Tag Archives: Wyoming

Got Drugs? Kentwood, Wyoming offer safe way to dispose of old, unused meds

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , ,
Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be hosting drug take back programs on April 30.
Both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will be hosting drug take back programs on April 30.

April 30 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming are participating with drug take back programs on that day.

 

The Kentwood Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will be accepting medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Kentwood Police Department, 4742 Walma Ave. SE. For specific questions on the Kentwood program, call 656-6571.

 

The City of Wyoming has once again teamed up with Metro Health Hospital with its program also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Saturday, April 30, in the main lobby of Metro Health Hospital, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW. A pharmacist will be available to answer questions. Also at the Metro Health site, those with mercury thermometers can exchange those items for a new digital thermometer.

 

Drug take back programs like the ones in Kentwood and Wyoming are designed to help with the environment in that it increases awareness about placing medications in the trash or flushing them down the toilet, a practice that is now strongly discouraged as it can create safety and health hazards.

 

“The main thing for us is to keep it out of our water system,” said Wyoming’s Environmental Services Supervisor Dave Oostindie. “If it gets in, it ends up going into the Grand River which feeds into Lake Michigan which is where we pull our water supply from and eventually return back to the residents.”

 

Also, medications that are forgotten in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 44 people a day die from drug overdoses. That number has tripled since 2000. A majority of abused prescription drugs, such as opioid pain relievers found in homes, are obtained from family and friends with Oostindie noting often the meds are stolen right out of people’s medical cabinets.

 

Residents from both cities are encouraged to bring in unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to their city’s respective drop-off site. Both sites are free and anonymous with no questions asked.

 

Kentwood officials noted that every year they have a number of people bring items that are not accepted such as needles and medical equipment. You can can check with specific organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, but many groups pointed to the Kent County Health Department as a good place to start for information on disposal of medical equipment and supplies. Recyclekent.org offers a number of resources on recycling for a variety of materials including hazardous material and medical equipment and supplies.

 

Needles: The recyclekent.org website recently added a program called Safe Sharps, where residents can sign up at the Kent County Health Department. For more information, visit recyclekent.org/material/sharps/. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) also has a list places to take needles. Click here for the list.

 

Medical equipment: Recyclekent.org has a list of places that either recycle or dispose of the equipment or you can donate medical equipment to them. For a complete list, click here. One place that does take medical equipment is Spring Lake’s International Aid. For more about that organization, visit internationalaid.org.

 

Eye glasses: The Grand Rapids Lions Club has several locations where you can drop off old eyeglasses. For a complete list, click here.

 

There is also the West Michigan Take Back Meds program. a joint effort between local pharmacies, law enforcement, wastewater treatment facilities and government agencies to provide safe, convenient medicine disposal.

 

Medications collected in West Michigan are brought to Kent County’s Waste to Energy Facility, where the items are incinerated. Metro Health and the City of Wyoming partner twice a year to provide this service. Last fall’’s Wyoming event brought in 169 pounds of medication and 18 thermometers.

 

The City of Wyoming also offers a prescription drug drop-off service 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at its Department of Public Safety, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

Postpone pruning to prevent oak wilt disease

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
Leaves showing signs of oak wilt diesease.
Leaves showing signs of oak wilt diesease.

By Stelle Slootmaker

The Tree Amigos

 

The City of Wyoming encompasses an environmental feature known as oak barrens. Located near glacial outwash areas in southern Lower Michigan, “Oak barrens likely originated when prairie fires spread into surrounding closed oak forest with enough intensity to create open barrens,” states the Michigan Natural Features website article. “Oak barrens and surrounding prairie habitat once supported a rich diversity of invertebrates including numerous species of butterflies, skippers, grasshoppers, and locusts. Mound-building ants and numerous grassland birds also once thrived in barrens and prairies.”

 

The article goes on to say that past degradation of Michigan’s oak barrens caused the regrettable decline of these many species.

 

A map showing the areas where oak wilt disease has been discovered.
A map showing the areas where oak wilt disease has been discovered.

Our City’s oak trees now face a new threat: oak wilt disease. A serious disease, oak wilt mainly affects red oak, black oak and pin oak. It can kill a red oak tree in just a few weeks’ time. In white oaks, the disease progresses more slowly.

 

Beetles carry the fungus that causes oak wilt from diseased to healthy trees. The fungus especially thrives on a tree that has been recently pruned or injured. The beetles become active in mid-April and stay active through mid-July. Hence, the Michigan DNR shares that you can help prevent oak wilt by not pruning or otherwise injuring oak trees from April 15 to July 15.

 

Help stop the spread of oak wilt disease in your neighborhood. Postpone pruning your oaks and share this advice with your neighbors. If you want to do even more to ensure that the City of Wyoming supports a healthy tree canopy, join The Tree Amigos, a citizen group supporting a vibrant Wyoming tree canopy. Like The Tree Amigos on Facebook and message or post your concerns and comments.

Update: Second suspect charged as an adult in Wyoming teen’s death

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , ,

As the family and friends of Michael White gather for his memorial service today, a second teen has been charged as an adult in connection to White’s death.

