Tag Archives: Wyoming Gives Back

Another successful Wyoming Gives Back is a wrap

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Holidays, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming 2022 tree lighting ceremony. (WKTV)

“It was fantastic,” said Jennifer Stowell, Wyoming’s assistant to the city manager, as she talked about the 2022 Wyoming Gives Back event.

Held at City Hall this year, the event was buzzing with residents and guests dropping off toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, listening to music provided by local students from Godwin Heights and Wyoming Public schools, and visiting with city officials. On hand was the Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kim Koster, Fire Chief Brian Bennett, police officers, firefighters as well as Councilor John Fitzgerald, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt, newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood, and newly elected Councilor Renee Hill.

Stowell said more than 1,200 toys were collected at the event. The event usually averages around 1,000.

“Before the event, we had a person drop off about 100 toys,” Stowell said.

The event wrapped up with the Wyoming High School Jazz Band leading participants outside for a tree lighting ceremony.

  • City Hall was busy Dec. 2 for the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • The hall of vendors at Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • The Godwin Heights High School Choir opens the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Newly elected Mayor Kent Vanderwood records a Christmas greeting. (WKTV)
  • Residents who donated toys received raffle tickets for prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • A couple of students color pages during the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
  • A group of residents record a Christmas Greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Wyoming Mayor Pro Tem Sam Bolt (far right) helps hand out prizes at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Wyoming High School’s Jazz Band at Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)
  • The Wyoming High School Jazz Band closes out the Wyoming Gives Out event. (WKV)
  • The Wyoming Fire Department records a Christmas greeting at the Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)
  • Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Wyoming Gives Back (WKTV)

Wyoming Gives Back canceled as county health leader ‘deeply concerned” about rising COVID cases, urges vaccination

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Hard News, Health, Local History, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, WKTV Projects, ,
A Kent County Health Department nurse gives a COVID-19 vaccination shot. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

WKTV has been informed by the City of Wyoming that the planned Wyoming Gives Back event planned for next week has been cancelled due to health concerns for public gatherings.

This follows an announcement this week that the Kent County Health Department is alarmed by the rising COVID-19 cases which have led to local hospitals operating at “extremely high capacity.”

The health department is also encouraging residents to “do their part” and get vaccinated and take other measures to slow the spread of the virus. Among the statistics which have alarmed health leaders are current test positivity rate of 22.8 percent, as of early this week, as ell as a 7-day average for new cases is 645.

“This is a crisis for all of us who live and work in Kent County,” Dr. Adam London, KCHD Director, said in supplied material. “The capacity for hospitals to provide care, which is exasperated by staffing shortages, is at a tipping point. We should all expect increased wait times for emergency, urgent, and primary care as well as delays in ambulance transfers and some surgical procedures until we control the spread of COVID-19 in the community.”

Among the recommendations issued by county health officials are:

Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza. “Vaccines are widely available, safe, and effective. According to our local hospital leaders, most of the individuals who are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated,” according to the county health. “If more people get vaccinated, it will greatly help reduce the number of COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. We also strongly urge residents to get the influenza vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccines, talk to your health care provider and visit vaccinatewestmi.com to find a location for a COVID-19, booster, or influenza vaccine location.”

Wear your mask in public settings. “While masks are not perfect, they provide an additional layer of protection by reducing the spread of virus laden droplets in exhaled air. Masks are especially important for people who are not vaccinated, not fully vaccinated, may be infected and do not have symptoms, or have health conditions that make them more vulnerable to becoming sick if they are infected with COVID-19.”

Get tested. “To help mitigate the spread of the virus,” it is important to get tested if you have been around someone who has COVID-19, experiencing any symptom of COVID-19, before attending indoor gatherings with people above the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions, or if you have been around someone with COVID-19, get tested five days after exposure.

“I am thankful to everyone who has been following our recommendations since the onset of the pandemic,” London said this Thanksgiving week. “The current problems would be far worse if not for your actions. We are now asking for your consideration once again as we look to slow the spread of the virus, regain access to our hospitals, and continue to work to get this pandemic behind us.”

