All posts by Joanne
Amy’s Hallmark – Woodland Mall
Blue Ginger Asian Kitchen
Lombardo’s Pizza
Beltline Bar
Cindy’s Donuts & Ice Cream
Marge’s Donut Den
McDonald’s – Wyoming
YoChef’s Catering Co.
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar – Kentwood
Buddy’s Pizza
Applebee’s – Wyoming
Apple Spice
Hilton Garden Inn
Brann’s Steakhouse
Monelli’s Italian Grill & Sports Bar
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
Dave & Buster’s
Noto’s Old World Italian Dining
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
GVSU expert shares what astronauts can tell us about enduring isolation
By Peg West
Grand Valley State University
With federal guidelines for social distancing extended because of the COVID-19 pandemic and much of the country under stay-at-home orders, a large segment of the population is dealing with isolation for the foreseeable future.
Among us is a small segment of the population that understands isolation in a way no one else can. Astronauts have had to find ways to handle isolation to get the job done, to get along with each other and for their overall well-being, said Deana Weibel, professor of anthropology, whose research focus includes space exploration.
Weibel, who recently wrote an article for The Space Review about this issue, shares some lessons astronauts have learned that can apply to everyone in these extraordinary times. The upshot: Even though it’s serious business in space, diversions are crucial for tolerating isolation.
• Have a schedule
With nowhere to go, it is easy to fall into the trap of days almost numbingly running together. What astronauts know, Weibel said, is that having a schedule creates the structure necessary to break up the days and provide mental stimulation.
NASA gives astronauts a significant list of tasks to complete in each 24-hour period, often more than the astronauts can finish, Weibel said.
“You’re staying so busy, isolation isn’t really an issue because you always have the next thing to do,” Weibel said.
• Communicate with others outside your current small world
As they move about in the heavens, astronauts have the constant of the ground crew’s voices in their heads, Weibel said. That is a crucial line of support, but astronauts count on more.
Even as they orbit the Earth, they can have instantaneous communication with loved ones using a variety of devices, Weibel said. They may be busy with tasks and sometimes carrying out risky maneuvers, but they know how important it is to reach out beyond their confines.
That shows the power of real human connection, which plays out on Earth right now in the popularity of video meetings, video parties and video chats with friends. “If this had happened even 20 years ago we couldn’t have done that,” she said.
• Celebrate milestones, make special efforts to connect, pitch in and look for morale boosters
Weibel said research has shown that isolation can be one of the major causes of conflict with crew members who are confined together for extended periods. She cited work by anthropologist Jack Stuster, who had astronauts keep diaries during their missions.
Some of the conclusions drawn can help those in isolation from wearing on each other as the weeks go by, she said.
Ideas: Be sure to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other passages of time. Little surprises like an unexpected item in the food stash for astronauts can give them a mental boost, Weibel said. So, too, might a splurge treat for a family member in a grocery order or preparing a loved one’s favorite meal.
Speaking of meals, having them together helps with a meaningful connection, Weibel said. Designated nights for movies or a TV series gives everyone something to anticipate, including astronauts. Scott Kelly, who recently wrote about his experiences with isolation while in space, said he binge-watched Game of Thrones twice.
And be sure chores are evenly distributed to cut down on potential resentment while being cooped up. Again, that was important for astronauts, research found.
• Get some fresh air
Weibel noted that astronaut and West Michigan native Christina Koch, who returned to Earth in February from the International Space Station, talked of being eager for outdoor sensory experiences such as feeling a breeze. That yearning shows nature is a balm, and many of those isolated on Earth right now can experience it by getting outside.
The benefit of a walk? Much-needed exercise, something astronauts also swear by, though they have special reasons given their environment. “Astronauts will lose bone mass if they don’t,” Weibel said.
Local hotdog and ice cream walk-up eatery opens, with restrictions but optimism
By K.D. Norris
The 44th Street Dog and Dairy walk-up eatery, located just east of U.S. Highway 131 in Wyoming, opened just about its normal time of mid-April. But is it not entirely “business as usual” due to current restrictions on restaurants.