 

Quentin Schafer, 15, of Wyoming, was arraigned this morning in Wyoming District Court on charges of open murder as an adult. Carlos Delgado, 15, of Kentwood, was charged on Wednesday as an adult with open murder. Both teens have criminal records.

 

White’s body was found Saturday at Wyoming’s Lions Park by a resident who was walking his dog. White, 16, of Wyoming, had suffered head trauma. Delgado was arrested the next day and Schafer was arrested on Monday, March 21, during a traffic stop in Grand Rapids.

 

According to earlier reports and court records, Delgado has confessed to beating and stabbing White. Delgado allegedly made incriminating comments on Facebook according to a probable-cause affidavit filed in court. Also according to reports and court records, Shafer was last seen with White and allegedly has made incriminating comments to others.

 

No motive was revealed nor have police commented on one.

 

There has been an outpouring of support from the community with a vigil held at the skateboard park at Prairie Park earlier this week. Friends have taken to Facebook talking about what a big heart White had and how sadden they are about his passing. School officials have stated they have made social workers available for students and staff.

Easter Egg hunts, events offer weekend fun for families

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

Here comes Peter Cottontail and he’ll be making several appearances in and around Kentwood and Wyoming this weekend and next as Easter marches in.

One of his favorite stops is the Kentwood Activities Center for the annual “Breakfast with the Bunny” Saturday, March 26.

A pancake breakfast will be served from 9 – 11 a.m. at the center, located at 355 48th St. SE. Pictures with the famous Easter Bunny will be from 10 – 11 a.m. There will be other activities including face painting.

Tickets for the event are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Contact the Kentwood Parks and Recreation for more information. Click here.

Another popular Easter Egg Hunt is the one that takes place in Byron Township. This year’s event starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, and is for children ages 2-10. The Byron Easter Egg Hunt takes place at Whistlestop Park, 2170 76th St. SW, Byron Center. For more information, click here.

Also in Kentwood, East Paris Christian Reformed Church will host an Easter Egg Hunt from 2 – 3 p.m. Saturday, March 26, There will be a puppet show on the true meaning of Easter followed by the egg hunt. East Paris Christian Reformed Church is located at 3065 East Paris Ave. SE.

On March 27, the Wyoming, Relevant Church will be hosting its 2016 Easter Experience and Carnival from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event includes an Easter service followed by the carnival. The event takes place at the Wyoming Junior High School, 2125 Wrenwood St. SW. Registration is required for this event. Click here.

There are a number of other Easter Hunts and activities in and around the Kentwood and Wyoming areas. Below are a few more that are either located either close to the area or have an unusual theme. Whatever one you choose, make sure to bring your own basket and double check for weather and changes in the schedule.

March 26

Grandville’s Ivanrest Church will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt on the church’s front lawn from 10 – 11 a.m. The event is for children 10 and under. Ivanrest Church is located at 3777 Ivanrest SW, Granville.

Jenison’s Rosewood Church will host an Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. – noon. There will be three separate areas for ages 1-3, 4-6, and 7-10. The Easter Bunny is scheduled to make an appearance along with coloring activities, balloons, face painting and a drawing for prizes. Donuts and coffee will kick off the event at 10 a.m. with the hunt starting at 10:30 a.m. Rosewood Church is located at 2795 Rosewood Ave., Jenison.

Hudsonville’s Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 10 – noon. The free event is open to kids of all ages and includes family time with balloon animals, face painting, prizes, popcorn, candy, snacks and videos. Hillcrest CRC is located at 3617 Hillcrest Road, Hudsonville.

The Gymco at 2306 Camelot Ridge Court will be hosting an afternoon Bunny Hop that includes egg hung, snacks, open gym, crafts, face painting, stories, songs and more. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Children 6 and older can be dropped off. Cost is $12 per child or $25 per family.

The popular Bunny Train is currently running from Coopersville & Marne Railway, located at 311 E. Danforth St., Coopersville. The Easter Bunny and her cast of wacky, musical characters perform in each of the antique passenger coaches. Departures are 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays, March 19 and 26 and 1 and 3 p.m. Sundays, March 13 and 20. Tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors 60 and older, $15 for children ages 2-12 and free for children under 2. Call 616-997-7000, ext. 3 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.

For an unusual Easter Egg Hunt adventure, checkout the Holland Community Aquatic Center which will host its Underwater Egg hunt from 1 to 5 p.m. The Holland Community Aquatic Center is located at 550 Maple Ave., Holland.

Wyoming police continues investigation into 16-year-old’s death, community works to recover

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News, , , ,
An image of Lions Park, where Michael White's body was found.
An image of Lions Park, where Michael White’s body was found.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues its investigation into the homicide of a 16-year-old Wyoming student as the community works on recovering from its second teen homicide in 2016.

 

Two 15-year-old suspects were arrested in the connection to the homicide of Michael White. White’s body was found on the west side of Wyoming’s Lions Park Saturday, March 19, by a resident walking his dog. According to reports, White had suffered head trauma. An autopsy was conducted on Monday to determine the exact cause of White’s death, but police are not releasing the results.

