West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

In this segment, Phil Tower welcomes back Ron Jenkins, Director, and Kateri Schneider, the actor playing the lead role of Dorthy, in LionHeart Productions newest presentation, The Wizard of Oz Live on Stage…….. November 8-10, 15 & 16, 2024, at Grant Fine Arts Center. LionHeart Productions is a community theater organization based in Grant, Michigan. For over twenty years, it has produced family-friendly productions for Newaygo County. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, check out LionHeart Productions

In this segment, Phil Tower welcomes Ilhiana Rojas Saldana, executive and leadership coach, DEI consultant, bestselling author, and international motivational speaker. Ilhiana is the featured keynote speaker at Inforum Michigan’s Capstone Dinner on Thursday, November 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids. Ilhiana founded BeLIVE Coaching & Consulting and is the co-president of United Latinas. Saldana brings over 20 years of global executive experience from her work with Fortune 500 companies in Mexico and the U.S. Her leadership and business strategy expertise has benefitted numerous professionals and organizations. During Inforum’s Capstone Dinner, Saldana will share strategies on the transformative power of self-advocacy, embracing one’s unique voice, and confidently stepping into your power and amplifying your area of influence. Inforum is a leading professional organization that fosters strategic connections and accelerates women's careers across Southeast and West Michigan. Inforum Online lhiana Rojas Saldana Online

Host Phil Tower focuses on elections and preparing for election day with Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus-Lyons on this week's program. We devoted the whole program to discussing voting, preparing for elections, and the issue of election integrity. Posthumus-Lyons made it clear that she and her team with the clerk's office have been working overtime to assure that she and her team with the clerk's office have been working overtime to ensure that this general election on November election on November 5 runs smoothly and accurately. She also told us that election transparency is a priority for her and her team and that every Kent County voter should trust the voting process. Posthumus-Lyons told us that she wants the election process to be accessible to the public. She even invited county residents to watch the testing of voting machines and ask any additional questions about the process. She recently told WOOD TV 8, “We’re inserting a number of ballots into the tabulator to ensure that it counts what it’s supposed to count, that it doesn’t count what it’s not supposed to. So, if a voter makes a mistake or overvotes, we want to give the voter that option to correct their ballot,” he said. “…The public can see and observe that whole process.” 71% of Michigan adults 18 and over participated in the 2020 presidential election, which is the highest percentage since the 1960 presidential election (Kennedy vs. Nixon) We also discussed absentee ballots and early in-person voting with Lisa Posthumus-Lyons. She stressed the importance of getting ballots in on time, especially for absentee ballot voters. She recommended dropping the ballots off at the township ballot boxes and not mailing them to ensure that they are received on time and counted. Key Registration deadlines: In-person at local election office on Election Day: Nov 5 Absentee ballot deadlines: Request ballot deadline: Nov 1 by 5:00 p.m. EDT Return ballot by mail (received by): Nov 5 by 8:00 p.m. EST Return ballot in person: Nov 5 by 8:00 p.m. EST Online: KentCountyVotes.com

On this week's full program, Phil Tower welcomes back Chad Livengood, the politics editor and columnist at The Detroit News. In our second visit this year with Chad Livengood on the West Michigan weekend program, we covered a wide range of topics related to the presidential race, Michigan politics, and, specifically, the tight Senate race between Mike Rogers and Elissa Slotkin. Former President Trump, in a widely covered speech before the Detroit Economic Club on October 10th, everyone was talking about a comment Trump made when he asked what could happen if Vice President Kamala Harris were to win. Trump was quoted as saying, “It will be like Detroit. Our whole country will end up being like Detroit if she’s your president. You’re going to have a mess on your hands.” Many people in Detroit and beyond expressed understandable outrage. Still, Trump’s supporters said the national media seized upon that comment and took it entirely out of context. Chad attended the Detroit Economic Club speech and shared his views on what happened that day. Both candidates, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris, have made numerous trips to Michigan and are likely to make several more as the presidential race becomes more important and magnified as we approach election day. Chad also discussed the key Senate race between Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D) and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R). As we recorded this program, the polls showed that both candidates are in a virtual dead heat in their effort to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s (D) seat in the U.S. Senate Additionally, we talked about absentee ballots and the importance of early in-person voting, which Chad felt could have a major impact on the election here in Michigan. Finally, we ended our conversation by discussing the importance of trusting the election outcome, precisely the idea of election integrity. A September survey by the Gallup organization found that 57% of Americans say they are very or somewhat confident that the votes for president this year will be accurately cast and counted. The Gallup research noted that this percentage of voters aligns with how Americans have viewed the election results most years since 2008. However, the research noted that only 28% of Republicans have faith in the accuracy of the vote. Gallup Survey On Election Trust. You can read Chad’s stories here in The Detroit News. TOPICS ADDRESSED: the presidential election 2024, presidential politics, election integrity, get-out-the-vote efforts, absentee voting, early in-person voting, election safety, and media coverage of the presidential race.

