Kelly Compher played a virtual game called ‘hanging spider’ with her students (School News Network)
Godwin Heights: ‘Doing Better’ in the classroom – conventional or virtual
According to Steve Minard, principal at North Godwin, it is this ability to unite students that makes Kelly Compher stand out among teachers: “Kelly creates a community of learners each year with every new class,” he said. Compher, a Mattawan, Michigan, native, attended Grand Valley State University and completed her student teaching in Godwin Heights before being hired as a paraprofessional at North Godwin. She then taught kindergarten for a year at Coopersville. But when a teaching position opened at North Godwin, she felt the call to return. She was hired and after seven years, she hasn’t looked back. Learn more about what makes Compher a rockstar teacher by clicking here.
Shantel VanderGalien is in the running for Michigan Teacher of the Year (School News Network)
Wyoming: English teacher named Regional Teacher of the year
Shantel VanderGalien was named 2020-2021 Regional Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Department of Education. She represents Region 3 and is among 10 teachers divided by region to receive the honor. She is now in the running for the 2020-2021 Michigan Teacher of the Year. “My goal as Regional Teacher of the Year is to be a positive voice for the students and teachers in my region and to serve them well,” she said. To learn more about VanderGalien, click here.
Glenwood Elementary second-grade teacher Lauren Heald leads her class earlier this school year using the Capturing Kids Hearts model (School News Network)
Kentwood: District honored for capturing kids hearts
Eight Kentwood Public Schools were recently named National Showcase Schools by The Flipen Group, the consulting group that provides training and resources for the Capturing Kids’ Hearts curriculum. Schools honored include Bowen, Glenwood Elementary, Meadowlawn, Challenger, Discovery, Endeavor and Southwood elementary schools, and Crestwood Middle School To learn more about the award, click here.
As part of its commitment to helping customers save money every day and reducing its environmental impact, SpartanNash today announced it is relaunching its Flashfood® pilot program at five West Michigan Family Fare stores.
The Flashfood app allows store guests and community nonprofits to purchase food nearing its best-by date at savings of up to 50 percent off. Eligible items include meat, produce, seafood, deli and bakery products.
The five participating Family Fare stores testing the Flashfood app are located at:
2245 84th St., SW in Byron Center
1415 E. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids
2755 Lake Michigan Drive, NW in Grand Rapids
1225 Leonard, NE in Grand Rapids
6127 Kalamazoo Ave., SE in Kentwood
Through the partnership, Family Fare shoppers can download the Flashfood app and browse grocery deals. Purchases are made directly from the shoppers’ phone and picked up from the Flashfood area in participating Family Fare stores.
The Flashfood pilot was first launched in February 2020 but was temporarily halted due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Given the success of the initial pilot, SpartanNash plans to expand the partnership at the end of the month, with additional stores to be announced soon.
“We are excited to relaunch the Flashfood app for our customers and expand the program to additional stores, making it easier than ever to save time and money at Family Fare,” Director, Retail Consumer Innovation Matt Bennett said. “The Flashfood app also gives us the ability to reduce food waste while increasing access to lower cost fresh foods – making it a win-win for our customers and the environment. Our aisles are filled with a variety of perishable foods, and as we get near the best-by dates, we want to make sure customers know about the savings available to them.”
Flashfood is a Toronto-based mobile app that operates in more than 450 grocery locations throughout Canada, Michigan and Wisconsin. The mobile app is free and available on iOS and Android.
After downloading the Flashfood app, customers can select a participating Family Fare store, choose the items they want to purchase and pay for them directly on the app, then pick up their items and confirm their order at the customer service counter. To make it even easier, the purchased food will be stored at the front of each participating Family Fare in refrigerators and on storage racks until the store guest picks them up.
The Flashfood app pilot is another way SpartanNash is fighting food waste and hunger in local communities. SpartanNash also partners with local food banks and food pantries throughout the company’s footprint, donating pantry staples and shelf-stable products as well as fresh dairy, meat and produce.
“Reducing food waste and building stronger communities are both important parts of SpartanNash’s corporate responsibility commitment,” Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications Meredith Gremel said. “At SpartanNash, we are always looking for positive changes we can drive as we ‘take food places’ in more socially responsible, environmentally sustainable ways, and the Flashfood app is another way we can do that – all while benefitting our store guests and community partners.”
Chateau Chantal continues to provide exceptional experiences connecting local food and wine by offering an expanded schedule of Wine Dinners from their stunning facility on Old Mission Peninsula. New safety precautions have been established to keep staff and guests safe.
Further details for all items can be found online.
Summer Hours: Starting June 18, Chateau Chantal will be open 11am-8pm Thursday-Saturday and 11am-5pm Sunday-Wednesday. Reservations can be made online for wine by the glass and flights of 3 wines.
Jazz at Sunset: The Jeff Haas Trio kicks off their 27th summer season of Jazz at Sunset Thursday, July 2 7:00-9:30. This free live concert is offered every Thursday through August 29. Reservations required for wine by the glass/tables. Capacity limited.
Patio Unplugged: Starting June 18 and running Thursdays through September 24, various musical talents will perform from the expansive East Patio at Chateau Chantal from 5pm-7pm. No charge. Reservations can be made online for wine by the glass and flights of 3 wines.
Wine Dinners: This summer, Chateau Chantal’s Wine Dinners, are offered:
June 17 – June 27: Wed & Sat July 1 – Aug 31: Tues, Wed, Sat Sept – October: Wed, Thurs, Fri
A vineyard tour kicks off the evening at 6 p.m., with outdoor dinner seating at 6:30. The price is $89 per person including tax, tip and wines. Reservations are required at least a day in advance and can be made by calling 1-800-969-4009 or booking online at www.chateauchantal.com. Enjoy a beautifully paired multi-course meal prepared in-house by Chef Chris Mushall. Chris brings years of culinary experience and great finesse to the multiple courses, each of which is perfectly paired with a Chateau Chantal wine.
Jack Nicklaus is one of the most well known faces of the golf world, and he is currently scheduled to “visit the 19th hole” with local fans this fall as the West Michigan Sports Commission hosts An Evening with Jack Nicklaus.
Currently scheduled for Monday, Sept. 28, from 5-9 p.m., at the DeVos Place Convention Center’s Steelcase Ballroom, the West Michigan Sports Commission will allow the attendees to not only get to meet Nicklaus “but listen to the great stories of his life, as well as participate in a charity auction,” according to supplied material.
The proceeds of the auction will go to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, American Dunes, and the West Michigan Sports Commission.
With over six decades of professional golf experience, and seemingly countless tournament and championship wins, Nicklaus is one of the greatest golfers to ever live. Not only is he a great golfer, he is also a philanthropist, good-will ambassador as well as an incredibly charitable person, according to supplied material. Nicklaus is involved in numerous children’s hospitals as well as creating several scholarship foundations.
Looking for a a trip that would follow social distancing guideline but also provide you a chance to explore the state of Michigan?
The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has released its 2020 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map and Circle tour. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.
The full circle tour driving route around Lake Michigan is available online, and website visitors may also download a PDF of this year’s Lighthouse Map, or request that a free copy be mailed to them here: www.wmta.org/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-circle-tour/
White River Lighthouse is located near Whitehall. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Vacationers have been looping the lake for generations, but the official “Lake Michigan Circle Tour” route was not established until the 1980s when the Michigan Department of Transportation teamed up with West Michigan Tourist Association to create the route and its official guidebook. Along the way, travelers will find more than 100 lighthouses, countless islands, unique attractions, parks and natural areas, miles of glorious beaches, quaint harbor towns, and one “modern marvel” – the Mackinac Bridge.
While a loosely-organized “circle route” around Lake Superior was promoted by local tourist organizations as early as the 1960s, the first official (and signed) Great Lakes Circle Tour was the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The only single-nation Circle Tour (Lake Michigan being the only Great Lake completely within the US), the Lake Michigan Circle Tour also has the most mileage of any Circle Tour in the state.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the West Michigan Tourist Association helped to make the first of the official Great Lakes Circle Tours a reality and the first publication was released in 1988 as a 52-page guide book. The guide book was transformed into a map in 2007, and the Circle Tour driving route can now be found online.
Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour publications are also available in bulk quantities; please contact Travel@WMTA.org for more information.
The LowellArts Gallery has opened the new exhibit “Being + Wonder + Within” June 16 at its gallery located at 223 Main St., Lowell.
The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 15, combines the work of three groups of artists, each with a unique perspective on being human and how we exist as part of the world. One group of five artists will present “Ikigal: A reason of Being. Another group of five artists will present “Small Wonder/Nature, and a group of two artists present “between/within/among.”
The Gallery will be open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
A maximum of 10 visitors will be allowed in the gallery. Gallery visitors will be required to follow social distancing guidelines such as keeping six feet apart and wearing a face mask.
One cannot walk through the current main building area of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and not take note of, pause to wonder about, the mysterious white-shrouded “Woman In Arm Chair”.
“Woman In Arm Chair” by George Segal. (William J Hebert)
Is she alive? Sleeping? Is she someone’s grandmother? Someone’s muse?
Such is the work of George Segal, one of the masters of Pop Art and so much more.
Meijer Gardens will now offer more clues into the master’s mind as the venue announced June 15 the opening this week of its highly-anticipated but delayed multi-media exhibition, “George Segal: Body Language” — a show which combines the artist’s sculptures side-by-side with a recent gift of prints from the Segal Foundation.
The exhibit, the announcement states, “explores Segal’s career and focuses on his remarkable versatility in representing body language across different media including plaster and various print techniques.”
The exhibition will open today, Tuesday, June 16, and will run through Jan. 3, 2021.
“Neysa” by George Segal. (Chuck Heiney)
“George Segal: Body Language” will span the career of Segal and focus on his “creative vision in representing body language across a variety of materials.” This is the first exhibition of Segal’s work at Meijer Gardens since 2004 and will be the first time that a selection of the gift of 32 prints, one sculpture and three wall reliefs from the Segal Foundation and Rena Segal will be on display.