 

Today, Carlos Delgado, 15, of Kentwood, was arraigned in Wyoming District Court and was waived over as an adult to 17th Circuit Court Family Division. Delgado is scheduled to be back in court on April 13.

 

The other suspect, a 15-year-old from Wyoming is being held on an open murder charge as the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office determines if he will be charged as an adult or as a juvenile. Prosecutors have until Monday to make that decision. Both suspects have criminal records.

 

In a statement released yesterday, Wyoming Public Safety officials said “…detectives continue with their investigation into this homicide.” Anyone with information is being asked to contact the department at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

 

Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reeder said the district does have a plan in place to help students and staff deal with tragic situations such as the sudden loss of a student or staff member.

 

“White was not attending Wyoming High School, so we had small groups available and social workers were on hand to talk to students at anytime,” Reeder said. “On Monday morning, we made students aware of this and we have had students come down and talk and they have had a lot to talk about.”

 

Reeder said he didn’t know the names of the suspects and they were not attending the Wyoming High School. “If they were with us, they weren’t with us now,” he said, adding that there have been no reports of students missing from the school’s roster.

 

There has been an outpouring on Facebook for White, with most comments talking about the Wyoming teenager’s big heart. A vigil was held Monday evening at a skateboard park at Wyoming’s Prairie Park where White used to skateboard. Nearly 100 friends and family members attended. A memorial service for White is scheduled at Abundant Life Church, 4041 Byron Center Ave. SW, Friday, March 25.

 

The incident at Lions Park happened two months after 17-year-old Kelloggsville High School student Isaiah Blue was fatally shot Jan. 27 in a robbery attempt in the area of S. Division Avenue and 44th Street in Wyoming. Sixteen-year-old Daniel Benavides and 18-year-old Mitchell Savickas are both facing murder and armed robbery charges as adults. A preliminary hearing for both was earlier in March and a status conference between the judge and attorneys is set for April.

 

A vigil was held for Blue in February with more than 600 people coming to the Kelloggsville High School.

 

It has been about a year and half since the city of Wyoming has had to deal with a teen homicide. In August 2014, 17-year-old Godwin Heights student Ta’Carhri Richardson was killed after Marquis Kilgore was handling a gun in the back seat of a car that Richardson was driving when the gun went off. Kilgore was sentenced in February 2015 to two years for a felony firearm charge and two and half to 15 years for manslaughter.

Looking for work? Both Wyoming and Kentwood are hiring for the summer

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , , ,
Both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are looking for seasonal help for a number of summer programs.
Both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are looking for seasonal help for a number of summer programs.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The summer months are quickly approaching which means both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood are looking for seasonal workers for programs run through the individual muncipalties’ parks and recreation departments as well as additional maintenance help.

 

Both cities are currently accepting applications for seasonal work with positions ranging from umpiring to maintenance in various departments at wages between $9 to $15 an hour.

 

In the City of Wyoming, there are several positions. The city’s Water Department is looking for seasonal maintenance for a variety of tasks. The Department of Public Works is looking for a seasonal yard waste attendant and maintenance and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is in need of seasonal maintenance workers along with umpires for softball and kickball.

 

The Parks and Recreation Department is also looking for T.E.A.M 21 group leaders for its summer program. T.E.A.M. 21 is a cooperative effort between the Parks and Recreation Department, Wyoming Public Schools, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, Godwin Heights Public Schools and Kelloggsville Public Schools. The program is designed to foster academic, social and emotional growth among students in kindergarten through ninth grade. Last year, the program served nearly 1,600 students in the four school districts. T.E.A.M. 21 group leaders would be responsible for supervising students, planning and implementing educational and recreational activities and mentoring.

 

Most of the City of Wyoming seasonal positions are part-time. Hours for the different positions vary and some do require weekends. For more information or to apply, visit the City of Wyoming’s website by clicking here.

 

The City of Kentwood is looking for maintenance workers, which is 40 hours per week and pays around $10 an hour.

 

Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department has several seasonal positions open as well including a farmers market manager and park attendant. The Kentwood Farmer’s Market usually runs Saturday mornings from about June to October.

 

The Parks and Recreation Department is also looking for Recreation Leaders and REACH staff. The REACH program is a drop-in program in three Kentwood Parks that provides recreational opportunities such as games, sports, and crafts, during the summer months. These positions pay around $10 to $15 per hour.

 

For more information or an employment application, visit the City of Kentwood’s website by clicking here.

Kentwood, Wyoming take recent winter storm in stride

Citizen Journalism, Our Cities, Weather, , , , ,
The intersection of 52nd Street and Burlingame Avenue in Wyoming.
The intersection of 52nd Street and Burlingame Avenue in Wyoming.

Thanks to early warnings from the National Weather Services, warm ground temperatures, advance preparation by local Public Works Departments and the coordination from various municipalities, most travelers had an easy commute this morning.

 

A storm, forecasted by the National Weather Service, hit West Michigan around noon yesterday, leaving about seven to eight inches of heavy wet snow in both Wyoming and Kentwood, with some areas south of 44th Street receiving a little more.