On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Doug Stanton and Anne Stanton of the National Writers Series. They joined us to discuss the fall 2024 season of The National Writers Series in Traverse City, Michigan. Doug Stanton is a journalist, lecturer, screenwriter, and author of New York Times bestsellers In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors and Horse Soldiers, which was the basis of the 2018 film 12 Strong. Doug is also co-founder of the National Writers Series. Along with Doug Stanton, Anne Stanton is also a co-founder of the National Writers Series and currently serves as its executive director. She is also the editorial director for Mission Point Press. NWS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging world-renowned authors in meaningful conversations in the Traverse City area. The organization also sponsors "Raising Writers" programs to help students express themselves, explore the world through reading, develop their imaginations, and think critically. Since 2010, the National Writers Series has hosted more than 260 authors––including Alice Walker, Margaret Atwood, David Sedaris, Tayari Jones, Jodi Picoult, Vince Gilligan, and Anthony Doerr––and drawn more than 70,000 people to our events, mostly held at the City Opera House. The events have also sold some 20,000 books through local bookstores. Online: National Writers Series

On this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with bestselling author Philippa Perry, on her book, The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read: (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) This is an encore replay of our interview with Philippa Perry in February 2020. In her now million-copy bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry shares relationships' vital do's and don'ts. This is a book described as “for us all.” Whether you are interested in understanding how your upbringing has shaped you, looking to handle your child's feelings or wishing to support your partner, you will find indispensable information and realistic tips in these pages. Philippa Perry's sane, sage, and judgment-free advice is an essential resource on how to have the best possible relationships with the people who matter to you most. Online: Philippa Perry The Book: The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) TOPICS ADDRESSED: marriage relationships, parenting and marriages, Childcare, parenting advice.

On this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Former Michigan Governor James Blanchard, a board member of the newly formed Michigan Democracy Defense Project. In mid-September, former Michigan governors and top elected leaders from both sides of the aisle announced the launch of the Democracy Defense Project in Michigan. Former Govs. John Engler, a Republican, and Jim Blanchard, a Democrat, join former Republican U.S. Congressman Mike Bishop and former Democratic Lt. Gov. John Cherry as board members of Democracy Defense Project, a national organization working to defend the transparency, safety, security, and validity of Michigan’s elections system. At a time when America’s confidence in our elections and democracy has significantly eroded, the Democracy Defense Project was created to bring together trusted leaders to bolster faith and trust in the integrity of our elections system. Democracy Defense Project

On this segment of West Michigan weekend, Phil Tower speaks with Kelli Dobner, Chief Growth Officer at Samaritas Michigan. Kelli joined us to discuss the new Samaritas “Neighbors Not Numbers” campaign, which is all about breaking down the myths and misconceptions about affordable housing. Many people think it impacts only the unemployed or poor, but in reality, it impacts many people, including teachers, people in the service industry, and college grads in the first years of their profession. Samaritas, a non-profit with a long history in West Michigan, works with vulnerable populations, from foster care children to refugees to those overcoming substance abuse issues. The organization’s work in developing affordable housing for community residents has expanded. With Neighbors Not Numbers, they hope to gain more attention and support from policymakers across the state to address the issue. The campaign focuses on public education, dispelling misconceptions about affordable housing, and encouraging local leaders and community members to understand the importance of sustainable housing solutions. Online: Samaritas “Neighbors Not Numbers” Campaign

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Dawn Baker, Festival Manager for the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, and Barbara Anderson, associate vice president of philanthropy for Hospice of Michigan. Dawn and Barbara joined us for a behind-the-scenes preview of the upcoming Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, returning to DeVos Place in downtown November 21-23. We learned from our guests about an exciting new addition to the show this year: a Thursday “Cheers for Charity” night, from 6-9 pm, in the Grand Gallery space, benefitting the Hospice of Michigan. “Cheers for Charity” will feature an upscale experience featuring a dozen restaurants and specialty food producers serving mouth-watering small plates, food and beverage demonstrations on the Meijer Food Stage, and hand-selected beverages (wine, beer, cider, spirits, and sake) with multiple themed tables like Historical Beers, Best of Bubbles, Emerging Wine Regions, Undiscovered Varietals and Marvelous Michigan, among others. Tickets for the Festival and the “Cheers for Charity” are on sale now grwinefestival.com