Wyoming Senior Center is location for this year’s Wyoming Gives Back

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Holidays, , ,
Mrs. Claus (pictured above) and Santa will be returning to this year’s Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The City of Wyoming will once again kick off its holiday season with its Wyoming Gives Back event set for Dec. 2 at a new location, the Wyoming Senior Center.

“After last year’s virtual event, we had the opportunity to reset the way we host Wyoming Gives Back,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “Hosting the event at the Wyoming Senior Center gives us the opportunity to use a beautiful city facility and highlight its many programs and offerings for community members.”

Due to COVID, the city opted for a virtual program in 2020 that was filmed and produced at the WKTV Community Center. Through last year’s efforts, the city was able to collect more than 800 toys and raffled off nearly $3,500 in prizes from local businesses.

 

“We are thrilled to come together as a community and City to celebrate the holidays and spread joy to local families,” Poll said. “This event is a community favorite for so many residents and families — and a favorite of mine as well. We look forward to community members joining us in person for this holiday event.

The collection vehicle for the annual Wyoming Gives Back. (WKTV)

Residents will bring toys to the Wyoming Senior Center between 6 – 8 p.m. The toys are donated to the Salvation Army Angel Tree. For each toy donated, a resident receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.

Giving back is the reason that Frank Vitale, owner of Frankie V’s, said he sponsors the annual holiday event.

“We have been here for 20 years, so when the City of Wyoming calls, I do what I can to help,” said Vitale, who added he has lived in Wyoming for about 36 years.

 

During the two-hour event, there will be music from the Salvation Army Band, Wyoming High School Jazz Band, and Lee High School’s Concert Voices. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be there checking in with area children on their Christmas wishes. Also members of the Wyoming Police and Fire departments will be there as well. WKTV will be there once again recording the popular holiday greetings.

The City of Wyoming has been hosting the annual Wyoming Gives Back event for 11 years, partnering with local businesses and the community to celebrate the holiday season by helping those in need. For more information about Wyoming Gives Back, visit www.wyomingmi.gov/givesback or call 616-530-7272.

Wyoming celebrates the season of giving

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Earlier this month, the City of Wyoming hosted its first live broadcast of the Wyoming Gives Back.

Traditionally, the event is hosted at the Rogers Plaza Mall, but due to COVID restrictions on large gatherings, the event was broadcast live from the WKTV Community Media.

The program features music from Wyoming’s San Juan Diego Academy along with holiday greetings from city staff and council members including newly elected Councilor John Fitzgerald. There is also appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The program was hosted by Mayor Jack Poll and WOOD-TV8’s Michele DeSelms.

Click on the video above to see the entire show, or click here to look at the playlist.

Happy Holidays from WKTV.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood Weekend News

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’

Writer Erma Bombeck, 1927 – 1996



By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Finding the Perfect Tree

Everyone has that nostalgic picture of the family heading off in the old red truck to get that perfect tree, followed by hot cocoa and holiday singalongs. Well before you head off to the woods (or the local tree lot), the Michigan State University Extension has a few tips to help you find that “perfect” tree, such as what are the best kinds of pine trees and how to make sure they last through the season. For more, click here.

Hark! GVSU Shall Sing!

Grand Valley State University will wrap up its Fall Arts Celebration with a special holiday musical performance featuring groups from GVSU and local school districts. The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. And the gift to all? The performance is free. For more information, click here.

Area residents fill the truck at the Wyoming Gives Back.

Be Prepared

As you hit those holiday sales this weekend, do not forget that the Wyoming Gives Back is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. The annual event collects unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. For every toy donated, a participate will receive a raffle ticket for prizes donated by area businesses. Also, the City of Kentwood will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Light Parade. Those interested in helping may sign up online.