 

“The National Weather Service really got this one right,” said Kentwood Public Works Director John Gorney. “Because of the early alerts, we were able to reorganize our work schedule so we were ready to go when the snow came.”

 

The same held true for the Wyoming Public Works Department, said Wyoming’s Assistant Director of Public Works Aaron Vis.

 

“Because we knew it was going to be a heavy wet snow, we were able to approach it a little differently,” Vis said. Starting about 2:30 p.m., Vis said the Wyoming Public Works department began to work on all of its major roads, salting and clearing them. Once those roads appeared to be staying clear, the plows were redirected to the city’s secondary and local streets.

 

“This way, as we went back out this morning, the plows would be only moving about three to four inches of snow instead of seven to eight,” Vis said. “The goal was to make sure residents wouldn’t get hung up on the instructions and were able to get out of their homes and to work.”

 

Gorney said Kentwood Public Works Department tackled its snow removal similarly by first working on the city’s major roads and the collector roads, which are major roads through the neighborhoods.

 

“The various communities do work together to make sure we are all providing similar services,” Gorney said. “The goal being that if a person is heading down 44th Street, which means they will be going through Grandville, Wyoming and Kentwood, that the plowing is such it appears seamless as the person drives down the street.”

 

Gorney said plows were working through the night with the department’s goal of having all the streets cleared along with the city’s 300 cul-de-sacs, the 20 locations with city sidewalk, all city-owned parking lots, and two miles of bike trails cleared within 24 hours after the storm. This one officially was done by 8 a.m. today, so it should all be cleared by 8 a.m. tomorrow, Gorney said.

 

Vis said Wyoming should be pretty much cleared by 2 p.m. today depending on whether a second lake effect storm comes through as predicted. That storm warning advisory is up through 4 p.m. today.

 

A few things to keep in mind as the plows continue to work on the streets are to slow down, keep a good distance away from the plows, and Vis said for Wyoming residents, keep in mind the odd/even parking rule as it helps the plows clear streets faster.

 

With temperatures expected to jump to the upper 40s by Saturday, the snow will be melting fast. Ground temperatures are also warm which has not allowed the precipitation to freeze.

 

Both Vis and Gorney said residents should not experience any problems as it melts since the drains are clear. However, if residents do see problems, they should contact their respective municipalities.

A Daughter’s Night to Shine: Wyoming and Kentwood Daddy-Daughter Dance in pictures

Kids Activities, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , ,

The Wyoming and Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department each hosted a Daddy-Daughter Dance this past Saturday, February 20. Below are some pictures from the magical evenings.

Wyoming

The Wyoming Daddy-Daughter Dance was a smashing hit with 171 participants and 12 volunteers making sure the event ran smoothly. While dancing was the staple of the event, crafts and games were also held in adjoining rooms.

[huge_it_slider id=”24″]

Kentwood

Those at the Kentwood Daddy Daughter-Dance had the opportunity to experience A Night In Hollywood by walking the red carpet and having their picture taken. 20 couples – 46 participants in all – got to bask in the movie star experience.

[huge_it_slider id=”28″]

The dances were a hit and a job well done by the Parks and Recreation Departments.

Dancing with the Stars: A Daddy and his Daughter

Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , ,
Daddy Daughter Dance 1
2015 Kentwood Daddy-Daughter Dance was a smashing hit!

The month of February has a strong connotation with love. A large reason for that is Valentine’s Day and it’s celebration of romantic love, but it’s not the only type of love that takes center stage here in Wyoming and Kentwood. Both cities like to celebrate parental love – a truly unselfish and unconditional love – during the shortest month of the year with a Daddy-Daughter Dance.

 

February 20 marks the special event for both communities.

 

The Wyoming Daddy-Daughter Dance, hosted by Wyoming Parks and Rec, will be held at the Wyoming Senior Center at 6 p.m. The dance features both dinner and dancing for girls ages 3 to 15. The cost is $8 per person and sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. About 150 people are expected to attend. Make sure to register online or call 616-530-3164.

 

Kentwood’s Daddy-Daughter Dance is being held at the Kentwood Activities Center from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The theme is A Night in Hollywood, complete with pictures on the red carpet. The cost is $20 per couple and an extra $5 per person after that. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited, so make sure you register online (code: #147033A).

 

We hope to see you there!

KDL Looking for a Wyoming Resident to Join the Board

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, ,

Kent District Library 2The Kent District Library is looking for a Wyoming resident to fill an open position on the board. The board term will end December 31, 2017 and applicants must live in the City of Wyoming.

 

Any prospective board member must be able to meet monthly at District Headquarters – 814 W. River Center – in Comstock Park. Monthly meetings may also be held at other participating libraries.

 

In order to apply for the position, you must be a Wyoming resident and complete an online application form on the county’s website. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. Application deadline is this Friday, Jan. 22.

 

For further information, call the Board of Commissioners office at 616-632-7580.

Wyoming District Court Receives High Satisfaction Marks

Hard News, Our Cities, ,
Courtesy of City of Wyoming
Courtesy of City of Wyoming

 

The Wyoming 62A District Court received high satisfaction marks from the community in a survey administered by the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office.