In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes back Melissa F. Kaelin…, an author, writer, painter, and Aurora Chaser living in Michigan. Melissa has led many community initiatives, including founding the Michigan Aurora Chasers, creating the Social Gap Experiment, and co-founding the annual Aurora Summit. Melissa’s Book “Beyond the 45th Parallel” is an expanded and refined 2nd Edition with seven new chapters just released this year. Melissa founded the Michigan Aurora Chasers, a Facebook group of 100,000 Aurora Chasers, established in January 2021. Melissa has helped thousands of people see the Northern Lights for the first time, encouraged Aurora fans to consider attending the Aurora Summit, and, most importantly, reminded us that the autumnal equinox begins the prime viewing period for the Northern Lights. More online: Michigan Aurora Chasers Aurora Summit Light Pollution Map

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with David Rubenstein… New York Times bestselling author of The American Story and How to Lead, host of PBS’s History with David Rubenstein. David joined us to discuss his newest book, The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency. In his new book, The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency, David Rubenstein conducts original interviews with living US presidents including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden – about what it means to be POTUS. He also looks at the achievements and unique characteristics of presidents of the past who chose to take on the most challenging job on earth and provides some guidelines on attracting the best candidates in the future. David shared that the two biggest points that he hopes readers will take away from his new book are, first…. the complexities of the individual presidents, their unique jobs, and especially the complexities of their personalities and characteristics. Secondly, David stressed the importance of voter turnout. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 presidential election had the highest voter turnout of the 21st century, with 66.8% of citizens 18 years and older voting. Still, as David noted, roughly 33% of the country didn't vote. More voters (154.6 million) turned out for the presidential election in 2020 than in 2016 (137.5 million). About David: David M. Rubenstein is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Invest, How to Lead, The American Experiment, and The American Story. He is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful private equity firms, and in March 2024, he became the new owner of the Baltimore Orioles. Online: David Rubenstein Get the Book- The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency

On our program this week, host Phil Tower welcomes back guest Kent Riddle, President and CEO of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Kent Riddle joined the program this week to discuss many exciting new developments and partnerships at Mary Free Bed. Kent shared briefly the story of how he and his family became acquainted with Mary Free Bed, as he described, "by accident" in the summer of 2002 after his wife, Susan, sustained a severe brain injury in a major car crash. Kent witnessed Susan's long road to recovery at Mary Free Bed. Because of that experience, he left a very successful business career and devoted himself to helping others at Mary Free Bed. After serving on the hospital board, Kent became Mary Free Bed CEO in 2011. Since that time, after 13+ years of his leadership and vision, significant and positive growth has been the norm at Mary Free Bed. Kent has helped oversee the launch of new programs and the extension of rehab services at Mary Free Bed to other hospitals around the state and the country. He has also led the hospital to a massive increase in the total number of patients served. Kent also updated us on: **The recent groundbreaking of Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital and why the hospital is such a game changer for Mary Free Bed. **The Mary Free Bed Guild's sponsorship of the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant was hosted once again in Grand Rapids. **The recognition that U.S. News& World Report ranked Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital as the 9th best rehabilitation hospital in the United States. **Five Mary Free Bed "alums" that had the honor of competing in the Paralympics in Paris recently.

On the program this week, host Phil Tower welcomed Michael Crittenden and Phil Biggs, partners and founders of the "Standing Together Concert Series." The Standing Together concert series was created locally to raise money and awareness for mental illness and homelessness in the greater Grand Rapids area. Let's say West Michigan! Funds raised from the concert series are used to provide direct-to-build shelters and permanent homes for our area’s homeless while providing mental health resources. The next Standing Together concert is on Friday, September 13th, at Legacy Park in Ada. It features a triple bill of live music from Phil Biggs, Troll for Trout, and Domestic Problems. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m. and is free to the public. Guests are encouraged to donate by scanning the QR codes available at the event. All proceeds benefit, i understand…providing mental health support to our homeless in partnership with Mel Trotter Ministries’ Next Step Industries. Online: Standing Together Concert Series In part two of the program, Phil speaks with Melissa VanDyke, LMSW, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Easter Seals in West Michigan. In West Michigan, Easter Seals provides outpatient behavioral health services in Kent County and nearby West Michigan communities via telephone in rural West Michigan areas, by member choice, and when clinically indicated. Easter Seals offers a comprehensive array of supportive services to help children and adults with mental illness, physical and developmental disabilities, and special needs and their families. "Over The Edge," a major fundraiser for Easter Seals here in West Michigan, happens on September 14th. Participants who raise $1000 in pledges will be able to go Over the Edge, rappelling down Bridgewater Place to raise funds for Easter Seals MORC programs and services. Online: Easter Seals MORC Online: Over The Edge West Michigan ISSUES ADDRESSED: autism, autism testing, behavioral health services, mental health services for at-risk families and individuals. Guests Segment 2: ISSUES ADDRESSED: Homelessness, the unhoused, mental health, trauma, homelessness, and mental health, suicide prevention and awareness.