More than 15 million trees

According to the U.S. Agricultural Department, in 2017, 15,094,678 million Christmas trees were cut down in 2017. The Wall Street Journal reported that growing all those trees would require 19.7 miles of square land, which is roughly half of Walt Disney World or 86 percent of Manhattan.

Residents, business owners ‘give back’ at annual City of Wyoming event

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , ,
At last year’s Wyoming Gives Back, more than 700 toys were collected. (Photo by WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

It was a record breaking year for  Wyoming Gives Back in 2018 with the annual fundraising collecting more than 700 toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.

“It was awesome,” said City of Wyoming Administrative Assistant Jennifer Stowell, who helps to organize the annual event which this year will be Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza. “Because its our eighth year and people are aware of the event, attendees will go the day after Christmas to purchase the toys that are on sale and then they bring in garbage bags of toys to the event.”

Each year the City of Wyoming partners with local businesses to celebrate the holiday season and collect toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Event attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.

Last year, local businesses donated about $4,000 in gift certificates and/or items to be raffled off as prize packages.

The jazz band from the Wyoming High School will once again close out the Wyoming Gives Back event. (Photo by WKTV)

“The businesses are extremely generous,” Stowell said. About 1,800 letters are sent out to Wyoming businesses in July and once again the businesses have put together some amazing prize packages for this year’s event, such as a tool chest full of tools donated by Rogers Plaza and a 40-inch TV donated Car City.

About 20 local businesses and organizations will be at the event. WKTV will be providing an opportunity for residents to record a free Holiday Greeting that will be available on the station’s YouTube channel, WKTV Videos.

 

Hosting this year’s event is Mayor Jack Poll who will be joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Sam Bolt and WOOD TV’s Eva Aguirre Cooper and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping in for a visit. Also on hand will be firefighters and police officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety along with other city officials and staff.

Several school choirs and bands will be performing during the event. The Salvation Army Band will kick things off followed by the San Juan Academy. The Godwin Heights High School Choir will take the stage next, followed by the Kelloggsville High School Choir and then the Lee High School Varsity Voices Choir. Wrapping up the evening will be the Wyoming High School Jazz Band.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided by the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

The Dec. 5 event is free and open to the public. Rogers Plaza is located at 972 28th St. SW, along 28th Street between DeHoop and Clyde Park avenues.

Wyoming Gives Back in a big way

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
  • Area residents had fun with the Christmas greetings at the WKTV booth.
  • Council members Rob Postema, Marissa Postler, and Dan Burrill
  • Mayor Jack Poll makes a few announcements before the event starts.
  • Mayor Jack Poll and WOOD TV 8’s Eva Agurrie Cooper
  • The boys and girls choir from San Juan Diego Academy
  • Many area businesses were sponsors of the Wyoming Gives Back event
  • Area businesses had booths at the Wyoming Gives Back event showing services and products.
  • SuperMercado Mexico showcased some of the products they offer at their store.
  • Several area businesses were at the Thursday night event.
  • The big goal of the evening was to fill that truck with toys.
  • Wyoming residents gave back with the truck overflowing.
  • Officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety were at the event.
  • It got to the point were the toys would not fit in the truck as it was so full.
  • Some Christmas greeting fun at the WKTV booth.
  • Toys were everywhere at the Wyoming Gives Back.
  • A big part of the night were the raffle prizes donated by area businesses.
  • Residents who donated were able to get a raffle ticket for prizes.
  • The Rogers Plaza Mall was packed for the Wyoming Gives Back event on Dec. 6.
  • A raffle winner receives his prize while others visit the booths of local businesses.
  • The crowd waits for the next group to perform.
  • Mayor Jack Poll announces the next raffle prize winner.
  • The choir from Godwin Heights High School await to go on to perform.
  • The Wyoming Fire Department members were also on hand for the event.
  • The choir from Godwin Heights performs.
  • The jazz band from the Wyoming High School performs.
  • The jazz band from the Wyoming High School wows the Wyoming Gives Back crowd.
  • Area residents fill the truck at the Wyoming Gives Back.
  • One full truck at the Wyoming Gives Back.
  • A bike awaiting to board the truck at the Wyoming Gives Back.