“We are thrilled to share this selection of George Segal’s sculptures, reliefs and two-dimensional works with our guests,” Jochen Wierich, Meijer Gardens’ Curator of Sculpture & Sculpture Exhibitions, said in supplied material. “Segal’s exploration of the human body across different media continues to resonate. By showing the wide range of prints he made while also working on sculpture, we hope to add a new and largely unexplored dimension to this important 20th century artist.”
As detailed in the announcement, approximately 60 years ago, Segal “embraced a new working process that catapulted him to become one of the most recognized twentieth-century sculptors.”
During the summer of 1961, Segal was introduced to medical gauze bandages which he began to use as a primary material to cast plaster sculptures. The following year he was included in the legendary exhibition “The New Realists”, along with Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg and Jim Dine. In response to this group exhibition, the American media began to refer to the artists as a new movement: Pop Art.
“Girl in Bright Red Shirt” by George Segal. (Chuck Heiney)
“The George and Helen Segal Foundation is pleased to see Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park exhibit their collection of Segal works along with rarely seen prints,” Rena Segal, President of the George and Helen Segal Foundation, said in supplied material. “It is wonderful that his work will inspire new audiences.”
There will also be several special exhibition programs associated with the show. (Exhibition programs are drop-in and registration is not required. Please note, due to COVID-19, programming might change. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/Segal for a current list of exhibition programming.)
Among the special programs scheduled are:
— Sculpture Walk: Figures in the Gardens. Sunday, July 12, at 2 p.m. (Free with admission.) Amber Oudsema, curator of arts education, will lead an exploration pf the Sculpture Park during an hour-long walk, discussing sculptures that focus on the human figure. Learn about how artists investigate the human condition through the body.
— Lecture: Exploring Process — Printmaking. Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. (Free with admission.) Mariel Versluis, working artist and chair of the printmaking program at Kendall College of Art and Design, will discuss the processes of printmaking. Topics will include why an artist might choose one printmaking process over the other, when to add color and which medium is her favorite.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is located at 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids. For more information visit meijergardens.org.
Whether your family’s travel plans include some fun in the sun, makin’ a splash or skiing the slopes, nothing puts the damper on a vacation faster than illness or injury.
There are several things you can do before, during and after your travels to make your experience a memorable one. For all the right reasons.
1. Think like a Boy Scout
Travel itself is stressful. And breaks can be a particularly crazy and frustrating time, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
“The most important advice I give to my patients is be prepared. That, and remember to pack your common sense,” said Philip Henderson, MD, division chief, internal medicine and pediatrics, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “People on vacation tend to do things they’d never do at home, which can lead to trouble. You’ll be able to deal with the unexpected and avoid a lot of stress by being well-prepared and using your head.”
2. Give yourself a boost
A healthy immune system before you leave can lessen the chance of downtime due to illness on your vacation and when you get back home. So, before you even think about what to pack, give your immune system a boost: get plenty of rest, eat right and stick to your normal exercise routine.
Make sure you and your kids are up to date on all your vaccinations, including your flu shot, Dr. Henderson said. Take this quiz to find out which vaccines you or your children age 11 years and older may need, and be sure to get them a couple weeks before you travel.
Pack enough of your prescription medications in your carry-on luggage to last the entire trip—and a little extra in case your return trip is delayed. Bring a list of the brand and generic names of all your medications, including the dosage and frequency, in case you need to get a refill during your trip.
Bring both your standard, everyday medications, as well as any emergency medications you might need. This may include an EpiPen if you have a severe allergy or an inhaler if you’re prone to asthma attacks.
Take a basic medical kit with you. Dr. Henderson suggested:
Band-Aids
Antibiotic ointment
Aspirin or Tylenol
Aloe gel (for sunburn)
Antacids such as Tums (for upset stomach)
Pepto-Bismol tablets (for traveler’s diarrhea)
“Be sure you get the real Pepto-Bismol,” Dr. Henderson said. “Look for bismuth subsalicylate as the key ingredient for it to really work.”
If you take certain medications, or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy, carry an alert notification or identification card with you.
“This is especially important for people who take a blood thinner,” Dr. Henderson said. “If you’re in an accident or are unconscious, emergency medical personnel need to be aware in order to properly treat you.”
4. Going airborne
Given the lengthy time spent in crowded planes, air travelers are often concerned about catching an illness from other passengers. In addition to what’s floating around in the air, studies have shown that illness-causing bacteria can survive on surfaces inside airplanes for days or even up to a week.
So how can you stay safe and healthy on the airplane?
Clean your hands thoroughly and often. Travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Use it once you are settled in your seat and again after you depart the plane.
Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or tissue if someone near you sneezes or coughs in your direction. Discard used tissues right away and then wash your hands.
Bring your own pillow and blanket instead of using those handed out by the airline.
Drink lots of water and nonalcoholic, decaffeinated beverages to stay hydrated. The air in airplanes is dry so it’s easy to become dehydrated.
Stretch your legs. Even healthy people can get blood clots in their legs after long flights. When allowed, walk up and down the aisles and stretch your calf muscles while you’re sitting.
Remember, the risk of infection doesn’t end when you get off the airplane.
Cruise ships and busy resorts can also expose you to some nasty infections. Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, is known to plague these vacation escapes.
Scrupulous hygiene is the key to avoiding these highly contagious bugs. Wash your hands after every trip to the bathroom and before every meal. Soap and water is best, or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
5. Avoid traveler’s stomach
Changes in diet can wreak havoc on your digestive system. While a slice of pizza or a burger might be tempting while waiting for your flight, eat a salad or something rich in fiber to avoid stomach problems later.
Once you arrive, try to eat as much like your normal diet as possible. Go ahead and have some treats. It’s your vacation, after all. But make sure the majority of your meals contain vegetables, fruit, lean protein and whole grains. Drink plenty of water, too.
If you know you have a sensitive stomach, take one Pepto-Bismol tablet each day to prevent traveler’s diarrhea, Dr. Henderson suggested.
And a final word of caution on food safety: If food left out on a buffet table looks wilted or dry around the edges, it’s probably best to stay away.
6. Drink up
Water, water, water. Staying well hydrated is important.
“People don’t realize how much water they lose when they sweat,” Dr. Henderson said. “And when your body is dehydrated, you feel lousy. Dehydration affects your metabolism, your circulation, and causes headaches and dizziness.”
One way to tell if you’re drinking enough water is to look at your urine. If you’re going at least four times a day and it’s relatively clear in color, you’re in the clear. If it’s dark in color, you’re dehydrated and need to drink more water.
If drinking alcohol is part of your break, remember that it can impair your judgment and actions.
Binge drinking, in particular, can be a problem on vacation. It’s the most common pattern of excessive alcohol use, defined for men as consuming five or more drinks, and women consuming four or more drinks, in about two hours.
7. Beware the buzz
Educate yourself about the local bugs and reptiles, especially if you’re traveling off the beaten path, Dr. Henderson said. Know which are poisonous and which are not.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue fever, Zika virus and chikungunya virus, once found only in Africa and Asia, have been found in Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, South America and Central America.
To avoid bites, stay inside or in screened-in areas or cover up during peak mosquito hours–sunrise and sunset, and in early evening. Also avoid tight clothes, dark colors and perfume. Natural repellents with 20 percent picaridin, or deet-based products with 30 percent deet or less, also work well.
“Decisions about pregnancy planning are personal,” Dr. Romero said, suggesting that those who are considering becoming pregnant use condoms and put off conception for up to six months after returning from a visit to a Zika-confirmed area. “We recommend talking with your health care provider if you’re not yet pregnant, but thinking about having a baby in the near future.”
8. Soak it up. Safely.
It’s tempting to soak up the rays by staying in the hot sun all day. Although getting a little sun can have some health benefits (think vitamin D boost), the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.
“Terrible sunburns are by far the most common thing we see in people returning from vacations,” Dr. Henderson said. “Be sure to apply sunscreen to the top of your feet. That’s one spot where we see the worst burns. The other is on the top of the head for men who are bald or have thinning hair.”
This also applies to those enjoying ski trips—that powdery white snow reflects the sun’s rays and can burn you to a crisp if you aren’t careful.
Always practice sun safety: wear a hat, protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection, and for sunscreen, use one with a SPF double what you’d normally use at home, said Dr. Henderson.
9. Home sweet home
Once you’re home, pay attention to how you feel. While it’s normal to feel a little rough around the edges after traveling for a day or two, if you feel worse each day rather than better, see your doctor.
Our partners at School News Network take a final look at the Class of 2020 along with some changes taking place. For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
MySchool@Kent Principal Danielle Hendry expected summer school enrollment to be large this year (School News Network)
All Districts: Summer school is in session
To get its pre-Labor Day start wavier, Kent ISD decided to offer free summer school to all of Kent County which meant a boost to MySchool@Kent which is the Kent ISD’s summer school program. This summer, the program will have three times its average number of students, but Principal Danielle Hendry said “If a student needs this extra learning opportunity then we are happy to provide it.” Click here to learn more.
In 2012, Kent Innovation High was recognized as a National Demonstration School by New Tech Network (School News Network)
All Districts: Kent ISD to close Kent Innovation High
Citing low attendance and the inability to recruit students for the 2020-2021 school years, the Kent ISD announced it will be phasing out the Kent Innovation High program. Students currently enrolled will be able to complete the program. It leaves on a high note as more area schools has implemented project-based learning within their programs. For more about Kent Innovation High, click here.
Students locally and elsewhere turned out in mass protests following the 2018 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida (School News Network/Dianne Carroll Burdick)
All Districts: The Class of 2020: learning to roll with it
“History books are going to write about you.” The epic quote says it all as the Class of 2020 wraps up their school year. Most of the students lives are bookmarked by 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover all the ups and downs this class has faced and how the students have learned to “just roll with it.” Click here for more.