 

Every year, an annual satisfaction survey is given to courts throughout the state that asks court users questions about their levels of satisfaction. These surveys allow courts to see how their services are received and allow them to identify strengths, areas of improvement, and provide positive feedback to employees.

 

“Public input is vitally important because court users can help us make critical management decisions to improve the efficiency of court operations,” said District Court Administrator Chris Kittmann. “Public satisfaction is a critical measure of the success of court operations. Our court employees continuously strive to provide respectful and courteous service to the public.”

 

Across the board, 62A District Court in Wyoming received positive feedback from their court users. Not only were court users pleased with the accessible, timely, and fair service they received, but 67 percent said they received a favorable outcome in their case!

 

Here are some other numbers from the survey:

 

•    96 percent of court users said they were treated with courtesy and respect by court staff.
•    90 percent of court users said the judge or magistrate treated everyone with courtesy and respect.
•    94 percent of court users were able to get their business done in a reasonable amount of time.

 

The public satisfaction survey is part of a statewide initiative of the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office to measure and report on court performance. The survey was developed with input from both judges and court administrators statewide.

With Winter Finally Here, Keep Those Sidewalks Clean!

Our Cities, Weather, , , ,

ci wyoming snow plowsIt took awhile, but Michigan finally decided it was time to let winter out of the basement and into the living room. With winter comes a barrage of snow that accumulates because of our trusted old friend Lake Michigan and its gift of ‘lake effect’ weather.

 

With snow comes the need to keep our roads and sidewalks plowed in order to keep citizen traffic flowing smoothly. A snow shoveled sidewalk keeps citizens walking on the sidewalks and off of the roads. It’s going to be a team effort to keep the sidewalks snow free this winter.

 

In the City of Wyoming, the City has a contractor hired to keep the sidewalks cleared. However, if there aren’t at least two inches of snowfall by 10 p.m., the contractor has to wait until the morning to start clearing. During that time the snow can get packed down, making it difficult to clear.

 

While the City does hire a service to clear the roads and sidewalks, it’s also up to the citizens and the business owners to do their part to keep the sidewalks cleared! Even if you don’t use the sidewalks, your neighbors might, and it’s your responsibility to make sure your portion of the sidewalk is snow free!

 

Take pride in your sidewalk and help make the City of Wyoming a safer place this winter.

Santa Sends His ‘Elves and More’ to Donate 1,800 New Bikes to Kids

Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, , , , , ,

Elves and MoreOn Saturday, December 19, children near the Godfrey-Lee school district right here in Wyoming, MI received a surprise gift sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Thanks to the 11th annual Elves & More West Michigan project, 1,800 kids went home as brand-new bike owners.

Each year, organizers of Elves & More decide on an area of need in West Michigan, and bring Christmas joy to families by giving away bikes to kids age 3-16. The location is kept secret until the morning of the giveaway, and then the message is released in a hurry! Families in the Godfrey-Lee area were alerted by a last-minute text through the school district, and the Wyoming police and fire department rolled through neighborhoods announcing the giveaway from their loudspeakers.

Elves and MoreThis year, 300 volunteers unloaded a bevy of bikes from semi-trucks and set up at Lee Middle and High school off of Havana Avenue.

Elves & More is a non-profit organization devoted to bringing hope to children. They do this by raising funds to purchase, assemble and deliver high-quality bikes and treasure boxes to 1,000 children each holiday season.

In the past 11 years, Elves & More West Michigan has provided 11,800 new bikes and helmets to children in need around Grand Rapids.

Last year, 1,500 bikes were donated in Southeast Grand Rapids.

If you’re looking to get involved for next holiday season, visit Elves & More West Michigan! A donation of $65 buys one lucky child a bike and a helmet. This past year, 13 corporate donors helped provide the 1,800 bikes now tearing up the black top in Godfrey-Lee!

Economic Lesson Stuffs Stockings

Area Education, Education, Our Cities, Recycling, , ,
Student shoppers eye homemade play dough
Student shoppers eye homemade play dough

By: Erin Albanese – School News Network

Marshmallow-y, chocolatey Snowman Soup, Tic-tac-toe games packaged in burlap bags, colorful ornaments, glass magnets and other crafty items will fill the stockings of parents and siblings of Gladiola Elementary students, thanks to some business-savvy students.

The school recently was transformed into the “Wolves Warehouse” Christmas marketplace, as students from kindergarten to fourth-grade classes sold items they created to students and parents.

Homemade crafts for sale covered tables at the marketplace
Homemade crafts for sale covered tables at the marketplace

It was a school-wide lesson in economics as well as a way to share holiday cheer, said fourth-grade teacher Mindy Harris. Rather than offer an adult-run holiday gift shop, students learned grade-level concepts of running a business, like producers and consumers, supply and demand and opportunity cost.

“It’s a real-world connection to economics instead of just spending money,” Harris said.

Each class chose an item to make, set the price and created advertising. Donations and teachers covered initial costs, and each class got to choose how to spend its profits.

