these additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by Jan. 30, with payments beginning for some households on Jan. 20.

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling a customer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.

With more state assistance possible, independent music venues hanging on and hoping for better 2021

COVID-19’s impact in 2020 have led to things being pretty quiet — really quiet — at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up and other independent music venues in Michigan. But there is optimism for 2021. (Seven Steps Up)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

In the spring of 2020, WKTV visited Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up, one of more than a dozen West Michigan and more than 3,000 nationwide “independent” music venues, asking them how they could survive the crippling impact of COVID-19 and related government restrictions.

At the time, Michelle Hanks, who with husband Gary Hanks, own and manger Seven Steps Up, was cautiously optimist despite a total stoppage of the nation’s independent venue musical artist tours, not to mention restrictions that either limited venue attendance or shut them down completely.
 

“Out of crises, good things can sprout up,” she said, referring to a planned national independent venue advocacy group, to possible governmental support, and to fans of small music venues simply stepping and giving what they could give.

So, now more than six months — six hard months — later, with a new State of Michigan funded Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program now taking applications, following up on a successful GOFundMe campaign for Seven Steps Up and other support from various sources, Hanks remains optimistic despite the venue’s currently dark stage.

Michelle and Gary Hanks, owners and mangers of Seven Steps Up. (WKTV)

“As of now, we are still closed with no known opening date. Our employees are permanently furloughed. Our calendar is bare,” Hanks said this week to WKTV. But “we are cautiously optimistic that we will have regular concerts in the fall. We have many dates held and rescheduled, and the conversations are definitely increasing.”

Hanks credits the venue’s survival so far to several sources, both local and national.

“Seven Steps Up received GoFundme support in the second quarter of 2020,” she said. “We are extremely grateful for the support we received when we received it and we hope that every venue in Michigan that is eligible applies for this (Michigan Stages Survival) grant, as well as the federal Save our Stages grants.”

Seven Steps Up also received a grant through Live Music Society (livemusicsociety.org) in November 2020.

“We were one of only 20 venues in the U.S. and the only one in Michigan to receive the first round of grants,” she said. “Between the GoFundMe and this grant, we’ve been able to survive. (But) we really need the federal funding to get us past this and help us as we open our doors.”

Governmental grants and touring acts needed

The Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program will provide a total of $3.5 million in one-time grants of up to $40,000 to eligible entertainment and live music venues throughout Michigan “that have realized a significant financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency declarations.”

The application window open Thursday, Jan. 21, and will close at noon on Thursday, Jan. 28. For more information on the grant, visit michiganbusiness.org/stages/. The Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association (MIVPA) will be responsible for accepting, reviewing and approving applications. The state will then distribute the grant funds based on the recommendation of the MIVPA.

The MIVPA is one of those small venue organizations which formed in the aftermath of the early 2020 industry shutdown. On a national level, the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) was first formed to advocate for the industry in Washington, D.C.

“The MI Stages Survival Grant Program is the result of a lot of hard work on the part of many venues involved in the Michigan Independent Venue & Promoter Association (MIVPA), a new trade association here in Michigan that came about through relationships developed through NIVA (National Independent Venue Association),” Hanks said. “These grants can be a lifeline to Michigan venues as we await for the Federal relief grant program.”

Seven Steps Up is a member of both NIVA and the MIVPA, and Hanks is one of the co-founders of the MIVPA.

But in addition to simply keeping the bills paid and awaiting the opening of venue doors, Seven Steps Up and other venues still need a regular schedule of touring acts.

A full house at an undated concert at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake. (Seven Steps Up)

“One of the things that is a challenge for us, and for other small venues like us, is we can’t just bring our employees back for one show,” she said in the initial interview last year. “We have to be able to get up and do a regular number os shows for it to make any kinds of sense for anyone.”

Seven Steps Up usually has 7-to-9 part-time employees for 132-seat sold-out shows.

“I think we may get an opportunity for some sporadic shows earlier in the year, but don’t think we will see regular concerts and tours before (fall),” Hanks said. “So much depends upon what is happening with the roll out of the vaccine, COVID cases, etc. I feel really good about the fall, and am hopeful for anything earlier.

“I think the entire industry is simply waiting to feel safe. If we open our doors and people don’t feel safe to come inside to enjoy the concert or artists don’t feel safe to travel, we won’t see this industry restart. … Hopefully, the vaccine will allow this to happen within the next few months.”

For more information on the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) visit their FaceBook page here. For more information on Michigan Independent Venue & Promoter Association (MIVPA), visit its Facebook page here. For more information on Seven Steps Up, located at 116 S. Jackson., Spring Lake, visit sevenstepsup.com.

St. Cecilia’s folk series continues this week with virtual concerts from an eclectic early 2021 lineup

The King Biscuit Trio will be one of the acts featured in free folk and blues concerts hosted by Sr. Cecilia Music Center. (Supplied/SCMC)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series is usually one of the West Michigan winter season’s entertainment musts — if you don’t remember Rosanne Cash’s visit just before the March 2020 pandemic shutdown, you missed out. Whether it is straight folk, Americana or alt-something or another, the series offers something for every acoustic taste.

So, while St. Cecilia’s continues to be empty of live audience, for awhile longer anyway, it is continuing a series of virtual folk and blues concerts to begin 2021 including many West Michigan artists free for the viewing and listening.

Ralston Bowles in concert. (By Jamie Geysbeek/Supplied)

The first of the free concerts will be this week, when Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden hit the Royce Auditorium stage Thursday, Jan. 21, for a 7 p.m., performance streaming free of charge on St. Cecilia’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and accessed through scmc-online.org.
 

The Michigan Folk and Blues Virtual Series 2021, continuing the partnership between St. Cecilia and the Acoustic Café radio show and its host Rob Reinhart, will stretch into April.

The other free virtual concerts include the King Biscuit Trio on Feb. 18; Rachel Davis and Dominic John Davis on March 25 (from their current home in Nashville); and Jen Sygit and Josh Rose on April 8 and back from the Royce Auditorium stage.

When Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden take the stage this week, audiences will tune into two of Grand Rapids best known folk musicians as they share the stage (but not at the same time for safety reasons) for a night of great music making and storytelling.

Bowles, often called “the ambassador of West Michigan music,” is an award-winning folk and Americana singer-songwriter who has released several critically acclaimed albums — including “Carwreck Conversations” and “Rally at the Texas Hotel” – and, according to supplied material, has toured the United States and Europe, sharing stages with the likes of Bob Dylan, Shawn Colvin and Arlo Guthrie.

Michael Crittenden. (Supplied/SCMC)

Crittenden is an award-winning producer, songwriter and performer — not to mention founder and frontman for folk-rock’s Troll for Trout. He is not only a producer, player, studio owner and musical collaborator, but has been a key figure in the songwriting contest part of the ArtPrize competition as well as the Mackinac Island Songwriter’s Workshop.

In addition to the free local artist folk series concerts, St. Cecilia will also offer two “ticketed” and one free concerts by national and international artists including Mariza Sings Amália, to be live streamed on Jan. 29 (with tickets costing $40 with a 48-hour viewing window); Judy Collins on Feb. 12 (also $40 with 48-hour window); and Kat Edmonson on March 4 in a free concert also available on St. Cecilia’s Facebook and YouTube channel.

As an added attraction, Edmonson will be doing an interview with Rob Reinhart, host the Acoustic Café radio show.
 

For a complete list of all virtual concerts offered by St. Cecilia for home viewing, see scmc-online.org/virtual/.