Golfers with knee osteoarthritis do not need to be concerned about worsening their disease by walking the course. In fact, walking provides the best health benefit. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Golfers with knee arthritis should park the golf cart and walk the links instead, researchers say.
While using a golf cart may seem the obvious choice for golfers with knee problems, a new small study finds that walking provides much greater health benefits. Moreover, it’s not associated with increased pain, inflammation or cartilage breakdown, the researchers said.
“Individuals with knee osteoarthritis are often concerned about pain and may be more likely to use a golf cart,” said lead study author Dr. Prakash Jayabalan. He’s an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
However, “this study has shown that golfers with knee osteoarthritis do not need to be concerned about worsening their disease through walking the course. In fact, walking provides the best health benefit,” Jayabalan said in a university news release.
More than 17 million Americans older than 50 golf regularly. Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in this age group. The condition causes swelling, pain and difficulty moving the joint.
The study included 10 older golfers with knee osteoarthritis and five without the disease, which is usually caused by wear and tear of the joint.
On one day, the study participants played one round of golf (18 holes) walking the course. On another day, they used a golf cart to play 18 holes. On each occasion, the researchers monitored the participants’ heart rates to determine their level of exercise intensity, and took blood samples to measure markers of knee inflammation and cartilage stress.
On both occasions, the golfers had an increase in these markers, but there was no difference between use of the golf cart and walking, the findings showed.
When walking the course, the heart rates of the golfers with knee problems were in the moderate-intensity zone for more than 60 percent of the time, compared with 30 percent when using a cart.
But even using the cart, golfers met daily exercise recommendations, according to the study authors.
“Bottom line: walking the course is significantly better than using a golf cart, but using a golf cart is still better than not exercising at all,” Jayabalan concluded.
The study was presented recently at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International annual meeting in Liverpool, England. Research presented at meetings is usually considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Kent County announced Friday, June 11, that a majority of the county’s departments, offices and agencies will resume in-person services today, Monday, June 15, including the animal shelter, the county clerk, veterans services and others.
However, court operations — 17th Circuit Court, 63rd District Court, and Probate — are open but remain closed to in-person services, following the mandated phased approach ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court. Court staff is assisting the public by e-mail and telephone. Additionally, to the greatest extent possible, hearings and proceedings are being conducted electronically and live-streamed via YouTube, according to a county statement.
While a majority of offices will reopen on June 15, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s website to determine if their service can be fulfilled remotely. Visitors are also asked to stay home if they are feeling any symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, wear a mask if they are medically able, limit visits to one person per household, and maintain a 6-foot physical distance between others.
Please visit the county’s website — accesskent.com — for specific information on how to interact with each county department, office and agency.
Kent County Health Department worked with Guiding Light to provide an COVID-19 isolation facility for homeless persons. (Kent County Health Department)
The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to allocate $94.2 million of a $114.6 million federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant to assist “a range of local governments, community partners, and small businesses which experienced costs due to COVID-19,” as well as to reimburse the county’s direct coronavirus mitigation efforts.
The remainder of the CARES grant available, $20.4 million, was placed in reserve for a possible second wave of COVID-19 infections, according to the June 11 county statement.
But Kent County’s efforts to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, and assist other county entities impacted, started almost on Day 1, when the crisis was labeled as such in late-March, including quickly applying for and receiving the CARES Act grant and forming a COVID Relief Subcommittee to spearhead a countywide effort starting in April.
Prior to this week’s formal county commission action June 11, WKTV talked with Kent County Administrator Wayman Britt about the county’s efforts and expenditures.
The Kent County Health Department and the county’s communication team have supplied the public information on COVID-19 in many ways, including a series of live videos. (Kent County video screenshot)
“First and foremost, we wanted to keep this community safe,” Britt said in a late May interview. “We wanted to communicate (with the public) right off the bat, and we have pushed hard on our communication. The health department has been stood up with additional resources … county staff has managed the communication … that was first and foremost, right up front, making sure we got out in front of this.”
Britt said county representatives, in the first days of local impact of the pandemic, “got out” and met a wide range of community groups via Zoom meetings, “with church leaders, with the black community … the Latinx community, the Vietnamese community. We got out to the chambers, the Grand Rapids chamber (of commerce). The business side of things.
“Communication was really huge. Developing the relationships, continuing to grow the relationships. … Really just getting ahead of it. Every day (to begin with) we conducted command meetings, emergency management meetings every day, but that is ramped back now.”
The county either set up or assisted in setting up homeless shelters and isolation centers. They worked with Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University and a host of other organizations. They focused on reducing the risk at high-risk facilities such as the county correction facility and juvenile detention facility. They focused on developing hotspots across the county.
Wyman Britt, Kent County Administrator/Controller. (WKTV)
“The team has done a fantastic job, getting out to the nursing homes, to the convalescent centers. Making sure we jumped on that,” Britt said.
“I can’t believe the work we put into this thing. It is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. It is just every day grind it out. … We have weathered the storm. We weren’t ready but we got ready quick. Unfortunately we lost 70 plus (county deaths to the virus as of late May, the number now stands at 111), but compared to other parts of the state … this community has responded.”
County leadership led funding process
Considering the often slow response time of many governmental entries to form and execute a plan as complex as Kent County’s COVID-19 response and recovery plan, the action this week by the Board of Commissioners was fast — by design.
“The COVID-19 public health crisis has significantly affected residents and businesses across our county, and it was critical for our board to allocate this federal funding as quickly as possible,” Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter said in supplied material. “As we do on so many issues, we worked closely with several businesses, organizations and non-profits to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the funds meet the needs of our community and reflect the intent of the federal legislation.”
As part of the Federal CARES Act, Kent County was awarded a grant of $114.6 million from the U.S. Treasury on April 24 from which the county could gain reimbursement for COVID-19 mitigation expenses and economic relief for a wide range of economically impacted community groups and businesses.
According to Britt, Kent County was one of only four counties in the state, in addition to the City of Detroit, to receive CARES Act grants. But to take advantage of the grant, to be able to seek reimbursement, the county had to review needs, plan for how those needs would be met, and formally allocate funds to meet those needs.
That is where the COVID Relief Subcommittee — basically the already formed county commission Executive Committee, with some others added for specific needs such as state legislative liaison — came into play.
“Their charge was to analyze all available funds coming into the county, and how they are being applied,” Britt said. “The needs of the community. The process and strategies to allocate and disperse CARES funds under the guidelines established by the Federal Government. … We don’t want to duplicate efforts, but we want to make sure we can push those dollars to as many places as we can.”
The county, in addition to the CARES Act grant of $114.6 million, is also looking at other funding reimbursements sources for COVID-19 expenses and recovery efforts, including possibly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The COVID Relief Subcommittee met twice a week during the past two months and, according to supplied material, “received testimony from representatives of underserved communities who are being disproportionally impacted by the pandemic, as well as representatives of local chambers of commerce” and other groups and individuals.
County expenses and community support
A set of funding recommendations — and executive report — was then developed for the full Board of Commissioners’ review and approval. Among the funding approvals was $35 million in direct county expenses —including community education, emergency operations, homeless population response, surveillance and contact tracing, testing, public safety and correctional facility.
Kent County Health Department staff at a county COVID-19 testing station. (Kent County)
As of a May 3 estimate of Kent County expenses, the latest report available, the county has spent or committed to spend about $6.3 million of the $35 million allocated. The major expense areas are $1.86 million in payroll — including $1.3 million in county Health Department payroll — as well as a separate expenditure of $1.5 million for “Essential Worker Compensation”.
“There are these essential workers who have no alternative but to be here (and can’t work from home) — they have to be here,” Britt said. “Our health department, our nurses who are engaged with setting up the homeless shelters. Our sheriff’s correction officers. Our road patrol officers. Those are essential workers. … What’s happening there is we are providing them eight hours of vacation for every week worked during the COVID, because they are on the front lines and to offer incentive for them to be here.”
The essential workers “have been very supportive of doing what is necessary to keep our community safe. … We have to have the right people on staff to ward off this terrible pandemic.”
The other major county expenditure included in the May 3 report are $1.1 million in medical and safety supplies.
Other CARES reimbursable expenses approved by the board this week included $25 million in business assistance, $15 million in assistance to local governments, $12.2 million for care of venerable populations, $3 million in “return to work” personal protective equipment (PPE) for county businesses, and $3 million to aid the county’s existing and newly homeless.
Administrator Britt and county administration will now develop a “process to distribute the funds” in partnership with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the Heart of West Michigan United Way and other groups. Additionally, “the County will contract with a firm to conduct an audit on the distribution and use of the CARES Act funding,” according to the county’s June 11 statement.
The CARES Act funds must be fully spent by Dec. 30 or will be forfeited back to the federal government.
For more information on Kent County’s CARES Act and COVID-19 related activities, visit here. Copies of the COVID Relief Subcommittee Executive Report is available in English and Spanish here.
Action Water Sports in partnership with Action Wake Park is pleased to announce their new summer camp called Camp Action. Learn water sports behind the boat and at Michigan’s only full size cable wakeboarding facility, Action Wake Park.
“We couldn’t be more excited to launch Camp Action,” Said Jerry Brouwer, Owner, Action Water Sports and Action Wake Park. “With the Covid-19 pandemic changing plans for all, we believe there is no better way to spend summer than out on the water participating in water sports.”
You can participate in Camp Action just for the day or for a full week. The following offerings are available:
● Surf Camp: a wakesurfing experience behind a new MasterCraft surf boat ● Wakeboard Camp: a wakeboarding experience behind a new MasterCraft boat ● Cable Park Camp: a water sports experience at Action Wake Park featuring one day behind a new MasterCraft boat
“Camp Action is perfect for beginners looking to learn or someone looking to fine tune their skills with professional coaching, Said Scot Ferwerda, Proshop Manager, Action Water Sports. “We worked hard to cater the camps for all ages and regardless of ability.”