On the program this week, host Phil Tower welcomes Catlin Whitington, executive director-ArtPrize. This year's art prize runs from September 13 to 28, as the event will once again transform the city of Grand Rapids. This is Catlin's second year leading the biggest art event in North America, and he told us he learned a lot in his first year as chief architect of the iconic West Michigan event. For those new to the region, ArtPrize is an annual international art competition that spans nearly four square miles of the urban core of Grand Rapids, encompassing multiple neighborhoods and diverse districts within the city. For sixteen days, art is exhibited in galleries and storefronts. Parks and museums. In breweries, public spaces, and venues of all kinds. Quite frankly, there's nothing like it anywhere else in the country. ArtPrize awards over $400,000 directly to artists through both popular and juried voting. In addition, we distribute over $200,000 in annual grants to support the ambitious work of eligible participating artists. Online: ArtPrize

On this week's episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Tory Richardson, President & CEO of Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Tory was recently featured on the iHeartRadio podcast "CEOs You Should Know." He joined us on the program to discuss a dynamic period of growth in travel and Ford International Airport's physical size. Ford International Airport (GRR) recently started construction on a $135 million terminal-enhancement project designed to expand the terminal’s west side and improve the airport’s overall sustainability, airport officials say. Tory said the expansion would add a new consolidated baggage inspection system for improved transport of checked luggage, new ticket counters, larger baggage claim carousels, and many other improvements. Not surprisingly, we learned that Ford International Airport is experiencing tremendous growth 2023 was another record-breaking year for the number of passengers served annually. Roughly 3.8 million travelers passed through the terminal last year. Online: Gerald R. Ford International Airport

In this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes the honorable Judge Sara Smolenski, who recently retired after 34 years as 63rd District Court Judge. Judge Smolenski retired on July 15th after 34 years on the bench. Judge Sara joined us to talk about her long career as an attorney and later judge, following in the footsteps of her father and brother, Michael. There's been a Smolenski on the bench in West Michigan for 55 years—a true family legacy. Judge Sara Smolenski grew up as one of 10 siblings. She told us she had wanted to be a lawyer since the fourth grade. You'll hear about that story in this episode. Judge Smolenski has spent decades in West Michigan supporting numerous nonprofits…..Catholic Charities West Michigan, CASA of Kent County, Cherry Health and Mercy Central School of Nursing, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Dominican Sisters, and others. We also learn in this conversation why she referred to the district court as “the people's court." Judge Sara also talked about retirement and term limits for judges, especially at the Supreme Court, and the importance of adhering to a code of ethics. Online: 63rd District Court

On this week's program, host Phil Tower speaks with Andria Romkema, Lead Organizer, Tech WeekGR. Andria is also the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The Right Place. WHAT IS TECH WEEK? Andria explained Tech Week as an "unconference”; It is participant-driven. That means the events, discussions, demos, and showcases are led by the people who live and work in our community. Tech Week is an opportunity to connect with like-minded people—from the region and across the country—face-to-face, to exchange ideas, network, pick up new information, and ultimately help move the conversation forward.The Right Place organizes Tech Week Grand Rapids. It works alongside other community leaders to create Tech Week, which aims to establish Greater Grand Rapids as a leading destination for tech and innovation. The Grand Rapids region is perfectly positioned for innovation in many industries - especially tech. Online: Tech Week Grand Rapids In part two of the program, Phil welcomes Megan Rydecki, Director of The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies is dedicated to raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the twenty-first century.” It's an election year, and the news cycle is already cranked up to MAX! So, how do you educate yourself on the candidates and the issues without being sent down a rabbit hole through the active and targeted misinformation and disinformation campaigns so prevalent online? To help navigate around that cesspool of misinformation and disinformation circling ahead of the November presidential election, The People’s Guide was unveiled last month, put together by a partnership between WGVU, the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Discourse Along with tools to help people register to vote and learn more about what is on the upcoming ballot, the site also has guides on spotting misinformation, media bias, and the importance of consuming news from multiple outlets. Online: The People’s Guide Online: The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies ISSUES ADDRESSED: election integrity, disinformation and misinformation campaigns, trust in elections, deep fakes, artificial intelligence news, social media, and disinformation.