From Lansing to Wyoming, economic leaders urge small business ‘Survival Grant’ application, today thru end of week

Wyoming and Kentwood small businesses unpacked by COCID-19 — like Kentwood’s Daniele’s Pizzeria, show here in December 2020 — have the opportunity to apply for a new state emergency funding program. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

From the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, to the regional business advocate The Right Place, to the Governor, small businesses severely impacted by COVID-19 and related governmental restrictions are being urged — strongly urged — to   waste no time in applying for the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program.

The $55 million grant program, signed into law late last year but approved for funding by the Michigan Strategic Fund last week, is open for businesses to apply starting today, Jan. 19, but closing at noon Friday. Jan. 22.

According to a statement from the local chamber of commerce, “the $55 million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant program (is designed) to meet the urgent need of Michigan small businesses that have experienced a significant financial hardship” due to the recent COVID-19 emergency “gatherings and face mask orders” and those orders either forcing the closing a small business or the significant reduction in revenue.

“Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to businesses that are fully closed, with grants of up to $15,000 awarded to businesses that have been partially closed, or otherwise are open and can demonstrate an impact,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber, said in the statement. “All applications received during this period will be reviewed and scored according to predetermined criteria. Funding is not first come, first serve.”

To apply and for more information, visit michiganbusiness.org/survival/.

Local grants facilitated through The Right Place

The Grand Rapids based economic development organization (EDO) The Right Place, Inc., is assisting the state’s Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in facilitating grants to businesses in 11 West Michigan counties affected by COVID-19.

According to a statement from The Right Place, it will be coordinating the distribution of $5.25 million to business applicants from Kent, Barry, Ionia, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties.

“West Michigan’s small businesses continue to be critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., said in supplied material. “As we approach nearly a year of navigating this pandemic the demand for assistance remains high, and the Survival Grants will offer a needed financial lifeline to small business throughout our region.”

According to The Right Place statement, businesses must meet eligibility requirements including having had 1 to 100 employees (including full-time, part-time and owner/employees) on a worldwide basis on Nov. 17, 2020; be in an industry that demonstrates it is affected by the DHHS epidemic orders; needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses; and can demonstrate an income loss as a result of the state health orders “as determined by the EDO in which an eligible business is located” — for local businesses, The Right Place.

Local small businesses, to qualify, also must not be a live music and entertainment venue that is eligible for the separate Michigan Stage Survival Grant Program.

(The $3.5 million Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program will provide up to $40,000 in one-time grants to eligible Michigan live music and entertainment venues that have experienced a significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information visit michiganbusiness.org/stages/.)

“The Michigan Small Business Survival Grants Program will help small businesses throughout Michigan hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19, especially as they continue to experience additional strain in the winter months,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in supplied material. “This program provides a significant opportunity to address the immediate needs of these businesses, and I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for assistance.”

The state also advises applicants that an electronic queue system will also be in effect with businesses entering the queue prior to entry into the application. Businesses will be able to sign up to receive an alert when they have reached the front of the queue with 15 minutes to start the application once they have been notified that they have reached the front of the queue.

First Michigan case of new COVID-19 variant found in Washtenaw County

The COVID-19 virus. (FDA.gov)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today, Jan. 16, the first confirmed case of the new COVID-19 variant, “B.1.1.7.”, in an adult female living in Washtenaw County and identified by the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories.

According to the MDHHS statement, the person recently traveled to the United Kingdom, where this variant is thought to have originated.

“Close contacts of this individual have been identified and are in quarantine,” according to the statement. “At this time two new cases have been identified from close contacts with the person, but it is not known if they are infected with the variant.”

B.1.1.7. is believed to be more contagious, and a higher rate of transmission could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who lose their lives to COVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan. To date, the virus has been identified in at least 16 other states and jurisdictions in the U.S.

“The discovery of this variant in Michigan is concerning, but not unexpected,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, said in supplied material. “We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant, according to the MDHHS statement. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant, B.1.1.7.

For the latest information on the pandemic, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

St. Cecilia’s ‘live from the Royce stage’ piano virtual concerts continue this week, on into spring

Roger MacNaughton, in concert. (Artist Facebook Page)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center’s wide-ranging virtual concert season — which includes chamber music, folk and jazz — also offers an expanded series of Michigan Jazz Pianists’ Series with West Michigan artists playing “live from the stage” free virtual concerts from the music center’s Royce Auditorium.

The first of the just announced concerts will be Thursday, Jan. 14, with Roger MacNaughton featured. The 7 p.m. concert will be available free on St. Cecilia’s Facebook page and on its YouTube channel. All are also available on-demand on the YouTube channel.

Rufus Ferguson (Supplied)

In addition to MacNaughton, other concerts include Robin Connell on March 11, and Rufus Ferguson on April 21, both also at 7 p.m.

From September through December, 2020, St. Cecilia presented five Michigan jazz pianists in this series, including a holiday show with the nationally known jazz pianist Bob James in December.

“St. Cecilia Music Center is committed to our audience in helping to ‘Keep Music Alive’ in West Michigan,” Cathy Holbrook, executive and artistic director of SCMC, said in supplied material. “ While we are unable to gather audiences in person at this time due to COVID-19, we remain committed to bringing our patrons great music into the safety of their own home. … We truly appreciate everyone’s support as we strive to keep these wonderful events available for all to experience.”

MacNaughton is a composer, pianist, and musical artist, creator of a line of instrumental CDs. The most recent of his 12 CD releases is named “Mackinac, I’ve Come Home” following Roger’s two-week stay on Mackinac Island in 2019 as an artist-in-residence sponsored by Mackinac State Historic Parks.

MacNaughton, who lives in Lowell, is a member of several bands and musical groups, including Jon Montgomery & RMQ, MacNaughton Boulevard, Mac/Mora, Honey Creek String Ensemble, and Soul ACCESS. His compositions have won four ArtPrize awards, three times in the jazz category and once for classical music.

The just announced addition to the virtual concerts focussed on Michigan artists performing live from St. Cecilia include also includes four concerts featuring Michigan folk and blues artists.

The Michigan Folk and Blues Virtual Series will continue St. Cecilia’s Acoustic Café Folk Series partnership with the radio show of the same name and its host Rob Reinhart.

The folk and blues series will include Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden on Jan. 21, King Biscuit Trio on Feb. 18, Rachel Davis and Dominic John Davis on March 25 (from their home in Nashville), and Jen Sygit and Josh Rose on April 8.

For the latest schedule and informant on St. Cecilia’s virtual concerts available for home viewing, visit scmc-online.org/virtual/.

City of Kentwood confirms Tesla planning a vehicle service center and gallery facility in the city

Tesla Model X (Tesla press photo)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

After City of Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley briefly discussed the likelihood of Tesla building and opening a facility in the city, recorded as part of the WKTV Community Media’s coverage of the Jan. 11 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters meeting, the city today confirmed it has issued a building permit for a Tesla service center and gallery.

According to the Tesla official website, there are only two other Tesla store and galleries in the state of Michigan, one in Clarkston (Detroit) and the other in Troy. The location of the Kentwood facility is unannounced at this time.

“We look forward to welcoming Tesla’s new service center and gallery to Kentwood later this year,” Mayor Kepley said in a Jan. 13 statement to WKTV. “Our city continues to be a destination for retail, drawing some of the nation’s premium brands to our community. It’s particularly gratifying to see investment during the pandemic, which is a testament to optimism in our economy. Kentwood remains open — and eager — for business.”

Tesla, according to its website, was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers “who wanted to prove that people didn’t need to compromise to drive electric – that electric vehicles can be better, quicker and more fun to drive than gasoline cars.” Currently, Tesla builds not only all-electric vehicles but also “infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage” products.