Thursday, Dec. 6, residents came out in full force to help those in need at Wyoming Gives Back.

 

By the end of the night, the Wyoming Department of Public Works truck was overflowing with gifts from residents for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. Residents were able to bring in a gift and for every gift donated, received a raffle ticket for prizes. The prizes were donated by area businesses. 

 

Many local business had booths sharing information about services and products they provided. Performances featured the choir from the San Juan Diego Academy, the jazz band from the Wyoming High School, and the choir from Godwin Heights High School. The Salvation Army was handing out hot chocolate and cookies and several area businesses had candy and other items for those who attended.

 

Organizers said they were pleased with the success of the event. This was the eighth annual Wyoming Gives Back. Mayor Jack Poll noted the city decided several years ago to move its annual holiday event indoors and to focus on the spirit of the season. He said the event has been well received every year with residents and staff looking for to it.


Wyoming, Kentwood kick off the holiday season in a big way

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Holidays, Kids Activities, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , ,

The lights are up on houses all over the place, and this week the city’s of Wyoming and Kentwood officially begin sharing their Holiday spirits. (publicdomainpictures.net)

 

WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

Most people think Black Friday after Thanksgiving is the official start of the Christmas Holiday season in Wyoming and Kentwood. We beg to differ. The season starts, this, the first full week of December with activities Thursday to Saturday, Dec. 6-8. And we have all you need to know.

 

Oh, and by the way, WKTV  will be at each event. Stop by and say “Hello”.

 

Thursday: Wyoming Gives Back

Mayor Jack Poll near the truck during a previous Wyoming Gives Back event.

The 8th annual Wyoming Gives Back is set for Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall. Residents are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event and every person who does, will receive raffle tickets for prizes provided by local businesses. There will be holiday cookies, music and the biggest gift-giver, Santa, is planning to attend. For more information click here.

 

 

Friday: Kentwood tree lighting

Kentwood city officials accompanied by carolers previously conduct the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. (WKTV)

The City of Kentwood invites the community to begin the holidays with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade, slated for Friday, Dec. 7. Centered around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, the free event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening will be filled with festive activities, including a parade, live holiday music and carriage rides, as well as caroling and a tree lighting ceremony. Hot chocolate and cookies will be offered, and Santa, of course, will be there to take pictures with families.  For more information click here.

 

Saturday: Chamber Santa Parade

Area high school bands performing at a previous year’s Santa Parade. (WKTV)

Santa is coming to town. How do we know? Because the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, is hosting the 12th annual Santa Parade Saturday, Dec. 8, along Division Avenue. The parade, which starts at 10 a.m. and lasts about 45 minutes, will feature more than 50 participants including five school bands. Participants will travel down South Division from 33rd Street to Murray Avenue. For more information click here.

 

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you want to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, , , , ,

WKTV Staff

joanne@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished…it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”
                                        - Actor Denzel Washington

 

Wyoming Gives Back

 

Mayor Jack Poll near the truck during a previous Wyoming Gives Back event.

You have just over a week to purchase a toy and help the City of Wyoming stuff a truck with donations for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. The 8th annual Wyoming Gives Back is set for Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall. Residents are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event and every person who does, will receive raffle tickets for prizes provided by local businesses. There will be holiday cookies, music and the biggest gift-giver, Santa, is planning to attend.

 

Pretty Lights

The Christmas Lite Show returns for its 21st year at Fifth/Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Drive, Comstock Park. Billed as West Michigan’s largest, animated, drive-through light show, the attraction maintains almost two miles of lights, tunnels, and animated displays and entertained more than 70,000 visitors last year. The popular Memory Lane Train will returns this year giving visitors a choice to drive through the display or ride the train. The display is open every day from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31.