Owner and manager Joel Ruark, who opened the business in 2012, says is some ways his business is perfect for the COVID-19 restrictions — 44th Street Dog is a walk-up, not a walk-in, and there is very little direct contact between employees and customers.
But he also worries about the impact of not being able to allow customers to sit on his brightly colored bench tables and eat as the weather gets warmer.
“Pretty much normal opening time for the season,” Ruark said to WKTV last week. “We got to the 15th (of April), which is when we usually open, and we said, ‘Well, we qualify. We’re a take-out.’ And we do a lot of take-out food. (Where people pick it up and drive away).”
44th Street Dog and Dairy, like many similar businesses, offer various styles of hotdogs, hamburgers and ice cream treats. But for the time being, they can not offer a place to sit and eat — as evidenced by the majority of his bench tables being stacked on the side of the building with only a couple available for those waiting for food.
“You can’t use those tables,” Ruark said. “I’ve been having to kick people off of them continuously. But they are very understanding. I think it is ridiculous. A family can’t event sit on the tables and eat together. They don’t want that. … I don’t love it. Especially in the summer, we have people who love to sit out here.”
And despite the current restrictions, Ruark says his business is starting pretty much as it always starts: very weather dependent.
“It is too early to tell what the impact is,” he said. “So far, I think it has been promising, maybe. It’s hard to say, the weather may have more (of an impact on business) than the restrictions.”
One thing for sure, Ruark said, his seasonal employees were ready to get back to work.
“My employees were just beating down the door, saying ‘We want work’,” he said.
44th Street Dog and Dairy is located art 521 44th St SW. For more information, visit their Facebook page @44thStreetDogandDairy.
New dates for Kids Art Rocs Student Art contest, reception, show
By Stephanie Burdick
Tibbits
Kids’ Art Rocks at Tibbits has announced new dates to celebrate student artwork with their annual contest offering prizes and the opportunity for young artists to have their artwork framed and displayed in a local business.
Students grades K-12 are encouraged to submit their artwork for the annual show and contest to be displayed at the Tibbits Opera House Art Gallery July 13 through August 3.
“Parents and kids have this great opportunity right now to create art…There are SO many artists sharing online, and there are a ton of art-related activities, tutorials, and creative ideas available. Now is the perfect time for kids to unleash their creative side—the sky is the limit, and how cool is it for these kids to see their artwork admired and part of a gallery show?” said Stephanie Burdick, Tibbits Operations Director and Arts Alive Board Member.
Kids’ Art Rocks has recognized over 250 pieces of student art since the program’s inception. Organizers expanded the program several years ago by moving to an open submission of artwork. There is no cost to enter and students may submit one piece. Artwork should be flat or on canvas, must be unframed, be a minimum size of 8” x 10”, and also be appropriate to hang in businesses.
All artwork will be presented in an exhibit in Tibbits Art Gallery for the community to enjoy. The exhibit will be juried and pieces chosen for the final exhibit will be professionally framed and entered into the art lease program for businesses to sponsor and display for one year.
The reception, July 29 from 6-7 p.m. at Tibbits, will honor all student artwork, whether chosen for the lease or not. Students who attend the reception will be entered into a drawing to win art supplies. Additionally, cash prizes will be awarded for Best of Show from those chosen for the year-long lease. Business representatives who attend the reception will be given first choice of lease options.
To be included in this art show, artwork should be dropped off at Tibbits Administration Office, 93 W. Chicago St. by June 19 at 4:30 pm. Each artist needs to fill out a short entry form, which can be downloaded at Tibbits.org/art-2/. For questions or more information, email sburdick@tibbits.org or visit the Arts Alive facebook page at facebook.com/Arts-Alive-Coldwater.