Camp Action will take place locally in the Grand Rapids area on Reeds Lake. Camps begin at $75/day and start the week of June 11. All necessary gear is provided in addition to professional coaching.
Note: this is an update to the story as the original date of the event, June 11, was a storm washout and it was rescheduled to Monday, June 15.
Wyoming High School will host its WHS Class of 2020 commencement ceremony, scheduled for July 28 at Grand Rapids First, but first it will allow the community to celebrate local seniors with a WHS Senior 11 Night Celebration Parade Monday, June 15.
According to a June 10 statement from the Wyoming Public Schools office, the parade will begin at 8:20 p.m., with a caravan of Wyoming high seniors traveling Burlingame Avenue down Prairie Parkway, to the Wyoming Wolves football stadium parking lot, and then exit Prairie Parkway to Michael Avenue.
“Our Class of 2020 has experienced so much throughout the course of their successful journey to earning their high school diploma,” WPS Superintendent Craig Hoekstra said in supplied material. “This parade is one of the many ways our Wyoming Public Schools staff, and greater community, are showing them that we love and care about them, no matter the circumstance. We don’t want this pandemic to be the hallmark of their senior year.”
(Public Domain image)
District staff and members of the community will line the parade route to congratulate and celebrate the Class of 2020 and their families. Wyoming High School staff will be stationed along the gates of the football stadium and throughout the stadium parking lot near the concession stand. Those in attendance are encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Upon arrival at the football stadium, seniors will be given their high school diploma and awarded an Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character Award.
“Our hope is that each one of them knows now and remembers on their life’s journey that they were surrounded at all times by people who had an unwavering commitment to support and celebrate their success, every step of the way,” Hoekstra said. “I am very proud of this graduating class for staying committed to their studies, not losing focus on their goals, and demonstrating grit like no other class before them has had to. The perseverance that they have shown will serve them well as they do great things in our world.”
The WPS statement stressed that the parade does not replace the WHS Class of 2020 commencement ceremony scheduled for July 28, at 7 p.m., at Grand Rapids First.
For more information on Wyoming Public Schools visit wyomingps.org or follow them on social media: Facebook and Twitter @WolvesWPS and Instagram @WPSWolves.
As food supplies diminished during the recent statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe order, Hand2Hand officials were left with how to secure large quantities of food to help feed the thousands of children who rely on the organization and its church partners for weekend meals.
“Our founder Cheryl Hondred was praying on how we could feed these families also knowing that area restaurants were deeply impacted by COVID-19 as well,” said Jodi Joseph, director of growth for Hand2Hand. “Then she had this idea and it just started to grow.”
The idea became the Win Win program where Hand2Hand was able to take matching grant money to purchase gift cards from local businesses which in turn the organization would give to families to purchase meals at the restaurant.
Lombardo’s Pizza, 2307 Lee St. SW, Wyoming, was one of the 30 restaurants that participated in the Hand2Hand Win Win program. (WKTV)
Local restaurants were asked to create meals, not including drinks, that would feed a family of four but that the restaurant would still make a profit on, Joseph said. Gift cards would be purchased for $10, $15, or $20 and then distributed to the families who in turn could go to the restaurant to get the WinWin meal, she said.
“We were just blown away by the generous response of the community,” Joseph said. The Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation and the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation provided a $30,000 matching grant. Community members stepped up to foundations’ challenge contributing $40,000 to the program allowing Hand2Hand to raise a total of $70,000 in a short time.
“We have given out 4,100 gift cards and have heard numerous stories and testimonies from families who were so grateful to receive a warm cooked meal from restaurants that treated them so well,” said Hand2Hand Founder and Executive Director Cheri Hondred in a wrap up video about the program.
Through the effort, Hand2Hand was able to connect with more than 30 restaurants from 17 of the 37 school districts that the organization serves. Some of the restaurants were Two Guys Brewing, Lombardo’s, and Russ’s in Wyoming and The Candied Yam in Kentwood.
“At a very early age, my twin sissy and I experienced the pain of being hungry before we were adopted,” said Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of the Candied Yam as to why she participated in the Hand2Hand Win Win program. “Being able to partner with organizations, like Hand2Hand, gives us the opportunity to empathize and give back in a way that makes a big difference to someone. We are also grateful to keep our team working so we can continue making this food with great love to share with others.”
Wyoming’s TwoGuys Brewing also participated in the Hand2Hand Win Win program. Pictured is TwoGuys managing partnerTom Payne. (WKTV)
Nick Lombardo owner of Wyoming’s Lombardo Pizza, located at 2307 Lee St. SW, said the program did help in bringing traffic to his restaurant.
“The first couple of weeks we were down,” said Lombardo, who’s restaurant is mostly takeout and delivery. He added that the opportunity to be a part of the Win Win program gave the restaurant a chance to give back while keeping busy at the sametime.
Hand2Hand, which is based in Hudsonville, partners with about 119 area churches and businesses to provide weekend backpacks to more than 8,000 area students in 206 schools. Gift cards were dispersed to families who are part of the Hand2Hand program.
Now that the Stay Home, Stay Safe order has ended, the Win Win program also has wrapped up as well. Looking back at its success, Hondred, through the Hand2Hand blog said the program really was a blessing to the families as it provided a break and a special treat to them while providing stability and income to the partnering 30 restaurants.
According to the U.S. Census about 16 percent of the Kent County population does not have internet with about nine percent having no computers. However a recent initiative from the Kent District Library looks to help provide internet straight to resident’s homes.
The KDL has added 700 new hotspots to the collection, increasing the number to 8333. The hotspots are part of the Beyond Books Collection and are available to library cardholders age 18 and older.
Also announced this week, the State of Michigan is partnering to provide a map of public hotspots state wide. (See info below.)
A wifi hotspot is a small piece of equipment that will set up a wireless network that allows a houseful of people to connect to the Internet via cellular service. (Supplied)
“With an estimated 24,000 households without broadband access in Kent County, during this time of crisis, it is important to help as many people as we can,” said KDL Director of Library Services Carrie Wilson, who was referring to the recent COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in a quarantine. The result of the statewide quranrinte had many families working from home as well as students completing the 2019-2020 school year online.
“With so many people working and learning from home, the need for Internet access is greater than every before.”
Outside of the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. Census through its data had determined that computer usage and Internet access had become increasingly important of regathering information, looking for jobs and participation in a changing world economy. For example, in a U.S. Census report about computer and Internet usage, it is estimated that about 8 percent of households had a compute run 1984. That number jumped to about half of all U.S. households having a computer in 2000 with the number growing to 79 percent in 2015.
Wilson also noted that the wifi at the KDL branches is free and open with residents being able to connect from the parking lot. A library card is not needed to connect to the free wifi.
To check out a hotspot, visit kdl.org and search on the term “hotspot.” Hotspots will be mailed to households while KDL branches are closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. When KDL opens, hotspots will be able to be picked up at the branches. KDL branches are expected to open with limited services July 6.
People who live in the KDL service area and do not have a library card can register for one online at kdl.org/virtual or by calling 616-784-2007.
Statewide map of hotspots
The State of Michigan, in partnership with the Connected Nation Michigan, released a statewide Wi-Fi hotspot map this week to assist residents who currently lack internet access at home. Currently on the map are only two in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on the map, but more are being added.
The COVID-19 pandemic and transition to remote and distance learning has only increased the need for residents and students to have easy access to broadband services.
The Wi-Fi mapping effort, spearheaded by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Connected Nation Michigan, along with the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Education, is an interim step amid the coronavirus pandemic to spotlight publicly available broadband hotspots for households without internet access.
Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) invites the public to engage with water through their Going to the Water Summer Stewardship Series. Opportunities to connect with water include social distancing activities and events, a video series, a virtual fundraising water challenge, and programs aboard the ship. Every activity has a stewardship focus to encourage the protection of water.
“Research shows that being on, in, or near water has many benefits,” shared Fred Sitkins, ISEA Executive Director. “The purpose of this series is to engage people with water and, while they are there, take time to reflect on the experience.” Research referenced by Sitkins comes from the book Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols. In his book, Nichols shows how water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success.
Two social distancing activities will take place in June. On June 18 at 10 a.m., families are invited to participate in an in-person Family Water Healer event. A story will be read about a little boy who overcomes his fear of water and participants will be asked to share their personal connection to water through written or visual expression. The event is free, but registration is required as space is limited. The second event is a self-guided Leelanau Trail Water Hunt. Participants walking or biking on the Leelanau Trail can look for answers to water-based clues. Once the clues are solved, a mystery word will be revealed.
In July, the Going to the Water Summer Stewardship Series includes To the Water Challenge, a virtual fundraising event where participants engage with water, reflect on their experience, and share on social media. People can boat, paddleboard, swim, scuba dive, relax, fish, meditate, or do any other activity that is on, in, or near water (e.g., lake, river, pond, fountain, etc.). Registered participants will receive ISEA multifunctional headwear and qualify for awards.
“We believe people care for the things they love,” explained Sitkins when describing the Going to the Water Video Series to be out in July. Local celebrities are being interviewed at the water locations they love and will talk about how they care for that water. “Through all the events in the Going to the Water Stewardship Series, we hope people make the connection that they need to protect the water resources they enjoy.”
ISEA public summer sailing programs aboard the schooner Inland Seas will begin in August. Capacity has been reduced by 50% to accommodate for social distancing and safety protocols will be in place for crew, instructors, and participants. Program content will continue to be the same as pre-COVID-19, but may be delivered slightly different. Tickets are on sale now.
“With the additional time people have by not attending festivals and events, we hope this Series encourages them to get on, in or near water,” said Stephanie Rustem, ISEA Program Coordinator.