On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Amirah Vosburgh, CEO of EQPD, formerly known as K12connect. EQPD is a non-profit organization committed to providing high-impact tutoring, tailored professional development, and efficient program management to ensure students, families, and schools have the resources they need to thrive. Amirah told us that Michigan’s education system was recently ranked 42 in the nation regarding student performance and success. EQPD was created to offer personalized high-impact tutoring programs that cater to each student’s needs. The program also offers weekly progress check-ins and ongoing professional development opportunities. They serve 2,800 students and are growing.. To date, EQPD has employed more than 1,500 tutors from 95 colleges and universities across the country. They work with families, schools, and districts across Michigan, with plans to expand services to other states nationwide. Online: EQPD In the second half of our program, Phil talks with Julie Niemchick, crime prevention coordinator with the Grand Rapids Police Department. On Tuesday, August 6th, many neighborhoods throughout Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan are hosting family-friendly National Night Out (NNO) events to foster a spirit of community and raise awareness of crime prevention efforts. Julie joined us to discuss the impact of National Night Out in West Michigan, especially with the many participating neighborhood groups throughout Grand Rapids. The Grand Rapids Police and Fire departments and city leadership will visit many of these events throughout the evening. Residents throughout the community are encouraged to turn on outside lights and spend time outdoors on porches, lawns, and sidewalks to connect with neighbors and participate in organized neighborhood events. The goals of National Night Out are to encourage neighbors to spend time together in fun and positive ways to build community, raise awareness of crime prevention programs and the role everyone has in keeping our community safe, learn about the many ways city departments and community-based partners contribute to safe communities; strengthen positive community and police relationships and show neighborhood unity in fighting crime and creating a safe community for all. Online: National Night Out Grand Rapids

On this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes Mike Guswiler, President, The West Michigan Sports Commission. Mike spoke with us about the powerful impact that sports tourism has nationally and here in West Michigan. Here in the U.S., the sports tourism sector generates over $52 billion in direct spending annually (up 31.5% from $39.7 billion in total direct spending in 2021) and a total economic impact of $128 billion. That’s a massive impact!Mike reminded us that the West Michigan Sports Commission was founded in 2007 as an economic generator to harness some of that $52.2 billion national youth and amateur sports industry for West Michigan. One of the WMSC's top priorities is generating overnight stays from sporting events, which drives spending in area hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Since its beginning, the WMSC has booked 1,216 sporting events and tournaments, attracted more than 2 million athletes and visitors, and generated over $649 million in estimated economic impact. Currently, the WMSC is identifying statewide, regional, and national sports finals and championships with MHSAA, NAIA, MIAA, GLIAC, and USOPC in various sports. In other sports to resin and local sports news, Mike discussed the $12M expansion at the Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford and the exciting news that Grand Rapids will host the 2025 Move United Games. Move United is the largest organization promoting and hosting community adaptive sports. Online: West Michigan Sports Commission

During the program this week, host Phil Tower welcomes Bill Rayl, executive director of workforce solutions at The Michigan Manufacturers Association. Bill is MMA’s point person for efforts to develop sustainable talent ecosystems that serve the workforce needs of MMA members around the state. We’ve been hearing for years now that so many of the trades and businesses in Michigan that help to build things need talented workers…and The Michigan Manufacturers Association is taking the initiative by building collaboratives across the state of Michigan by partnering schools with local manufacturers to ensure companies have access to top talent and students have access to fulfilling career opportunities. This is a private-public partnership created by the Michigan Manufacturers Association, designed to offer students a wide range of opportunities. Online: Michigan Manufacturers Association In the second half of our program, Phil speaks with Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. While afterschool programs across Michigan have served more than 67,000 children since July 1 of last year, there are more than 750,000 youth on afterschool program waiting lists. · Afterschool programs include daycare and childcare, which are topics for concern and negotiation on the upcoming state budget. The Michigan Afterschool Partnership works to encourage policymakers to continue recognizing the critical importance of out-of-school time programs and to allocate sustainable funding to ensure that every child can benefit from these life-changing programs. In the summer specifically, many youths lack access to three meals a day, and adults are at home, as many are at work. OST provides a safe space but also activities, friendships, and meals. Online: The Michigan Afterschool Partnership