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My Town: Arthrits Walk returns under new name and leader

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Wednesday, April 9th, 2014, 7:00am
My Town: Arthrits Walk returns under new name and leader

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—The Arthritis Walk will return with a new name and new leader when it returns to Grand Rapids next month.

Dr. Thomas A. Malvitz of Ada will serve as medical chair of the 2014 Grand Rapids Walk to Cure Arthritis, formerly known as the Arthritis Walk.  Malvitz is a surgeon with the Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan in Grand Rapids.

The Walk to Cure Arthritis is a three-mile walk aimed at raising awareness and funds to fight arthritis.  Proceeds from the event go to the Arthritis Foundation, which works to help some of the more than 2.3 million Michiganders with arthritis.

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My Town: Ford Airport welcomes Hollywood stars

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Monday, March 24th, 2014, 9:25am
My Town: Ford Airport welcomes Hollywood stars

KENTWOOD, Mich.— Travelers at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport got a taste of Hollywood last week, as crews shot scenes for a film starring Jesse Eisenberg.

A crew of more than 100 people worked more than 14 hours shooting scenes throughout the airport for “The End of the Tour”.  Grand Rapids’ airport will represent the Minneapolis- St. Paul and Chicago O’Hare airports in the movie.

“Not only are we happy to host the cast and crew for filming, but we are happy they are flying in and out of our airport and bringing in money to support the local economy,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.  “They are flying in and out of Grand Rapids, grabbing a cup of Starbucks at our airport, staying in our hotels and eating in our restaurants.  It’s wonderful for the entire West Michigan community.”

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My Town: Cornerstone University loses a namesake

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, March 13th, 2014, 12:42pm
My Town: Cornerstone University loses a namesake

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich.—The Cornerstone University community is mourning the loss of a long-time trustee and supporter.

John Miller, 82, was laid to rest Wednesday in Marco Island, FL.  Miller’s influence on Cornerstone can be seen throughout campus; multiple buildings have been named after his family, including Miller Library and Miller Hall. Miller also served on the Cornerstone University Board of Trustees from 1964 to 2003. He was an honorary trustee since 2003. 

 “Besides Dr. (Wilbert) Welch, John Miller has had the most impact on this university and we have lost a dear friend,” said President Joe Stowell.

The Miller family is also responsible for numerous scholarships to CU students.

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My Town: New District Five commissioner named

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, February 27th, 2014, 3:28pm
My Town: New District Five commissioner named

CASCADE, Mich.—There’s a new face among the Kent County Board of Commissioners.

Thursday morning, the board unanimously voted to appoint Mandy Bolter of Cascade to the vacant District Five seat.  

"I am honored to be part of such a great group of people, working to keep our county the best place to live, work, start a business and raise a family,” said Commissioner Bolter.

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Former Congressional candidate joins Airport Board

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Monday, February 10th, 2014, 10:31am
Former Congressional candidate joins Airport Board

KENTWOOD, Mich.—There’s a new face on the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board.

The Kent County Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Steve Heacock Monday.  The seven-member Airport Board is responsible for the general oversight of Gerald R. Ford Ford International Airport.  Heacock replaces former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, who left the board last December.  His term will run through Dec. 31, 2016.

Heacock has served as chairman of the Convention and Arena Authority, which owns and operates Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place.  He  served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners fir sux years, including two years as the chairman.  Heacock, who is a Grand Rapids resident, is the senior vice president of public affairs for Spectrum Health Systems.  He was also the chief administrative officer, general counsel and board secretary of the Van Andel Institute for six years.

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Celebrate the Mitten Writers Conference registration now open

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Thursday, February 6th, 2014, 8:00am
Celebrate the Mitten Writers Conference registration now open

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--- Rub shoulders with other wordsmiths for free, as the third annual Celebrate the Mitten Writers Conference returns to Grand Rapids.

Publishers, editors and novelists Kristina Riggle and Aric Davis will be among the speakers sharing their tips on how to take your writing to the next level.  Writers from all generes and skill levels are welcome for the free conference, which will take place Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kent District Library Cascade Township Branch.

 “Libraries wouldn’t exist without readers, and that requires writers,” said Morgan Jarema, KDL communications assistant and conference organizer. “Last year’s conference drew a full house of 200 people and had a waiting list, so writers in West Michigan clearly are looking to hear from experts in their field to help them navigate the path to publication. We really want to support them.”

Now is the time to register for the conference.

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Kent District Library announces Write Michigan Contest winners

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer
Wednesday, February 5th, 2014, 12:22pm
Kent District Library announces Write Michigan Contest winners

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Six people from Grand Rapids and Ada are among the winners of the second annual Write Michigan Contest.

Judges reviewed nearly 900 entries from writers across the state- that’s nearly double the amount the received last year.  Nearly 500 of the submissions were to the new teen category.

All last month, the public voted for their favorites on the Write Michigan website.  The winners were announced this week.  The Judge’s Choice winners took home a $250 award; Judges’ Choice runners-up were awarded $100.  Readers’ Choice winners were also awarded $250.

This year’s winners are:

Adult Category

  • Judges’ Choice Winner: Oscar Bee, Chelsea
  • Judges’ Choice Runner-Up: Connor Newton, Waterford
  • Readers’ Choice Winner: Eric Dobson, Ypsilanti
  • Published Finalists: Anne Brandt, Benton Harbor; Robert Vander Lugt,
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