Inland Seas Education Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Suttons Bay, Michigan, dedicated to STEM education on the Great Lakes. Its shipboard and shore-side education programs are designed to inspire people of all ages to provide for the long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes. ISEA offers programs to schools, groups, and the public. For further information, contact Inland Seas Education Association at (231) 271-3077 or on the web at www.schoolship.org.
The City of Kentwood has reopened its Little Free Pantry by appointment and is also in need of donations to support community members who may be struggling to keep food on the table, the city announced June 11. Through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, a partnership with Meals on Wheels also has senior meals available.
Located within the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE, the pantry typically serves hundreds of people each year, but that is expected to increase due to the financial hardship some individuals may be facing as a result of the coronavirus and associated closures, according to the city’s statement.
“Even before COVID-19, the demand for our pantry goods had been steadily growing and the shelves were becoming empty on a weekly basis,” Val Romeo, director of Kentwood Parks and Recreation, said in supplied material. “We’d like to be able to continue to fill the immediate and local need we have here in our community.
“In order to do that, we need the help of individuals and organizations who are able to give financially or provide tangible donations, such as canned goods, shelf-stable food and personal items like toilet paper, shampoo and toothpaste.”
The City of Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is in the Kentwood Activities Center. (City of Kentwood)
Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is available by appointment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those who would like to utilize the pantry are asked to call ahead to 616-656-5270 and set up a time to come in. Upon arrival to the Kentwood Activities Center, a staff member will allow the individual in to take the items they need.
In addition to bringing donations to the Kentwood Activities Center, businesses, community organizations and other groups may partner with the city to better stock the pantry by accepting a Kentwood Little Free Pantry collection bin for canned goods and other non-perishable items at their facility. More information, including the application for a collection bin, can be found at: kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.
Meals on Wheels also available
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department has also partnered with Meals on Wheels Western Michigan to bring back the Senior Meals program in a grab-and-go format for residents who are age 60 or older.
Participants can do curbside pickup at the Kentwood Activities Center on Mondays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. However, the meals must be reserved ahead of time by calling 616-656-5270 no later than the Friday before. There is no cost to participate, but donations are accepted. More information is available at mealsonwheelswesternmichigan.org.
School officials and students celebrate the end of the school year in special ways with some graduates discussing the riots and the impact on them and their community. For more stories on local schools, visit the School News Network website, schoolnewsnetwork.org.
From left, on bottom of the screen, Wyoming High School 10th grader Margoth De Leon and ninth grader Lizbi Garcia talk about how their family coped when their dad was hospitalized due to COVID-19 (School News Network)
Wyoming: Father receiving from COVID-19 thanks ‘ Team Gladiola’ on Zoom
A father’s thank you for the support from his children’s school, Gladiola Elementary School, shows just how important the weekly parent meetings between staff and families became during the COVID-19 lockdown. To learn more about Gladiola’s Continuity of Learning Plan, click here.
Schools had to adjust overnight to the new reality of the pandemic, and now face a funding crisis with literally billions of dollars at stake (School News Network)
All Districts: Our Kids, Our Future: COVID-19 and the looming crisis in public school funding
It is estimated that nationwide schools will need to spend $41 billion for COVID-19 pandemic related costs in technology and other social distancing guidelines. This is on top of an estimated $1.25 billion in lost funding. Want a better understanding of how this will all play out? Kent ISD Research Data Analyst Sunli Joy breaks down how school budgets are funded and the impact of the loss of funding and additional expenses. Click here for the story.
Protestors flooded downtown Grand Rapids the night of May 30, with a peaceful demonstration followed later by rioting (School News Network)
Kelloggsville/Godwin Heights: Students speak out on protests, call for ‘a better America tomorrow’
The recent protests could be a teachable moment, a call to action or both. School News Network spoke to five newly graduated seniors that included one from Kelloggsville and one from Godwin Heights, as well as a Godwin Heights educator, about the impact the protests have had on them, and what they think is needed to address the root causes. Click here to read more.
Godwin staff and teachers wave to students during the last day of school parade (School News Network)
Godwin Heights: ‘This was good for our souls!’
After 11 weeks of staying home, “flattening the curve” and distance learning, Godwin Heights students got to see the staff and teachers in person, from a safe distance, on the last day of school, May 29. West Godwin Elementary Principal Mary Lang dreamed up the idea for the last day of school parade and Assistant Principal Casey Kroll led the effort to make it happen, devising a route that hit every neighborhood in the district and making sure the parade passed bus stops so students would have a familiar spot to watch. To get the full story, click here.
When summer 2020 live music schedules were being made out early this year, one concert on many people’s “must buy” ticket list was Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s June 24 stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall.
Not only does the alt-country/true country singer/songwriter extraordinaire and his tight band always bring it, they would be bringing along new music from his scheduled May release of Reunions.
Then came March and the pandemic and the spate of sometimes-good, sometimes-not “concerts from home” by every musical artist trying to keep their names and music in mind.
Still, while Isbell’s DeVos concert is a “postponement waiting to happen” at this point — Yes, websites still say you can buy tickets, but, no, it ain’t happening — Reunions was released as planned.
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit’s Reunions album cover. (Supplied)
And intentionally or by fate, Isbell’s latest collection of music is bluntly reflective not only for our current times (of varying degrees of isolation and social unrest) but for our pending times (of more social unrest and political trials).
Even the album cover speaks of isolation.
And the first single off the release, “Be Afraid”, is a straight-ahead rocker that seems to speak directly to our trying times.
“We’ve been testing you … And you failed … To see how long that you could sit with the truth, but you bailed … I don’t think you even recognize the loss of control … I don’t think you even see it in yourself.”
Read that anyway you want. A fragile society and our place in it? A broken political system the we may have only one last chance to fix? A racial divide that each of us carry some blame for? You call it.
The artist on his music
Well before Mr. George Floyd’s killing and the ensuing social unrest, Isbell seemed to be speaking to issue: “I’m trying to encourage people to be themselves as loudly as possible,” Isbell said about “Be Afraid”. “I don’t know if I’m in any position to do that but I think if we’re going to make any progress as a society then people have to be brave enough to say what they feel.”
But Isbell, and his Reunions work with the 400 Unit, is much more than cryptic lyrics you can read into and a country/rock blur of music that often sounds like nothing else available on the download.
Following in the wake of his recent string of astoundingly accessible yet personal solo work after burning out with the Drive-by Truckers, starting with 2013’s Southeastern, either Isbell’s solo guitar sound or his Big Unit sound has carried him and his audience far. (From not selling out a Meijer Gardens summer concert to filling up the DeVos, for example.)
And while Reunions does revisit some old ghosts — personal trials, relationship failures, surviving at all costs — some of it sounds a bit bigger, a bit more stadium rock; but without losing the small-town perspective driven by a solitary voice and his guitar.
Jason Isbell. (Supplied/Alysse Gafkjen)
“I felt like we had made a statement with Southeastern, Something More Than Free, and The Nashville Sound. Those albums are looking at what happens post happy ending,” Isbell said in supplied material. “They’re saying “I survived—now what?” So I wanted to make something different. … This record probably gets closer to the music I actually like to listen to than anything I’ve done in the past.”
Reunions is Isbell’s seventh full-length studio album and the fourth released with his band, the 400 Unit, a tight, seasoned group which now also includes his wife and mother of his child, fiddler and singer Amanda Shires — yes, of recent fame by forming the country music supergroup “The Highwomen” alongside Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby. The new album also includes several special background vocals from special guests including David Crosby.
A tour of the track list of Reunions, similar to his other recent releases, finds Isbell sliding like a pedal steal riff from anthem rock to ballad to country love song to hymn. And rarely are they not worth the walk.
My favorites — outside of the in-your-face “Be Afraid” and personally introspectiveness of “It Gets Easier” — include the troubadour storytelling of “Overseas”, the gentle touch of “River” and “St. Peter’s Autograph”, and the twangy country sound of “Letting You Go”, which explores his newfound job of father.
“It was a challenge to write about something that is so important to me but that’s my wheelhouse,” Isbell said. “I like writing songs about things that could get maudlin, but pulling back before they do. … I feel like my job as a parent is not so much to protect as to prepare. I think it’s easier said than done because our instinct is to protect at all costs but I feel it more important to prepare her for the world. It’s hard to let them go.”
And Reunions is as much about a past that is still in the shadows as it is about working through the present and into the future.
“There are a lot of ghosts on this album,” Isbell said in supplied material. “Sometimes the songs are about the ghosts of people who aren’t around anymore, but they’re also about who I used to be, the ghost of myself. I found myself writing songs that I wanted to write fifteen years ago, but in those days, I hadn’t written enough songs to know how to do it yet. … In that sense it’s a reunion with the me I was back then.”
After getting Reunions, all we can do now is wait for better days and another summer concert season.
Reunions is available for download at the usual suspects, but please give some business to local record stores such as Grandville’s Corner Record Shop.
Max Colley III kicks of the Sounds of Summers music series on July 2.
While the major names — Grand Rapids Symphony and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture — have announced cancelling their summer concert season, two local municipalities, the City of Kentwood and Byron Township have decided to make sure the beat goes on.
“We know that people really look forward to this,” said Byron Township Supervisor Tom Hooker about the annual Sounds of Summer concert series. “We just felt this was an opportunity for people to get out and look forward to something that was different.”
The township sponsors the annual Sounds of Summer which is scheduled to take place in July at Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park Dr. SW. Hooker noted that the township selected the location as it provides a special event for those living in the township’s northern corner.
“It was to my surprise that they decided to move forward,” said Patty Williams, a longtime WKTV volunteer who organizes the annual event. “I was contacted in March that the budget had been approved and the performers are really excited to come.”