According to various media reports, electric-car maker Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) was worth about $700 billion to end 2020. The stock was recently added to the S&P 500 index as its fifth largest constituent. Tesla’s vehicle deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2020 were reported to be about 180,600 units.

Elon Musk, head of Tesla and the Space X enterprises, recently was reported to have become the world’s richest person, with a net worth of about $185 billion.

To see the on-demand recording of the recent WKTV Government Matters program, visit WKTVlive.org.

Local Feeding America non-profit celebrates 40-year history with the public invited to share stories

Feeding America West Michigan, along with its partners and supporters, have been fighting hunger alongside in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for 40 years. (FeedWM)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Feeding America West Michigan is celebrating its 40th year of fighting hunger alongside its partners and supporters in 2021. And, throughout the year, the local non-profit will be honoring 40 people who have been part of this journey through its “40 Years 40 Faces” series.

While the group announced its first honored person last week — the Rev. Donald Eddy, who in 1980 worked with Grant-area farmers to get unmarketable fresh vegetables into the hands of the needy and hungry — the local Feeding America is looking for the general public to submit stories and persons who have helped “feed America” locally.

“Countless people have played a role in our 40-year history,” Molly Kooi, Feeding America West Michigan’s communication manager, said to WKTV. “We want to honor 40 of them in our 40 Years 40 Faces series … (and the public can) nominate someone to be featured, or to share your own story.

To share a story or nominate someone, go to FeedWM.org/40-years and click on the share your story button, she said.

People, stories of people feeding people

Rev. Don Eddy (FeedWM)

The Rev. Eddy’s story is a prime example that small actions can make a difference. In early 1980, he saw a truckload of perfectly good carrots being composted on a farm in Grant, according to supplied material. As director of United Methodist Metropolitan Ministries, he knew many people who faced hunger, so he asked the farmers to stop dumping them and said he could ensure the carrots got to families who could really use them.

A year later, on April 23, 1981, the food bank that became Feeding America West Michigan (FeedWM) formed. That small beginning has culminated in the food bank’s current network that serves 40 counties across West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

As the year 2021 goes on, each 40 Years 40 Faces story will be shared on social media (@feedingwestmich) and on the food bank’s website (FeedWM.org/40-years).

The series will feature FeedWM staff — like its longest tenure executive director, John Arnold and current CEO, Kenneth Estelle, as well as board members, volunteers, farmers, donors and others who have been part of the food bank’s ongoing journey toward a hunger-free community. And there are opening for others.

Mobile Food Pantry boxes, undated. (FeedWM)

In addition to the story series, the food bank will release a historical timeline and photo album. The food bank welcomes the public to submit photos here to be included.

“We are excited to share about the food bank’s 40-year journey and honor some of the many people who have been a part of our story,” Estelle said in supplied material. “Our partners and supporters have made and continue to make our work possible.”

  

Serving local families in need since 1981, Feeding America West Michigan reclaims millions of meals’ worth of safe, surplus food from various sources, according to supplied material. With the help of countless volunteers, the food bank sorts, stores and distributes this food through a network of more than 900 partners to fill hundreds of thousands of neighbors’ plates instead of landfills.

For more information, visit FeedWM.org or call 616-784-3250.

With expansion fundraising complete, Meijer Gardens opens new Welcome Center as final phase of work begins

David Hooker, president and CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, talked to WKTV at the Welcome Center opening Monday, Jan. 11. (WKTV video)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With the 2017 launch of the Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love $115 million capital campaign, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was honoring the legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer’s past community vision and well as initial and continuing financial support.

But Meijer Gardens — a bedrock cultural and artistic landmark in West Michigan — was also acknowledging that for it to move boldly into the future, for it to “Welcome the World”, it needed to get buy-in from the West Michigan community, including businesses large and small, and civic-minded individuals.

That buy-in — the fact that the capital campaign had attained it fundraising goal, and thus stayed on-track with its massive and near-complete 4-year facility expansion — was clearly evidenced by a wall of donors in its just-opened expanded Welcome Center.

Also evident was the intent of the leadership of the Meijer Gardens to make sure the community and tourism focal point of the region stayed vital and vigorous for generations to come.

“This is not monument to one person or one family, the community is making this happen and that is critically important,” David Hooker, president and CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, said to WKTV at the Welcome Center opening Monday, Jan. 11. “We, as an organization, have no time horizon. Our goal is to be here until the very end of time. For that to happen, everybody has to rally around, to own the place. (To be) stewards of it. This generation, the next, and the next.”

While the opening of the Welcome Center is not the end of construction at Meijer Gardens supported by the capital campaign, it will allow the end of use of a temporary entrance and work to be completed on a new Garden Pavilion and a veranda to expanded Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden — one of the final pieces of the multi-year effort.

An August 2020 aerial view of the new Welcome Center at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (at right and lower right, still under construction). The Welcome Center had a “soft” opened this week that will allow the closure the temporary entrance (center) and a final phased of work to be done. (Meijer Gardens Website)

In all, the highlights of the expansion and renovation effort included the 69,000 square foot Welcome Center, the 20,000 square foot Covenant Learning Center, the Peter C. and Emajean Cook Transportation Center, the expanded and upgraded Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, and the Padnos Families Rooftop Sculpture Garden.

The need for expansion was evidenced by a 2016 economic impact study, conducted by Grand Valley State University, that estimated that Meijer Gardens supports or contributes more than $75 million to the Kent County economy each year. More than 12 million people from around the world have visited since it opened in 1995, according to supplied material.

The project also addresses facility needs that include expanded annual horticulture exhibitions, more galleries for sculpture exhibitions, additional parking capacity and improved vehicle flow.

The Welcome Center’s architect is Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects/Partners, with local partners Progressive AE and Owen-Ames-Kimball, Co.

One area of the Welcome Center not yet complete is the Garden Pavilion, a central room where Jaume Plensa’s “Utopia” will be located. For the four walls of the Garden Pavilion, Plensa created a sculpture using one female face on each wall representing different ethnic backgrounds, according to supplied material. The faces “represent universal symbols of the beauty inherent in humanity,” and was specifically commissioned for the Garden Pavilion and is scheduled to open later this year.

UFO expert talks about aliens and more in podcast

Host Wayne Thomas with William J. Konkolesky on the Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal podcast. (WKTV)

By Wayne Thomas
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters


William J. Konkolesky joined the Michigan Chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) more than 25 years ago and has served as director since 2004. MUFON is the world’s oldest and largest civilian UFO investigation and research organization with volunteers in 43 countries and all 50 states. This non-profit, charitable corporation defines its mission as “the scientific study of UFOs for the benefit of humanity.”

   

Konkolesky lectures at conferences and libraries, virtual presentations, and other events associated with the UFO phenomenon. Our first contact was in the summer of 2019 at Plainwell’s Ransom District Library during his UFOs Over Michigan presentation. Konkolesky worked out a long mathematical equation resulting in a sum of 100 sextillion possible habitable places in the universe suitable to support life. The presentation covered the 1966 sighting over southeast Michigan and 1994 sighting over Grand Rapids, both with hundreds of eyewitnesses, including police and radar confirmation. Other presentations feature New UFO Cases, UFO Abductions, and High Strangeness UFO Cases.