Cutline: 2019
10 foods that boost energy and build endurance in seniors
By Vista Springs Assisted Living
As older adults continue to age, it’s critical that they eat foods with nutrition to boost their energy levels and build their endurance. Without enough energy, physical and mental health can begin decline. In order to get that much needed energy boost, here are 10 foods that provide multiple health benefits for seniors.
1. Nuts
Nuts are full of healthy fats and proteins that give seniors nutritional energy. The amino acids in nuts can also help rebuild and strengthen muscles, which is great for simple stretching and exercising.
Walnuts
Walnuts have plenty of fiber for seniors, and can be eaten on their own as a snack or in salads, deserts, and other dishes. Their high calorie count will also help provide seniors with all-day energy.
Almonds
The carbs and fiber in almonds are complicated and are broken down slowly, which provides energy throughout the day rather than all at once. This makes nuts a great pick-me-up with a long-lasting effect.
2. Berries
As with nuts, berries can be a quick snack that taste great and have many added health benefits that seniors can take advantage of.
Blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants, which not only provide immune-boosting effects, but can help protect muscles from weakening over time. Blueberries also have water packed into them, which keeps seniors hydrated and energized.
Strawberries
Strawberries have a lot of the antioxidants found in blueberries, along with vitamin C and healthy sugars that fight fatigue and slow inflammation in the body.
3. Whole grains
Healthy carbs like whole grains have complicated cellular structures that take time to break down during digestion, which provides a constant source of energy throughout the day. Switching from unhealthy carbs to whole grains is a small step that has lasting health benefits.
Oatmeal
The rumors are true—oatmeal is good for your heart! A bowl of oatmeal in the morning can give you much-needed energy throughout the day, as well as providing fiber and protein that seniors need to build their endurance.
Quinoa
Quinoa, which is more of a seed than a grain, is packed full of healthy carbs and protein. It also helps build and repair muscles, which helps seniors maintain their muscle mass and mobility as they age.
4. Sweet potatoes
Rather than white or yellow potatoes, give sweet potatoes a try! Sweet potatoes have much more nutritional value than other potatoes, even though the “sweet” in the name might imply otherwise. The sweetness actually comes from the complex sugars and carbs that give seniors energy and encourage them to exercise and build muscle mass.
5. Greek or plain yogurt
Plain or Greek yogurt provides a big boost of energy with healthy proteins and fats. Rather than the sweetened versions that add lots of sugar, unflavored yogurt gives you lasting energy. You can add some fruits or berries to get natural sweetness if you need!
6. Bananas
As most people know, bananas are high in potassium. What isn’t as well known is what potassium helps to balance hydration and deliver energy. In addition, bananas have anti-inflammatory properties that help seniors build endurance and heal torn muscles faster.
7. Beans and lentils
Beans and lentils are high in a number of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, and magnesium. Replenishing minerals can help seniors maintain blood sugar levels, which in turn helps provide a constant stream of energy.
8. Water
While water is a drink, not a food, it is still one of the best things seniors can have to boost energy and build endurance. Without proper hydration, muscles won’t be able to function properly and seniors can easily lose both strength and mobility over time from dehydration.
If drinking water isn’t your thing, then take a look at some other ways you can get your daily dose of hydration.
Senior health tips for hydration
9. Seeds
Seeds are another example of a healthy snack that can give seniors a quick boost of energy and build endurance.
Chia Seeds
The slower you naturally digest food, the more steady your energy levels will be throughout the day. That’s why seeds that are high in fiber like chia seeds are a great high-energy snack.
Pumpkin Seeds
Like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds have a high fiber content that helps regulate digestion throughout the day. You can easily make your own pumpkin seeds at home by baking them in the oven with a little salt.
10. Avocados
Avocados provide some of the healthiest natural fats found in any food item. Healthy fats are used as energy, rather than unhealthy fats which are stored by the body. Seniors can take advantage of the energy provided by avocados to motivate themselves to exercise and move.