This year’s Sounds of Summer will feature Max Colley III July 2, Jaded 8 July 9, Oat Bran Boys July 16, The Dusty Chaps July 23, and LWND July 30. All concerts start at 7 p.m. The concerts are recorded and aired on WKTV.
The Oat Bran Boys perform July 16 at the Sounds of Summer.
Both Williams and Hooker emphasized that social distancing guidelines will be put in place with residents encouraged to be six-feet apart from non-family members. Williams said the event also will be dedicated by executive orders on the size of gatherings. Currently, only gatherings of 10 people are allowed, however it does appear the state may be moving to Stage 5 of the reopening plan which would increase the number of people at gatherings. Stage 6 would allow for any size gathering.
“I’m kind of excited because we may be one of the only fun events taking place which means we might see people who have never come before,” Williams said, adding that with the number of outdoor concerts cancelled she is expecting larger crowds than normal.
Kentwood announces it plans to host its summer concerts in July. (WKTV)
City of Kentwood
In its June newsletter, the City of Kentwood announced it would be hosting its Summer Concert Series on select Thursday nights in July with some modifications to ensure physical distancing during the events. The concerts will take place behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Appropriate distanced areas will be marked for residents to safety enjoy the shows.
The Kentwood Summer Concerts will be livestreamed by WKTV for those who like to watch from their home. City staff will monitor public health guidance and state orders, which may cause changes or postponement of upcoming events or programs. Dates and times for the concerts and other details will be announced on the city’s website.
A Quieter Summer
“Usually we are announcing the upcoming summer concerts but all we have been doing is telling people what has been postponed, delayed or cancelled,” said John Sinkevics, owner and publisher of the online local music site Local Spins.
For the past couple of months, concerts organizers have been announcing decisions to cancel outdoor performances. The latest being the Lowell Sizzlin’ Summer Concert series. There were events, such as the annual Grand Rapids Jazz Fest that had taken the year off due to planned remodelling work at Rosa Parks Circle, but now that work also has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is going to be a lot of human costs, a lot of financial loss,” Sinkevics said, adding that many had to look at not only ticket sales but being able to get together to plan the events. That was the case of the Festival of the Arts this year, which announced that due to the restrictions in the spring, volunteers could not meet to plan out the event. The ripple effect has been a lot of musicians who will not be playing this summer.
“Hopefully conditions will improve,” Sinkevics said. “Regardless, the way we attend something is going to be different. The way we came together, packed in, surfing people, that has all been blown out of the water.”
In the past, concerts seemed to compete with each other for audiences and those who plan on hosting events in July might find themselves competing with delayed graduation events.
And there are outdoor concerts taking place, Sinkevics noted. Just recently, Local Spins featured a concert at Grand Rapids’ The Score and provides a weekly list of live and virtual concerts taking place around West Michigan. But as the name of that list, “The Not-So-Big List,” indicates, the 2020 summer concert selection is just going to be smaller this year than in the past.
The phrase “activities of daily living” is often thrown around within discussions about senior living options and different care services. But what exactly are ADLs, and how do they differ from IADLs—another common term used in senior care?
Wonder no more! This blog will talk about the differences between ADLs and IADLs and what activities are included under each term, along with an explanation of how these different care services become benefits for independence within assisted living communities.
What’s the difference?
Both ADLs and IADLs refer to key life tasks that need to be accomplished daily. ADLs, or activities of daily living, are more basic tasks that are essential to independent living. IADLs, or instrumental activities of daily living, are more complex tasks that are still a necessary part of everyday life.
A good way to remember the difference between the two is to think of ADLs as tasks we learned as children—like eating and walking—and IADLs as things we learned as teenagers—like money management, driving, and housekeeping.
Activities of daily living
Care services for ADLs can range from simple assistance, such as check-ins and monitoring services, to full dependency on a nurse or caregiver to complete tasks. These care services are broken down into six specific categories:
1. Ambulating
This care service mostly involves helping with walking—both inside and outside. However, it can also include pushing a wheelchair, following alongside someone with a walker, or holding a senior’s arm while they walk.
2. Eating
The physical act of eating, including getting food into a person’s mouth and their ability to chew and swallow is another ADL that some seniors need assistance with.
3. Grooming
Grooming includes picking out clothes and getting dressed, brushing hair, cutting nails, brushing teeth, and taking care of personal appearance and hygiene.
4. Toileting
This care service includes all aspects of using the bathroom including getting to the toilet, using it, and properly cleaning oneself.
5. Bathing
Washing the face, taking a shower or bath, cleaning all parts of the body, and getting in and out of the tub are examples of ADLs that fall under the category of bathing.
6. Transferring
“Transferring” means moving the body from one position to another. For example, helping a senior with transferring can include getting them out of bed, sitting them up, moving them into a wheelchair, or helping to get them standing up.
Instrumental activities of daily living
IADLs have a much more broad range of care service categories than ADLs. Rather than having exactly six different groups of activities, there isn’t a consistent number of IADLs. However, there are some common examples that all involve complex thinking and organizational skills that can be lost as people grow older.
Money management
Managing one’s money includes things like paying bills, balancing checkbooks, going to the bank, depositing checks, and monitoring the flow of cash in and out of an account.
Transportation
Transportation needs include being able to drive oneself to different places, or arranging rides and organizing transport when you cannot drive alone.
Housekeeping & maintenance
These tasks include keeping up with house cleaning, doing laundry, fixing minor maintenance needs like broken toilets or leaky faucets, and keeping things decluttered and tidy.
Knowing how to use the phone or computer to check messages, emails, and voicemails are all things that fall under a general category of “communication”, along with opening and replying to mail and remembering dates when visitors were coming to visit.
Medication management
Knowing what medications to take and when, along with knowing when a prescription is running low, when it needs to be refilled, and how to refill it is all part of medication management.
Cooking & meal preparation
This can include planning out meals for the week, grocery shopping, storing groceries and checking expiration dates, and all the aspects of cooking a meal. It can also include picking the right food to meet dietary needs.
Daily care in assisted living
Seniors begin to lose independence when they are no longer able to complete ADLs and IADLs on their own. In order to help community members maintain independence for as long as possible, assisted living doesn’t require all of these tasks to be taken care of at all times, like you would expect in a nursing home.
Assisted living communities will only give seniors assistance on ADLs and IADLs that residents need help with. Beyond these needed care services, community members are able to take care of their own daily tasks however they best see fit.
Because assisted living has the care services to provide for all of these needs as they arise, it’s easy for seniors to be able to age in place in assisted living communities knowing they will get the services they need, when they need them.
This photo came from the Mod Bettie Portrait Boutique which hosted a a self-portrait challenge during the COVID-19 lockdown, for female-identifying persons which would “inspire … the community to exist in photos.” According to Mod Bettie owner Elise Kutt, the submitted images will be curated in an exhibition and printed in a book that will be for sale with proceeds going to female small business owners, artists and performers affected by the closures. For more about Mod Bettie, modbettie.com.
Do you have a photo you would like considered for photo of the week? Then email it to WKTV Journal Managing Editor Joanne Bailey-Boorsma at joanne@wktv.org.
Summer looks a little different this year and so does Kent District Library’s summer reading program, but it still contains all the learning, fun and prizes you love… with some bonus excitement! KDL is pleased to introduce Summer Wonder, an at-home, self-guided program for all ages that runs through Saturday, Aug. 8.
For the first time ever, KDL cardholders will receive a Summer Wonder workbook and a Kaleidoscope, KDL’s showcase quarterly magazine, delivered to them in the mail. The workbook features ten at-home projects for kids while the Kaleidoscope includes information, ideas and excitement for all ages. Kids will be introduced to Curi, the robot guide for Summer Wonder.
Summer Wonder is a STEAM-powered program that focuses on science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Since KDL branches are closed for now, Summer Wonder can be completed from your home. You can sign up at kdl.org/summer and use KDL’s new smart phone app, Beanstack. This app enables people to record their progress and register for prizes right from their phone, tablet or computer.
“The new reality of doing more at-home learning has created challenges in keeping our brains active while maintaining safe social connections,” said Kris Vogelar, Youth Specialist at the Grandville Branch. “KDL wants to meet you where you’re at with a specially designed summer program for all ages.”
Those who register for Summer Wonder can qualify for prizes by completing the 30-day challenge. In 2019, over 19,000 people completed KDL’s summer reading program.
Summer Wonder is a great opportunity to limit the “summer slide” that negatively affects learning between the end and start of the traditional school year. Extensive research shows that children involved in summertime reading programs sponsored by public libraries are more likely to maintain their academic skills, and in many cases do better on standardized tests.
The website, kdl.org/summer, is your one-stop-shop for all things related to Summer Wonder. You can download the workbook and access online programs and activities. The program line-up includes appearances by 1,2,3 Andrés, Magician Tom Plunkard, Outdoor Discovery Center and many more.
KDL would like to thank the many sponsors of Summer Wonder, including the Friends of the Cascade Library and the Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library, who gave the lead gifts.
Muskegon Heritage Museum (MHM), an offshoot of the Muskegon Heritage Association, was “gifted” to the Lakeshore Museum Center (LMC) to ensure its long-term legacy after the retirement of Allan and Anne Dake, who have served as volunteer Directors of the Museum for 11 years.
‘Anne and I wanted to retire for a second time to enjoy life and travel, without the worry of the day-to-day operations of MHM,” said Allan Dake.
The Dakes and their team of 80 volunteers built an amazing soft touch museum filled with Muskegon’s industrial history and products made by Muskegon businesses. “MHM is a natural extension of LMC’s collection of Muskegon County’s history” said Annoesjka Soler, President of LMC. “The blending of assets makes both museums stronger.” This has been in the works for more than a year and became official June 2, 2020. The MHM building and its contents were deeded to the LMC by the Muskegon Heritage Association (MHA). It is hoped that the MHA will continue with its original focus on historical houses and buildings in Muskegon.