Not limited to those events and venues, Konkolesky has either consulted for or appeared on The History Channel, Discovery, Syfy, and Science channels, ABC, and National Geographic. Author of two books and writing for magazines and websites, Konkolesky was one of the most fascinating guests interviewed on our WKTV Podcast. We featured his books, “Experiencer: Raised in Two Worlds” and “Experiencer 2: Two Worlds Collide” on Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters Paranormal Podcast episodes #10 and #35. These books are true story autobiographies of personal abduction experiences starting at age two in the first book and picking it up at age 19 in the second book.

 

William J. Konkolesky

We had intuitive Astrologist Laura Briggs guest host on our last podcast with Konkolesky, where she offered insights suggesting that in the next couple years there will be indisputable evidence of alien existence. On Konkolesky’s Facebook, he quotes The Washington Post: “UFOs exist and everyone needs to adjust to that fact.” Scientists have concluded life on other planets is statistically inevitable and imminent.

In other words, if aliens are not already here, they soon will be. If you ask Konkolesky, they have been visiting Earth and interacting with us for several years.    

Kent County, state announce expanded registration available for COVID-19 vaccinations

The COVID-19 vaccination effort is continuing to expand. (U.S. Government).

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department announced Friday that local health departments and health systems have received authorization from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to begin COVID-19 vaccination of some people in priority phases beyond 1A starting today, Monday, Jan. 11.

Qualified persons can register at vaccinatewestmi.com/register.

“Those registering should expect that appointments may not be available for several weeks as vaccine supplies are limited and Phase 1A is still in progress,” according to the KCHD announcement. “We encourage everyone to be patient as we prepare for the upcoming vaccination phases. Vaccinations are occurring as quickly as possible and information is being shared as it becomes available.”

The new phase of vaccination priority includes all people 65 years of age or older “not covered in Phase 1A. This includes those in a congregate setting who were not reached in Phase 1A.”

For the COVID-19 vaccine to be effective, individuals must receive a second dose 21-28 days after their initial vaccination, and it must be from the same manufacturer. So, according to the announcement, it is important to schedule an appointment at the same location for both doses. There are no out-of-pocket costs for consumers to receive the vaccine; however, those with health insurance will be asked to provide that information.

The state has also opened vaccinations for “prioritized frontline workers” including pre-kindergarten through high school teachers, support staff and childcare workers who usually have direct contact with children; first responders not covered in Phase 1A (firefighters, police, conservation officers, inspectors); corrections workers (staff in prisons, jails, juvenile justice facilities); and workers in homeless shelters, congregate childcare institutions, and adult and child protective services.

Individuals in Phase 1A who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to register immediately to ensure smooth transition to subsequent phases. Additional criteria for Phase 1A can be found at vaccinatewestmi.com/vaccine-distribution.

Also, the announcement states that individuals should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they are in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19; pregnant or lactating, without first consulting with your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits; have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days; have received monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 disease in the last 90 days.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines visit vaccinatewestmi.com.

Snapshots: WKTV stories to get you into the 2021 swing of things this month

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”

Sam Ewing

MLK Day is coming and local service goes online

Yamiche Alcindor, award-winning journalist and White House correspondent for PBS Newshour, will give the keynote address during West Michigan’s Jan. 18 commemoration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Go here for the story.


Jonathan Thunder, “Quarantine at Gramma’s House”. (Supplied)

Muskegon Art Museum offers Native American art exhibits

The MMA’ is currently offering three exhibits with more than a dozen Native American artists — and as many artistic styles — including “The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists”,“Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative” and “Levi Rickert: Standing Rock — Photographs of an Indigenous Movement”. Go here for the story.


President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, shake hands as they meet for the first time, June 12, 2018, at the Capella Hotel in Singapore. (state.gov)

World Affairs Council of West Michigan begins Great Decisions series

The World Affairs Council of West Michigan (WACWM) will begin its “Great Decisions Global Discussions” in February, but a prelude to the series will be presented Thursday, Jan. 14, with a free special mid-day event, “The Korean-U.S. Alliance”. Go here for the story.

Fun fact:

12 percent and 24 weeks

That post-festive period when you start out full of good intentions often never last. In fact, around 12 per cent of gym members sign up in January, and according to the Fitness Industry Association, most people have quit or stop going after 24 weeks. Source.

World Affairs Council’s virtual Great Decisions series coming soon, but special event offered Jan. 14

President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, shake hands as they meet for the first time, June 12, 2018, at the Capella Hotel in Singapore. (state.gov)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The World Affairs Council of West Michigan (WACWM) knew all about virtual discussions long before the pandemic, so you would expect nothing less than a stellar series of “Great Decisions Global Discussions” in 2021.

The Monday night series starting in February and running through March will include in-depth discussions on hot-button topics ranging from “The Melting Arctic” to “North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back on Track” on the schedule.

While the Great Decisions series will be available to the general public for a modest series and individual event cost, a prelude to the series will be presented Thursday, Jan. 14, with a free special mid-day event, “The Korean-U.S. Alliance”.

Scheduled for noon to 1 p.m., the virtual discussion will offer expert information from Mark Tokola, vice president or the Korea Economic Institute, and Dr. Jennifer Brannan, Office of Korean Affairs at the U.S. Dept. of State. The webinar will be viewable live and as an archive, and while the event is free it does require registration.

The scheduled topics are relevant: A new forthcoming administration in the U.S., historic elections in South Korea, persistent global challenges including nuclear security issues and the COVID-19 pandemic — “For these reasons and more, focusing on one of the allies of the United States in East Asia is a timely conversation,” according to WACWM website.
 

The World Affairs Councils of America, in partnership with the Korea Economic Institute, will provide “a wide-ranging presentation on the relationship between the U.S. and the Korean Peninsula” and will  “dive deep into politics, trade, and the economy, and the many ties that bind these two countries together.”

For more information and registration for this event visit worldmichigan.org/futureofkorea2021.

Great Decisions series starts in February

The WACWM’s Great Decisions Global Discussions series will be live-streamed to YouTube Mondays from 6-7:15 p.m., starting Feb. 8 and running through March 29. The public is invited and the webinars will be viewable live and as archived on-demand. The cost to the public is $10 per discussion, $60 for a series pass, with prior registration required.

“Diplomats, policy makers and practitioners, think tank specialists and journalists lead conversations on global issues that impact us locally,” according to the WACWM website.

The series dates, topics and guest speaker are as follows: 

Feb. 8, “North Korea: Getting Diplomacy Back on Track” with Susan DiMaggio, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Feb. 15, “Have We Learned Anything about this Pandemic?” with Andrew Natsios, director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University.

Feb. 22, “The European Union: The New Agenda Post-Brexit” with Tomas Baert, Head of Trade and Agriculture, European Delegation to the U.S.

March 1, “The Future of Business and Global Supply Chains” with Judy Samuelson, founder and executive director, Aspen Institute Business and Society Program, with moderator Brian Kraus, vice president of global manufacturing at Amway.

March 8, “Sustainable Globalization Post COVID-19” with Julia Luscombe, managing director of strategic planning at Feeding America.

March 15, “The Melting Arctic” with Kaare Sikuaq Erickson, North Slope science liaison, Ukpeaġvik Inupiat Corporation, and Bob Hollister, Leader of the Arctic Ecology Program (AEP) at Grand Valley State University.

March 22, “China in Africa and the Case of Ghana” with Elizabeth Asiedu, Professor of Economics, University of Kansas.

Mar. 29, “The Saudi-Arabian-U.S. Relationship: Decades in the Making” with Thomas W. Lippman, author, consultant, and lecturer.

Those persons and companies wishing to support the series can do so through the Friends of Great Decisions campaign.