 

And in case you haven’t heard…

NASA’s Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport — or InSight for short — landed on Mars yesterday. It took seven months for InSight to travel the 300-million miles to reach the Red Planet. InSight’s two-year mission will be to study the deep interior of Mars to learn how all celestial bodies with rocky surfaces, including Earth and the Moon, formed.  You can always check out the latest on NASA on WKTV’s Channel 26 or visit  Grand Valley State University’s “Mars: Astronomy and Culture.”

 

Fun Fact:

The 48th Tuesday

Today is actually the 48th Tuesday of 2018. It is the 48th Tuesday of the 48th week. There are only 34 days left to 2018 and, despite yesterday's storm, 24 days until winter, which officially begins on the Winter Solstice, which is Dec. 21. (Source)

Wyoming hosts annual ‘give back’ event on Thursday, Dec. 6

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , , , , , ,

City staff help to fill a truck with donated toys from residents at the 2017 Wyoming Gives Back.

By Joann Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The City of Wyoming will be encouraging everyone to get into the holiday spirit by hosting its 8th annual Wyoming Gives Back event Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m. 

 

“We look forward to a great night as we celebrate the Christmas season with this Christmas kick off here in the City of Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll.

 

“It’s exciting for The Salvation Army Kroc Center to be part of great collaborative efforts like Wyoming Gives Back,” said Senior Krox Officer Captain Bill Brutto. “It’s one of the reasons we were also proud to help launch the Wyoming Winterfest event a couple of years ago. I think that, as a community, we understand that no one person or group can create positive change on their own — but that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Seeing local government, businesses, school districts, and other organizations all working together to fight for good says so much about the city of Wyoming.”

 

The annual event encourages residents to bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Tree. Every person who donates receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses. 

 

“We have a city truck here where local people from our community can fill that truck up,” Wyoming City Council member Dan Burrill said. “It is a great time to support our community.”

 

The City of Wyoming partners with a number of local businesses who provide the prizes. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected for donation with nearly $5,000 in prizes raffled.

 

“I think it is important for businesses to say thank you to all the people who have supported us all year long,” said Marge Wilson, of Marge’s Donut Den, a longtime sponsor of the event.

 

With Lillian VanderVeen from Lenger Travel Center, Inc, stating that “It’s a nice start to the holiday season.”

 

More than 20 businesses are hosting tables this year. WKTV will be there again this year to record Christmas greetings for the community to air on channels 25 and 26 and on WKTV’s YouTube channel, WKTVVideos.

 

 

The Salvation Army will be providing cookies and hot chocolate to event attendees. Residents are encouraged to bring their children to meet and visit with the Wyoming Police Department, the Wyoming Fire Department and, of course, Santa Claus!

 

A lineup of local choirs and bands is scheduled to share the sounds of the season. The lineup includes the Salvation Army Band, Godwin Heights High School Choir, San Juan Diego Choir and the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band.

 

For more information on the event, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call  616-530-7272 or check out the Wyoming Gives Back event page on Facebook.

‘Wyoming Gives Back’ program kicks off the season in the City of Wyoming

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, ,

Major Jack Poll looks over the donations from last year’s Wyoming Gives Back.

Grab a toy and head to the Rogers Plaza Mall Thursday for the City of Wyoming’s 7th Annual Wyoming Gives Back.

 

Each year the City of Wyoming partners with local businesses to celebrate the holiday season and collect toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected for donation and with the generous support of the participating busi­nesses, the City raffled off nearly $5,000 in prizes.

 

Event attendees who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prize packs that contain hundreds of dollars of gifts donated by Wyoming businesses.

 

“We use to have just an annual Christmas lighting program by city hall and then we decided to find a place to get it move inside and we would get a bigger crowd,” said Mayor Jack Poll. “Then we combined with some of the organizations that collect toys over the last few years and it is a great event for the city.”

 

The annual event will take place from 6- 8 p.m. and will benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

 

“I love it,” said Wyoming Councilmember Kent Vanderwood. “It’s just great to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with all the great residents of the city.”