Treasures such as this coaster can be found at the Muskegon Heritage Museum. (Supplied)
LMC hired Kirk Bunke as site manager for MHM last fall. He transitioned into the day-to-day operations role and inventoried the collection of MHM. Kirk worked with Allan and Anne to ensure all facets of the MHM blend with the LMC. According to Allan and Anne, “We still plan to volunteer and interact with the many volunteers and visitors of MHM.”
The history of Muskegon’s industries and businesses is a rich legacy and a sense of pride in the community. The museum the volunteers built is another legacy of which we can all be proud. Despite COVID closures, guests will see new exhibits this year when the Museum is able to open for the season. Stay tuned to the website for opening dates.
Education leaders local and statewide are warning of what Superintendent Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Kevin Polston calls “unprecedented budget deficits” at Michigan public schools resulting from decreased tax revenues due to the COVID-19 economic crisis.
While the looming school funding concerns are just beginning to hit the news, the community may have some questions, need a little background and history.
Why will lower tax revenue impact public school funding? How does the state fund public schools? What is the recent history of changes in tax-payer funding of schools? How do public schools spend their state funding?
The Kent ISD recently produced informational videos that tries to explain the state’s taxpayer funded public school finances — including one specific to current school funding concerns. (See additional information videos descriptions and links below.)
Superintendent Polston, in a recent Godfrey-Lee schools community-wide email, makes clear the current — and urgent need — for community understanding and action on the current threat to public school funding. He also urges increased state and federal support for public schools.
“Without federal intervention, the budget shortfall for the remainder of 2019-2020 through 2021 school year would total $6.2 billion for all Michigan public schools. Godfrey-Lee alone could see a deficit of over $1.2 million ($700 per student) for just the 19-20 school year that is about to end,” Polston said. “Further cuts are projected for the 2020-21 school year that begins on July 1, 2020.
“Put in context, this is roughly twice as large a deficit as Michigan public schools faced in the Great Recession, yet federal aid to date has been less than 20 percent than was given at that time. In fact, of the $2 trillion of aid granted by the (federal COVID-19 recovery) CARES Act, less than 1 percent went to fund public education.”
Polston points out that school districts are required by state law to present a balanced budget by June 30, 2020 for the upcoming school year, even though the state has not provided an answer about the shortfall for 2019-20 or given a projected budget for 2020-21.
“This is unacceptable,” he said. “To meet our legal requirement, we have to use the budget forecasts that have been provided (to Godfrey-Lee schools). These forecasts call for $2,750,000 in cuts for our upcoming school year. Cuts of this magnitude would devastate GLPS and would challenge the district’s future solvency.”
To aid Kent County schools districts explain the current funding system, and the need for community support and action, the Kent ISD produced a series of short videos.
An ISD is a regional education service agency. The job of Kent County’s ISD, one of the state’s 57 agencies, is to “help local school districts with programs and services that are best done on a regional basis — things that are highly specialized or that would be far too expensive on an individual basis,” according to the Kent ISD.
The videos:
History of Michigan Public School Finances, which details how school financing in Michigan is guided by Proposal A which was approved by Michigan voters in 1994 which shifted ‘day to day’ school finance to a state-based model.
What Public School Finances Fund, which details how public schools in Michigan spend a majority of their resources on personnel and describes how dollars are divided up to fund education in this state.
Taxes and Public School Education, which explains how everyone who works or lives in Michigan helps to support public schools by paying taxes, and where tax dollars for public education come from and how they are spent.
COVID-19’s Impact on Michigan School Funding, which details how school finance will be greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the economic impact will negatively affect Michigan’s public schools.
Editor’s note: This article was a joint collaboration between North Dakota State University and Michigan State University Extension.
Everyone knows that bees love to visit flowers, but not everything that you see visiting flowers or buzzing around the garden is a bee. In fact, many insects imitate bees in order to avoid unwanted attention. Whether you call them “bee-mimics,” “wanna-bees” or “yellow-stripey-things,” most are beneficial helpers in our yards and gardens. This brief guide will help you tell some of these insects apart.
Flies
Figure 2. Hairy honey bee (Apis mellifera) on sedum. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Some flies, especially hover flies and bee flies, can be mistaken for bees because their body form, color and hair patterns, buzzing sounds and behaviors mimic bees. Flies have a set of front wings (forewings), but the hind wings are small, knob-like balancing organs called halteres, so flies appear to have only two wings (Figure 1, red circles). Bees have well-developed forewings and hind wings.
Figure 3. Hover fly. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Flies have large compound eyes that occupy most of the head, while bees have narrow compound eyes on the sides of the head. Most flies that resemble bees have short, three-segmented antennae, while bees have longer, cylindrical antennae of 12 (female) or 13 (male) segments.
Some flies, especially bee flies, can be hairy like honey bees (Figure 2), bumble bees and digger bees, and can hover and move quickly from flower to flower while foraging, just like bees. Flies do not sting people.
Hover flies(Family: Syrphidae)
Figure 4. Bee fly. Photo by David Cappaert, Bugwood.org
Several hover fly species (Figures 1 and 3) resemble bees in coloration, behavior and size. Most hover flies are 5 to 15 millimeters long and have large heads with reddish or marbled black eyes, two clear wings and black and yellow color patterns on the abdomen and sometimes on the thorax. Some hover flies are quite hairy while others are not.
Hover flies buzz and hover like bees around flowers. They feed on pollen and nectar, often using the same flowers that bees do. Some hover fly larvae are aphid predators and provide biological pest control.
Bee flies (Family: Bombyliidae)
Figure 5. Paper wasp. Note the waist between the thorax and abdomen. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Bee flies (Figure 4) are about 7 to 15 millimeters long and have stout bodies covered with yellow, black or brown hairs. Different species can have transparent or patterned wings. Bee flies have a long proboscis (tongue) and feed on pollen and nectar.
Wasps
Figure 6. Honey bee collecting pollen from aster flower. Note the pollen basket on its hind legs. Photo by Veronica Calles-Torrez, NDSU
Similar to bees, wasps have four developed wings, long segmented antennae and a distinctly visible narrow “waist” (Figure 5) due to a constriction between the thorax and abdomen. Bees also have a constricted waist, but it isn’t readily visible. Wasps are much less hairy than most bees (Figures 2 and 6). Wasps’ hairs are not branched, while bees’ are branched, but you will need a microscope to see this.
Most bees have special pollen-collecting hairs on their hind legs and collected pollen is easy to see (Figure 6). Leaf-cutting bees collect and carry pollen on hairs underneath their abdomens. Also, wasps have brighter colorations and patterns, and wider range of color and pattern variations than bees.
Yellowjackets, hornets and paper wasps (Family: Vespidae)
Figure 7. Eastern yellowjacket. Photo by Jon Yuschock, Bugwood.org
These insects are strikingly patterned with black and yellow. They hold their wings folded lengthwise over their bodies like a jet. Yellowjackets (Figure 7) are approximately 12 to 25 millimeters long. Their face is mostly yellow, except for black eyes and black antennae. Yellowjackets have yellow and black bands on the abdomen and usually nest in the ground.
Paper wasps (Figure 5) are approximately 25 millimeters long with black, yellow and sometimes orange markings. Nests are constructed of paper, often underneath house eaves.
Figure 8. Bald-faced hornet. Photo by Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org
Bald-faced hornets (Figure 8) are black with white markings and are about 15 to 25 millimeters long. The tip of the abdomen often has white markings. Nests are constructed in trees and sometimes roof peaks. Bald-faced hornets are usually aggressive and sting when their nests are disturbed.
Cicada killers (Family: Crabronidae) (Figure 9) are large wasps 20 to 50 millimeters long. They have a yellow face brick-red eyes and a black abdomen with yellow bands. Wings are lightly infused with brown and the legs are red. As its name implies, Cicada killer wasps prey on cicadas. They do not have nest guarding instincts like wasps and honey bees. These impressive looking wasps are not aggressive, but females do have stingers and can sting when they feel threatened.
Figure 9. Cicada killer wasp. Photo by Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org
The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department has announced round two of its Rec at Home Kids which will be handed out Thursday, June 11 from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.
The kits will consist of fun activities for your children to do at home. In order to receive this kit, each child must be registered on the Wyoming Parks and Recreation website. Click here to register.
There are about 300 kits available and they are expected to go quickly so register soon.
COVID-19 has exposed large health inequities both nationally and locally, resulting in devastating, even life-and-death consequences. In Michigan, where African Americans make up just 14% of the population, over 40% of the deaths from COVID-19 were African American.
“There are several reasons why racial minority populations are experiencing higher COVID-19 infectionrates,” said Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, Vice President of DEI, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.“These include underlying health conditions, occupational environment and living situations.”
When it comes to seeking treatment, minority populations are often at a disadvantage with inadequate health insurance, a lack of transportation and language barriers.
Metro Health is working to combat these barriers by bringing free COVID-19 testing and resources into some of the most vulnerable communities in the Greater Grand Rapids area. Beginning the week of June 8, Metro Health mobile units will be rotating to two different sites each week for free walk-up testing and consultations.
Hispanic Center of West Michigan – Beginning the week of June 8
1204 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Tuesdays and Fridays from 8-11am
United Methodist Community House – Beginning the week of June 15
904 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Tuesdays from 1-4pm
Those desiring testing do not need to be current patients of Metro Health. They do not need health insurance or identification for the free test. They will simply be asked for their name and contact information so results can be appropriately delivered. In addition to COVID-19 testing, Metro Health will have providers available to answer questions and distribute important resources in both English and Spanish.
“During a crisis like we are facing with coronavirus, it becomes convenient to abandon commitments to principals of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Booker. “We will not allow this to happen.”
In addition to our mobile testing, Metro Health also offers free COVID-19 drive up testing at the Metro Health Community Clinic located at 781 36th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. This site sees anestimated 6,500 patients a year that are medically underserved and may not be comfortable seeking care in other locations.