“Now in its 71st year, the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan continues its mission to empower the people and organizations of West Michigan to engage thoughtfully with the world,” according to the WACWM website. “All general donations between now and the start of our Great Decisions series will go towards sponsoring one of our speakers, through the Friends of Great Decisions campaign.”
 

For more information and to register, visit worldmichigan.org/greatdecisions2021.

With free face coverings coming soon, state offers COVID-19 ‘Mask Up, Mask Right’ advice

What is the right, and not right, way to mask up, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. (MDHHS)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced this week that it is distributing 3.5 million free masks as part of the state’s Mask Up, Mask Right campaign.

The free KN95 masks provided by MDHHS will be distributed by community organizations, including local MDHSS offices, the Kent County Health Department, Kent County Community Action and Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan.

Even before the expected shipments of the state-provided masks are available locally, several local groups such as the county health department already have masks available.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced this week that it is distributing 3.5 million free KN95 masks as part of the state’s Mask Up, Mask Right campaign. (MDHHS)

“We have a limited supply of free surgical type masks available at our main clinic at 700 Fuller NE,” Steve Kelso, spokesperson for the Kent County Health Department, said to WKTV. “If people want those they can simply come to the lobby and they will see a box labeled ‘Mask Up, Mask Right’ and they can remove a box of masks for their household. We expect to receive additional supplies of masks within the next 30 days.”

Kelso also advised people to call 211 to find all Kent County locations where the masks are available, but also stressed that “These are not for businesses to offset their PPE (personal protective equipment) needs. These are for individuals only.”

Some areas of the state will start getting the state masks as early as next week.

“The KN95 masks likely won’t be available until next week,” Bob Wheaton, spokesperson for the MDHHS, said to WKTV. “They are being shipped this week.”

The planned infusion of free masks to the public is part of a continuing effort by the state health department.

“We are urging Michiganders to Mask Up and Mask Right to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from COVID-19,” MDHHS director Robert Gordon said in supplied material. “Wearing the right kind of mask is important. Today’s distribution of effective masks will help more Michiganders limit the spread of COVID to save lives and get back to normal sooner.”

Masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection: three-layered washable cloth face coverings, three-layered disposable masks or KN95 masks. It also includes wearing the mask correctly: having it secured over the nose and mouth and snugly fitting without gaps.

The MDHHS announcement noted that KN95 masks are similar to but should not be confused with N95 masks that are intended for health care workers who are engaged as part of their work in higher-risk settings.

To find additional state distribution sites for masks, visit at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136.

Kent County Community Action to hold food distribution for general public on Jan. 7

Kent County Community Action is one of the many groups are working to help feed local families in need, including Feeding America West (shown here from a 2020 event). (Supplied/Feeding America WM)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Kent County Community Action (KCCA) announced this week that it will conduct a food distribution event on Thursday, Jan. 7, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support qualified low-income households experiencing food insecurity.

The distribution will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., near the KCCA offices, at 121 Franklin SE, in Grand Rapids. All Kent County residents are welcome.

“This distribution is our way to respond to this crisis as it is our mission to alleviate the causes of poverty,” Susan Cervantes, KCCA Director, said in supplied material. “This distribution is one of our scheduled quarterly distributions and we are pleased we can provide relief to families who are in need during this difficult time.”

Customers who are driving must enter on Jefferson Street with their trunks ready to accept more than 50 pounds of food and must remain in their vehicle. This will enable the distribution to go smoothly and ensure the safety of staff and customers by practicing social distancing, according to supplied material.

The distribution will assist more than 900 households that are struggling to meet their food needs, “especially considering the situations caused by COVID-19.” There will be 20 food items in the packet including but not limited to canned vegetables, soups, pasta, juice, vegetable oil, tortillas, cheese, butter, and pork.
  

There will not be walk-up service due to the requirement to socially distance. Persons without transportation can be assisted by calling 616-632-7950.

After resigning from state senate, new county treasurer MacGregor talks past, present and future

At Government Matters meeting sponsored by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and broadcast by WKTV, then State Sen. Peter MacGregor (right) talks with other legislators. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It was a holiday season of change and challenges for new Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor.

The two-term State Senator representing Wyoming and Kentwood won a countywide election in November 2020 with the shadow of term limits set to end his time in Lansing in two years. He was sworn in to the Kent County office in mid-December and officially resigned his 28th District seat on Dec. 31 — but not before helping to push through state government a series of “essential” COVID-19 related bills.

Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor (Supplied)

Last week, as he prepared to take over the county position this week, he talked with WKTV about his plans for his new public service duties and what he will miss about serving in state government. He also expressed concerns about how and when the constituents of his old senate district will again have representation — a process which he hopes will not be driven by partisan politics.

“I am gong to miss the friendships, the working relationships that I have with the people there,” MacGregor said. “I am going to miss my staff — I had five staff members. I am going to miss my colleagues. … (and) the policy people who are dedicated to making our state the best place to live and play and work. … That is what I am going to miss. I am not going to miss the politics.”

Replacement for senate seat driven by Governor

The currently Republican-held senate seats vacated by MacGregor and one-time Macomb County Sen. Pete Lucido, who won the Macomb County’s prosector position in November, leave the current balance of political power in the state senate at 20 Republicans and 16 Democrats.

State senators are all elected in the same years as the governor, with the last election one being in 2018. So for the two now open senate seats to be filled, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would need to call for a special election — which MacGregor hopes will occur.

At this point, the local senate seat “will be unfilled by an elected official, (but) there is still staff there that will help out the people of the 28th District, in fact it is my former staff,”MacGregor said. “But the sooner it is that the Governor calls for an election, the better it is for the people to have representation in the 28th District. … My hope is that the seat stays vacant for as little time as possible.”

The new Senate leadership will have Sen. Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) serving a second term as majority leader while Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway) will replace MacGregor as majority floor leader. MacGregor was also chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

According to a spokesperson for the Kent County Clerk’s office, which controls county elections, filing the local seat is “completely at the mercy of when the Governor calls for the special election.”

When WKTV this week asked Gov. Whitmer’s office for its plans for calling a special election, a spokesperson in the office said the Governor was “reviewing possibilities.”
 

But the Kent County Clerk’s spokesperson noted that there could be a ripple effect no matter what she does.

“In both (open) seats you’ll likely see House members running for the special senate elections, so if she called the special for the August/November 2021 election dates, then that has the potential to leave a House seat vacant. It’s likely that she leave the Senate seat vacant for the final two years and not deal with the potential of the domino effect in the House.”

MacGregor wraps up work in Lansing

As Michigan’s 2020 Legislative session wrapped up in December, a spate of bills signed by the Governor (and a few vetoed) had Sen. MacGregor’s name attached. Some of them were sponsored by him and some had his name attached due to his role in Senate leadership.

“As the floor leader (as the session came to an end), I can control what moves, and towards the end, when we were running out of time, it made more sense to the leadership team to put some of these bills in the name of leadership because we just have a better way of moving the bills,” MacGregor said.

Many of the bills were COVID-19 related and, he said, “Timing was essential . … We needed to get those done before the session ended.”

One of those bills was SB 1258, which was signed by the Governor, dealt with “good employment practices both for employers and employees,” MacGregor said. “If the employees are doing every thing they were told to do, following the guidelines the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has issued, they can’t be fired.”

The law also includes protections for the employer in these times of COVID-19, when it comes to work environments.

“It protects workers from being discharged if they are sick and it also mandates that, if the employers follows all the rules the they are supposed to, especially for essential workers, the the essential workers can’t retaliate,” MacGregor said. “Everybody needed this bill to protect (the state) moving forward” in the pandemic.