 

“That is what Christmas should be all about,” said Salvation Army Lt. William Brutto. “It should be about family. It should be about giving. It should be about helping others. So for the whole City of Wyoming to come together and help others is a fantastic time for the holiday season.”

 

Wyoming Public Safety officers and firefighters will be at this year’s event.

More than 20 businesses are hosting tables this year. The Salvation Army will be providing cookies and hot chocolate to event attendees. Residents are encouraged to bring their children to meet and visit with the Wyoming Police Department, the Wyoming Fire Department and, of course, Santa Claus!

 

A lineup of local choirs and bands is scheduled to share the sounds of the season. The lineup includes the Salvation Army Band, Tri-Unity Christian School Cherub Choir, Godwin Heights High School Chorale, Godwin Heights School Treble Choir, San Juan Diego Choir and the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band.

 

For more information on the event, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call  616-530-7272.

Wyoming, Kentwood host a variety of community holiday celebrations

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , , ,

Sleigh bells are ringing, can you hear them? Well, you certainly will in the next couple off weeks as both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood host several popular holiday events.

 

Santa Parade

 

Kicking things off will be the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, with step off at 10 a.m. The parade runs down S. Division Avenue starting at the 34th Street Mall Parking Lot (formerly Hope Network) to Murray Street (Chase bank).

 

After the parade, Santa will be available for photos at the Brann’s Sizzlin’ Steaks & Sports Grill, 4132 S. Divison Ave. to meet with families and for photos, so make sure to bring a camera, said Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan.

 

For more information about the parade, visit www.southket.org.

 

Wyoming Gives Back

 

For the seventh year, the City of Wyoming will come together to host the annual community event Wyoming Gives Back. The event is Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall, 972 28th St. SW.

 

Participants are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Tree. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected. Each attendee who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prizes donated by Wyoming businesses. Last year, the city raffled off nearly $5,000 in prizes.

 

There will be hot chocolate, music by local choirs and bands, and of course, a visit from Santa.

 

For more information on the event, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-7272.

 

Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

 

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the City of Kentwood will host its annual community tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 8. The evening starts with a holiday light parade at 6 p.m. along Breton Avenue followed by caroling and lighting of the tree at 6:30 p.m. lead by Mayor Stephen Kepley. From 6 – 8 p.m., the Elves Express Gift Shop will be inside the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SW. There will also be hay rides, hot chocolate, cookies, live music, caroling, and of course a visit from Santa.

 

The entire event has free admission. For more information, visit kentwood50.com.

 

Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt

 

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department will host the Great Candy Cane Hunt, Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event begins outdoors in the front of the Wyoming Police Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW, where Santa Claus will lead kids on a scavenger hunt for the many hidden candy canes outside. Activities will then move indoors to the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, for lunch, games and crafts.

 

The event is for children 3- 14 years-old. The cost to participate is $4 resident, $6 non-resident. Additional family members who are 15 or older may attend and have lunch for $2. Pre-registation is required. To register, call 616-530-3164 or www.wyomingmi.gov/PRRegistration.

The Weekend Edition: Things to do Dec. 1 – 4

Entertainment, , , , ,

wyominggivesbackWyoming Gives Back

The Sixth Annual Wyoming Gives Back event is set for tonight, Dec. 1, from 6 – 8 p.m .at Rogers Plaza Mall, 972 28th St. SW.

 

Event attendees who bring a new wrapped toy as a donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prizes from Wyoming businesses. The Wyoming Public Safety Department and the Wyoming Fire Department will be on hand as well the big guy himself, Santa Claus.

 

Local choirs and bands will be performing during the event. Musical performances include the Salvation Army Band, Tri-Unity Christian School Cherub Choir, Godwin Heights High School Chorale, Godwin Heights School Treble Choir, San Juan Diego Choir and the Wyoming Public Schools Jazz Band.

 

For more information, visit www.wyomingmi.gov.