Even in the best of times, healthcare does not look the same for all people. It is not equitable. A pandemic shines a bright light on those inequities. Metro Health is taking an even greater responsibility and accountability so that no group of people is left behind.
As travel begins to re-open throughout West Michigan, people are looking for ways to explore the area safely this summer. For many, this includes options like staying closer to home, avoiding large crowds, and getting off the beaten path. This is a great season to explore some of West Michigan’s small towns, and discover the hidden gems they have to offer.
The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has put together a “Small Town Stay-cation Ideas” guide, which will lead you through close to 40 of these small towns throughout the area. Discover ice cream fresh from a local dairy, stay at your own beach-front rental, or explore the mom & pop shops downtown. West Michigan’s small towns have a lot to offer, and you’re encouraged to discover it for yourself!
“We’ve seen businesses, restaurants, and towns working very hard to ensure they’re able to offer a safe environment for visitors this summer,” said Courtney Sheffer, WMTA’s marketing director. “We want to encourage people to make themselves aware of, and to respect, new guidelines that destinations have in place when planning a visit. The sentiment that ‘we’re all in this together’ continues to hold true, especially as people start to travel, and plan visits to other towns and areas. It’s up to all of us to make smart choices and ensure a safe summer season for everyone, while at the same time supporting these local businesses which make West Michigan such a great destination to visit.”
The Small Town Stay-cation Ideas guide is organized for browsing by region, or via interactive map. “This summer is a great opportunity to re-discover the hidden gems that West Michigan has to offer, maybe even right in your own backyard!” says Sheffer.
Runners are among the high-intensity athletes who should be especially cognizant of their exposure to heat on summer days. (Courtesy Spectrum Health Beat)
Early one summer, incoming Kent State University freshman Tyler Heintz, 19, fell severely ill during an early-morning football practice.
His breathing grew labored and he began to slip in and out of consciousness. An ambulance rushed him to a hospital, but he later died.
The cause: exertional heat stroke.
This dangerous condition can strike an athlete of any stature, even those who have reached the pinnacle of their sport. In August 2001, 6-foot-4, 335-pound offensive tackle Korey Stringer, of the Minnesota Vikings, died shortly after collapsing during drills on a hot, humid day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies groups most at risk of heat stroke, including the very young, the very old, the chronically ill, people who work outdoors and people in low-income households.
It is not uncommon for an athlete to sweat 1 to 2 liters per hour on a hot day. A large football player can lose up to 15 pounds of water in a single practice session.
The problem is most athletes drink far less than they sweat, simply because they underestimate the extent of their sweat loss.
Limitations
With summer underway, athletes young and old are more often found
outdoors. It’s an essential time to impress the importance of proper
hydration and rest.
Summer training camps for runners, soccer players and football players are proving grounds for excellence, but they can be ground zero for heat stroke trouble.
When athletes—especially runners and football players—participate in vigorous exercise in the warm months, dehydration can turn fatal.
Almost all heat-related deaths occur from May to September, according to the CDC, which also identifies exertional heatstroke as a leading cause of preventable, non-traumatic exertional sudden death for young athletes in the U.S.
Two-a-days, those notoriously difficult practices common to football, can often lead to trouble. Last year, the NCAA Division I Council banned two-a-days in preseason practices.
A 2016 study in the Journal of Athletic Training found that exertional heat exhaustion occurs at an increased rate in the first 14 days of practice, and especially in the first seven days.
About a decade ago, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association issued guidelines for preseason heat acclimatization. The guidelines establish a 14-day plan that helps athletes acclimatize to the heat. It zeroes in on the first three to five days of summer practice as the most important for progressive acclimatization.
On Day 1, for example, athletes shouldn’t participate in more than one practice and they should wear limited gear, as well as limiting the level of exertion and physical contact. For full-contact sports, “100 percent live contact drills should begin no earlier than Day 6.”
Coaches and training staff must carefully consider their approaches to summer practices, scrutinizing duration, intensity, time and place.
On especially hot days, for instance, the practice may need to be limited in length or simply rescheduled to a cooler part of the day.
Keeping watch
Athletes and parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dehydration and heat stroke.
Keep in mind that thirst is not always the best indicator of dehydration. By the time a person senses thirst, the body may have already lost more than 1 percent of its total water. Athletes, coaches and parents should emphasize the importance of proper hydration before, during and after sporting activities—and then keep watch for any signs of trouble.
Not urinating, or very dark yellow or amber-colored urine
Dry, shriveled skin
Irritability or confusion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Sunken eyes
Listlessness
Shock (not enough blood flow through the body)
Unconsciousness or delirium
When dehydration goes untreated, the body can no longer maintain
homeostasis, which leads to heat stroke. This can cause impaired
cardiovascular function and neurological failure.
An athlete experiencing heat stroke may become agitated, confused or unable to maintain balance.
Brian Long is a local business forecaster. Credit: GVSU
Although local economic statistics for May are negative, it now appears the worst of the COVID-19 driven recession is over and the recovery has begun, said Brian G. Long, director of Supply Management Research in Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.
Long surveyed local business leaders and his findings below are based on data collected during the last two weeks of May.
The survey’s index of business improvement (new orders) edged up to -32 from -45. In a similar move, the production index recovered to -35 from -48. The index of purchases reduced its loss to -32 from -44, and the employment index edged up to -38 from -41.
“Many of our survey participants are still working from home or working on a reduced office-sharing schedule,” said Long. “Many of our supply chains have been shaken, and restarting production will not be easy. As businesses around West Michigan continue to reopen, we can expect next month’s statistics to continue to slowly improve.”
Long said many analysts are thanking internet sales for saving the auto industry from total ruin; he said although May sales are significantly lower than in May 2019, the drop was not nearly as steep as some had expected.
Unemployment stats statewide are among the worst ever recorded, said Long. Of the 83 counties in Michigan, the estimated unemployment rate ranged from 14.5 percent to 41.2 percent. Ottawa County, which often boasts the lowest rate in the state, came in at 21.2 percent. Kent County was close behind at 21.6 percent.
Long said barring a relapse in the fall, history will record either March or April as the bottom of the 2020 Recession.
“We can expect some additional improvement in next month’s report,” he said. “We do not consider a recession to be over until we return to full employment, which took about seven years for the complete recovery from the Great Recession.”
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are from the region’s major industrial manufacturers, distributors and industrial service organizations. It is patterned after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight factors as “same,” “up” or “down.”
In light of Governor Whitmer’s recent Executive Order, shops and restaurants in Downtown Holland look forward to welcoming customers in their doors beginning this week and next. Retailers have opened for customers (without requiring an appointment) beginning June 4, while most restaurants will open for dine-in service beginning Monday, June 8. A handful of restaurants have delayed their opening until later next week or the following week to put the final preparations in place to operate safely.
“Our business owners have been working extremely hard these past few weeks to ensure that the proper protocol is in place so customers can shop and dine safely within their businesses,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “They have been eagerly awaiting the Governor’s announcement allowing them to open their doors and they are so excited to begin welcoming customers once again. They also want to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who supported them while their doors were closed.”
Businesses will be implementing a number of safety protocols to protect their employees and customers from the spread of COVID-19. Among these are front door signage outlining safety precautions and occupancy restrictions, installing hand sanitizing stations, requiring employees and customers to wear masks, increasing the sanitizing of all surfaces and ensuring that customers practice safe social distancing of six feet at all times.
Per the Executive Order, retailers will be able to operate with 25% of their total occupancy, while restaurants will be limited to 50% occupancy. To help businesses navigate these new occupancy restrictions, Downtown Holland will be allowing retailers and restaurants to expand their business operations onto the sidewalk and into the parking spaces for the time being. Retailers will be allowed to display merchandise outside, while restaurants will be allowed to expand their current sidewalk café operations into the parking spaces in front of their business.
Customers that are not comfortable shopping in-store at this time are invited to visit www.shopdowntownholland.com shop online and place orders for delivery or curbside pick from their favorite retailers. Likewise, customers who prefer to dine at home can visit www.dinedowntownholland.com for a list of restaurants offering take-out services.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park set to open on Monday. (Supplied)
Places are starting to reopen with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture announcing it will open Monday and the Kent County Parks announcing it will have a stagger opening. Opening immediately are swimming beaches at Long Lake Park, Millennium Park, Myers Lake Park and Wabasis Park; all playgrounds; the Kaufman Golf Course; all restrooms, open shelters and group picnic areas. KDL announced it will start curbside June 15. For more upcoming openings, click here.
Time to purge, Kentwood
Kentwood residents, Saturday is your official Community Clean-Up Day!. That means all the stuff you have been collecting over the past 10 weeks in quarantine you can finally get rid of. Community Clean-Up Day takes place from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton Ave. SE. Also opening this Saturday is the city’s brush and leaves drop-off sites. For more information, click here.
Our beautiful Downtown GR
Hundreds of people came out last Sunday to help downtown Grand Rapids businesses clean up after a night of riots. This past week, artists and community leaders turned the boarded up windows into works of art and positive message such as the “be nice.” displayed at One Trick Pony. Take a drive through downtown this weekend to see this mini-outside gallery and remember, many of the places are now open so step on in and share the love. For more, click here.
Everybody Loves a Parade!
Let’s admit it: we all love those big trucks. On May 22, the Kentwood Department of Public had a parade of its trucks to show community support. So click on the link above and enjoy the ride!
The City of Kentwood and its Public Works Department has an annual tradition during National Public Works Week of inviting the pubic into its buildings to see all the impressive equipment and big trucks that serve the community.
But, in this time of social distancing, and in lieu of a traditional open house for National Public Works Week, city vehicles and crews gave the community a parade of big trucks — and smiles — in late May.
WKTV was there to record it.
The Kentwood community appreciated the big truck parade, and said so. (Supplied/Kentwood DPW)