Harris’ fourth-graders very quickly sold out of the glass magnets they made and peddled for 50 cents each. Student Dion Idrizi was excited.

“It feels good because everyone wants to buy our magnets, and we will get some money and make a profit,” Dion said.

Be sure to check out School News Network for more stories about our great students, schools, and faculty in West Michigan!

First & Main of Metro Health Village: A Groundbreaking Concept that Caters to Seniors

Senior Living, , , , , ,

First and MainBy Victoria Mullen

Getting old can really suck if you’re not in the greatest shape. Aching, stiff joints. Decreased mobility. And moving from one’s beloved, long-time home into a retirement community or assisted living facility isn’t a pleasant thought either. For some, this transition is especially traumatic. My mom’s experience was no different: It’s an understatement to say that she wasn’t too keen on moving to a retirement community.

“I don’t want to live around a bunch of old people,” she repeatedly said. At the time, she was 80 years old, but I knew what she meant. Mom is very young at heart. After months of persuasion, though, she finally acquiesced, and we found a fabulous community for her. Now she wishes that she would have moved there sooner. On the day she moved in, she met the love of her life, and these days she reassures me often with, “It’s never too late to find a man.”

Uh, thanks, but I’m fine. Really.

Granted, people normally don’t transition to a senior community and find their true love; my mother’s experience is the exception. But it serves to illustrate that life is full of surprises and one should approach this huge milestone with an open mind.

Back in 2006, when I was searching for a retirement community suitable for my mother’s needs, First & Main, 5812 Village Drive SW, Wyoming, Mich.–the upscale residential component of Metro Health Village–was still being developed. Gary Granger, president and CEO of Granger Group, had been planning the community since 2003 and this past September 23, the Wyoming senior community welcomed its first resident.

“Care is a very important piece of every assisted living community because that is the foundation of what makes this so necessary,” said Granger in a press release. “We try to do that maybe in a little bit different way. … Even though the average age is in the mid-80s, people still want to feel valued and feel like they are tied into the community. The wellness component of our program is probably going to be the biggest area of emphasis for us, because the two most important things for wellness and health are diet and exercise.”The entryway into a First & Main development is designed to have a community feel and features an open atrium and café bookstore. Courtesy Granger Group

First & Main is a 102-unit senior living community with a 170-resident capacity. It is designed with a marketplace atmosphere that is evocative of a town center. The first two floors provide assisted-living options and the third floor is for memory care.

The 180-acre healthcare village is not only home to the first suburban hospital in the region, it’s an entire community of support services, retail shops, a grocery store, restaurants and more with Metro Health Hospital at its core. There are also an in-house chapel, theater, salon, bistro and patio, fitness center, and a courtyard with a putting green and raised gardens.

I had noticed components of Metro Health Village slowly appearing over the years—doctors’ offices, the Pain Clinic, Metro Health Hospital, and now the most recent addition, the residential community. There’s also Family Fare grocery store, which I thought had been an odd placement, but now it all makes sense.

Every building in Metro Health Village is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, focusing on energy conservation, recycling and storm water management. The village also integrates the natural environment to provide a healthy, calm, healing setting to serve patients, families and neighbors nearby.

First & Main boasts some newfangled technology that makes life easier for its residents. Instead of door keys, residents use digitally encoded, radio-frequency wristbands to unlock their suites. Also featured is interactive engagement software called ‘It’s Never Too Late,’ which can be used for a variety of activities such as trivia games, vintage radio shows, and using Street View to tour a resident’s hometown.

“The wellness program, hospitality and community engagement are part of the goal to support residents’ lifestyles,” according to Granger. “Several of the programs and services offered in the new development will incorporate third-party providers, such as hair stylists in the salon, bringing in health experts for diet and exercise training classes, and yoga and fitness instructors.”

Other amenities include 24-hour staffing, transportation to physician appointments, housekeeping, activities and wellness, chef-prepared meals, apartment and suite maintenance, assistance with digital communication and reminders and assistance to dinner.

First and Main 2Some features may take getting used to, especially for people who are used to being self-sufficient. For example, ‘Point of Care Solution,’ a handheld mobile device, provides real-time documentation for staff so that more time can be spent with residents; ‘Quiet Care’ determines residents’ nighttime behavior patterns and alerts staff when that pattern changes; ‘Real Time Location Service Pendants’ alert staff to a resident’s location if assistance is needed; LG CNS Electronic Health Records and Medication Management Systems provide a detailed electronic record for each resident; and special spectrum lighting helps reset the natural Circadian rhythms for memory care.

Metro Health Village is a groundbreaking concept and the first of its kind in the nation. Granger has plans to build similar villages in other areas of Michigan as well as in Ohio. We can thank the Baby Boomer generation for this trend as more and more cohorts from that population transition to retirement communities.

For more information, call 616.622.2420 or visit the website.

Images courtesy of Granger Group

Reminder! Fall Yard Services Available to Wyoming Residents

Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

Autumn LeavesThe City of Wyoming has several yard waste services available to help keep yards looking neat as leaves begin to fall.