Skill-set and goals for new new county position

MacGregor, in comparing his change in duties from state senator to county treasurer, says they are very different in most ways but that the common ground fits in with his skill-set and his personal outlook when it comes to taxpayers and use of their taxes.

Peter MacGregor, in the WKTV studios in 2019. (WKTV)

“The financial aspect is probably where the similarities are,” he said. “I am going from a policy position to more of an administrative position, but working with the people’s tax dollars, making sure that you are a good steward of those tax dollars, I’ve done that since I was a supervisor in Cannon Township.”

In between serving as a township supervisor and a state senator, MacGregor served two terms as a state representative.

And as in the past, he sees a priority of his new position “is that you have got to put faces to those tax dollars.”

Pointing out that one of the duties of the treasurer is dealing with property foreclosures, he said he wants to work to help people who are threatened with foreclosure.

“You got to work with those people. They are not just addresses … you have to help those people as soon as possible,” he said.

MacGregor, who lives in Rockford, is a lifelong Michigan resident and was a small business owner before serving in Lansing. He is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. He and his wife, Christie, have three sons.

Looking to the future, Michigan Sen. Peters leads effort to protect NASA’s Apollo landing sites

Edgar Mitchell sets up an Apollo lunar surface experiments package made up of a set of scientific instruments placed at the landing site. (NASA/Alan Shepard)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

With all the overpowering noise of the recent presidential election cycle, the good and bad news of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mixed-reaction to Wonder Woman 1984, it was easy to miss the news that our children’s children may well be visiting a “Moon park”, of sorts, in the future.
   

In a late December, the office of U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan), announced that The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Peters and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to permanently protect the Apollo landing sites on the moon.

The One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act would enact first-of-its-kind legal protections for the Apollo sites by making NASA’s preservation recommendations a requirement for future activities on the Moon. After passing both the house and senate, it was signed by outgoing President Donald Trump on Dec. 31 and is now law.

Apollo 17 mission commander Eugene A. Cernan makes a short checkout of the Lunar Roving Vehicle during the early part of the first Apollo 17 extravehicular activity at the Taurus-Littrow landing site. This view of the lunar rover prior to loadup was taken by Harrison H. Schmitt, Lunar Module pilot. The mountain in the right background is the east end of South Massif. (NASA/

The legislation directs NASA to require future moon activities to follow its preservation recommendations, and honors the over 400,000 scientists, designers, and researchers who contributed to the Apollo programs, including NASA’s “Hidden Figures” like Katherine Johnson — an African American mathematician who worked at NASA for 35 years and calculated the trajectory of the Apollo 11 flight to the moon as well the trajectories for the spaceflights of astronauts John Glenn and Alan Shepard.

“As a former astronaut in the Apollo program, it is fitting that one of humanities’ greatest collective achievements should be preserved for future generations to learn about and be inspired by,” A.W. “Tony” England, an astronaut during the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs and now a professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, said in supplied material. The act “will honor Apollo’s invaluable legacy of innovation, collaboration, and determination and preserve it for future generations.”

Congressional support for protections

Sen. Peters has long been an advocate for NASA and America’s space technology programs.

“As a child, I watched the achievements of the Apollo missions with excitement about what is possible when we come together with a common goal,” Sen. Peters said in supplied material. “I was proud to author this bipartisan legislation to preserve for all of humanity the incredible achievements of the Apollo astronauts on the Moon.”

Sen. Peters has also led other efforts in Congress to support American space exploration. In September 2020, Peters’ bipartisan bill to strengthen the nation’s ability to predict and mitigate severe space weather events and mitigate their harmful impacts on Earth wa signed by President Trump. In addition, Peters’ bipartisan bill to help authorize and set priorities for NASA and the nation’s space exploration mission was signed into law in 2017.

One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act also had bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The Apollo landing sites mark one of humanity’s greatest achievements: the first time we were able to do more than look up at the sky, but actually leave our planet and visit another world,” said Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma), of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. “The One Small Step Act maintains these historic sites while encouraging the spirit of exploration that got us to the Moon. I’m proud to sponsor this bill to honor our historical achievements, and I look forward to the time when we can return humans to the Moon and continue the mission of discovery and learning that the Apollo astronauts began.”

International support for protections

Sen. Peters and the other bill authors worked closely with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, who negotiated similar provision in the Artemis Accords and expressed his support for protecting the historic lunar sites in a 2019 Senate hearing, just before the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing.

Lunar module pilot James Irwin works at the Lunar Roving Vehicle during the first Apollo 15 lunar surface extravehicular activity at the Hadley-Apennine landing site. The shadow of the Lunar Module “Falcon” is in the foreground. This view is looking northeast, with Mount Hadley in the background. This photograph was taken by mission commander David Scott. (NASA)

According to the NASA website, NASA’s Artemis program has a goal to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024, “heralding in a new era for space exploration and utilization.” While NASA is leading the Artemis program, international partnerships formalized with the Artemis Accords “will play a key role in achieving a sustainable and robust presence on the Moon while preparing to conduct a historic human mission to Mars.

“With numerous countries and private sector players conducting missions and operations in cislunar space, it’s critical to establish a common set of principles to govern the civil exploration and use of outer space,” NASA states.

The Artemis Accords will “describe a shared vision for principles,” grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, to create a safe and transparent environment which facilitates exploration, science, and commercial activities for all of humanity to enjoy.

“As we go forward to the Moon with the Artemis Program, NASA has been clear that we must do so sustainably,” said Bridenstine in supplied material. “As part of the Artemis Accords agreements signed with partner nations, NASA has emphasized that protecting historically significant sites is critical, and I applaud the leaders of this legislation for their commitment to ensuring that future lunar science and exploration is done in a safe and transparent manner.”

The nations that have signed the Artemis Accords include, in alphabetical order, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Noticeably absent in the initial list of signatories are Israel, Russia, China and India — all with working space programs.
 

Among the principles of the Artemis Accords are focusing on peaceful exploration, conducting activities in a transparent fashion to avoid confusion and conflicts, rendering assistance to personnel in distress, public release of scientific information, extracting and utilizing space resources in safe and sustainable exploration, planning for the safe disposal of debris.

“Fundamentally, the Artemis Accords will help to avoid conflict in space and on Earth by strengthening mutual understanding and reducing misperceptions,” Mike Gold, NASA acting associate administrator for international and interagency relations, said in supplied material. “Transparency, public registration, deconflicting operations – these are the principles that will preserve peace … The Artemis journey is to the Moon, but the destination of the Accords is a peaceful and prosperous future.”

Bach anyone? St. Cecilia to offer four free Chamber Music Society virtual concerts

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will team with St. Cecilia Music Center for a series of free virtual concert programs. (Supplied/CMS)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center has announced the 2021 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center virtual concerts, with four free-to-the-public nights of chamber music beginning in January and running through April.

Kicking off the concerts is maybe the most famous program of all chamber music programs, Bach’s The Brandenburg Concertos, set to premiere Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m., on the St. Cecilia website, but, as with all concerts, the concert remains available for viewing for a week after initial air date.

 

“While we are still unable to gather audiences in person at this time due to COVID-19, SCMC remains committed to bringing our patrons great music into the safety of their own home,” St. Cecilia states in supplied material. “We received enthusiastic and positive feedback on our fall series and are pleased to continue this offering into the new year.”

The Chamber Music Society has thousands of professionally recorded archived performances, according to supplied material, and co-artistic directors David Finckel and Wu Han have “put together wonderful programs that feature an artist on each piece in each program.” A pre-concert artist profile and a post-concert Q&A with the artist, led by Finckel and Wu Han, “make these concert offerings unique and personal.” 