 

santaparadeHere Comes Santa Claus

 

The Ninth Annual Santa Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 3. The parade, which is sponsored by the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, kicks of at 10 a.m. on S. Division Avenue from 33rd Street heading southbound to Murray Street.

 

After the event, residents are invited to stop by Brann’s Sizzling’ Steaks & Sports Grill, 4132 S. Division for pictures with Santa.

 

Holiday Open House

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will host its annual holiday open house Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 – 4 p.m.

During the open house, there is no charge at the Ford Museum. The event also features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a few of their reindeer along with holiday music.

 

Kentwood’s Got Talent

Talented or know someone who is? Then the City of Kentwood is looking for you.

 

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the city is hosting a talent show, Kentwood’s Got Talent. Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and instrumentalists of all ages are welcome, as long as they are six-years-old or older. Guidelines and applications are now available at www.yourkprd.org. If you are interested, get those applications in soon as the Deadline is Dec. 30. First round of auditions takes place Jan. 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the KDL Kentwood Branch Library, 4650 Breton Rd. SE, and the final competition takes place Aug. 11 from 7 – 9 p.m. on an outdoor state behind Kentwood City Hall, 490 Breton Rd. SE.

 

For more information, visit yourkprd.org.

 

Shopping for Others

 

This holiday season, spend sometime shopping for those in need. The Kentwood Senior Center has two special projects that area residents can participate in.

 

There is the Holiday Food Drive and Mitten Tree hosted by the Kentwood Seniors. Donations of hats, scarves and mittens can be hung on a special tree in the lobby of the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Canned goods and non-perishable food items maybe placed under the tree.

 

Also the Kentwood Senior Enrichment program is hosting the Santa to a Senior program. A Senior Santa Tree with items for area seniors also is located in the Kentwood Activities Center’s lobby. Residents are invited to take a tag and bring the item, wrapped, back to the center.

 

The deadline for items both the Senior Santa Tree and Mitten Tree is Dec. 16. For more information, visit www.yourkprd.org.

Wyoming Gives Back event set for Thursday, Dec. 1 at Rogers Plaza Mall

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

https://youtu.be/p_s69Y0a1o0

For the sixth year, the City of Wyoming will host the annual Wyoming Gives Back, Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall, 972 28th St. SW.

 

The event will feature an evening of treats donated by area businesses and music from local school choirs and bands. Residents are invited to bring an unwrapped toy for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree which will enter them into a raffle for gifts from several local businesses. Eva Aguirre Cooper from WOOD-TV will be on hand along with the officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and firefighters from the Wyoming Fire Department. And of course, Santa will there as well.

Wyoming Gives Back

Holidays, Local Business, Local Entertainment

Wy 6
A chance to get your child finger printed at Wyoming Gives Back at Rodgers Plaza.

Wy 1
A free balloon leads to a smiling face of holiday cheer.

The Wyoming community celebrated the holiday season with great style and cheer at its annual Wyoming Gives Back event.

 

It was a very good night indeed for all involved.  Rogers Plaza was packed in support of this event.  And it was all about The Joy of Giving!

 

People brought unwrapped toys to donate to the Salvation Army Angel Tree project. In return, they received a raffle ticket to win great prize packages totaling hundreds of dollars—all generously donated by Wyoming businesses.

 

The musical talents of local bands and choirs brought the holiday spirit to all.  Children and students of all ages entertained the crowd with Christmas Carols, Jazz, and sounds of the season.

 

More than 30 businesses were on hand to greet guests and answer questions. The Wyoming Police Dept, Firefighters, Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Poll and many more represented our community well. I had a chance to sign up some new Citizen Journalists for our online Media website–now.wktv.org.

 

A highlight of the night was from the big man himself. Children got the chance to tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas. But most importantly, the generosity of the Wyoming community was showcased with the collection of toys for families in need and all the volunteer efforts from so many.

Wy 7
A local business encourages people to purchase handcrafted items created by Women at Risk.