Seniors need to find the energy to move, stretch, exercise, and socialize as they age, or they face serious health consequences. Rather than losing independence, eat the right foods and stay healthier for longer!
Reprinted with permission from Vista Springs Assisted Living.
SpartanNash announces partnership to support local restaurants
By Lauren DeVol
SpartanNash
In an effort to help local restaurants impacted by COVID-19, SpartanNash today announced it has launched an innovative pilot partnership with eight West Michigan restaurants. Each participating restaurant will create its patrons’ favorite menu items, which will be sold at select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods and Ada Fresh Market locations. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be provided to the restaurants to help them remain strong during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participating restaurants include:
- Anna’s House
- Big O’s
- Cedar Springs Brewery
- City Built Brewery
- Donkey Taqueria
- Friesian Gastro Pub
- Osteria Rossa
- West Side Social
A complete list of restaurant menu items and the locations of the 25 pilot stores can be found at spartannash.com/restaurant-meals-to-go. The heat and serve meals will be located in the deli section of each participating D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Forest Hills Foods and Ada Fresh Market location.
“This is a win-win partnership for West Michiganders and local restaurants hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said EVP and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, Lori Raya. “Restaurants are bringing team members back to work, while families can enjoy some of their restaurant favorites, discover new ones, and help their local struggling restaurants. Together, we can and will build stronger communities through these local partnerships. For more than 100 years, our company has been headquartered here and a trusted provider of food, medicine, and essential household goods. Supporting our local communities, farmers and food producers has always been vitally important to us and drives our vision to be a best in class company that feels local, where relationships matter.”
On March 16, 2020, Michigan restaurants were ordered to temporarily close for all but take out service as a means of containing the spread of the coronavirus.
In developing the pilot program, SpartanNash’s retail, merchandising and marketing teams worked quickly to identify a diverse group of local restaurants that could transition to preparing heat and serve meals for purchase at the grocery store. SpartanNash’s quality assurance, food safety, legal, IT and corporate affairs teams provided guidance. West Michigan Tag and Label also came on board to work directly with the restaurants and donate the restaurant branded and ingredient labeling at no cost as a means of supporting participating local restaurants.
“Being in the food business – whether a grocery retailer, wholesaler, supplier or restaurant – we all have something in common: helping create an exceptional experience for the guests we serve,” said Raya. “Now, more than ever, we want to provide not only the financial support to our restaurants, but the emotional connectivity to some of West Michigan’s ‘must have’ menu options.”
For all of SpartanNash’s latest efforts around the coronavirus, visit: spartannash.com/spartannash-coronavirus-updates.
Snapshots: Some things to do this weekend
Sometimes you can have the smallest role in the smallest production and still have a big impact.
Actor Neil Patrick Harris
By WKTV Staff
Bottoms Up!
Missing a Station 3 Oatmeal Stout form Two Guys Brewery? Good Mooed from Railtown Brewery is what you need to get into a good mood? If you were not aware, many local breweries are offering up packaged craft beer and other goodies that are available for curbside pick and delivery. For more, click here.
Follow The Reading Train
Take a spin on The Reading Train as host and producer Judy Bergsma returns to share some of her favorite stories and share a special COVID-19 message. Many area residents may recognize Judy especially if they were children in the late 1990s and early 2000s and came to WKTV to be part of The Reading Train’s audience. For more, click here.
Sing, Sing a Song
Taking the Sesame Street of “Sing, Sing a Song” to heart, GVSU Senior Joseph VanArendonk wrote a little ditty to express his feelings about the COVID-19. I little sentimental and somewhat tongue-and-check, the song has struck a cord with many of those who are graduating this year — whether they be high school or college. Click here, to lear more.
A is for April and Aphrodite
In the initial Roman calendar, April was the second month of the year. January and February were added in 700 BC. Because it the second month of spring, it is believed that April comes from the latin word “to open,” describing when the trees would open. It is also believed that the name April may have come from the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