The yard waste drop off-site at 2660 Burlingame S.W. is open to residents Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 12.

There is no limit on the size of branches or shrubs accepted at the site. However, residents must be able to unload the yard waste themselves. If yard waste materials are delivered in bags, totes or boxes, the containers must be removed from the facility.

Leaf removal containers are available through November 25. A container is delivered to a home and picked up the next business day for a delivery to the yard waste site. Containers are 11 feet long, 6 feet wide and 3 feet high, or 7.5 cubic yards. The cost of container delivery and rental is $10 for a weekday and $20 for a weekend. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations can be made by phone with a credit card by calling 530-7260. Residents may also visit the office to pay with cash or a check.

Wyoming SealA curb-side leaf pick up will be held on Saturday, December 5. Leaves must be in paper yard waste bags by 6 a.m. Saturday. There is no limit to the number of bags residents can put out. Branches that are tied together in bundles less than four feet long will also be picked up.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 530-7260.

Local Veteran Group Looking for a Home

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Veterans, Volunteers, , , , , ,
VFW 702
VFW Post 702 at Blueberry Fest in downtown Grandville

By: Doug Broek

Did you know that there is a VFW post right here in Wyoming that has been chartered since the mid-1940s? It might be better to start with a more basic question, do you know what the VFW stands for?

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a service organization comprised of veterans who have served our country overseas in times of war. To be eligible for membership, the veteran has to have served honorably as a member of the Armed Services of the United States in a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition that has been recognized by the United States Government. Also, a campaign-medal service badge has to have been issued.

Post #702 Wyoming-Grandville is one of 300 VFW posts in the State of Michigan and is currently looking for a place to call home.

With the WWII and Vietnam veterans passing on at the rate of over 100 a day nationally, it is imperative that Post #702 recruit veterans from the current global conflicts, with Iraq and Afghanistan being in the largest combat zones. In order better recruit, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 702 Wyoming/Grandville is looking for a post home to better serve the area’s local veterans.

Currently, Post 702 does not have a post home, but they meet on the 1st Tuesday of every month at the United Postal Workers Union hall on Burlingame Avenue SW in Wyoming.

Post 702 is very active in the community. Current membership is about 96, with about 10% being active. Some of the many activities they participate in are:

•    Marching in both the Walker Memorial Day Parade and the Grandville 4th of July Parade.
•    Manning booths at the Grandville Pre-Fourth of July Kick-off and Blueberry Festival.
•    Active at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans working with their staff in providing activities not supported by the Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs such as the Bait Shop, Clothing Room, and Bingo two times a month.
•    Wreaths Across America.
•    Passing out American flags to each child in a Wyoming/Grandville elementary school around Veterans Day.
•    Grilling hot dogs for the 6th grade at Cummings Elementary School this past Spring.
•    Assisting the Grand Valley Armory with Christmas parties, picnics and other activities.
•    Manning a booth in the Wyoming Metro Cruise.
•    Raising donations for the Veterans Scholarship Fund for Grand Valley State University, Department of Michigan VFW’s Camp Trotter, and the veteran causes.
•    Several post members are part of the WGVU ENGAGE committee for Veterans. This is the organization that produced the LZ Michigan program in 2010 at the Fifth Third Ball Park and the Veterans Salute at GVSU the past two Fall seasons.

In order to promote new membership to keep VFW Post 702 alive and flourishing, a central hub – a home – is needed. Without the influx of new membership, the VFW will have a hard time continuing to exist. Coordinating future activities engaging with the community would be easier with a post home complete with its own phone number and address.

VFWMalta4VFW Post 702 is looking for a suitable building within the cities of Wyoming and Grandville to call its Post Home. A building with a canteen (bar) is not a necessity. The VFW is more interested in being community involved and assisting other veterans than having a canteen to contend with. Members need a place that they can have family activities: graduation parties, wedding receptions, birthday parties, etc. A post home would provide for that. Serving the community and assisting other veterans is the most important to the post’s membership.

Your support of VFW Post 702 would help better support our local veterans and the local community.

Anyone able to assist in finding a post home; please contact Doug Broek at 616-532-5227 or douglas.broek@gmail.com, or the Post email vfwpost702@gmail.com.

Wyoming, Michigan Artist’s ArtPrize Entry Shines Light on Peers

Local Entertainment, Local Faces, , , ,

996027_249415478538872_1008400190_nBorn with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), 25-year-old Ty Dykema uses an electric wheelchair to get around. His activities may be restricted, but that doesn’t stop him from creating bold, colorful portraits. Physically unable to use a paintbrush, Dykema uses a Wacom tablet and ArtRage Studios painting and drawing software to create his works of art.

“Art is my purpose in life, and I have been actively creating for as long as I can remember,” Dykema said.

Dykema’s ArtPrize entry, “We Can’t Walk; So What!?” comprises three portraits printed on high-quality photo paper from ProLab Express and custom-framed for ArtPrize by Merizon Studios. Each framed piece measures 16″W x 20″H.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Michigan, Dykema thought the most appropriate project to enter would be a series of stylized portrait paintings of some of his peers.