The concert programs and dates

The Brandenburg Concertos (concerto No.s 1-6) is Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m., and featuring more than 40 musicians performing one or more of the six pieces.

A program featuring pianist Gloria Chien is Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m., and will include  Field’s Nocturne No. 2 in C minor for Piano, Liszt’s Grand duo concertant sur la romance de ‘Le Marin’ for Violin and Piano, and Mendelssohn’s Quartet in C minor for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 1.

A program featuring violist Paul Neubauer is Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m., and will include Schumann’s Märchenerzählungen (Fairy Tales) for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano, Op. 132; Dale’s “Romance” from Suite for Viola and Piano; Turina’s Escena andaluza for Viola, String Quartet, and Piano, Op. 7; Kreisler’s Liebeslied for Three Violins, Viola, and Cello; Shostakovich’s Impromptu for Viola and Piano; and Boulanger’s American Vision for Viola and Piano Trio.

The series will wrap up with a program featuring violinist Ani Kavafian on Thursday, April 1 at 7 p.m., and will included Brahms’ Scherzo, WoO 2, from “F-A-E” Sonata for Violin and Piano; Babajanian’s Trio in F-sharp minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello; and Dvorák’s Trio in F minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, Op. 65.

For more information visit scms-online.org/virtual.

Kentwood commissioner Bridson talks with ‘Wounds’ author Razel Jones in WKTV studios

Razel Jones, co-author of “Wounds”, in a Facebook Live Zoom discussion recorded in WKTV studios. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

City of Kentwood City Commisioner Emily Bridson recently visited the WKTV studios for a Facebook Live Zoom discussion with Razel Jones, co-author of “Wounds”. And that discussion is now available on-demand via WKTVlive.org.

The discussion focused on how communities faced with racial and social disparities can rise above their differences, their difficulties, and find a “Common Unity” — the title of the discussion.

Emily Bridson, during a Zoom interview in WKTV’s studios. (WKTV)

“Kentwood’s diversity is one of our many strengths and opportunities as a changing city in the heart of West Michigan,” Bridson said prior to WKTV about the event. “Razel and I will discuss the humanistic-side of our actions and the sometimes unintended impact that results. Listen along as we continue on our anti-racist journey.”

“Community Unity” will air on WKTV Community Media’s cable channels, on WKTV Government Channel 26 on, Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 8:10 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 9, at noon. It will also air on WKTV Community Channel 25 on Jan. 13 at noon. Other days and times are also planned.

WKTV programs air on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (For dates and times on Channel 26, see our Weekly On-air Schedule. For dates and times on Channel 99, visit here). Short form WKTV video programs are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos, with long-form videos on-demand at WKTVLive.org under categories such as Government Meetings, Special Events and Sports.

American art in new, ‘Native’ context on display at Muskegon Museum of Art

Jonathan Thunder, “Quarantine at Gramma’s House”. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Just as it is nearly impossible to categorize “contemporary art” in the new millennium, it is also of little value to label contemporary Native American art as realistic or abstract, as idealistic or fatalistic.

As evidenced by three exhibitions of contemporary works by Native American artists currently on view at the Muskegon Museum of Art this winter, Native American art and artists defy labels and categories.

Jason Quigno (Supplied)

The MMA’s major show, opened earlier this month, is “The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists”, is organized by the MMA in partnership with the Grand Valley State University Art Department. But just as intriguing is the MMA’s exhibits “Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative” and “Levi Rickert: Standing Rock — Photographs of an Indigenous Movement”.

The three exhibits will be up though February, 2021.

The Art of the People

“The Art of the People: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists”, according to an announcement from the Muskegon Museum of Art, features artwork by both nationally recognized and “early career” contemporary Native American artists “in a wide array of media that combines cultural traditions, imagery, and themes.”

The invitational show will appear concurrently at the MMA and Grand Valley State University Art Gallery, and incorporates sculpture, painting, ceramics, beadwork, mixed media, and photography.

“The exhibition explores the ways in which these artists express their experiences in both traditional and non-traditional media, techniques, and subject matter,” according to the announcement. “Through representational and abstract imagery and design, the artists address issues of craft, history, identity, social and political justice, and popular culture.”

Jason Quigno is the guest curator, and is a sculptor and member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe. According to supplied information, he works in a variety of stone —granite, basalt, marble, limestone, and alabaster — “transforming raw blocks into flowing forms.” His work has garnered significant recognition and awards and he has completed numerous public commissions for communities and institutions around Michigan.

Exhibiting artists in the show also include Le’Ana Asher, Adam Avery, Shirley Brauker, Kelly Church, Wally Dion, Dino Downwind, Cherish Parrish, Jonathan Thunder, Robin Waynee, and Jason Wesaw.

The exhibition runs through Feb. 28, at the Muskegon Museum of Art and opens in January 2021 at the GVSU Art Gallery.

Challenging the Narrative

“Jim Denomie: Challenging the Narrative”, organized by the MMA, features new and favorite paintings by Denomie, a nationally known and award winning Anishinaabe artist, which reveal “the continuity and ongoing explorations” within his work.

Jim Denomie, “Four Days and Four Nites Two Moons”. (Supplied)

“His colorful, humorous paintings directly address historical, political, and cultural issues facing Native Americans in the U.S.,” according to the announcement. “Using traditional imagery, stereotypes, comic symbols, and pop culture imagery, Denomie presents playful, alluring narratives that, on closer inspection, reveal biting and thought-provoking challenges to historic and contemporary misperceptions, prejudices, and injustices.”

The exhibition runs through March 10, 2021. For more information, visit his website here.

Standing Rock photographs

“Levi Rickert: Standing Rock, Photographs of an Indigenous Movement”, is a collection of photographs which document Rickert’s journey to Standing Rock in 2016 as part of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

Photograph at Standing Rock by Levi Rickert (Supplied)

“These images capture not just the news-making conflicts and clashes between protestors and private security firms at the site, but also the day-to-day experiences of the men and women joined in their shared call for action,” according to the announcement.

Levi Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online.

This exhibition runs through February 28, 2021.

The Muskegon Museum of Art

The Muskegon Museum of Art galleries and store are open 11 a.m. to  4 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, and closed Mondays. Safety protocols include limited occupancy in galleries and other public spaces, social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures, and requiring visitors and staff to wear masks.

For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org.

Hoping it’s just a start, Kentwood police and Lacks team up to support local business, take-out dining community

Sgt. Tim Wierenga, Kentwood Police Department, explaining how the effort started. (WKTV video)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., both understand the importance of small businesses, including local eateries, to the community. And that is as true in normal times as it is in this time of COVID-19 dining restrictions.

So the Kentwood police community services team, led by Sgt. Tim Wierenga, had this idea to “showcase” local small business, to not only offer monetary support to eateries — on Dec. 16, Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria — but to provide a little holiday surprise to customers by paying for their take-out meal.

And Lacks was more than happy to support the cause, with a $1,000 donation to the initial “business showcase” pop-up event, with the money being split $500 each at the two eateries.

im Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks Enterprises, Inc. (WKTV)

“Lacks Enterprises believes you need a lot of different components to make a community a place for people to live and raise their families,” Jim Green, executive director of human resources at Lacks, said to WKTV that night at Daniele’s. “Kentwood is a fantastic community and we think it has all those components. It has excellent law enforcement, you’ve got great schools, you’ve got businesses like Lacks. But the real backbone of this community is the small businesses. Without that you would not have all the other things that make the community what it is today.”

The Kentwood police department and Lacks Enterprises welcome customers at Daniele’s Pizzeria … and a little surprise awaits them. (City of Kentwood)

A representative of both the Kentwood Police Department and Lacks Enterprises, Inc., spread holiday cheer and supported local restaurants at both Al-Bos and Daniele’s Pizzeria on Dec. 16, where unbeknownst to customers coming in for take-out orders at the eateries had their meals paid for.

Al-Bos is located at 2930 Shaffer Ave. SE, and Daniele’s Pizzeria at 1429 60th St. SE, both in Kentwood.

At Daniele’s Pizzeria, a customer got a little more than he ordered — like a free order. (City of Kentwood)

This week’s pop-up event is, hopefully, also just the beginning of what the police department hopes to be “a local business showcase series to support Kentwood businesses and create positive experiences with community members during these difficult times,” according to a supplied statement.

Throughout the local business showcase series, the department will use donations to highlight businesses within Kentwood — both those donating to the restaurants to create similar pop-up events and the local businesses supported by the donations.

“We just wanted to give our small businesses a little support,” Sgt. Wierenga said to WKTV. “What we’d like to see of this is (to continue) showcasing our business community and showcasing the city that we love. We would love for this to develop into something more. … We’d love to have some more show case events.”

Kentwood police Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos. (City of Kentwood)

Sgt. Wierenga was at Daniele’s Pizzeria and Off. Jeff Augustyn was at Al-Bos, with representatives of Lacks also at each.

Local businesses interested in participating can call Sgt. Wierenga at 616-656-6561.

Kent County health leaders join to offer one-stop info website stop for COVID-19 vaccine

Video supplied by Kent County Health Department.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Health Department announced this week that a consortium of West Michigan health departments, hospitals, healthcare providers, universities and others have launched a website where area residents can find the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Dec. 15 announcement, VaccinateWestMI.com is intended to be the “go to” site for information about vaccine availability, local distribution plans, safety and efficacy, and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, highly effective and will be our best defense against the virus,” Dr. Adam London, director of the Kent County Health Department (KCHD), said in supplied material. “But it won’t be available to everyone immediately. It’s critical for the residents of West Michigan to have access to accurate, timely and consistent information about the vaccine so we can all do our part to slow the spread of the virus. That’s why we joined with partners throughout the region to launch this site.”

The Pfizer vaccine was the first to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use in the U.S. on Dec.11, and other vaccine approvals either have or are expected to follow.

But initial supplies are extremely limited. The first shipments arrived at area hospitals this week, with vaccinations starting with frontline health care workers. Workers and residents of long-term care facilities are also slated to be among the first to receive the vaccine, with other high-risk groups scheduled to follow.

As supplies of the vaccine increase, those at lower risk will qualify, and, according KCHD, “experts project all individuals 16 years and older will qualify to get vaccinated by mid- to late-2021.”

As vaccines become available, healthcare providers will distribute the vaccine according to the plans developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a national independent committee of medical and public health experts, according to the KCHD announcement.

VaccinateWestMI.com will be regularly updated as information becomes available, and visitors to the site can sign up for email updates on the vaccine.

Members of the consortium include: Kent County Health Department, Allegan County Health Department, Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Berrien County Health Department, District Health Department #10, Ionia County Health Department, Mid-Michigan District Health Department, Muskegon County Public Health, Ottawa County Department of Public Health, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Spectrum Health, Holland Hospital, Spectrum Health Lakeland, North Ottawa Community Hospital, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Answer Health, Cherry Health, CVS Pharmacy, Kent County Emergency Medical Services, SpartanNash, We Are For Children, Calvin University, Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

St. Cecilia’s early 2021 plans change as cancellations, virtual concerts announced

Christian McBride, from a 2008 concert, is no stranger to St. Cecilia Music Center. But his planned Winterfest with Christian McBride series will need to await a year. (St. Cecilia Music Center)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Not unexpectedly, St. Cecilia Music Center announced this week the cancellation of its originally scheduled January through March 2021 live concerts. But, continuing to not be silent in this winter of pandemic, the center also announced a series of virtual concerts running January through April.

The initially bad, but ultimately good, news includes jazz star Christian McBride laying down a base line — his much-anticipated “Winterfest with Christian McBride” series, originally scheduled Feb. 25–27, has been cancelled. But added to St. Cecilia’s virtual offerings is Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer — two superior bassists with different backgrounds but speak the same musical language — on Feb. 25, with a $15 per ticket program.

Among the other cancelled live in-person concerts cancelled are Joshua Redmond (Jan. 21), Shawn Colvin (Jan. 22), the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s “Magical Schubert” presentation (Jan. 28), Leo Kottke (Feb. 18); Kat Edmonson (March 4) and Rodney Crowell (March 18).

“St. Cecilia Music Center is committed to our audience in helping to ‘Keep Music Alive’ in West Michigan,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive and artistic director, said in supplied material. “While we are still unable to gather audiences in person at this time due to COVID-19, we remain committed to bringing our patrons great music into the safety of their own home.”

Other virtual concerts announced this week include three by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) — “The Brandenburg Concertos” (Jan. 7), “Mendelson, Liszt & Field” featuring pianist Gloria Chien (Feb. 11), “Schumann, Shostakovich & More” featuring violist Paul Neubauer (March 18), and “CMS Brahms & Dvorák” featuring violinist Ani Kavafian (April 1).

All CMS virtual concerts are free to view on the St. Cecilia website beginning the date they first air and for seven days after.

The SCMC folk series virtual concerts include Mariza Sings Amália (Jan. 29) and Judy Collins (Feb. 12), each with $40 tickets allowing viewing for 48 hours. Kat Edmonson (March 4) will be free to view on St. Cecilia Facebook page and YouTube channel.

For tickets and more about virtual concerts offered by St. Cecilia for home viewing, see scmc-online.org/virtual/.

More about those cancelled concerts

The St. Cecilia announcement notes that “many of these (canceled show) artists who were to appear in person have now been rescheduled for St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2021-2022 Presenting Series” and that the 2012-22 season will be announced in late spring 2021.

       

All ticket holders for the cancelled concerts will receive individual emails to opt for a full refund, gift cards for future concerts, or making a tax-deductible donation.

For additional questions about cancelled concert tickets, contact Kelly Herremans, St. Cecilia box office manager, at Kelly@scmc-online.org.

About the McBride & Meyer, and Ms. Edmonson

The six-time GRAMMY-winning jazz bassist McBride is so much more than just a “jazz bassist” — with a career now into its third decade, the Philadelphia native has become one of the most requested, most recorded, and most respected figures in the music world today. His work goes from jazz to soul to pop/rock to classical, including working with Kathleen Battle, Shanghai Quartet … and Edgar Meyer.

Meyer is in demand as both a performer and a composer, and has been hailed by The New Yorker as “…the most remarkable virtuoso in the relatively un-chronicled history of his instrument.” One of his most recent compositions is the Double Concerto for Double Bass and Violin, which received its world premiere July 2012 with Joshua Bell at the Tanglewood Music Festival with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also collaborated with Béla Fleck and Zakir Hussain to write a triple concerto for double bass, banjo, and tabla, which was commissioned for the opening of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.

Edmonson, known for her vintage pop and jazz with a Texas touch, began crafting her signature sound while performing in Austin’s local club circuit for years before releasing her debut LP “Take To The Sky” in 2009. She has toured with Lyle Lovett, Chris Isaak, Gary Clark Jr., Shawn Colvin, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Nick Lowe and more. She recently released “Dreamers Do”, an album that “blends original compositions and reimagined mid-20th century classic Disney songs to tell a story which takes place over the course of one sleepless night.”