“Each subject of the paintings uses a wheelchair in everyday life because they have SMA,” Dykema said. “They are important members of their communities and are exceptional in their respective crafts.”

Adam Davis is a hip-hop DJ from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Tess Hazenberg is 1509307_505310736282677_6639163039909796673_nan MSU graduate currently doing social work in North Carolina. And Shane Burcaw is the CEO of the non-profit organization, Laughing At My Nightmare based out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

“The theme of this project is simple—pay respects to and shine some much-deserved light on my people while showing the world what we CAN do, not just what we’re limited to,” said Dykema.

See Dykema’s ArtPrize entry at The B.O.B.  Here are the links to his ArtPrize page and Facebook page.

Wyoming’s Landscape Sees Positive Changes

Our Cities, ,

Wyoming SealWyoming Veterans ClinicAs a proud home owner in Wyoming since 1977, I am thrilled with all the new adventures and beginnings going on in the city. I think one of the best, and perhaps least known, is the new Veterans Clinic in Metro Village. Even if you are not a veteran, it’s worth your time to stop by and see this new and wonderful facility. The clinic is state-of-the-art on multiple levels. It’s a great resource to give our veterans the kind of care they need, and ultimately deserve, for their service of our country.

If you’d like to take a visit to tour the Veterans Clinic, just stop on by and talk to one of the clinic’s volunteers. They will be glad to give you a tour and information regarding the facility! If you have any interest in volunteering with the veterans, stop on by and ask. There are always volunteer opportunities for those who want it. Personally, I am there on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 8-noon.

The Veterans Clinic isn’t the only new thing is town. There is new construction around the city and new businesses as well! The awful, in my humble opinion, old Ponderosa building is being torn down and a brand new restaurant is being built in its place. Little Mexico restaurant will make a new home in front of the new turn on 28th St, which will be gone because of construction there. Please support this local business as they have decided to stay in Wyoming and add to the local opportunities that are available!

The new Wimsatt building off of 28th St.
The new Wimsatt building off of 28th St.

Another great addition to 28th St. is the new Wimsatt business. For people who don’t know what they do (like me) they are in construction supply. So, to all those Wyoming construction people, check out the new local business right on 28th St.

Also the old GM plant on 36th St. has a new realtor with international connections. That is a positive development and seems to be a step in the right direction.

I am very proud of the city of Wyoming and how it is turning itself around to a vibrant business plan. We are a city of progress and it bodes well for the city’s future. Wyoming is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Wyoming Welcomes Kendall Electric

Local Business, Our Cities, , , ,

Former GM Employee Parking Lot will See Changes

by Terri Yochum

Former GM employee parking lot sits waiting to be transformed.
Former GM employee parking lot sits waiting to be transformed.

After four years of vacancy, the former General Motors property on Clay Avenue in Wyoming claims its first new resident: J.O. Galloup and Smith Instruments, subsidiaries of Kendall Electric. The combined Kendall Electric businesses will occupy one state of the art facility on a seven acre parcel of the old GM plant, now referred to as Site 36.

Martin Ranly, Kendall Electric president and chief executive officer was quoted in the Southwest Advance as saying, “We are extremely excited to continue investing in the West Michigan business market by relocating our J.O. Galloup operations to Wyoming.” He continued to say that he hopes the many customers they have here will see this move as an investment in the future of all companies involved.

According to Ranly, the location fits perfectly with the needs of the business expansion because of its infrastructure and accessibility. In addition to housing 95 J.O. employees, the 100,000-square-foot facility will be eligible for a 12 year tax exemption and brownfield redevelopment dollars of up to $250,000.

J.O. Galloup is a premier distributor of pipe, valves, fittings and associated materials. Their mission, according to a company spokesperson, is to be the first choice as an employer, as a supplier, and as a partner to their vendors. Smith Instruments, also a subsidiary of Kendall Electric, is a leading representative of industrial and automation products. Spokespeople from both companies believe this venture will be a wise union.

Meanwhile Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt says that the city is committed to growing companies locally through a system of ‘Economic Gardening.’ “This is a process by which big employers help smaller, existing businesses to grow. We want to see our local businesses do well.”

According to Holt, Economic Gardening helps promote the growth of existing local business in three ways:

First, by providing critical information needed by businesses to survive and thrive;  second, by developing and cultivating an infrastructure that goes beyond the basic physical infrastructure and includes quality of life, a culture that embraces growth and change, and access to intellectual resources, including qualified and talented employees; and third, by developing connections between businesses and the people and organizations that can help take them to the next level such as business associations, universities, roundtable groups, service providers and more.

“If your local business is growing, we can help you and want to work with you,” Holt said.

The City of Wyoming, together with development companies Lornax Stern and The Right Place, are working to redevelop and market the Site 36 property. “We are expecting to announce the inclusion of one more company very soon,” added Holt.

The vast majority of business owners in the surrounding area are excited about the Kendall project because the new addition will fill in some of the existing emptiness. “We’re pleased to see development picking up in the Wyoming area,” Roger Morgenstein, senior public information director for Consumers Energy said. “We are eagerly awaiting this first arrival.”